Phaeton 2006 will be the last year for NAR Phaeton sales.

[Mr. M]

A terrible first post for the Phaeton section, but it has to be done...

Source


Notice courtesy of Michael from VWvortex

Comments?

 

[SDNR]

Sad, yes but not unexpected. I always thought the Phaeton would be a dismal failure in the US - it is a market that values status-symbols over Quality - image over substance - it seems ridiculous to me that a car as great as the Phaeton will no longer be sold in the US and yet they will happily pay for the gas-guzzling Mercedes G class simply because it might impress their unsophisticated neighbours.

 

[Mr. M]

The US owners at VWvortex are quite disappointed, but at least the Phaeton is doing well in the rest of the world. Especially Europe. It's a good move to phase out the Phaeton out of NA IMO, because VW will continue losing money. It's a great loss to NA that they did not appreciate such an underrated car, but VW is partly to blame too because of its poor dealerships and feeble marketing. I believe this problem is inherent in many parts of the world for VW. Like how VW incorporates its complex four-wheel drive mechanisms into the Phaeton, but they never advertise like it Audi advertises Quattro. Or how the dedicated team at Dresden keep in contact with VWvortex forum members constantly to address issues on hand and also to receive suggestions. I think not many people will know this.

 

[Centurion]

Sad, yes but not unexpected. I always thought the Phaeton would be a dismal failure in the US - it is a market that values status-symbols over Quality - image over substance - it seems ridiculous to me that a car as great as the Phaeton will no longer be sold in the US and yet they will happily pay for the gas-guzzling Mercedes G class simply because it might impress their unsophisticated neighbours.

Right on spot as usually Roberto. The american are very imgae concious and especially when it comes to cars. With Audi cars being discriminated due to their VW DNA, it is hard to see the Phaeton selling as good as the A8 in US.

 

[Yperion]

With Audi cars being discriminated due to their VW DNA

If you think that's the reason Audi is not selling well in the US then you got it all wrong. 95% of all car buyers in US don't even know that Audi is owned from VW and the VW DNA you claim to see it's not obvious to me really.

 

[Mr. M]

Yeah, I think it's more of a problem of brand recognition than one of company affliliations.

I just hope Bernd does not completely phase out the Phaeton from VW. I remembered one of his statements was "to keep VW as cost-efficient as possible." Although the Phaeton is barely making enough money for VW (I think), the Phaeton just needs time for acceptance, like the time needed by the A8 to finally have people thinking of it as a venerable contender to the heavyweight S-Class and 7 Series.

And marketing! VW's marketing is horrendous.

 

[SDNR]

Quite Mirage77, but I wouldn't worry too much about it, those stupid people who insist on paying so much more for a Bentley Continental GT or Flying Spur are helping to keep the money coming in at VW.

BTW, I must confess - I know somebody who is buying a Flying Spur, he is not a man of extraordinary taste or particularly good judgement. The Phaeton is an excellent car of great value; the Flying spur costs way more and isn't as good looking - yet people will pay for that badge.

 

[Alx]

Sad, yes but not unexpected. I always thought the Phaeton would be a dismal failure in the US - it is a market that values status-symbols over Quality - image over substance - it seems ridiculous to me that a car as great as the Phaeton will no longer be sold in the US and yet they will happily pay for the gas-guzzling Mercedes G class simply because it might impress their unsophisticated neighbours.

Absolutley, i feel bad for current Phaeton owners... They gotta be really dissapointed. Great car, but what a downer!

 

[Yperion]

BTW, I must confess - I know somebody who is buying a Flying Spur, he is not a man of extraordinary taste or particularly good judgement. The Phaeton is an excellent car of great value; the Flying spur costs way more and isn't as good looking - yet people will pay for that badge.

It's strange how much more people are willing to pay just for the brand name but i can't blame them. If it hadn't been like that the German companies would all be bankrupt by now.

As for the FS not being good looking i don't agree. It's exactly how a Bentley should be.

