VAG and the Holy Grail?

[marcski]

Quite an interesting read....:

http://autos.yahoo.com/news/has-vol...y-grail-of-carmakers--192022985.html?page=all

 

[Cannonball]

Not what I was expecting from the subject line. For most guys vag IS the holy grail.

 

[Nick]

Not what I was expecting from the subject line. For most guys vag IS the holy grail.

Lol, my thought exactly at the OP

This makes me think of the reasons why Southwest and Jetblue were profitable when many other airlines were floundering. Their simplified fleet of just a few plane types. Parts are more available, less specific needs, mechanics are easier cross trained and can be used anywhere, etc. It's just efficencies.

 

[marcski]

Lol, my thought exactly at the OP

This makes me think of the reasons why Southwest and Jetblue were profitable when many other airlines were floundering. Their simplified fleet of just a few plane types. Parts are more available, less specific needs, mechanics are easier cross trained and can be used anywhere, etc. It's just efficencies.

Generally I agree...(sorry about the confusion in the thread title. ). But, didn't GM do this with their Oldsmobuick...where they basically repackaged the same car under different brands? And look what happened to them. Query?

 

[ctenidae]

No one should call VW VAG. Period.

The difference in the Oldsmobuick, Pontiac, Dodge fiascos is that they were all very clearly the exact same car, rebranded. Plus they were shitty cars. The Saaburu 9-2 was only marginally better differentiated. These, at least, are different looking cars, even if the underpinnings are the same.

 

[marcski]

I'm just really playing devil's advocate here...I'm a big fan of Audi.

 

[Geoff]

I'm just really playing devil's advocate here...I'm a big fan of Audi.

I've never been able to justify the brand premium on a depreciating asset. I've been totally happy driving GTIs.

And a Mexican-built Audi? Yikes!

 

[bvibert]

No one should call VW VAG. Period.

The difference in the Oldsmobuick, Pontiac, Dodge fiascos is that they were all very clearly the exact same car, rebranded. Plus they were shitty cars. The Saaburu 9-2 was only marginally better differentiated. These, at least, are different looking cars, even if the underpinnings are the same.

Not to mention VW has been sharing platforms with Audi for years, that's nothing new. This is taking it to the next level.

 

[marcski]

I've never been able to justify the brand premium on a depreciating asset. I've been totally happy driving GTIs.

And a Mexican-built Audi? Yikes!

Yes, I agree with your yikes!! My Audis have all been made in Germany.

 

[mattchuck2]

I just want one of these:

305 Horsepower, 89 miles per gallon. Info:

http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/bran...s-diesel-electrical-outlets-world-domination/

 

[Geoff]

I just want one of these:

305 Horsepower, 89 miles per gallon. Info:

http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/bran...s-diesel-electrical-outlets-world-domination/

Indeed. Diesel hybrid. I wonder what it will cost?

 

[marcski]

That thing looks a lot more like the new Grand Cherokee and a lot less like a Touareg.

 

[wa-loaf]

I just want one of these:

305 Horsepower, 89 miles per gallon. Info:

http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/bran...s-diesel-electrical-outlets-world-domination/

I'd be happy with a straight diesel.

Indeed. Diesel hybrid. I wonder what it will cost?

I think they are shooting for low to mid 30's

That thing looks a lot more like the new Grand Cherokee and a lot less like a Touareg.

Grand Cherokee getting a diesel next year.

 

[Geoff]

I think they are shooting for low to mid 30's

I haven't seen anywhere that VW is saying they will actually build a diesel-hybrid. If they did, I can't imagine they would sell that as a diesel-hybrid for low to mid 30's. The diesel adds cost. The batteries and motors for the hybrid system add cost. Maybe with a mildly underpowered gasoline engine (200-ish HP 2.0T), they could hit that price point since the Tiguan comes in at that price point. Personally, I'd have little interest in what would likely be a sub-25 MPG highway SUV that burns premium gas. The bigger VWs are only interesting to me when they come with a diesel since their fuel operating costs on premium fuel are a deal killer. I'd rather get the Tiguan with better performance and better aerodynamics.

 

[wa-loaf]

I haven't seen anywhere that VW is saying they will actually build a diesel-hybrid. If they did, I can't imagine they would sell that as a diesel-hybrid for low to mid 30's. The diesel adds cost. The batteries and motors for the hybrid system add cost. Maybe with a mildly underpowered gasoline engine (200-ish HP 2.0T), they could hit that price point since the Tiguan comes in at that price point. Personally, I'd have little interest in what would likely be a sub-25 MPG highway SUV that burns premium gas. The bigger VWs are only interesting to me when they come with a diesel since their fuel operating costs on premium fuel are a deal killer. I'd rather get the Tiguan with better performance and better aerodynamics.

They're aren't marketing it to you anyway. It's for us family folk who don't want a minivan. I'm making due with a wagon for now, but in 5 years when my kids are teens I'll probably need something a little bigger than the sport wagon.

 

[octopus]

Indeed. Diesel hybrid. I wonder what it will cost?

that seems interesting, but very complicated. 3 separate drive systems? diesel grand seems just about perfect if they use a quality motor

 

[deadheadskier]

Wonder if Mercedes will release their new SUV in a Hybrid :lol: