Audi: Sales, Marketing, and Financial News
06-22-2007, 01:37 AM
#41
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Originally Posted by dom
first thing that came out of his mouth was stigma.
Outside the work place though, nobody really cares....aside from some compliments here and there (which you're less likely to hear with standard fare models).
Been there and done that with three Mcars.
06-22-2007, 07:59 AM
#42
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by dom
Then again the 2 VP's at the office who recently bought 250's may support your argument.
I see a stigma attached to the Lexus brand, observing many owners (but not all) and dealers as more elitist than their BMW and MB counterparts. I have never gone to a BMW or MB dealership and been made to feel like I did not belong there OR was not a worthy prospective clientele. But this has happened a few times to me at two different Lexus dealerships. Even at their Touch of Lexus events the reps seem fairly standoffish.
Latest Example: This past weekend, I was at Green Brook Lexus just walking through their small lot and eyeballing the IS350 but, regarding the RX350 as a possible replacement for my 05 Murano. As I began to walk back to my car (a freshly washed 4 month old black/black 07 Honda Accord EX-L V6 4dr w/Navi mind you), I spotted two of the sales guys pointing at my car and laughing at it. My first thought was WTH? I did not know the Accord was a laughing stock of a car. The IS350 is a great car but, NOT $15k better (MSRP). I should have given them my telephone number and then asked them to give me a call when any one Lexus model makes Car and Driver's Top Ten List 21 times……though at best I would be 60 years old if that call were to be made.
Although I like Lexus cars, my dealership experiences incline me towards purchasing an Infiniti or Acura (if I go with an upscale Japanese make) and BMW (for a non-Japanese upscale make). I respect their cars but, that brand is indefinitely off my radar. They can consider that the cost of stigma.
06-22-2007, 09:07 PM
#43
I feel the need...
Originally Posted by BraveDemon
Ze Germans need to stop hating each other. Audi and BMW are both fine automakers. Besides.. why bicker over second place behind Lexus? Isn't the point to be #1?
BMW:
Audi:
Both need to STFU and keep building the best cars they possibly can and let the consumer decide.
06-23-2007, 12:06 PM
#45
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Originally Posted by F23A4
Latest Example: This past weekend, I was at Green Brook Lexus just walking through their small lot and eyeballing the IS350 but, regarding the RX350 as a possible replacement for my 05 Murano. As I began to walk back to my car (a freshly washed 4 month old black/black 07 Honda Accord EX-L V6 4dr w/Navi mind you), I spotted two of the sales guys pointing at my car and laughing at it. My first thought was WTH? I did not know the Accord was a laughing stock of a car. The IS350 is a great car but, NOT $15k better (MSRP). I should have given them my telephone number and then asked them to give me a call when any one Lexus model makes Car and Driver's Top Ten List 21 times……though at best I would be 60 years old if that call were to be made.
06-23-2007, 08:49 PM
#46
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Trackruner228
Wow you have better control then I do. I would have been PISSED, and would have said something to them. Like they might think your accord is funny but what I would like to see is while they might work at Lexus how many of them actually had one?
I hear you. But it is not worth it. Not buying a Lexus should be payback enough.
06-24-2007, 10:33 AM
#47
Three Wheelin'
I feel that this is nothing but a coy little marketing stunt from BMW. Face it - Audi has been getting ALL the attention in the press lately with its R8, TT and now the A5. Whereas good ole BMW is still stuck in the Bangle-era of styling with a bunch of so-so looking vehicles.
I can't deny that CERTAIN BMWs drive better than CERTAIN audis. But you also can't deny that there are certain Audi's such as the RS4, the S4, the new TT that drive better than their German counterparts. The S4 for example has always been ranked ahead of the M3 in the rags, and in the case of the new M3 BMW had to PLAY CATCHUP TO AUDI's RS4, and was forced to make a 400+hp M3.
And although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but in general, most of the Audi's simply lick the BMW's in terms of the looks. Just compare the S5 to the 335i, the TT to the Z4, the A8 to the 750i...you get the picture.
And for those who think FWD=not premium.....bullshit. Its definetely true in the upper echelon of the segment, but I urge those who think that a FWD is not a premium offering to drive cars like the A3 and the TSX, before coming to that decision. And Audi's quattro system, with its rear wheel drive bias, appears to be the perfect solution to great handling and foul weather handling, as proven in the R8.
I can't deny that CERTAIN BMWs drive better than CERTAIN audis. But you also can't deny that there are certain Audi's such as the RS4, the S4, the new TT that drive better than their German counterparts. The S4 for example has always been ranked ahead of the M3 in the rags, and in the case of the new M3 BMW had to PLAY CATCHUP TO AUDI's RS4, and was forced to make a 400+hp M3.
And although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but in general, most of the Audi's simply lick the BMW's in terms of the looks. Just compare the S5 to the 335i, the TT to the Z4, the A8 to the 750i...you get the picture.
