Must have products....

[wayno]

Personally I have a very low opinion of Audi's after market skills. Having been involved in the original TT fiasco, ( introduction of S-Line model including extras that 2 weeks earlier, owners had been paying for, with Audi eventually forced to return some money) and then the reason i didn't buy an RS4 cab 2 months ago, is that the supply/demand ratio has been abruptly turned around with Audi flooding what was a " must have product" with RS4 cabs now available new with a discount ( compared with 12 week wait last summer) along with accompanying depreciation.

What Audi seem to fail to appreciate is the value of a must have, long waiting list demand model - look at Rolex with it's stainless steel Daytona - every watch afficinado knows it has a 5 - 7 year waiting list- but Rolex refuses to ramp up production, keeping demand outsripping supply. Or Marc Jacob's bags? Richard Mille limited watches or Chanel's latest bags? These are luxury brands who know that value of "must have" products. The chances of Audi learning this?

The R8 is Audi's best chance to be perceived as a viable alternative to BMW & Mercedes as a luxury car manufacturer rather than Volkswages' slightly racier sister. Let's hope they dont screw this up, but my money is on short term profits beating long term image creation...

Wayno

[L3MAN]

Should take leaf out of Enzo Ferraris book - when asked how many cars he will produce in any oine year? The answer - one less than the market has asked for. Now that is supply and demand and fair to all concerned.