Sales Figures
VW’s sales figures in the US fell for the third year in a row. I can understand this. The number of people screwed by VWoA is reaching a critical mass and people are realizing what POS VW vehicles are. However, they are reporting that the sales figures for December took an upswing. This I cannot understand. Did VWoA make a major push in December so as not to get beat out by BMW? It appears that BMW sales edged out VW.
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297 Said,
January 26, 2005 @ 1:50 am
Sales Figures – Another point of view is that any platform gradually loses sales as it gets older. The MkIV is six years old and the last three years have seen an influx of brand new/renewed models.
The upswing in December comes from a major push to unload all the MkIVs left plus a healthy market in Touaregs.
The MkV comes this year, the Jetta was at the LA Auto Show last week and I saw two MkV Golfs in Culver City a few paces away from my favorite westside Cuban restaurant, which was my destination when I saw them being photographed for the upcoming ad campaigns I’m sure will hit in spring. Note: the new Jetta to me looks like crap, and the Golf looks like a tiny Toyota Matrix — but they have revolutionary engine tech, rear independent suspension, and any number of new updates that come standard in models from the last two years.
In other words, VW is pinning its hopes on the new MkV this year, and in 2006, a face-lifted New Beetle (it’ll stay a MkIV platform, though).
News Article
297 Said,
January 26, 2005 @ 1:54 am
Sales Figures – Bear in mind to those who have had problems with their VW — it’s always good to have a wait and see attitude about new models, it’s like a brand new bag.
This does not decrease the importance of noting issues with the soon to be defunct MkIV, but it does mean you should not carry your bias to the new MkV. Let’s wait and see if things are better, and try to stay objective.
Bias towards dealerships, on the otherhand, are not affected by a new platform launch.
rick Said,
January 26, 2005 @ 2:00 am
Sales Figures – Paultakeda said: “” Let’s wait and see if things are better, and try to stay objective.”"
Hey, if we were objective this site would be called VWMayOrMayNotSuck.com”".
V-dubber Said,
January 26, 2005 @ 2:49 am
Sales Figures – Regardless of how much better these cars may be, I’m sure MKV owners will still have to deal with the same poor customer service. If I actually had an incliniation to continue dealing an FU customer service policy & more rude “Customer Advocates” I’d surely buy one.
VWVictim Said,
January 26, 2005 @ 3:14 am
Sales Figures – With a 3 year in a row drop in sales in the American market, the American market is a one billion dollar drain on VW. VW’s worlwide profit is approaching zilch. VW’s shareholders are demanding action. VW’s management is saying that they are going to cut costs. With VW’s history of poor quality and management looking to cut costs, I think you would be insane to buy a first year product.
297 Said,
January 26, 2005 @ 3:21 am
Sales Figures – You would be insane to buy a first year product, period.
And yes, if a dealership sucks, it still sucks, only with new inventory.
All tangents aside, the point is sales drop as a model gets older. How much of the sales drop is attributable to the old model is the interesting question.
YupOldBull Said,
January 26, 2005 @ 7:09 am
Sales Figures – “”Sales of Volkswagen vehicles fell 16 percent in 2004. The company said the new models would return to the company’s roots of tight-handling European performance cars in an attempt to reinvigorate the brand.”"
Click Here for entire article
Beck Said,
January 26, 2005 @ 7:44 am
Sales Figures – Cost cutting to come in Volksyugo. This means we get parts that will be built at cheaper costs which will most likely translate to worse reliability. The company’s in big trouble, cause I saw their new boss for the N.A. market being interviewed on TV about a week ago. He blamed all of Volksyugos recent problems on the lack of new product to sell the public and not one mention of quality control and reliability problems that I thought they were finally opening up to discussion to improve the brand. I think it could be a further downhill slide for volksyugo, after the hype dies down on these new cars they are introducing and when they start falling apart on the new owners. Too bad, cause the new cars look pretty nice. Seems like a familiar pattern that they follow. Remember how big a hit the B5s and New Beetles were when they first came out.
VWVictim Said,
January 27, 2005 @ 1:43 am
Sales Figures – VW is having a massive quality control problem. They are at the bottom of the list for first year owner satisfaction and problems. It would be insane to buy the first year product. There will always be people who will buy first year products. Let these unsuspecting people take the risk. After a year or so see how the problem is working out. Then, if VW has pulled its head out of its posterior, it MAY be safe to buy a VW. I think even the most ardent VW fanatic would agree.
297 Said,
January 27, 2005 @ 3:19 am
Sales Figures – That’s a lesson for ANY car, VW or not.
I waited three years before purchasing my car, precisely because it was a brand new platform coming out of a brand new factory.
297 Said,
January 27, 2005 @ 11:28 am
Sales Figures – Cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean worse.
The MkIV was launched at the same time as brand new manufacturing facilities were erected in South America.
The MkV comes out of plants that have five to seven years under their belt.
The MkIV was one of the first automobiles (not just VW) to carry a large amount of electronics in its system. Now it is about the same as most new models out there, and some, especially hybrids, have far more sophisticated systems. This introduced unforeseen electronic problems in production models coming out of brand new factories.
The MkV sports second or even third generation electronics, which promises less of the issues that assaulted the early MkIV (2000 MY and older).
VW is optimistic because they can be. Whether or not it’ll work out will be something we can talk about next year.
(As always, this does not mean dealerships will improve, that’s another ball game)
297 Said,
January 27, 2005 @ 11:32 am
Sales Figures – Oh, and I still think the new Jetta is ugly and the Golf is a weird looking miniaturized Toyota Matrix or fat Ford Focus.
God knows what the “”facelift”" on the New Beetle will look like.
I think I’m just predisposed to hate 2005 car designs. The Audis are looking mighty fat and sporting ridiculously big grills on the front. BMWs are just plain ugly this time around. The new GTO is just… banal. Basically, just the new Mustang appealed to me.
