Date: Wed, 18 Mar 2015 22:39:49 -0400
Reply-To: James <jk_eaton@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: James <jk_eaton@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: (Friday NVC) When Euro hits parity
In-Reply-To: <20150316230341.HOQPK.63617.imail@eastrmwml213>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Volvo has been way behind Toyota in reliability for the last five years or so.
Thing is, reliability or the lack thereof isn't the buying factor it used to be, as overall automotive reliability is now so high - the 'average' in Consumer Reports now was the five star reliability rating of 15 years ago.
And as to the idea that 'special low volume models aren't part of that business model" - VW sells the EOS, the CC, the Golf R - all low volume, all to showcase the brand. Yet most of the public could hardly place a CC or an EOS if they were challenged, when everybody knows the VW bus. Importing the California camper, with special trim lines to celebrate the camper, seems a natural.
As the EOS and R have shown, a 'US federalised' model need not be a stopper. The handful of years they've sold the R on this side of the Atlantic, they've brought in as few as 400 per year, IIRC.
James
Ottawa, ON
> Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2015 22:03:41 -0500
> From: mcneely4@COX.NET
> Subject: Re: (Friday NVC) When Euro hits parity
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>
> ---- Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> > VW wants to beat Toyota and be #1, but I don't see how they can without a
> > minivan for the US market.
>
> It would help them if their stuff was as reliable as Toyota's. Of course, Toyota has slipped, but still way ahead of VW, and all European makers except perhaps Volvo. I'd have to look that one up to be sure, but I think Toyota still beats them, too, just not by as much.
>
> mcneely
>
> >
> > Stuart
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> > Jon VO
> > Sent: Monday, March 16, 2015 5:12 PM
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Re: (Friday NVC) When Euro hits parity
> >
> > It's true the Westie's sold well, but the total numbers were very low,
> > comparatively. VW now wants to sell like Toyota, so special low volume
> > models aren't part of that business model.
> > jon
> >
> > On 3/13/2015 10:36 AM, Jeff wrote:
> > > It is a lot more complicated than just putting it on a ship. Firstly,
> > > they would have to create a US spec version. Secondly, they would
> > > have to put in all the logistics involved with a new model... parts
> > > supply, training, advertising, etc.
> > >
> > > They do the math. The ROI just isn't there.
> > >
> > > Cheers,
> > >
> > > Jeff
> > >
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
> > > Behalf Of Stuart MacMillan
> > > Sent: Friday, March 13, 2015 9:27 AM
> > > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > > Subject: (Friday NVC) When Euro hits parity
> > >
> > > The VW California would have a price range of $32,800 for the base
> > > Beach
> > > (Weekender) gas engine model, up to $56,800 for the top of the line
> > > full camper with the TDI engine and 4motion. Even with shipping and
> > > tariffs I think VW could sell a lot of them here in the $40k to $70k
> > > range. The
> > > 2000-2003 Winnebago EVC sold for $45k to $50k in today's dollars, and
> > > the dealers could not keep them on the lot. And, the euro may go below
> > > the dollar, to .85 in a year.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > But, I'm sure they won't for some reason.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Stuart
>
> --
> David McNeely
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