Audi News: Audi Isn't Planning On Stocking Any E-Trons At U.S. Dealers

[William Maley]

If you're expecting to see an Audi e-tron at your local dealership next spring, we have some bad news for you.

According to Automotive News, Audi is testing a new retail model where dealers will not stock the model. Instead, they'll handle reservations for customers on the e-tron that begin with a $1,000 deposit. The hope is that will improve profitability of the e-tron.

"I think it would be a beautiful world if you can go to a dealer — and we'd like to find that beautiful world — with zero floorplan [expense] and proper, full gross on the car. This would be a beautiful state; so let's go see if we can find this dream state,"  said Audi of America President Scott Keogh.

This approach will allow all of Audi's dealers in the U.S. to sell the e-tron with worrying vehicle allocation and being stuck with trying move them off their lot. 

"The same network that got us to double our sales, and got us to 200,000 units [annually], is going to be the same network that's going to lead this electric revolution for us. And that's a massive competitive advantage — an onboard and engaged network," said Keogh.

That isn't to say dealers will not be allowed to stock e-trons. A spokesman told Automotive News that dealers will be able to order e-trons for their inventory should they desire. They will also have demos available to buyers to check out.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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[David]

OK, at first this story had me saying Audi just shot themselves in the foot as way to many people like to touch, feel and kick the tires. Even Tesla buyers want to check the auto out first.

Good to see that Demo units and if the dealer wants to stock it can. I would think every dealer MUST have a demo unit. Only way I can go and see if this is a potential auto for my family.

[balthazar]

What a bizarre 'plan'. Having a dealer buy an e-tron from audi or order when they get a deposit has zero effect on the profitability of audi other than minimizing the loss by not building one more than theoretically necessary. Dealer floor space occupation has no bearing on Corporate profitability.

[ocnblu]

Exactly.  There is no strength in the electric car market.  Demand is not deep enough.  You are hearing it from Audi, a component of one of, if not THE biggest automotive conglomerate on Earth.

[balthazar]

^ It does make it sound like they're playing it very cautiously.
Corporate-level belief would have this REPLACING the Q5/Q7 outright.

[smk4565]

You have to have demos, how will people know if they like the car if they can't drive it.  Some of these new car dealers stock hundreds of cars, yet they don't want to stock any E-trons?  I am sure those buyers will be happy to drive a mile down the road to the Mercedes dealer that has EV's in stock.  Likewise for those waiting a year for a Tesla, you can go get a Mercedes that won't have different colors on the door panels or a hood that is put on crooked. 

I will have to point the finger of shame at Mercedes if they don't sell more EV's than Audi over the next 5 years.

[regfootball]

yet Audi and the Germans have like 30 different models each, and they will stock those

Edited September 28, 2018 by regfootball

[David]

AUDI Plan = FAILURE!!! The dealerships are all about test drive, close the deal and let the person drive home. NOT a look at web pictures, talk to a sales person, put $1,000 down and wait up to a year to get your auto. This will NOT work for them, they are NOT Tesla. EVs can sell as long as they are in stock, on lots and available for test drives, purchase and drive off. I HOPE more dealerships than not will stock them and ignore Audi Corporate BS. Sadly this also shows the effect of Piss Poor Leadership from DC with stupid tradewars and tarifs. Due to being early and still building out the infrastructure you have a plan by Audi that makes no sense when the parent company is spending Billions to build out a network of charging. Companies that do push forward with EVs are going to win and reduce further those companies that take a wait and see approach. China is leading the auto industry and they better wake up to the fact that ICE is not going to be around forever. Idiot leadership from many levels in Gov to businesses on this.

[ocnblu]

17 hours ago, dfelt said:

AUDI Plan = FAILURE!!! The dealerships are all about test drive, close the deal and let the person drive home. NOT a look at web pictures, talk to a sales person, put $1,000 down and wait up to a year to get your auto. This will NOT work for them, they are NOT Tesla. EVs can sell as long as they are in stock, on lots and available for test drives, purchase and drive off. I HOPE more dealerships than not will stock them and ignore Audi Corporate BS. Sadly this also shows the effect of Piss Poor Leadership from DC with stupid tradewars and tarifs. Due to being early and still building out the infrastructure you have a plan by Audi that makes no sense when the parent company is spending Billions to build out a network of charging. Companies that do push forward with EVs are going to win and reduce further those companies that take a wait and see approach. China is leading the auto industry and they better wake up to the fact that ICE is not going to be around forever. Idiot leadership from many levels in Gov to businesses on this.

There there *pats head*  Kleenex?

[David]

3 hours ago, ocnblu said:

There there *pats head*  Kleenex?

Nope just remove all the trash like the world did with Hitler. Time will tell and the time will come when we are back on the proper path of real leadership!

HOORAW To my Brothers and Sisters that have defended our Multicultural diverse country! Diverse Strong!

[ocnblu]

whooooaaaaa....  ☠️

[David]

Audi has confirmed that the e-Tron will be in the next Avengers 4 movie!

https://www.autoblog.com/2018/12/04/audi-e-tron-gt-concept-avengers-4/