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U.S. could miss out on Mark VI VW Golf

rybo submitted on 06/16/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 10:28 AM
from: www.motorauthority.com

[46] user comments | category: Misc News

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U.S. could miss out on Mark VI VW Golf

The United States’ economic problems, which some economists are starting to call a recession, are affecting carmakers both within and outside the country alike.

In March Volkswagen announced it would not import the new Scirocco hatchback to the U.S. because of profitability problems due to the weak economy.

Now, latest reports indicate the updated Mark IV Golf could also be kept from U.S. buyers for the same reason. Read Article

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CBOTGuy - 6/16/2008 11:32:37 AM

+6 Boost

I don't understand VWs reasoning here -- small and compact car sales are one of the few automotive segments that are doing well in the States. If gas prices are going to stay high, Americans will increasingly look to smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles, and I believe will start to look at more hatchbacks and wagons. I think VW are making a mistake here. GM/Opel brought over the Astra, Ford will release the Fiesta in two-years time, I see more Yaris's and Civics than ever, and other European small-car makers are looking at returning to the US for the first time in decades! And VW wants to pass on bringing over the next-gen Golf and Scirocco??? Uh, yea. Maybe they should concentrate and making their models more competitively priced and offer smaller and diesel engines.

reply to this comment

MadibaP - 6/16/2008 11:55:07 AM

-1 Boost

There is no "if" in the high price of oil, it never coming down its only going up. It is a mater of time until its $10 a gallon, then $20, then $50 etc etc etc! Where does anyone get the idea from that its is going to settle back to "normal" levels, this does not exist, no more than the dinosaur population will return to "normal" levels!

My advice to anyone buying a new car, is count on petrol/gas being at least twice what it is now before your payment term is done.

Think about it

mini22 - 6/16/2008 12:11:37 PM

0 Boost

What you say about the price of oil is true.However I don't understand how this has anything to do with VW not bringing in the Golf VI. The Rabbit is currently made in Mexico. This makes no sense when other carmakers are going to bring in smaller cars.Als oI read that the Scirroco is less expensive to produce then the GTI. If that's the case why can't they bring it in?

reply to this comment

Star - 6/16/2008 12:44:02 PM

-2 Boost

VWs are dirt cheap in US and they still don't sell very well. Here people are on automatic mode when it comes to buying especially cars that are in the same segment as the Golf. Consumer Reports brainwashed the American car buyer to the point where there is no choice other than Toyota and Honda for this people.
This buyers never, ever look at any other car besides Civic and Corolla.
So if most of the people looking for a car in this segment will automatically buy a Corolla or Civic the other car makers(plenty in number) will need to heavily discount their cars in order to sell something.
VW priced their Rabbit(Golf)cars on par with Mazda 3 and Saturn Astra(Opel Astra)both which are significantly cheaper cars(and brands) in Europe. A 170 HP Golf starts at $15K in US. That's outrageously cheap.

If I would be in charge of VW I would either leave US market or build special cars(a lot lower quality) just for US like Honda and Toyota do.

MadibaP - 6/16/2008 12:46:40 PM

+2 Boost

Are you replying to me? See I was replying to CBOTGuy, who was making a point about small cars, the future and "If gas prices are going to stay high"...

A little reading?

M35MT - 6/16/2008 12:55:49 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

dont mind star, he's 'special'.

Star - 6/16/2008 1:10:42 PM

0 Boost

MadibaP,

What makes you think that post is a reply to one of your posts?!? Do you not see where is placed??????

Htay7500 - 6/16/2008 1:15:55 PM

-1 Boost

"Here people are on automatic mode when it comes to buying especially cars that are in the same segment as the Golf. Consumer Reports brainwashed the American car buyer to the point where there is no choice other than Toyota and Honda for this people.
This buyers never, ever look at any other car besides Civic and Corolla.
So if most of the people looking for a car in this segment will automatically buy a Corolla or Civic the other car makers(plenty in number) will need to heavily discount their cars in order to sell something."

VW isn't aiming for high sales in america unlike toyota and honda. VW is aiming for a premium market in the US like mazda and subaru as well and doesn't really need the US to make up sales forecasts. VW in europe is like honda and toyota in the US. they are mainstream in certain markets and produce a lot to make ends meet. not a lot of people are looking for something high-end like a VW. they can be more expensive than its mainstream rivals. everyone has different needs. CR is recommending the jetta and rabbit/golf, are you going to critize them now? the rabbit is cheap to buy but its MPG isn't on par with what their competitors have, and apparently, I guess thats why the civic is selling so well. the astra just got here and the mazda3, which I like to get, is a bit low on MPG for some that really matters to them.

Htay7500 - 6/16/2008 1:17:30 PM

0 Boost

*they can be more expensive to fix/repair, and use more gas than its mainstream rivals.

Htay7500 - 6/16/2008 1:39:36 PM

-1 Boost

oh the joy of getting deboosted, spledid that you cannot accept reality.

