Quote Of The Day: Off To A Bad Start Edition

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

We expect to be in profit in the market by 2013… I’m sure those statements were based on some sound analysis.

Volkswagen’s new US boss Jonathan Browning gives his company’s forecast of its future performance (which previously elicited TTAC’s coveted “ flying pigs illustration award”)… before totally blowing his credibility by admitting he knows nothing about the matter [via MSNBC]. In front of the National Press Club, no less. Then, for good measure, the former GM and Ford man added

Not many people of my generation don’t have fond memories of the VW Beetle and the VW Microbus.

Which is not unlike saying that not many Americans don’t fail to remember whether Volkswagen has produced cars that may or may not have come up short of not failing in the marketplace. The irony of all this: English is Browning’s first language. The big lesson: German execs are far more endearing when they come across as out-of-touch and incomprehensible.

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Philadlj Philadlj on Sep 15, 2010

    Volkswagen no longer offers anything remotely similar to the original Beetle or the Microbus.

  • BDB BDB on Sep 15, 2010

    What exactly is wrong with VW staying as a botique brand in North America? They should keep competing against Subaru and Mazda, not turn themselves into Toyota, Honda, or Ford. Speaking of Ford, who wants to bet there will be more than a few Jetta owners switching to the 2012 Focus? Even Chevy is ADDING content and quality to their compact entry rather than cheapening it. This is such an idiotic move.

  • Dr Strangelove Dr Strangelove on Sep 15, 2010

    @BDB - Nothing wrong with it, except that they are losing money.

    • See 1 previous
    • Dr Strangelove Dr Strangelove on Sep 15, 2010

      You may be right - I have my doubts about their prospects for success, too. Maybe as well then that they've now got themselves a GM veteran - he will know how to spin a disaster in the making.

  • John Rees John Rees on Sep 16, 2010

    In addition to looking at improving quality, Volkswagen should initiate some customer support. View my VW experience at: http://reesphotos.com/VW/

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