US sales: December 2006: Audi, BMW, MB, VW, Porsche

[Mr. M]

All carmakers had one heck of a year in the US in 2006, well done to all of them!

Audi's sales still pale in comparison to both MB and BMW though, it still has quite a long way to go in the US! Plus, I'd hope for VW to introduce more models into the US, like the volume-seller Polo or even the fiesty Polo GTI. Not only that, the Rabbit needs a new 2.0FSI engine to replace the now-old I5 2.5 - more fuel efficiency can't be that bad.

 

[Ultimate Car Guy]

I'd hope for VW to introduce more models into the US, like the volume-seller Polo or even the fiesty Polo GTI.

I don't think the Polo would do well in the USA- well the hatchback anyway- considering that Americans aren't very favourable of small hatchbacks (except the new MINI), and as the slow selling new Beetle will attest. Which is a real shame because they miss out on some very hot hatches like the Polo GTi and Golf GTi.

If they made a big Ute/Pickup version of the Toureg then i reckon they would have a seller.

 

[Mr. M]

I don't think the Polo would do well in the USA- well the hatchback anyway- considering that Americans aren't very favourable of small hatchbacks (except the new MINI), and as the slow selling new Beetle will attest. Which is a real shame because they miss out on some very hot hatches like the Polo GTi and Golf GTi.

If they made a big Ute/Pickup version of the Toureg then i reckon they would have a seller.

The Beetle is selling for far too much money. The Polo is targeting at entry-level German car territory - as far as I know no German carmaker sells a car at this low a price (Opel? Hmm...) and I believe people would pay for it. Moreover people keep saying VWs are overpriced, its time to give them a honest, reliable and affordable hatchback with no strings attached that would VW a kickstart in its battered image as being unreliable and expensive.

 

[Ultimate Car Guy]

Moreover people keep saying VWs are overpriced, its time to give them a honest, reliable and affordable hatchback with no strings attached that would VW a kickstart in its battered image as being unreliable and expensive.

The reason VW have to sell at a higher price in the USA and still make a loss is because they don't manufacture there. It means that they have to pay the tax- which they have to pass on to the consumer through a higher price- and unfavourable changes in the currency mean that they export the car in the US at an unfavourably high price.

As for an entry-level german car, I still think the best is the Rabbit and Jetta. A Polo hatchback is just way TOO small. VW would have to offer a very individual and distictive Polo ( like a MINI) to succeed.

 

[Mr. M]

The reason VW have to sell at a higher price in the USA and still make a loss is because they don't manufacture there. It means that they have to pay the tax- which they have to pass on to the consumer through a higher price- and unfavourable changes in the currency mean that they export the car in the US at an unfavourably high price.

As for an entry-level german car, I still think the best is the Rabbit and Jetta. A Polo hatchback is just way TOO small. VW would have to offer a very individual and distictive Polo ( like a MINI) to succeed.

I understand what you mean about the pricing, and yes VW is in a fix about this. Their plant in Mexico isn't doing any good? VW should go ahead and build a factory in the US then, I wonder what's stopping them. It could also build Audis benefiting both brands.

As for the Polo, well we differ right there.

 

[wltsm]

Good to see that all the German brands are doing well, none of them can tough Lexus in the US though, despite Lexus having a much smaller model range. BTW, is the new LS460 on sale yet?

Great to see BMW doing very well, although why aren't there any figures for the RR Phantom? Seems like BMW are unstopable. Despite all of the new models MB should be doing better, I sure hope the new C class will make this different, but it has got to be very good!

I'm interested to see the world wide figures now!

 

[Bruce]

..is the new LS460 on sale yet?..

Yes, I believe it is.

 

[EnI]

BTW, is the new LS460 on sale yet?

Great to see BMW doing very well, although why aren't there any figures for the RR Phantom?

I'm interested to see the world wide figures now!

1. Yes, it is.

2. According to Autdata (not official figures by carmakers!) 360 Phantoms were sold in US in 2006 (increase of +50%), while according to Autodata Maybach sold 180 vehicles (while MB official figures state 146 Maybach were sold).

3. worldwide figures coming tomorrow and/or Monday.

 

[wltsm]

Thanks for the information!

I'm amazed a car like the Phantom, which isn't new, has had an increase of 50% in sales, this car is killing the Maybach!

 

[Ultimate Car Guy]

VW should go ahead and build a factory in the US then, I wonder what's stopping them. It could also build Audis benefiting both brands.

This is something i've been pondering for a while now. Why don't they build a plant in the US? it makes good sense, just as BMW and Merc. have been doing along with the Japanese brands.

If a plant were to open, it would be a good place to manufacture the Toureg, Q7, Q5, Passat.

 

[Mr. M]

This is something i've been pondering for a while now. Why don't they build a plant in the US? it makes good sense, just as BMW and Merc. have been doing along with the Japanese brands.

If a plant were to open, it would be a good place to manufacture the Toureg, Q7, Q5, Passat.

VW's so distracted in their boardroom antics they aren't focusing on their products.