Let’s just say that the only thing making me like VW for this year is the engine (FSI turbos), the independent rear suspension, and the paddle-shift DSG tranny in premium models.
297 Said,
January 28, 2005 @ 1:11 am
Sales Figures – You continue to ignore the caveat in the first sentence of my responses.
Curious.
VWVictim Said,
January 28, 2005 @ 1:54 am
Sales Figures – I am not ignoring the caveat in your postings. I understand that all manufacturers have problems. But not all of them are having the massive quality control problems that VW is having.
YupOldBull Said,
January 28, 2005 @ 3:00 am
Sales Figures – I just have a few easy questions. Re: 2000 Jetta
Why are the 03s and 04s having some of the same difficulties my 00 has?
Why does the window regulator litigation cover from 1995 to present?
A suit has been filed against Volkswagen for allegedly selling cars with defective window regulators. The affected models include the Jetta, GTI, Golf and Beetle, model years from 1995 to the present.
After 7, 8, or 9 yearswhat is the point? Dont give me this 3 year thing and then it is all better, fixed, and improved! In todays business world, being slow to react to defects and problems, will cost you customers. Isnt that what we are seeing here?
What is a caveat? I have always been curious and would hate to ignore one.
And yes, it is not just VW! It used to be Fiat before they closed shop in North America! Poor sales and declining quality!
I lived through multiple Russian five year plans in the 50s and 60s. They worked better than some of these running production changes.
Oh yeah remember, the U.S.S.R. went out of business!
You might remember the wall coming downI remember when it went up.
Reference window regulator litigation
297 Said,
January 28, 2005 @ 3:21 am
Sales Figures – Massive quality control problems?
You know, to be honest, the biggest problem is how dealerships handle issue with the car, not “”massive quality control problems”".
TSBs for every make and model out there run in the dozens for each model year, so perhaps the real issue is the quality of the dealership and how it deals with a customer’s problems.
Another issue customers relate is the price of parts and repair.
Both these problems are not relevant to the coming of a new platform, and VWoA should realize that even with the new line this year, giving due attention to customer relations at the service center is far more pragmatic towards addressing low sales.
297 Said,
January 28, 2005 @ 3:30 am
Sales Figures – By the way, the window regulator warranty is a cover-all, but no TSB has been issued for it on 2003 and 2004 MY VWs (it is listed in 2002 and earlier).
Consider it VW acquiescing and deciding to cover the part even beyond the point when they started using metal clips as a way of keeping it simple and trying to win consumer favor.
edit: though VW needs to work more on that winning consumer favor part beyond extending the warranty to all MkIV models.
VWVictim Said,
January 28, 2005 @ 3:39 am
Sales Figures – I agree with you that VW has a major problem with their dealers. But the basis of this is indeed the massive quality control problem with the product itself.
297 Said,
January 28, 2005 @ 3:47 am
Sales Figures – Yeah, but the thing is, a lot of the problems that make consumers dislike VW (among far stronger emotions) are little niggly things that should be fixed quickly as what manufacturers euphemistically call a silent recall. Many dealerships go ahead and do it and the customer is none the wiser (Toyota TSBs are ridiuclously long, but no one complains, because most are addressed without further noise).
It’s not so much any of that but the way in which VW and VW dealerships handle these problems.
YupOldBull Said,
January 28, 2005 @ 5:20 am
Sales Figures – Sometimes it is what, isnt said that is important!
Look at this article on the lower end vehicles in Europe. (Lupo and Polo)
Are the Europeans more frank than their American counterparts
VW spokesman Jens Bobsien said the move isn’t a recall because that term applies only to safety-related flaws.
I know my car (2000 Jetta) has had 76 TSBs, 3 recalls, and 3 warranty extensions.
Mine sort of follows this pathlots of TSBs3 safety related itemsand (only) after litigation is filed.. 3 warranty extensions.
How do I get my glove box fixed? Heated mirror? Sunroof? Start litigation?
The point is that they dont offer recalls to fix things! Seems like they sit silent until litigation is filed. Is that the acid test and, if so, how can you defend that?
Full article
297 Said,
January 28, 2005 @ 5:29 am
Sales Figures – That’s my point, yup. If they sit silent and not fix it from a TSB, then that’s a consumer relations issue and VW definitely needs to improve on it.
Other manufacturers are much more willing to fix the problem without making the customer resort to complaints to the BBB and pursue litigation.
rick Said,
January 28, 2005 @ 6:05 am
Sales Figures – “”then that’s a consumer relations issue”"
Correction, Paul… then that’s when webistes like these crop up. Might I suggest that VW has more anti-sites than every other manufacturer?
I’ll give you the list if I need to… I oughta update the resources section anyway… even fan sites have more complaints than praise these days (oh please don’t challenge me to back that up… I could if pressed but the time it takes is daunting!)
297 Said,
January 28, 2005 @ 6:07 am
Sales Figures – How is that a correction? The reason anti-VW sites crop up is because VW isn’t addressing consumer relations enough, which is what I said.
rick Said,
January 28, 2005 @ 7:21 am
Sales Figures – Ok so it’s not a correction… I was trying to slip that in somewhere and I thought you’d be the best “target” of my reply! No offense, man.
VWVictim Said,
January 28, 2005 @ 9:06 am
Sales Figures – You are, of course, right. It would be a very wise move to wait three years before considering one of these new model VWs.
297 Said,
January 28, 2005 @ 10:45 am
Sales Figures – I keep hitting the same thing: it’s not just VW.
I really liked the MINI but I’d wait till at least this year before getting one.
And I really dig the RX-8 but that’s not something I’ll go for till next year or the year after.
It’s not just letting production models get a workout so they can fix the little kinks and find the major problems — it’s so they also get refined with more features as well as drop in price as they get less popular with age.