 

[SDNR]

Alex. I just want to make it clear that I don't think all Americans are only interested in status-symbols - you for one, are most certainly a true car enthusiast of substance. I was referring to "the market" in general - the US being the biggest auto-market. To be honest however, I think many Europeans are just as "image conscious" - and in my experience, the Chinese take brand awareness to new levels of obsession.

 

[Mr. M]

Roberto, I think what you say about the Chinese is true. My dad has always reminded me that once the Chinese are rich, they'll never buy anything less than an Audi. He does business in China and he has learnt much from their culture there.

Well, we'll have to see how the Phaeton facelift comes along. I hope they don't go ahead with the 'hatchback' concept! They intended to bring the Phaeton downmarket to compete with the E-Class and the A6. I say, keep the sedan!

The Transparent Factory is absolutely awesome.

 

[Alx]

Alex. I just want to make it clear that I don't think all Americans are only interested in status-symbols - you for one, are most certainly a true car enthusiast of substance. I was referring to "the market" in general - the US being the biggest auto-market. To be honest however, I think many Europeans are just as "image conscious" - and in my experience, the Chinese take brand awareness to new levels of obsession.

i agree, and i know what you meant, i wasnt arguing your point.

Just saying all those Phaeton owners with new cars that arent going to be produced anymore, spending so much money on an obsolete car, is a horrible feeling.

Iv'e seen the car, and like it as a sedan, but i wouldnt have went for one no matter what. No value, major depreciation and now this! Damn...

 

[warot]

Alex. I just want to make it clear that I don't think all Americans are only interested in status-symbols - you for one, are most certainly a true car enthusiast of substance. I was referring to "the market" in general - the US being the biggest auto-market. To be honest however, I think many Europeans are just as "image conscious" - and in my experience, the Chinese take brand awareness to new levels of obsession.

Although the quality might be as good as the A8, if you had a choice between the two would you buy the Phaeton? In this sector of the car market, the image is at least 30 percent of why people buy an +$60k car.

Think of it this way... If Benz made a horrible W222 or BMW made a horrible 2007 7er, people will still buy it because it's a status symbol. But if VW on a luxury car this expensive, there will be no mercy.

 

[Centurion]

Yeah usually when people are going to buy a 30k+ they want it to look good and to be premium and VW is not a premium brand. Many people wouldn't mind buying a passat instead of a 3er or A4 but from many it is impossible to choose a Pheaton a freaking VW over the luxury symbol itself the S-class.

Instead of jumping right into the top luxury segment VW should have instead produced a A6/E-class competitor. Their jump from Passat to an S-class competitor has simply been too big.

 

[Carbon]

Sad but not unexpected. The US market is very brand conscious especially in the upper end of the price spectrum.

 

[Mark]

It's all about profits. Nothing else!

I read somewhere about a year ago that the teams and resources (including all R&D) for the Phaeton were being slowly 'realigned' to focus on their more upscale niche: Bentley.
This may indicate that they are planning to eventually get rid of the Phaeton (or maybe just keep the name and dress up an Audi A6 with the VW badge to clearly steer away from A8s playing field).

 

[warot]

Sad but not unexpected. The US market is very brand conscious especially in the upper end of the price spectrum.

not just the US... anywhere in the world, when all that money is involved. Remember, cars in the US aren't exactly expensive as taxes for cars in other countries are much higher.

If you thought 80 grand for VW is bad, it's probably worst in places like South Africa.

 

[Alx]

Well as per the VW forums, its only being discontinued in the US market.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2290187

 

[bum-man]

Meh, why pay for the Phaeton when you can have the lighter and better looking A8 for a couple thousand more? If you want the comfort buy the cheaper LS.

 

[Carbon]

When I say brand conscious, it's kind of US biased. Brand conscious in one country may mean something completely different in another in terms of which brans you would buy over another. In the US, Mercedes-Benz and BMW are kind of the yuppie cars with Audi slowly gaining in the market. As much as I want Audi to succeed, I also feel more special being an Audi fan since we're the underdog that only people in the know are aware is a good brand (or at least it used to be this way). The day I see an A8 chromed out in a rap video I'll have to kill someone.