And for those who think FWD=not premium.....bullshit. Its definetely true in the upper echelon of the segment, but I urge those who think that a FWD is not a premium offering to drive cars like the A3 and the TSX, before coming to that decision. And Audi's quattro system, with its rear wheel drive bias, appears to be the perfect solution to great handling and foul weather handling, as proven in the R8.
06-24-2007, 10:44 AM
#48
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by vishnus11
I feel that this is nothing but a coy little marketing stunt from BMW. Face it - Audi has been getting ALL the attention in the press lately with its R8, TT and now the A5. Whereas good ole BMW is still stuck in the Bangle-era of styling with a bunch of so-so looking vehicles that sell exceptionally well.
06-26-2007, 10:08 AM
#49
What Would Don Draper Do?
Originally Posted by TheAcAvenger
I think Audi's right. I'd pick an A8 over a 7 anyday of the week. I like the 5 over the A6, but I actually prefer the S6 to the M5. And i'd pick the rs4 over anything in bmw's lineup. To be honest, I love my new 335i, but I cant stand being a "bmw owner" and the stigma that goes along with it.
with you except the "bmw owner" part....well, since i don't own one.but i'm sure i would love your new 335i too...
06-26-2007, 10:13 AM
#50
What Would Don Draper Do?
Originally Posted by F23A4
Latest Example: This past weekend, I was at Green Brook Lexus just walking through their small lot and eyeballing the IS350 but, regarding the RX350 as a possible replacement for my 05 Murano. As I began to walk back to my car (a freshly washed 4 month old black/black 07 Honda Accord EX-L V6 4dr w/Navi mind you), I spotted two of the sales guys pointing at my car and laughing at it. My first thought was WTH? I did not know the Accord was a laughing stock of a car. The IS350 is a great car but, NOT $15k better (MSRP). I should have given them my telephone number and then asked them to give me a call when any one Lexus model makes Car and Driver's Top Ten List 21 times……though at best I would be 60 years old if that call were to be made.
if that happened to me, i would have taken their names and spoken to the manager and tell him that i was seriously considering buying a car today but will never do so from that dealer because of those two schmuks.
06-26-2007, 10:36 AM
#51
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by JediMindTricks
dude, that just sucks. what a horrible experience. something like that would definitely prevent me from ever buying from that dealer. i bet they don't even drive lexuses (lexi?).
if that happened to me, i would have taken their names and spoken to the manager and tell him that i was seriously considering buying a car today but will never do so from that dealer because of those two schmuks.
if that happened to me, i would have taken their names and spoken to the manager and tell him that i was seriously considering buying a car today but will never do so from that dealer because of those two schmuks.
Instead of laughing, they should have seen it as a possible opportunity to: A) sucker that Accord's owner (me) into a trade up and B) put a brand new loaded 07 AV6 onto their preowned lot....though with only 3k, they would probably try to sell it for > the orig $29.3k MSRP.
Lord knows the neighboring Acura and Infiniti dealerships DEFINITELY would have gone for that jugular. (Of course knowing what I know about car purchasing, I would NOT have been complicit with that rape.)
On topic, it just lends itself to the brand I believe has a larger stigma than BMW.
06-26-2007, 10:38 AM
#52
What Would Don Draper Do?
Originally Posted by F23A4
Indeed, even my normally apathetic wife was a little annoyed when I mentioned that.
Instead of laughing, they should have seen it as a possible opportunity to: A) sucker that Accord's owner (me) into a trade up and B) put a brand new loaded 07 AV6 onto their preowned lot....though with only 3k, they would probably try to sell it for > the orig $29.3k MSRP.
Lord knows the neighboring Acura and Infiniti dealerships DEFINITELY would have gone for that jugular. (Of course knowing what I know about car purchasing, I would NOT have been complicit with that rape.)
On topic, it just lends itself to the brand I believe has a larger stigma than BMW.
Instead of laughing, they should have seen it as a possible opportunity to: A) sucker that Accord's owner (me) into a trade up and B) put a brand new loaded 07 AV6 onto their preowned lot....though with only 3k, they would probably try to sell it for > the orig $29.3k MSRP.
Lord knows the neighboring Acura and Infiniti dealerships DEFINITELY would have gone for that jugular. (Of course knowing what I know about car purchasing, I would NOT have been complicit with that rape.)
On topic, it just lends itself to the brand I believe has a larger stigma than BMW.
but kudos to you and your wife for keeping your cool.
02-17-2009, 04:40 AM
#53
Audi: Sales, Marketing, and Financial news
Audi continues on the warpath and its strategy of matching and exceeding its fellow German rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz in sales seems to be working.
For the first time, Audi reported sales figures for January 2009 which topped its premium brand competitors. The automaker, part of the VW Group, sold 45,124 new vehicles in Western Europe, beating both Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
It seems Audi's market share is benefiting from the slump in auto sales currently hitting the market not only in Western Europe but all over the world. For January, its market share in the region was 5.1 percent, compared with a 3.9 percent share in January 2008.
