Auto or Manual? Why?
04-28-2008, 10:26 AM
#16
Telling AoA what you think is a waste of good breath, however. . .
. . .putting MONEY to the desired outcome will have an impact.
Here is what could happen, but ONLY if enough paying customers will force the issue:
o manual transmissions or torque vectoring or keyless entry or, or, or whatever you want that you cannot get will become available.
The trouble is, unfortunately, NOT enough people will either TELL or SPEND. Audi got burned when it listened to all the TELLER's regarding a manual transmission A6. They certified the A6 stick and brought it to the US, wherein the ones in inventory gathered dust and rust.
If even 100 people would get together and sign a petition and SEND deposits, even that might not be enough -- why?
Simple:
Lunatic fringe ("I know you're out there.")
BTW, I am a card carry member of the LF -- but I, frankly, have enough enjoyment out of the current breed of tiptronics and the upcoming 7 speed Stronics, etc etc etc, that, I am just an associate member of the LF.
"We have met the enemy and it (he) is us" [sic.]
Here is what could happen, but ONLY if enough paying customers will force the issue:
o manual transmissions or torque vectoring or keyless entry or, or, or whatever you want that you cannot get will become available.
The trouble is, unfortunately, NOT enough people will either TELL or SPEND. Audi got burned when it listened to all the TELLER's regarding a manual transmission A6. They certified the A6 stick and brought it to the US, wherein the ones in inventory gathered dust and rust.
If even 100 people would get together and sign a petition and SEND deposits, even that might not be enough -- why?
Simple:
Lunatic fringe ("I know you're out there.")
BTW, I am a card carry member of the LF -- but I, frankly, have enough enjoyment out of the current breed of tiptronics and the upcoming 7 speed Stronics, etc etc etc, that, I am just an associate member of the LF.
"We have met the enemy and it (he) is us" [sic.]
04-28-2008, 10:37 AM
#18
Audiworld Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
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Re: Telling AoA what you think is a waste of good breath, however. . .
I hope you're wrong. But why do they risk getting burned? If most Audis sold in the U.S. are custom-ordered (I think they are), then why would they have to ship a lot of MT-equipped Avants over here to sit in inventory. I've never seen more than a tiny handful of Audis in the dealer lots (rarely, if ever, an Avant). Just make manual an order-able configuration. How different is the Avant from the A4 sedan when it comes to transmissions?
04-28-2008, 10:45 AM
#20
The only sure way to convince Audi is for you, and many others, to vote with your 40,000 bucks.
Audi does not believe they will make money importing Avants with a manual transmission.
In fact, after market research, they believe they will LOSE money if they do.
So, if a manual transmission in an "Avant-like vehicle" is really a high priority for you, take your $40,000+ and buy a BMW 3 series Sports Wagon with a MT. THEN send your email to AoA and tell them about it.
You and your friends will need to buy alot of them but, if you do over a few years time, Audi might change their minds and decide to offer one for NA.
Short of that you're wasting electrons.
In fact, after market research, they believe they will LOSE money if they do.
So, if a manual transmission in an "Avant-like vehicle" is really a high priority for you, take your $40,000+ and buy a BMW 3 series Sports Wagon with a MT. THEN send your email to AoA and tell them about it.
You and your friends will need to buy alot of them but, if you do over a few years time, Audi might change their minds and decide to offer one for NA.
Short of that you're wasting electrons.