Star - 6/16/2008 2:09:33 PM

-6 Boost

Ha,ha,ha...look who's talking. You can be funny sometimes htay7500. Almost makes up for your shortcomings. Almost.

Htay7500 - 6/16/2008 3:02:38 PM

0 Boost

"Ha,ha,ha...look who's talking. You can be funny sometimes htay7500. Almost makes up for your shortcomings. Almost."

trying to change the topic now? oh this is getting better. keep up the bashing! you're making a good impression on yourself!

AlexTx - 6/16/2008 3:14:06 PM

0 Boost

Mini: the Rabbit is built in Germany as well as the GTi and Passat.
only the Jetta and Beetle are built in Puebla.

Audiphile - 6/16/2008 1:10:38 PM

+1 Boost

This makes no sense whatsoever. Volkswagen already have a plant in Mexico, and will soon be announcing the location of a new U.S. plant, which should take care of the exchange rate problem. The market for fuel-efficient cars like the Golf is booming.

I think we should wait for an official announcement from VW.

reply to this comment

S4cabriofoxone - 6/16/2008 2:44:52 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

I agree, I'm not believing this until they say so. It would make no sense at all.

They really should bring the Scirocco here--not necessarily because I want one, but because it would change the brand's image. An opportunity missed.

Whatthe - 6/16/2008 4:21:54 PM

+1 Boost

I thought it was cheaper to build these POS in Mexico.
I think the dollar is still strong against the paso.
Just proves Audi doesn't have a clue.

reply to this comment

S4cabriofoxone - 6/16/2008 4:33:03 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Audi isn't involved with Volkswagen's operating decisions, you idiot.

Whatthe - 6/16/2008 4:42:28 PM

+2 Boost

Audi=VW, VW=Audi!
Can't build a Passat with out an A-4.
Can't build a A3 with out a Golf.
No no you're right!

Rupert - 6/16/2008 5:15:39 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I'm pretty sure you can build a Passat without an A4, considering they're not related nor built off the same platform. In 1997 they were, but it's 2008 now.

Whatthe - 6/16/2008 5:34:33 PM

+1 Boost

Please...

reply to this comment

Whatthe - 6/16/2008 5:34:55 PM

-1 Boost

And the Tl isn't an Accord

reply to this comment

S4cabriofoxone - 6/16/2008 10:15:57 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

Oh, now I get it. You're a Hondacura lover who hates VW/Audi. Well, news flash: Acura sucks.

audirevolution - 6/16/2008 10:50:47 PM

+3 Boost

Acuras are rebadged Hondas.
Its a fact and there's no denying it.

AlexTx - 6/17/2008 11:00:32 AM

+1 Boost

You IDIOT!!!
Thanks for the laugh.
Not only is the TL an Accord, the TSX is a European Accord.
Oh and by the way, the Passat has not been on the A4 chassis since 2000...
Even if VW owns Audi, they have 2 different operating business.
Next time, check the window of the Acuras... it says Honda on them.

Whatthe - 6/18/2008 10:05:15 AM

+1 Boost

You guys don't get sarcasm do you.
Pity, you should get out more.

gsh23 - 6/16/2008 5:55:56 PM

0 Boost

thats because golfs suck...oh wait, theyre called rabbits!

reply to this comment

Whatthe - 6/16/2008 5:59:01 PM

-1 Boost

Rabbit, A3, Golf, Polo, A4, Seat(it's spanish you know)Ibeza. Suck, suck, suck, suck, suck, suck.

reply to this comment

Star - 6/16/2008 6:09:09 PM

0 Boost

That's deep...

Whatthe - 6/16/2008 6:53:39 PM

0 Boost

deep, should I say inferior?

Rupert - 6/17/2008 6:12:49 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

The Golf is only the best selling car in Europe, it clearly sucks...
Are you insane?

_43LE - 6/17/2008 8:48:11 AM

0 Boost

Star, in another post you just said that the Corolla and Civic suck...That's deep too...hypocrite.

Star - 6/17/2008 9:02:20 AM

+1 Boost

43LE,

I NEVER said that. Read more carefully. What I said is that the American made Corollas and Civics are engineered and built to lower standards. They are not the same cars these manufacturers sell in Europe. The US versions are cheaper built versions. A good example is the fact that Honda sells their "real" cars under a "premium" badge in US which shows how easy the American buyer can be fooled into believing that a regular car is now a premium brand, all done with a simple badge replacement.

Whatthe - 6/18/2008 10:03:25 AM

0 Boost

Budwieser is the best selling beer in America!
It suxxxxx
Your point?
VW= Sux
Honda, Acura, boring, but better...
You really believe there is no platform sharing in side of VW, Audi.
You probably also believe the Saturn Aura, Chevy Malibu and Opel are totally diff. cars...
Audi fanboys need to stick to what they know, nothing!