Any car is at its peak at around the third year of production. After that it goes downhill, the speed of degradation varies, but it goes downhill. And that’s when the new model comes out.
VWVictim Said,
January 28, 2005 @ 11:31 am
Sales Figures – VW is having massive problems with the vehicles that they are selling now. They are introducing new models this year. As you say, it is smart to wait three years into a model introduction before considering a purchase. It would be wise to wait until the 2008 model year before considering VW. Let the unsuspecting buyers be the ones to iron out all the problems. Why be a ginea pig.
297 Said,
January 29, 2005 @ 11:02 am
Sales Figures – Heh.
Chombi Said,
January 29, 2005 @ 11:08 am
Sales Figures – That is twisted logic Paul, When you say that cheap does not neccessarily mean bad.
It’s like you’re really saying, It’s OK for VW to make cheap parts, as long as VW service departments will be able to fix them when they break. So it’s so convenient for you to always blame the dealerships What about the down time with your vehicle in the service bay all those times they do break? That’s a lot of time and money lost by the owners. What about the safety issue with these fragile VWs going down the highway at speed carrying families?
To most people “”cheap”" design and construction usually means something that breaks more often. At least to most people who do not work for VW!
297 Said,
January 31, 2005 @ 1:45 am
Sales Figures – My definition of cheap was monetary.
VW in the past was known for solid, indestructible, CHEAP cars.
I would love to see them go back to making such cheap cars.
VWVictim Said,
February 3, 2005 @ 6:25 am
Sales Figures – There is a concept that I think of as “elegant” engineering. Building something to cost that is clever. When you see it you remark: ” thats clever”. This is a concept that is lost on VW. They are going with the “Look at the shiny bauble”. When you look behind the shiny front it is a piece of junk. VW has simply become pathetic.
297 Said,
February 4, 2005 @ 2:14 am
Sales Figures – I’d wait till the spring numbers are in before continuing this particular line of thought, VWVictim, as you are still discounting the new platform launch as a factor when looking at sales from last month.
If sales remain down by the end of June compared to last year your point will be that much stronger.
VWVictim Said,
February 4, 2005 @ 2:30 am
Sales Figures – And I must again say that I agree with you. People should wait three years into a model cycle before taking a chance. Particularly with cars as rife with problems as VWs.
297 Said,
February 4, 2005 @ 4:18 am
Sales Figures – Yeah, but that’s you and me. There’s always someone who buys first year models, and that boosts sales.
YupOldBull Said,
February 4, 2005 @ 4:52 am
Sales Figures – What? 3 years?
The window regulator litagation covers years 1995 through 2002. How does 3 years help you?
You can’t purchase one beyond the curve!
Beck Said,
February 4, 2005 @ 5:42 am
Sales Figures – It doesn’t matter how long you wait to buy a Volkyugo. I waited till the last Passat B4 model (97) to buy mine, partly to make sure I have minimal problems. My 97 still had all of the problems that the all model year B4s had. Windows that fall off their tracks, thermostat bodies that warp and leak, Radio and speakers that can’t handle any volume without rattling, ABS brake systems that work intermittently, ignition switches that fall apart and snuff out most of your electrical system as you drive, door handles that quit working, Interior door finshes that flake off, windshields that easily chip and crack, interior headliners that fall off, rear view mirrors that fall apart, dragging and noisy brakes, radio antennas/amps that fall apart and burn out, EGR systems that fall apart and leak oil all over the engine, check engine lights that are on most of the car’s life, Strut tower bearings that fail prematurely, Seat adjustment controls that fall off into your hands when you use them after a few years, water pumps that also fail prematurely, alternators that fail prematurely, ECUs that just die and leave you stranded on the road……and on and on and on… All this has happened with my car. Only problem that Volksyugo fessed up to fixing within the model’s run was the ignition switch (but not my model year for some stupid reason) and a problem with the radiator fan assembly in the earliest B4s.
I hate to say it again, my prevous cars, mostly Hondas, never had problems like these and all ran into the 100K miles easily with just the replacement of regular wear items (brake pads, brake discs, fluids, tires, wiper blades a few light bulbs and belts. Even the Japanese brand Yuasa batteries lasted very long and were actually still working perfectly when the cars were traded in.
Volksyugos are just badly engineered and manufactured cars …………….PERIOD!
But Ooooooo! they are sooooo “”fun to drive”"…that is, for the first two weeks of ownership (the time the my Passat was actually trouble free).
Just a few more months and I should be rid of this monster and finally back into a REAL car! Can’t wait!! Anyone need a B4 parts car with zero warranties implied?! Honestly, I just like to have this evil car crushed and spare any other poor soul out there from suffering further pain of owning it.
Oh, and it’s not just me with this trouble that I know of. There are six people in our company that own Volksyugos of different models and years. Only one says that he is still satisfied with his car. The rest have decided not to ever buy another one. The satisfied guy with the 99 Passat just recently commented to us that his car mysteriously ate up most of it’s oil one day. He was able to catch it before it was too late and added the needed oil to limp to the dealership. It’s now being looked at and hopefully fixed under the extended warranty that the owner fortunately included with the purchase of his car. I think it would be strike six for Volksyugo for our company very soon!
Have a nice weekend everyone, hopefully not in a Volksyugo, cause it can spoil your weekend very quickly, without warning.
VWVictim Said,
February 4, 2005 @ 12:31 pm
Sales Figures – Looks like a 4% drop in sales for January compared to last January. VW is continuing its downward spiral. Again, VW has misjudged the American market. Although it is the largest market in the world, it is not infinite. If you screw enough people your market share will dwindle. I would speculate that VW is going to come out with a massive ad campaign to introduce their new models. They will be fighting an uphill battle. There are too many people with a bad taste in their mouth. Brand loyalty is necessary to market automobiles but there are not enough masochists in the US to support VW.
