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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) View full article -
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) -
Last May, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced some ambitious plans for Alfa Romeo. By 2018, the brand would hopefully sell 400,000 vehicles annually thanks to 5 billion Euro investment that will lead to the introduction of eight new models. This past week, FCA is going back to the drawing board. Speaking with analysts on the company's third-quarter results, CEO Sergio Marchionne said due to the weakness of imported luxury vehicles in the Chinese market, FCA is currently reassessing their plans. Marchionne said a good chunk of the 400,000 vehicle sales was assigned to China. But in light of what is happening in the country, those proposed sales will need to absorbed into other regions. Now all of the vehicles that Alfa Romeo that Alfa Romeo has planned will still be developed, but the brand will need to 'rejig' its plans to focus on launching models that will suit Europe and North American rather than China. Plans for the revised rollout will happen in January. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article
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Alfa Romeo Goes Back To The Drawing Board Due To China
William Maley posted an article in Alfa Romeo
Last May, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced some ambitious plans for Alfa Romeo. By 2018, the brand would hopefully sell 400,000 vehicles annually thanks to 5 billion Euro investment that will lead to the introduction of eight new models. This past week, FCA is going back to the drawing board. Speaking with analysts on the company's third-quarter results, CEO Sergio Marchionne said due to the weakness of imported luxury vehicles in the Chinese market, FCA is currently reassessing their plans. Marchionne said a good chunk of the 400,000 vehicle sales was assigned to China. But in light of what is happening in the country, those proposed sales will need to absorbed into other regions. Now all of the vehicles that Alfa Romeo that Alfa Romeo has planned will still be developed, but the brand will need to 'rejig' its plans to focus on launching models that will suit Europe and North American rather than China. Plans for the revised rollout will happen in January. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
Its no secret that Acura has been struggling in the auto marketplace. Aside from the bright spots of the MDX and RDX, the brand has been seeing year-over-year sales drop. But the brand could have a idea that might reverse that. Automotive News recently spoke with Koichi Fukuo, Honda's senior managing director for Acura says the brand is looking into whether or not they should follow in the footsteps of Subaru and equip all of their vehicles with all-wheel drive. "The key is awd," said Fukuo, "As a premium brand, we need something different from the competition." Currently, Acura offers all-wheel drive in half of its lineup and the company is in the process of introducing a new all-wheel drive system that debuted in the new TLX sedan this year. But this change to an all-wheel drive exclusive lineup could take awhile. Also, Automotive News points out that this change might not help Acura at all. 90 percent of Audi's lineup came with all-wheel drive, while nearly 60 percent of BMW's lineup was equipped with all-wheel drive. Now this plan is currently only being talked about at this time. Fukuo presented this plan to the board last week. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
Its no secret that Acura has been struggling in the auto marketplace. Aside from the bright spots of the MDX and RDX, the brand has been seeing year-over-year sales drop. But the brand could have a idea that might reverse that. Automotive News recently spoke with Koichi Fukuo, Honda's senior managing director for Acura says the brand is looking into whether or not they should follow in the footsteps of Subaru and equip all of their vehicles with all-wheel drive. "The key is awd," said Fukuo, "As a premium brand, we need something different from the competition." Currently, Acura offers all-wheel drive in half of its lineup and the company is in the process of introducing a new all-wheel drive system that debuted in the new TLX sedan this year. But this change to an all-wheel drive exclusive lineup could take awhile. Also, Automotive News points out that this change might not help Acura at all. 90 percent of Audi's lineup came with all-wheel drive, while nearly 60 percent of BMW's lineup was equipped with all-wheel drive. Now this plan is currently only being talked about at this time. Fukuo presented this plan to the board last week. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
