Date:         Tue, 18 May 1999 08:35:32 -0700
Reply-To:     Karl Batzler <KBatzler@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Karl Batzler <KBatzler@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Organization: Microsoft Corporation
Subject:      Re: Australian Transporter TDI!

>Karl mullendore said:
> And could someone please tell me once again why VW refuses to import the
> very models that we all drool over the most? (Gawd...VW is SO screwed up
> these days!) TDI Syncro vans......TDI Syncro Golf wagons.....3-cyl. TDI

USA is the most difficult country to import to.  I have some contacts with
the VW/Audi group here in the US...It really isn't so easy to import a
vehicle (as a manufacturer) to the US.  By the time all the federal specs,
not to mention smog certification (for CA, 49 state and NE specs), a cool
mil can be spent for each vehicle type and engine option.  Justification
must then be made as to whether or not the vehicle sales will be sufficient
enough to off-set the costs.  Let's face it.  Most Americans don't
understand VW's.  They seem to be content with driving thier Caravans and
Camarys.  I must say though, that VW really has cleaned thier act up in the
last few years.  Quality control is up drastically, and most prices
reasonable (although the new EV seem a little stiff consider the low numbers
being imported.
My 2 cents...
Karl Batzler
84 Vanagon
87 Audi 5000 S (possible doner)
La Quinta, CA