VWVictim Said,
February 6, 2005 @ 3:53 am
Sales Figures – Paultekeda said: “”There’s always someone who buys first year models, and that boosts sales”".
Sadly enough, that is true. VW will initiate a massive advertising campaign. VW will hold up the shiny bauble and say “”hey look at this”". And some poor unsuspecting smuck will invest his hard earned cash and get screwed. And the downward spiral will continue until VW hits sales of 40,000 again. And a new generation will spring up and VW will try and start the cycle all over again.
Even the best of companies has problems with first year products. And VW is quite the opposite of the best of companies. It is sad, very sad, that a whole new group of unsuspecting people are going to get screwed by VW.
297 Said,
February 7, 2005 @ 10:14 am
Sales Figures – I suppose considering this site I should expect such negativity, but I’ll withhold my remarks concerning the quality of the MkV until after a few years.
I can afford to be objective, as my current plans do not involve a future purchase on a VW — not so much due to dissatisfaction, as I have already mentioned that my car performs as expected (and in some cases, moreso due to personal touches), but more because I’m really interested in a sports wagon, or some other family-oriented vehicle.
Of course, I may try to find a broken-down ‘67 VW Beetle to restore, or even try to find a somewhat working VW Corrado… but no new VWs — at least, not in the forseeable future.
So I’ll wait. We should see returns on the MkV’s performance around 2007.
297 Said,
February 10, 2005 @ 2:20 am
Sales Figures – Well-worded. Condescending, but well-worded.
Window regulators were litigated upon and VW now has a 7-year warranty on all MkIV models. I would call that successful catering to consumer demand.
No one denies the quality control problems associated with design decisions. VW responded to those problems and redesigned the parts. The MkV has more VW-designed parts than the previous MkIV (many failures were from 3rd party sources who basically cut corners on the provided design spec — many of these parts were sensors, but I do believe one was the window regulator).
So VW is indeed showing concern over the success of the new MkV.
Being in denial… interesting. I stated I was remaining objective and not presenting any conclusions on the quality of product this year, and would remain so till 2007. Perhaps you need a mirror, to see that continued accusations while the company changes policy and product due to prior accusations shows that you are in denial that VW IS making changes to its policies and products.
Whether or not they are successful — we shall see.
[sarcasm]Yeah, I love VW so much, I’m willing to wait for two year’s worth of evidence on a new product before crucifying them. I’d be an awful judge in the court system.[/sarcasm]
VWVictim Said,
February 10, 2005 @ 3:34 am
Sales Figures – People have been having problems with VWs for years. MANY people. And they have had problem after problem after problem after problem, ad nauseum. And the dealers have been jerking them around for years. And, after all that, when they seek redress from VWoA they are insulted. I’m surprised that there is not a mob, with torches in there hands, storming VWoA headquarters. I think people are being very civilised, considering how badly VW has screwed them.
I have said to wait until 2008 to see if VW has turned the massive quality control problem around. Paultekeda says wait until 2007. In any case, potential VW buyers should hold off on buying VW until thay are sure the problem has been turned around.
I myself will never consider another VW product.
297 Said,
February 10, 2005 @ 3:45 am
Sales Figures – I’m more pissed off at De Beers by a large, large margin than I am at ANY car manufacturer. At least the value of the car isn’t all that artificially inflated.
You can tell I just went ring shopping, can’t you?
rick Said,
February 10, 2005 @ 4:07 am
Sales Figures – DON’T DO IT, PAUL! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, DON’T GIVE HER A RING!!
Don’t you know what happens next?? RUN!
twengl Said,
February 10, 2005 @ 5:44 am
Sales Figures – paul, paul..that’s correct- MASSIVE QUALITY CONTROL PROBLEMS! jeez- read the posts here! it wasn’t the dealers that made window regulators fail or clutches go out at 20k miles, etc, etc..i appreciate the polite tone of your posts, but c’mon. VW is tanking because of lousy, lousy reliability. i have to wonder if the dealers aren’t simply overwhelmed having to service a crummy product- not that this would excuse some of the behavior i’ve read about here.
denial, paul. D-E-N-I-A-L. if you really love VW as much as you seem to, don’t enable them. the first step to recovery is admitting that there’s a problem..
VWVictim Said,
February 10, 2005 @ 12:00 pm
Sales Figures – VW is going to initiate a massive ad campaign to promote their new models. People will buy them. They will get screwed. They will discover that people have been screwed for years by VW. They will be even more pissed off than the current group of people that are screwed by VW. It will be like the 80’s all over again for VWoA.
VW should do the right thing and just withdraw from the American market. Fiat saw the handwriting on the wall and did the right thing. So should VW.
VWVictim Said,
February 11, 2005 @ 3:41 am
Sales Figures – OMIGOD! When you screamed “Don’t do it Paul” I thought he was going to buy a VW. Thank God he is only getting married. I thought he was in for a lifetime of misery.
VWVictim Said,
March 6, 2005 @ 2:44 am
Sales Figures – VW’s sales for February 2005 are down 12.7% from their sales of February 2004. Year to date sales for 2005 are down 8.6% from 2004 figures. The truth about VW’s is getting out.
297 Said,
March 6, 2005 @ 10:19 am
Sales Figures – Those are still MkIV figures; of course the sales are going down.
VWVictim Said,
March 6, 2005 @ 10:52 am
Sales Figures – Actually, the sales numbers on Mark IV jettas went up. The sales figures on Touregs and Phaetons, which are VW’s newest offerings, took a nosedive.
V1 Dub Said,
March 18, 2005 @ 5:41 am
Sales Figures – ATTN: to all the “”VW Victims”", whatever you say or think about VW, every car manufacturers in the world have their own problems, I do believe that Japanese, American or french cars are not better than VWs, it’s all about how you treat and maintain you car!!! I’m driving VWs for the past 12 years and never had any major problems…I heard people complaining about pretty much every car brand available out there…VW is doing well and will always sells cars, for those who wich to VW to go down…well, keep hoping:)!!!
