Comments on: Dear Autoblog: Delayed Means Unintentional Wait

By: damonlavrinc

damonlavrinc — Mon, 19 May 2008 16:34:28 +0000

Autoblog isn’t hypothesizing, Winding Road is. Check the source:

http://news.windingroad.com/body-stylesmarket-segment/sport-utility-vehicles/early-scoop-on-volkswagen-tiguans-us-launch-diesel-delayed/

By: Guzzi

Guzzi — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:37:34 +0000

Launching a diesel anything is a losing proposition this Summer: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/18/automobiles/18PRICE.html?_r=1&ref=automobiles&oref=slogin (it’s diesel week at the NYT!!).

As long as folks perceive that fuel as more expensive than premium, and MUCH more expensive than regular gasoline, I don’t think there’s going to be an expanding market for diesel in the US anytime soon. The PR campaign for clean diesel is well under way, sure, but will anyone notice? No one but diesel fanboys and brew-your-own biodiesel long-hairs are going for these this year. (wait: will “clean diesels” even work with brew-your-own?)

As a long-term strategy, yes, I believe diesel can be a winner in the US, if VW bangs the drum endlessly, and throws some clever advertising behind it, and can educate the masses and persuade a fence-sitter like me. But I wonder if the VW corporation has the attention span or the will to stick with it.

By: Michael Karesh

Michael Karesh — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:28:26 +0000

Drove a Tiguan on Saturday. Then drove a GTI to verify that the steering and engine had somehow failed to translate well to the heavier SUV. Verified.

By: ash78

ash78 — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:13:56 +0000

1. Europeans are willing to pay more for cars than Americans, in general. Higher margins.

2. The dollar sucks right now, so a competitive price on a Euro-built car would provide razor-thin profits (loss leadership doesn’t really work well with cars)

I’m still expecting the Jetta tdi in June, but I haven’t talked to the dealership in a few weeks, so not sure if that’s been changed.