Another One Bites The Dust: Karmann Gone Bust
Ragtop lovers, get out your rags and cry. German maker Karmann, famous for its Karmann Ghia and later for many ragtop versions produced for makers such as Audi, Ford, Mercedes, Porsche, Renault and VW, has declared insolvency, Automobilwoche [sub] reports. The company still has 3470 employees.
Karmann’s last big job was the Audi A4 Cabrio. After that was insourced back to Ingolstadt, Karmann could not find another large account to keep them busy.
Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.
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As the proud owner of a near-pristine Karmann Ghia, Im a little depressed. All spares, however, have come from the aftermarket, not the factory (VW nor Karmann) for decades now.
Too bad that VW never took advantage of the name for another 'niche' car. They are so damn stupid when it comes to marketing!! Remember the Corrado..try to find a nice one now. A damn fine care with no marketing behind it.
Hey guys. I work at Karmann USA in Plymouth, MI and I just wanted it to be clear that Karmann Germany is not going out of business, it is simply restructuring early in case things get worse. @NickR: If your friend's vehicle is a convertible, our facility in Michigan specializes in restoring the convertible top of Karmann Ghia's. He can email me at TopRestoration@karmann.com for more questions.
Karmann is in trouble due to their own ignorance, Mercedes, Audi, and more pulled out. but who is kidding who, look at he garbage they make. Rusty junk like the Karmann Guia to the junk G6 and sebring, from the top management to the janitor are a bunch of ignorants, they dont care about the customers, I wouldn't let them tie my shoes and for sure never work on my convertible, if you are restoring a vehicle do yourself a favor and stay away from those assholes. I worked in their Plymouth facility and know that they only make junk. I am glad they are going under. BYE BYE KARMANN