VW is great and popular, I love my GTI R32(Twin Turbo/550HP,3.2sec. 0/60mph)), it rocks like German Rocket…catch me if you can with your Japanese or American piece of Crap!!!oo1o
297 Said,
March 18, 2005 @ 6:01 am
Sales Figures – Oh, yeah. That’s gonna help.
desmondking2000 Said,
March 18, 2005 @ 11:37 am
Sales Figures – I have personaly diswaded 4 people from buying Toureges and two people from buying Passat’s. This just cost VWoA $250,000. My goal is $1,000,000 in lost sales for VWoA.
VWVictim Said,
March 19, 2005 @ 2:01 am
Sales Figures – Desmond
I have told of my experiences with VW on every occasion possible. Everone that asks me about my “VW’s Suck” signs in the windows of my Passat wagon gets the full story. My feeling are that if I save one person from going through the misery that I went through with VW it will be worth the effort.
Sometimes I feel like a reformed drug addict preaching to street people. Maybe there should be a twelve step program for VW owners. Maybe we can set up interdictions for people contemplating buying VW’s. People should be shown the misery that VW ownership brings.
rick Said,
March 19, 2005 @ 5:20 am
Sales Figures – 12 step program…
step 1. Sell the VW
step 2. Buy a better car (any car)
step 3. Avoid VW at all costs going forward.
lather, rinse, repeat.
desmondking2000 Said,
March 19, 2005 @ 6:12 am
Sales Figures – I am have problem with the 12 step program
1. Sell the car? No one will buy it. I owe $8,000 on my 2002 Passat wagon with a blown motor. Highest offer so far $750 from the dealer on a trade in on a Toureg. Yeah right they did not want the car either. it would be more fun to set the car on fire in the dealer lot on a busy Saturday, but I drove by the dealeship one saturday and there was no one there buying cars. Word of mouth must be working.
2. Bought a Honda Element to replace the Passat wagon. 20,000 mile so far not one problem. I love the Honda.
3. Still have a New Bettle with no resale value but at least the Bettle still runs.
VWVictim Said,
April 2, 2005 @ 9:08 am
Sales Figures – VWoA continues its downward spiral. Sales figures for March of 2005 are in. Sales figures for March of 2005 are down 21.5% from 2004 figures. Year to date figures are down 14.1% from 2004. It doesn’t look good for VW in the USA. In this day and age you can’t keep screwing people and not expect the word to get around.
VWVictim Said,
May 3, 2005 @ 5:38 am
Sales Figures – VWoA ’s April sales figures are in. Sales for April of 2005 are down 28.1% compared to April of 2004. Year to date sales for 2005 are down 18.9% from 2004. The vigil in Auburn Hills continues. A final resting place for VWoA is being prepared next to Fiat of America.
297 Said,
May 3, 2005 @ 10:30 am
Sales Figures – VWVictim, how about we keep this one thread your current running tally on VW sales figures.
VWVictim Said,
June 1, 2005 @ 3:11 am
Sales Figures – Sales for May of 2005 are down 41.9% from May 2004 figures. Year to date sales are down 25.1% from 2004 figures. The death vigil continues.
jasenm Said,
June 2, 2005 @ 3:05 am
Sales Figures – WHY ARE ALL YOUR POSTS THE SAME VICTIM? JSUT TRYING TO KEEP THEM CURRENT, EH? LIKE A FLASH OF FAME OR SOMETHING?
Post edited 06/02/05 3:05 PM by jasenm
jasenm Said,
June 2, 2005 @ 3:07 am
Sales Figures – RICK….THATS ONLY 7 STEPS, WHATS THE OTHER 5?
jasenm Said,
June 13, 2005 @ 4:24 am
lack of rebates, 0% – hurts alot, but helps your resale. people dont realize that. i’d hate to have bought a chevy last month, with this new employee pricing on everything but the vette. sorry, shomare, ford will follow suit, and that freestyle is going to take a punishing hit.
bruce Said,
June 15, 2005 @ 11:42 am
more anit-vw websites – I had a thought today. I know that might be shocking for some of you but bear with me. Yes as documented here and agreed upon by everyone here vw has qulity control issues. What i did want to say though, is in regard to the fact that there are more anti-vw websites than any other car company. Did anyone read the study two years ago, i tried to find it but cant, that list vw drivers as the second most internet savy group of auto owners in america? maybe theres more websites becaseu more of us are educated enough to have the ability to carry on civil discussions with each other. also that we have the presence of mind to know that theres a place out there where we can find otheres who share our views and why or otheres that dont share them and we can explain our position to them. but hey thats just a thought.
rick Said,
June 17, 2005 @ 1:31 am
Sales Figures – jasenm, you don’t understand my math…
As it is said, there are 10 kinds of peoople in the world – those who understand binary, and those who don’t.
Been itching to use that one.
jasenm Said,
June 17, 2005 @ 2:33 am
actually – ford has the most negative online forums. i will say, though, they have waaay more customers than anyone else. hell, they sell more trucks in a year than honda sells their entire line of vehicles, including bikes. still, i will repeat that the americans make good trucks. its the cars that i shy away from….
rick….ok then.
bruce….you had a thought today? did it hurt?
Post edited 06/17/05 2:34 AM by jasenm
VWVictim Said,
July 1, 2005 @ 2:54 am
June Figures – Sales for June of 2005 are down 16% compared to June of 2004. Year to date sales are down 23.5%
Six months into the year. VWoA will have to give cars away in order not to have a fourth year in a row of declining sales.
you_moron Said,
July 1, 2005 @ 3:38 am
Sales Figures – “Giving away cars” won’t help “sales” figures either.