Peter Schwarzenbauer, who heads Sales and Marketing at Audi AG, believes that the age of the brand's product range is what is helping the automaker gain share in the market. Audi has one of the youngest fleets in the premium segment. Last year, it released 12 new models and for the first half of 2009 there will be 6 more.
A lead in monthly sales has been a long time coming for the Ingolstadt-based premium automaker, which has spent the past two decades creating a brand name that can match the more established ones of BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Whether the image of an Audi has caught up with the prestige of either of those brands is still an open question and one difficult to quantify. But sales figures, one cannot argue against.
For the first time, Audi reported sales figures for January 2009 which topped its premium brand competitors. The automaker, part of the VW Group, sold 45,124 new vehicles in Western Europe, beating both Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
It seems Audi's market share is benefiting from the slump in auto sales currently hitting the market not only in Western Europe but all over the world. For January, its market share in the region was 5.1 percent, compared with a 3.9 percent share in January 2008.
Peter Schwarzenbauer, who heads Sales and Marketing at Audi AG, believes that the age of the brand's product range is what is helping the automaker gain share in the market. Audi has one of the youngest fleets in the premium segment. Last year, it released 12 new models and for the first half of 2009 there will be 6 more.
A lead in monthly sales has been a long time coming for the Ingolstadt-based premium automaker, which has spent the past two decades creating a brand name that can match the more established ones of BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Whether the image of an Audi has caught up with the prestige of either of those brands is still an open question and one difficult to quantify. But sales figures, one cannot argue against.
02-17-2009, 09:54 AM
#59
Suzuka Master
Audi has the best line-up in my opinion, I like their whole range of vehicles.
02-17-2009, 10:05 AM
#62
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I wondered when this would happen. I was in the UK about 3-4 years ago and again just a few months ago... on my most recent trip, I noticed there were a TON of Audis on the motorways. They have a nice lineup -- I've tested the A4 and it's a pretty quality car.
02-17-2009, 10:30 AM
#63
The 70% of Audis A4, A6 sold in Europe are estate not sedan.
We in Italy have stereotyps about the holy german trinity: Audi/Merc/BMW:
Merc is considered a brand for old, conservative and rich people (aristocracy, politics).
the BMW is for the fast enriched guys, who want to show the money they got (sport-cool-vulgar).
the Audi is considered a more "intellectual" choice.
It's even more expensive that the BMW, BUT you don't want to show it, you don't need it.
02-17-2009, 10:39 AM
#64
Fahrvergnügen'd
Italy and UK are among the best buyers...
The 70% of Audis A4, A6 sold in Europe are estate not sedan.
We in Italy have stereotyps about the holy german trinity: Audi/Merc/BMW:
Merc is considered a brand for old, conservative and rich people (aristocracy, politics).
the BMW is for the fast enriched guys, who want to show the money they got (sport-cool-vulgar).
the Audi is considered a more "intellectual" choice.
It's even more expensive that the BMW, BUT you don't want to show it, you don't need it.
The 70% of Audis A4, A6 sold in Europe are estate not sedan.
We in Italy have stereotyps about the holy german trinity: Audi/Merc/BMW:
Merc is considered a brand for old, conservative and rich people (aristocracy, politics).
the BMW is for the fast enriched guys, who want to show the money they got (sport-cool-vulgar).
the Audi is considered a more "intellectual" choice.
It's even more expensive that the BMW, BUT you don't want to show it, you don't need it.
Audi is still a very distant third over here. Audi owners here are like Subaru owners with better incomes.
02-17-2009, 11:07 AM
#65
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02-17-2009, 01:32 PM
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Audi has improved a lot in the past couple of years. When I was in Spain over Christmas I got a chance to drive in my friends S5, and I was amazed. Car felt great, interior quality was incredible and so far no problems and he is not the type of person that drives like a grandma.
A few months ago I test drove the A4 with my dad and it felt a lot nicer than the A4 I test drove 3 years ago. So they must be doing something right...
A few months ago I test drove the A4 with my dad and it felt a lot nicer than the A4 I test drove 3 years ago. So they must be doing something right...
02-17-2009, 01:43 PM
#73
I'm the Firestarter
My next car (after TSX) = A4 Avant.
02-17-2009, 02:23 PM
#76
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Audi has improved a lot in the past couple of years. When I was in Spain over Christmas I got a chance to drive in my friends S5, and I was amazed. Car felt great, interior quality was incredible and so far no problems and he is not the type of person that drives like a grandma.
A few months ago I test drove the A4 with my dad and it felt a lot nicer than the A4 I test drove 3 years ago. So they must be doing something right...
A few months ago I test drove the A4 with my dad and it felt a lot nicer than the A4 I test drove 3 years ago. So they must be doing something right...
02-17-2009, 02:28 PM
#78
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I haven't had a chance to see a B8 in person yet, next time I'm at the dealership I think i'll take one for a spin.
Awwww, my car inspired you!
02-17-2009, 02:43 PM
#79
Suzuka Master