Comments on: Has the VW Phaeton’s time come?

By: Aaron

Aaron — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:47:28 +0000

I think there is a big difference between those of us who grew up with VWs being “not inexpensive” and spending $80K on what is admittedly probably a great car. But for those of us who grew up with VWs (my family had gobs of them, and I had two Jettas), when we’re looking upmarket, we’re looking at other German brands. Not VW. If we are “upwardly mobile,” we are not looking to be upwardly mobile through VW. We’re looking at Audi, Mercedes, Saab, BMW. And you know what? If I had real Phaeton money to blow, perhaps even Maserati. VW has recently said Americans can’t afford its cars. They’re dumbing down the new “mid-sized” sedan and cheapening out the Jetta. Those of us who grew up on quality VW interiors soon won’t even recognize the cars that we once loved, as they’re scraping bottom looking for more sales at cheaper prices. If CHEAP is the direction that VW is going in an attempt to undercut Corollas and Accords — if THAT is their main direction as it seems to be, it’s going to take a tremendous marketing force to sell the Phaeton to us as a VW. I just don’t see it happening. But then, I’m no expert.

And one more point — I owned VWs. I left because of how I was treated in their dealerships (two of them). This is mainly why I no longer own VWs. If I’m not able to tolerate their customer service as a $25K Jetta owner, what makes VW think I’m going to tolerate their customer service as an $80K VW owner?

By: Cameron

Cameron — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:30:29 +0000

You’re right Frank, timing is critical. By the time the new Phaeton is introduced, the Hyundai Equus will be in market for 2 years and watch out for Cadillac. They all see the same opportunity, VW could be late to the party.

By: Frank X. Stier

Frank X. Stier — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:38:00 +0000

Cam,

Great insights. Perhaps the “new austerity” will bode will for this car. I have to wonder how VW’s sibling, Audi, and its dealers feel about another vehicle in a crowded segment. It’s hard enough fighting for share with German and Japanese contenders. And don’t look now, but here come the Chinese and Indian manufacturers.

Time will tell. FX

By: Denisecgh

Denisecgh — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:01:01 +0000

very useful article. I would love to follow you on twitter. By the way, did you know that some chinese hacker had busted twitter yesterday again.

By: Quick scan of the net - volkswagen phaeton « Movements and Hippies of the Eighties

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:54:04 +0000

[...] http://autoperspectives.com/blog/2009/10/30/has-the-vw-phaetons-time-come/This new sensibility, the desire to be “responsible” not ostentatious creates an obvious opportunity for VW’s Phaeton. Last time around Phaeton didn’t have the “prestige” to compete in the luxury segment…what was a weakness is now a … [...]