VWVictim Said,
August 2, 2005 @ 10:29 am
Death Watch Continues – Sales for the month of July were down 15.7% compared to July of 2004. Year to date sales for 2005 were down 22.2% compared to 2004. So far VWoA has sold 33,677 less cars than they did at this time in 2004. VWoA has sold 1,300 more Jettas in July of 2005 than they did in July of 2004. This is an extremely disappointing figure for VWoA. At this rate sales are going to be substantially lower for 2005. VWoA has already lost $720 million in the first six months of 2005. They are already losing money on every car that they sell.
Even Bernd Pieceofshitrider has stated that VW America is a “”disaster”".
All those people that VWoA screwed are coming back to haunt them.
YupOldBull Said,
August 3, 2005 @ 2:57 am
The company is in transition……… – Transition this
2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS L4-1984cc 2.0L SOHC (AEG) 5 speed 4 door $20,500 new in September 1999
Here is the history to date. 100k (September 99 to January 05)
Over $12,000 in repairs. Terrible!
Air conditioning leak (after 1 week)
Rear defroster has two strands that dont work (after 3 months)
Cloth Front Floor Mats ripped out (3 times)
Replaced cheap cloth mats with heavy duty VW rubber mats (no problem with the $120 rubber mats) Hope it wasnt we give you cheap ones that tear out .but we could sell you the good ones for $120.
Check engine light came on (4 times)
(2nd time engine light came on VW Dealership told me it would cost $100 to scope)
Rear brake pads wore out at 40k (front pads showed no wear?)
Rear rotors scored and replaced by premature pad failure. Poor brake proportioning
Gear shift knob loose. Still loose after first attempt. Second attempt fixed it.
2.0 litre engine burning oil (1 quart every 1,000 miles) Yellowish white goop inside valve cover and oil filler cap. (later went on to burn only 1 quart every 2,000 miles)
2.0 litre engine cylinder walls deglazed and new rings installed (didnt work)
First VWOA rep. said the oil burning was normal. One year later, second VWOA rep. (different district) said these cars had defective rings. Which one do you believe?
VW Mass Air Flow sensor recall
Interior armrest soft rubbery coating (cosmetics) poor clean ability Cant clean the dirt smudges and the finger nail scrapes/gouges are impossible to remove.
Glove box right side hinge broke (3 times) Still broken.
Replaced Clutch (should /could go to 150k.replaced at 93k)
Seat belt recall from VW
Plastic undercarriage splash pan broke off (3 times) finally just removed.
Only one heated mirror works
Mirror glass are beginning to brown up on bottom edge. Cheap silvering?
Crayon smell and greasy black build-up on internal fender seams
Brake light pedal switch recall from VW
Numerous calls to the VW #800 line (No help)
Replaced Coolant flange on engine (told these are known to break)
Sunroof broke
Young VWOA rep. taught me how to read an oil dipstick.
Armrest release pull broke (cheap plastic hinge)
Warranty extension from VW on oxygen sensors
Replaced spark plug wires
Replaced battery
Drivers Seat squeaks. (Seat belt rub)
Mystery rear window (Comes down 6 on its own)
Replaced engine vacuum hoses
Letter to Dealership, they get VWOA involved, both combined offer no help
Front of plastic cup holder falls off
Front windows crashed down inside of door (4 times)
2.0 litre engine (now) burning 1 quart every 2,000 miles (over 45 quarts in 93k)
2.0 litre engine completely replaced
Temperature gauge sensor replaced (silent VW recall item)
Received Mass Air Flow sensor warranty extension from VW
Car wouldnt pass State inspection (replaced 2 oxygen sensors $360)
Received window regulator litigation notice
Loud explosion (Like a 410 shotgun) in cabin while driving at 55mph on smooth 4 lane highway. Airbag went off? Might have been the drivers seat spring “”shearing”" off.
When it is 32 degrees or colder the door locks makes no beep sound
Dash light failure (works Ok for 2 weeks and then Off for 2 weeks)
Intermittent trunk light. Some times it works. Sometime it doesnt.
Compensated by VW for oxygen sensors
Replace rear brake pads. 93k
Replace front pads. 93k
Every other night the clock stops (resets to 12:00) and the odometer resets to 0.0 (even with new battery)
Glove box light remains on when lights are turned on.
Hazard and turnsignals stick on sometimes
Drivers seat spring sheared off
Hard on gas. (MPG)
Mid 20s is terrible for a small engine (2.0 litre 5 speed) and a small car. Should/could be in the low 30s.
Hard on brakes.
40k on rear brake pads is terrible! Our 99 Honda Prelude has 80k original OEM brake pads and will need them soon. Bad proportioning, rear wear out at 40k and fronts get replaced at 93k? Where else in the industry do you see these proportions? Does NHTSA know? Is it poor design or a braking defect? Or both?
Hard on rubber
(60k tires only go 45k) Original set went to 45k. Second set went to 93k. And now we have the third set on. 3 sets 93k. Our 99 Honda Prelude went 80k with original tires.
Plus all the other normal maintenance items.
Over 20 trips to the dealership in 48 months.
The dealer treats us like we have malaria.
There have been 74 stinking Technical Service Bulletins issued on this vehicle.
There have been only 4 stinking recalls and 3 warranty extensions.
Terrible.
In comparision..our other cars.
99 Honda Prelude 5 years $0 in expenses plus normal maintenance.
2002 Toyota Camry LXE 3 years $0 in expenses plus normal maintenance.
Not a single sensor, broken interior plastic part, MAF, CEL, brake pad problem, etc.
VWVictim Said,
August 3, 2005 @ 8:48 am
Incredible Sales Month – Toyota reported the best sales month in the USA, ever. As did Nissan. As a matter of fact, just about every carmaker had an outstanding month. Even Mercedes had an outstanding month. Everyone had an outstanding month EXCEPT VOLKSWAGEN. VW’s sales continue to plummet. Stick a fork in VW.
You cannot continue to screw your customers and expect them to continue being loyal.
