Reuters had access to a message published on Volkswagen's intranet site in which brand chief Thomas Schaefer admitted partial and early retirements are planned.
Economy pricing has faded away but more importantly the quality of the drive did too. Paying a bit more, compared to rival makes/models, for a better driving car was their bread/butter. The moment Jettas no longer came with independent rear suspension (GLi excluded) they no longer had a niche. Why pay more for a econo-box when a cheaper competitor handles and drives as good or better?
Then they started reducing their available models. If they weren’t losing market share to rival brands they were cannibalizing among their own brands.
As a VAG enthusiast in the NA market, this was obvious years ago. Small bit of hope that the fool(s) at the top are recognizing it, finally.
My VW dealer barely has stock, meanwhile the Audi that is 100 feet away is packed with cars.
I see a lot of Atlas and Taos on the road. I think the Toas and Atlas Sport are cannibalizing Tiguan sales. I see a some GTIs in my area but not as many as previous generations. The price is just outrageous for what you get.
Economy pricing has faded away but more importantly the quality of the drive did too. Paying a bit more, compared to rival makes/models, for a better driving car was their bread/butter. The moment Jettas no longer came with independent rear suspension (GLi excluded) they no longer had a niche. Why pay more for a econo-box when a cheaper competitor handles and drives as good or better?
Then they started reducing their available models. If they weren’t losing market share to rival brands they were cannibalizing among their own brands.
As a VAG enthusiast in the NA market, this was obvious years ago. Small bit of hope that the fool(s) at the top are recognizing it, finally.
My VW dealer barely has stock, meanwhile the Audi that is 100 feet away is packed with cars.
I see a lot of Atlas and Taos on the road. I think the Toas and Atlas Sport are cannibalizing Tiguan sales. I see a some GTIs in my area but not as many as previous generations. The price is just outrageous for what you get.