A3 Sales Continue to fall
08-03-2007, 09:42 AM
#11
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Re: A3 Sales Continue to fall
I suspect that a lot of buyers are put off by how much one or two options add to the bottom line. The only extras I wanted were the sport suspension and a sunroof,and they jacked the price up quite a bit. By that point I was already smitten by what a great curve straightener the A3 is.
I don't know how the GTI's sales compare. But I suspect that people who do a feature-for-dollar comparison might figure they can get essentially the same car for less money. Plus they can get a real sunroof instead of the less than ideal OpenSky system.
I don't know how the GTI's sales compare. But I suspect that people who do a feature-for-dollar comparison might figure they can get essentially the same car for less money. Plus they can get a real sunroof instead of the less than ideal OpenSky system.
08-03-2007, 05:14 PM
#14
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But if it weren't for A3 i might not have stayed with Audi
after my A6. Maybe Mazdaspeed 3 or something.
Also, don't these lux brands see their lowest cost vehicles as an entry point to the brand, with the idea that the A3 first-time-audi-buyer will stay in the family next time?
Too many dealers have a month-to-month mentality, but not surprised given the turnover in salespeople...
Also, don't these lux brands see their lowest cost vehicles as an entry point to the brand, with the idea that the A3 first-time-audi-buyer will stay in the family next time?
Too many dealers have a month-to-month mentality, but not surprised given the turnover in salespeople...
08-04-2007, 05:25 AM
#18
A3 Is The Most Popular Audi In Other Countries Just Not Here
In other countries the A3 is the most common Audi you will see. They are literally everywhere in Europe. It is their top selling model than comes the a4.
Americans like sedans as opposed to hatchbacks. Thats the theory anyway. Many people have issues with expensive hatchbacks (whats an SUV anyway)
I have read repeatedly that Audi does not feel they should give the car away in the American market. In a nutshell they are not going to give it away.
There is not a lot of advertising for it anyway. When I got mine most people had never ever seen one.
The fact is the dollar is at record lows against the Euro so it puts extreme pressure on Euro products price wise. My European companies are involved in currency arbitrage to compensate.
Americans like sedans as opposed to hatchbacks. Thats the theory anyway. Many people have issues with expensive hatchbacks (whats an SUV anyway)
I have read repeatedly that Audi does not feel they should give the car away in the American market. In a nutshell they are not going to give it away.
There is not a lot of advertising for it anyway. When I got mine most people had never ever seen one.
The fact is the dollar is at record lows against the Euro so it puts extreme pressure on Euro products price wise. My European companies are involved in currency arbitrage to compensate.
08-04-2007, 08:37 AM
#19
You hit the nail on the head. Audi has to discount the A3 a lot compared to European prices
and at the volumes it is likely to sell here, it isn't worth expending too much effort and cash on the model when a lot more can be made readily elsewhere. If it takes off, fine. Same applies to A4 and A6 Avants. Dealer allocation is slim.
If it doesn't find an audience here, it already has one elsewhere. The fact that there are incentives to clear out inventory is good for bargain hunters, but not for our chances to see future versions and more versions. If it continues to come, it will be on the back of the VW Golf/GTi and TT, as those cars have the volume to make certification worthwhile. Those cars also bring profits into the dealerships, allowing them to offer money loser cars like the A3.
I really like the luxury hot hatch concept, and hope appreciation continues to grow. A GTi is the wrong demographic for me and the TT isn't practical enough.
If it doesn't find an audience here, it already has one elsewhere. The fact that there are incentives to clear out inventory is good for bargain hunters, but not for our chances to see future versions and more versions. If it continues to come, it will be on the back of the VW Golf/GTi and TT, as those cars have the volume to make certification worthwhile. Those cars also bring profits into the dealerships, allowing them to offer money loser cars like the A3.
I really like the luxury hot hatch concept, and hope appreciation continues to grow. A GTi is the wrong demographic for me and the TT isn't practical enough.
08-05-2007, 04:40 PM
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If it really grabs me, I *will* keep it for the long haul but would have to get
the extended warranty. I just hope the A3 is more reliable than the TT. I was getting tired of those damned electrical quirks. TT has been extremely sound mechanically, though. Great engine and drive train.