Americans are telling VW to take their overpriced POS and their arrogant attitude and shove it.
297 Said,
August 3, 2005 @ 12:31 pm
Sales Figures – Why stick a fork in when the company is responding?
VW has already admitted its problems. Why do you think they’ve restructured corporate, starting at the very top with Wolfgang Bernhard?
The company is in transition. It started this transition just this year and began major changes to policy in the last three months. You’re asking for quite a lot if you think the sales reports up to now are a reflection of the future.
Remember, despite VW’s problems, it is operating in the black. VWoA is its largest car sales division (though China will probably surpass by the end of the decade). There is no way VAG will pull out of North America.
I’m still at wait and see. After all, I don’t plan to buy a car until 2008 anyway. Plenty of time to see if a VW will be one of the options.
VWVictim Said,
August 7, 2005 @ 5:13 am
In Transition – Ah, yes! They’ve put “”Len Hunt”" in charge of VWoA!
When VW alienated the air cooled gang they sent “”Len Hunt”".
“”I’m a car kinda guy and VW is listening”".
When VW was overwhelmed with complaints about quality control they sent “”Len Hunt”".
“”I’m a car kinda guy and VW is listening”".
When even that bastion of VW supporters, VWVortex, became overwhelmed with people questioning why VW was scewing them, they sent “”Len Hunt”".
“”I’m a car kinda guy and VW is listening”".
Truly, truly a company in transition.
I suspect that when VAG dumps “”Len Hunt”" and he is picked up by the Widget Car Company it will be: “”Im a car kinda guy and the Widget Car Company is listening”".
Chombi Said,
August 7, 2005 @ 5:57 am
Sales Figures – Rumor is, Len Hunt = VW/Siemens/Bosch joint project cyborg specially built in the Wolfsburg plant “”skunk works”" laboratory to deal with emergency situations??? Anyone noticed if he has aged through the years? He must have G12 running through his veins and Pentosin powered muscles! ;^))
Kidding aside, I do hope he makes a difference, for the sake of present and future NA VW owners.
VWVictim Said,
September 1, 2005 @ 5:52 am
Sales Up! – VWoA sold 359 more cars in August of 2005 than they did in August of 2004. Sales were UP 1.6% for August of 2005! The massive ad campaign is paying off! The millions upon millions of dollars that VWoA is spending is really wowing them. If VWoA continues to spend millions pushing their cars they may only be down 17 or 18% percent for the year.
Way to GO!
VWVictim Said,
September 1, 2005 @ 6:02 am
Dumping Assets – In a related story, VWoA is reportedly looking at the value of its test track in Arizona. VWoA states that urban sprawl is crowding in on their 1600 acre track. They are looking to consolidate or eliminate their testing.
Sounds like a desperate company looking to liquidate its assets. I may be accused of being a doomsayer, but I think the end is near.
thomas_mck Said,
September 2, 2005 @ 6:29 am
Sales Figures – Yes, well…I can tell you I’ve told every single @#$%@ person I know; DO NOT BUY VW CARS!!!!
A friend of mine sold his Jetta immediately after hearing about my troubles (although he had his own issues with doors oozing grease) and two other friends bought Japanese cars over German cars after seeing my problems with VW.
VW will slowly spiral down until they are bought by someone else or out of business, in America at least. They deserve it. Sell crap, screw customers, get what you deserve.
VWVictim Said,
September 9, 2005 @ 12:07 pm
Further Transition – Looks like “”Len Hunt”" will be transitioning.
“” I’m a car kinda guy and Bentley is listening”".
Chombi Said,
September 10, 2005 @ 5:12 am
Sales Figures – Just when a people start noticing some effort from VW in addressing some of their customer relationship problem, what does VW in their great wisdom do, Cut of VWoA’s head off again!.. Are they still pushing the flawed luxo market think for the NA market with this new Bentley guy coming in? It might be partially because of Hunt deciding to move on, but I think VW should have made a greater effort to retain the guy. Next thing on their agenda might be bringing Chris Bangle in From BMW to screw up their styling too!
God help all NA VW owners. I hope they don’t end up owners of orphaned cars.
Chombi
Scionized and loving every mile so far!
297 Said,
September 11, 2005 @ 1:30 am
Sales Figures – Interesting lateral moves here. I wonder what prompted the change (I know the reasons given in the press release, I simply wonder if there’s more to it).
VWVictim Said,
October 6, 2005 @ 6:58 am
Two Months in a Row! – Sales for September of 2005 were up 3.7% compared to September of 2004. With last months increase of 1.6% this makes two months of sales growth. The massive ad campaign is really wowing them. At this rate of growth sales may only be down 12% for the year.
297 Said,
October 6, 2005 @ 7:42 am
Sales Figures – You know, I haven’t seen that many ads (I have a DVR). Are they any good?
This is just from the Passat and Jetta. The new Golf debuts soon, and the NB and NBC makeovers I believe just hit the showroom floor (I personally think the makeovers suck). That completes the platform transition for the small car models. I’d expect sales to reflect that to some degree.
297 Said,
October 6, 2005 @ 7:45 am
Sales Figures – So the new commercials for the Jetta have the tagline: The New Jetta. It’s all grown up. Sort of.
Huh.
That doesn’t sound very sound-bitey.
V-dubber Said,
October 7, 2005 @ 11:23 am
good ads? – I did see one Jetta ad I thought was clever.
I’m forgetting the punchline, but a guy & his wife pull up to the house and there is a hazmat team there. A guy walks up and says “”Sorry Mr. X your house has been designated as a toxic waste site.”" The guy responds “”Well, good thing I put off mowing the lawn!”" Then it goes to corporate talk…something about feeling good and not worrying about your car and the attractive lease/buy options offered.
