Volkswagen Phaeton Picture Thread

[SDNR]

Originally Posted by CarGuy

The main reason i think this car has never sold well is because VW has kept it in the shade with the A8 after all everybody wants a badge when spending this kind of money and the 4 rings simply work better.

But let's not forget that Audi had similar badge problems not so long ago. As I said in another thread, VW have to go up market with their brand because it is simply becoming increasingly difficult and less viable for them to compete in the middle-market. VW have proved they can build one of the best cars in the world, so why would they not strive to build the best when they have the skills to do so?

I find it quite extraordinary when I read comments saying that VW should lower its standards -- well I personally hate mediocrity, Ferdinand Piëch is a man of extremely high principles and expectations -- an idealist and a perfectionist. Only excellence is good enough for him -- what can possibly be wrong with that?

[Merc1]

The only thing wrong is that VW can't go upmarket without running into Audi, and it simply doesn't make sense for them to compete with themselves like that. VW is going to have to lower something so they can become more cost competitive, otherwise the Asians are going to kill them in the U.S. market in particular. For 2008 they've stripped fog lights and leather from ALL Jetta, Rabbit and New Bettle models. A desperate attempt to squeeze out more sales and make some kind of profit. I'd read where VW will move the next Jetta and Passat down a notch, in short bringing them in line (or closer) with other cars in their respective classes. To move the Passat down to current Jetta level pricing (not exactly but close to) and to move the Jetta downward is the plan, and that is what is needed (at least in the U.S.) not another pointless show of (excellent) luxury car engineering.

A luxury VW will never sell in the U.S. or anywhere else really. Audi is overcoming this problem with a host of things, not in the least of which is a premium dealership experience and a entire lineup of premium/luxury products, two things VW doesn't come close to matching. Another Phaeton is not the answer for VW, a more fun to drive, better looking car with a more interesting interior that is safer than a Toyota/Honda/Nissan/Ford/Hyundai for a slight premium is VW's niche not trying to muscle in on the luxury car ranks.

If VW was really serious about the U.S. market they'd open a plan here. Hell it could be a shared facility with Audi. That way all this currency noise is cancelled and costs would come down for sure then. VW frustrates more than any other company. If they were a person they'd be the kind of person you just want to shake them and say get your !@#$%^& life together!

M

[SDNR]

Originally Posted by Merc1

The only thing wrong is that VW can't go upmarket without running into Audi, and it simply doesn't make sense for them to compete with themselves like that. VW is going to have to lower something so they can become more cost competitive, otherwise the Asians are going to kill them in the U.S. market in particular.

Exactly ....but I would suggest that battle has already been won by the Asians.

For 2008 they've stripped fog lights and leather from ALL Jetta, Rabbit and New Bettle models. A desperate attempt to squeeze out more sales and make some kind of profit.

Yeah -- and it looks pretty pathetic compared to what the Asian competitors can offer for the same money.

I'd read where VW will move the next Jetta and Passat down a notch, in short bringing them in line (or closer) with other cars in their respective classes.

watch as their competotors move up a notch.

To move the Passat down to current Jetta level pricing (not exactly but close to) and to move the Jetta downward is the plan, and that is what is needed (at least in the U.S.) not another pointless show of (excellent) luxury car engineering.

VW will not exist in 20 years if they don't strive to offer superior products to their Asian competitors.

A luxury VW will never sell in the U.S. or anywhere else really.

I don't agree.

Audi is overcoming this problem with a host of things, not in the least of which is a premium dealership experience and a entire lineup of premium/luxury products, two things VW doesn't come close to matching.

Sure .......it is going to take some time but I do not underestimate VWs potential -- it actually is a stronger brand than Audi.

Another Phaeton is not the answer for VW, a more fun to drive, better looking car with a more interesting interior that is safer than a Toyota/Honda/Nissan/Ford/Hyundai for a slight premium is VW's niche not trying to muscle in on the luxury car ranks.

Sure, but it will come at a premium price.

If VW was really serious about the U.S. market they'd open a plan here. Hell it could be a shared facility with Audi. That way all this currency noise is cancelled and costs would come down for sure then. VW frustrates more than any other company. If they were a person they'd be the kind of person you just want to shake them and say get your !@#$%^& life together!

Well that is a good point

[CarGuy]

Well my point is basically that I always felt like VW had gotten cocky trying to slip under the radar a car very similar to the A8 and hopefully get some sales going from ignorant idiot bastards that are loyal to the brand and don't know and/or don't pay attention to the outside world(competition, VW merging etc)

PS. Mark I noticed that in ur all stars u included the GT500KR (lmao) care to comment?

[SDNR]

Originally Posted by CarGuy

Well my point is basically that I always felt like VW had gotten cocky trying to slip under the radar a car very similar to the A8 and hopefully get some sales going from ignorant idiot bastards that are loyal to the brand and don't know and/or don't pay attention to the outside world(competition, VW merging etc)

Ridiculous comment.

[SDNR]

Originally Posted by CarGuy

Well my point is basically that I always felt like VW had gotten cocky trying to slip under the radar a car very similar to the A8 and hopefully get some sales going from ignorant idiot bastards that are loyal to the brand and don't know and/or don't pay attention to the outside world(competition, VW merging etc)

Ridiculous comment.

[CarGuy]

do you have to say it twice Einstein?

[SDNR]

Ahh ...that was an accident ....but it reinforces the point.

[Merc1]

Originally Posted by CarGuy

Mark I noticed that in ur all stars u included the GT500KR (lmao) care to comment?

Yes, it is an awesome car for what it is, a American muscle car throwback.



It isn't always about German cars.

M

[Merc1]

Originally Posted by Rob

Sure .......it is going to take some time but I do not underestimate VWs potential -- it actually is a stronger brand than Audi.

I just don't see it Rob. True, VW is a strong brand known all over the world, moreso than Audi, but it is that very same recognition that dictates and prevents them from selling luxury cars. They're known for inexpensive cars. No one is going to seriously consider a VW priced like a Mercedes/BMW or Audi. In VW's case their brand recognition is dual-edged sword when it comes to trying to push luxury cars, especially here in the U.S. It just isn't going to work.

M