Star - 6/18/2008 11:18:50 AM

+2 Boost

You just proved my point. Americans are awful when it comes to buying. They really have no idea what quality is. That's the reason they drink Budweiser and drive Toyotas and Hondas instead of going for the superior German cars and ...beers.
American needs driving schools and also a better way to choose cars than reading the fairy-tales from Consumer Reports. Educate the buyer America.

Whatthe - 6/18/2008 12:06:25 PM

0 Boost

Americans do buy a lot of BMW's, not a lot of vw or audi's.

Star - 6/18/2008 12:57:41 PM

+1 Boost

Okay, let's put it this way. There are three big categories of buyers in America and a relatively small group of car enthusiasts. The three groups are: the value buyer(sheep), the prestige buyer and the prestige value buyer(who is the former value buyer ).

VW doesn't offer either prestige or value in the eyes of the value buyer who is the only one shopping in this price range therefore it fails on this market.
VW is probably the only car brand in America who sells cars mostly to enthusiasts.

Audi never resonated as strong as BMW or Mercedes so the prestige buyer is not going to go after it. It also doesn't look like a good value in the eyes of the prestige value buyer. That's puts Audi somewhere in the middle between the buyers of BMW and Lexus.

BMW is the first choice in German luxury cars here because is the German Luxury car that offers the biggest amount of horsepower for the money and also has the best lease offers. Is the choice of the prestige buyer who also shops for Mercedes and it also has quite a few enthusiasts that love the brand.
So what we have is:

1) value buyer(sheep)CR addict = Toyota and Honda

2)prestige buyer Mercedes, BMW and Porsche

3)prestige value buyer(still sheep- but with bigger income) Lexus, Infiniti, Acura

As we see VW and Audi are not appealing to any of the important groups of buyers here.

Whatthe - 6/18/2008 2:00:31 PM

0 Boost

audi, did, for a time attract customers based on cheap lease payments. After owning an audi, people got smart and bought something else.
Your point on CR is relevant. CR gets it's rating from it's subscribers. So, ratings are based on what the sheep think. Inexpensive, washing machine type cars like the Accord and Camry win.
As to audi and vw, they have suffered to may problems with electronics, and poor customer service. This has lead to there decline in the US.
The fact that vw keeps bringing heavy, over priced, unreliable cars here, stops the sheep from being players.
audi, same applies.

Star - 6/18/2008 2:44:27 PM

+1 Boost

"The fact that vw keeps bringing heavy, over priced, unreliable cars here, stops the sheep from being players"

VWs are extremely reliable cars and they are dirt cheap in US. I don't care if sheep plays or not.
Anyway VW is going to start to sell lower quality cars made just for the American market(just like Honda and Toyota do). I'm sure they will get some sheep to buy their future products just like I'm sure that the enthusiasts will stop buying their products at that point. I can understand why VW is doing that though. There is simply no other way to be profitable in US other than start to sell under-engineered cars, lower quality cars like Honda and Toyota do.

Whatthe - 6/18/2008 3:20:40 PM

0 Boost

The only dirt cheap vw sold in the US is the rabbit (stripper model). everything else is OVERPRICED.
They already build cars in Mexico(lesser quality).
vw have never been "extremely reliable". At best the are driveable.

Star - 6/18/2008 3:40:11 PM

0 Boost

"vw have never been "extremely reliable"

You and the readers of CR are the only ones thinking that.

The base GTI has twice the amount of features in the Honda Civic SI, is faster, better built and looks like a luxury car in comparison with the Civic yet it costs only 1000 dollars more in US. Overpriced? Quite the opposite. Everywhere else in the world the VW is way, way more expensive than a Honda. In US is the best buy on the market.
I repeat, all the VWs sold in US are dirt cheap.... unless you go crazy with options.

atomicbri - 6/18/2008 4:30:43 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

You know whats funny you guys???? The Rabbit is the highest rated car in CR... it even gets all above average, or outstanding "circles" in the reliability column, all accept the audio system which was average. So the Rabbit is equal to Civic and Corolla according to CR.

Whatthe - 6/18/2008 5:53:26 PM

0 Boost

you're crazy, the GTI with the equipment of a civic si is around $28,000, (3,200lbs.) thats $5,000 more.
vw=audi=seat=junk!

Star - 6/18/2008 6:41:59 PM

0 Boost

28K what????? You don't have any idea what you are talking about. I'm wasting my time with you.

Whatthe - 6/19/2008 10:52:37 AM

+1 Boost

A base GTI is not equiped the same as a Civic SI.
Build the GTI, see the price $26,465. Get that sweet slushbox and your over 28. I believe you would do best with that sweet dsg.

chemo - 6/17/2008 9:19:55 AM

0 Boost

I doubt this is true. The whole purpose of the mark VI is that is will be cheaper to produce. The current car is too complicated and too expensive. I would not make sense to keep sending us the more expensive car.

smb

reply to this comment

Star - 6/17/2008 10:32:52 AM

+2 Boost

Who said they will keep sending it?

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