BMW to outsell VW in the US this year

[Kirby]

From Autoblog:

BMW, in all their Bangled glory, are set to surpass Volkswagen in sales in the United States to become the number one European seller in the country. VW, who sold 65,000 more vehicles than BMW in the U.S in 2003, are only 45 units ahead through November of this year (and that figure does not include BMW’s MINI brand). But a VW of America spokesman says the two German automakers compete in different markets, so VW is not concerned. Different markets? What about the Phaeton vs. 7-Series (which flopped mightily, but none-the-less)? Toureg vs. X5? Passat vs. 3-Series? Okay, that last one is a little bit of a stretch, but with VW’s attempts to go up-market, I’m sure their not quite letting on to their concern. Especially, as their sales have been declining since 2002, and are down 17.6% this year.

 

[Wallie05]

Just because VW had a single bad year doesn't mean that they're overly worried. They posted enormous growth throughout the 90s in the U.S. market with the redesigned Jetta and Passat, and now that those models are showing their age, sales have slowed. What's the shocker? VW is redesigning them, and I'm sure they'll come out strong after. As for the Phaeton, why is it a flop? Just because it hasn't sold like a 7 or S, doesn't make it so. It wasn't meant to be a huge threat--it was just meant as an alternative for less-image conscious buyers, of which, there are fewer in that segment to begin with. They are limited production models--VW even brags about this in their ads. I'm sure VW knew that it wasn't going to be an imminent success. Despite its poor sales, I've read many compliments from automotive journalists, and I, personally, wouldn't hesitate in the least about owning one. Also, I think VW made a mistake by not releasing the short-wheelbase version in the U.S.--doing so would've allowed for a slightly cheaper version which may have sparked more interest.

A final note about VW, for the most part, the generation that currently can afford to buy the Phaeton doesn't like the idea of a 70-100K VW because they didn't grow up with that. They grew up with the econo-box VW. But mark my words, my generation--the generation that grew up with 27K Jettas with power, heated-leather and wood trim, and 50K Touareg's will all the latest gizmos imagineable-- will be the future buyers of VW's luxury cars. It's already happening to an extent with the Touareg. VW is cultivating its future brand loyalty as we speak, and that's why BMW is so desperate to release a 1 series in the U.S.--so they could "groom" future buyers. And watch out when VW's latest gen. Passat comes out; I'm sure it will be as pleasing as Audi's A6.

As for growth, I hate it when people make this argument. When you're not the top seller/biggest producer, it's a lot EASIER to increase sales than someone who's already AT the top. Same goes for countries--people always brag about the bigger/faster growth rates in GDP in China and India--but that's because they have MORE room to grow their smaller GDPs than big, already established countries like the U.S.

 

[bmw046series]

The thing of it is, who want's the most sales, then your resale value goes down, and the price and quaility goes with it. VW has been getting a bad rap for a while now because of consistant problems with their products. I wonder what Mercedes & Audi sales are at?

 

[Default]

I can't believe this, how is this possible? BMW is turning into Honda...

 

[adrean8j]

From Autoblog:

Toureg vs. X5?

Hold on a sec...the Toureg is beautiful compared to an X5...first SUV(or whatever they are called--SAV?) that I have looked at in years and liked.....

 

[codex57]

I think the Toureg is really bland and boring looking. Interior looks luxe, but lots of stuff bother me (the shifter comes to mind). I can see similarities btw the Toureg and the Cayenned (not a good thing). So, it's not universally loved. Anyone have the sales numbers? I suspect it's not a runaway success. I wanna compare its numbers to say, the numbers of certain BMWs when they first came out such as the E36, E39, E46, and even the X5.

 

[Militant-Grunt]

Hold on a sec...the Toureg is beautiful compared to an X5...first SUV(or whatever they are called--SAV?) that I have looked at in years and liked.....

I find the X5 way prettier than the Toureg. Althought, I happened to sit in a X5 yesterday, and its scary cramped. And low visibility in the rear. Freaking rear headrest blocking the view.

 

[adrean8j]

No I would have to disagree with you fellows........
The X5 has a "me2" design concept IMHO. The Toureg does share some things with the Cayenne....which has sold pretty well if I recall correctly(at least over here...I have had to pull over multiple times to get out of ones way) Why is it not a good thing to share with the Cayenne? The suspension and braking and engine on the Cayenne is top notch...(dont really like the optics....the Toureg looks better)......

 

[poboyis]

are the VW sales including Audi? And id have to say the passat is closer to a 5 than a 3

 

[///M SPEED]

Hold on a sec...the Toureg is beautiful compared to an X5...first SUV(or whatever they are called--SAV?) that I have looked at in years and liked.....

I have to agree, I love the looks of the Toureg. Very well styled and classy looking. I love the looks of the X5 as well.