Beck Said,
October 7, 2005 @ 11:47 am
In a related note, – My brother now works with the actor (former?) in the ad where he and a woman were driving the Jetta through New Orlean’s Bourbon street in the rain and the music is in rhythm with the wipers. It came out a few years ago and it looked and sounded really slick. The Ad won quite a few awards I guess, and the actor made a whole lot of money getting residuals from the ad showing around the world markets for VW.
297 Said,
October 7, 2005 @ 12:02 pm
Sales Figures – Beck, that was an excellent ad, if a bit creepy. Of course, all current ads are by a different ad agency (post about the change). Arnold Worldwide had a pretty decent run with the whole Road of Life campaign. Hell, that Golf ad with the couch spawned a spoof by Spin City and Microsoft.
VWVictim Said,
November 1, 2005 @ 2:22 am
Back To The Downward Spiral – Sales for October of 2005 were down 21.4% compared to October of 2004. Year to date sales are down 17.1%. This is a relief. With the introduction of new models and the massive ad campaign, I had feared that VWoA was going to screw a whole new generation of car buyers. Fortunately, word of VW has spread.
297 Said,
November 1, 2005 @ 2:46 am
Sales Figures – You might want to continue fearing then, because the sales for the Jetta, you know, the new model one, are up 11%.
The Passat also recently launched, but very late, so the sales are still down, but not by much (-8.3%) compared to the old MkIV sales (the Golf is -44.3%).
VWVictim Said,
November 3, 2005 @ 1:51 am
Sales Figures – Having tripled the profits from last years dismal 3rd quarter does not say much. Their stock price went down. Having increased 3rd quarter profits is about the only good news they offered. VAG is in major turmoil as they try to recover from the corruption and prostitution scandals and they try and break the unions. It does not bode well for their already poor quality control. I would not be looking for them to be building quality cars. They are in the position Chrysler Motors was in in the seventies.
297 Said,
November 3, 2005 @ 2:28 am
Sales Figures – Yes — but they ADMIT it.
297 Said,
November 3, 2005 @ 12:22 pm
Sales Figures – VW 3Q Profit Triples on Improved Sales
The article notes that VW does not expect a major turnaround in US sales anytime soon, and that increased competition, particularly in China, along with rising oil prices will require difficult measures, regardless of reaching profitability by Q4.
They’re saving money, but they’re being practical about recovery. That’s more than you can say for the US federal budget.
Beck Said,
November 4, 2005 @ 3:07 am
This is what VW should be shooting for as a goal! – I don’t think Toyota share holders consider their product as “”boring”" these days, looky here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051104/ap_on_bi_ge/japan_toyota
Post edited 11/04/05 3:08 PM by Beck
VWVictim Said,
December 1, 2005 @ 4:30 am
Sales Up – Sales for November of 2005 were up 4.8% compared to november of 2004. Year to date sales are down 15.5%. Up through November of 2004 VWoA sales were over 234,000. Sales through November of 2005 are less than 200,000. Barring an incredible miracle, sales for 2005 will be down for the fourth year in a row.
The adverising blitz IS having an effect. Sales of Jetta and Passat sedans has risen, but not nearly enough to pull VWoA out of its financial morass.
This is an object lesson for car manufacturers. You cannot sell junk and then insult your customer base. Car buyers want a reliable car and a car company that stands behind their product.
VWVictim Said,
January 6, 2006 @ 4:07 am
December 2005 Sales – Sales for December of 2005 are up 20.9% compared to December of 2004. Sales for 2005 are down 12.5% compared to 2004. This makes the fourth year in a row of declining sales.
I have not seen any final figures for the year but it looks like VWoA has, again, lost over a Billion dollars in 2005. This is partly due to the massive add campaign to introduce the Jetta and Passat. VWoA is losing money on every car that they sell. And, they project losses for 2006.
YupOldBull Said,
January 6, 2006 @ 8:21 am
Bleeding on the corporpate floor…… – Great news……I hurt them years ago. And in 4 years, I have directed 6-8 people to consider other vehicles. Toyota and Honda are good words.
YupOldBull Said,
January 7, 2006 @ 9:45 am
Sorry…… – I didn’t put things in perspective……So many people and so few hours!
http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html
Sorry no “”easy click”" on the above link…..
Note to Paul: Looks like no “”link option”" on a reply…..I think the link option works on a “”new post”"(?) but not on the reply (software issue)…..Hard to remember.
Post edited 01/08/06 11:03 AM by paultakeda
peterd1965 Said,
January 22, 2006 @ 11:19 am
If you can’t build ‘em, subsidize ‘em. – Volkswagen of America subsidizes leases of new Passat, Jetta in effort to help stem sales slide
Autoweek Article. From November which would help explain why December sales go up.
Regrettably more bad news in this weeks (01/23/2006, p.28) print version of AutoWeek as the 2006 Passat experienced total engine shutdown. “”That’s right, our test car died, for no apparent reason, while driving straight down a city street at a steady 40 mph.”" The article also contains words like rattles, squeks and vibrations.
Post edited 01/22/06 11:20 PM by peterd1965
Chombi Said,
January 22, 2006 @ 11:46 am
Sales Figures – Just died huh? Sounds like what happened to my then two week old 97 Passat B4. Doing over 70 on the freeway and the engine suddenly totally quits taking with it the power steering and power brakes rolls to a stop after a very harrowing freewheeling drive between many cars going downhill to get to the shoulder. The odometer was reading a grand total of 223 miles, and 50+ of those were from the dealer driving it down from another dealership up North.
With the sad state of Volkswagen AG and it’s Quality Control…or the continuing serious lack of it. I don’t know whether to laugh or feel sad about the non-improving and clueless nature of this company.
My so-called “”boring”" Toyota/Scion tC (as the Vortex folks just love to call them) is now approaching 10,000 trouble-free and fun driving miles!
Maybe my new car IS boring. No blood pressure/stress raising visits to the dealership to constantly get something fixed………temporarily. :^(
Chombi