phaeton

Audi independent, not in this lifetime.

As has been said above Audi contributes majorily to VW R&D & Profits.

The only country with a problem about Audi being owned by VW is US,
and currently Audi's market share is growing there at an enormous rate, with China, India, Asia-Pacific, Africa & Middle East also growing + all other markets

I don't see the need for Audi to be independent, they already are in so many ways.

After all Audi is run by Audi AG of course parent VWAG chips in sometimes but rarely does because they're letting it grow thereby feeding the cow.

I really can't see Audi outside of the VW Group, it would just to strange IMO.

If Audi was going to be sold expect SAIC or FAW from China to make a bid.

Curb Zone

 

Harry Plopper

Also do not forget right now VAG is de facto run by Audi AG (despite VAG being Audi's parent company).

All the cricial director from Audi AG recently became Group directors!

So ... Audi runs Volkswagen.

And that is the will of Porsche AG, or more exactly: Ferdinand Piech.

So, why the need for independence?

Choleric

Guess I am just dreaming.

My biggest problem is the sharing of platforms between groups; VAG and Audi, and the competing products; Audi's V10 and Lambos V10, R8 and Gallardo, etc...

Just imagine how you would feel, Eni, if BMW were owned by VW, Porsche, or someone similar, for whatever reason.

Harry Plopper

Yes, but the sharing usually goes top-down: premium brands providing platforms for economy brands. Not vice versa. So, VW has Audi tech, Audi gets Lambo tech, etc. Is that so bad? Sharing best know-how in family?

Mind ... Mercedes-Benz (and indirectly Maybach) is technically also owned by ... Chrysler. Yes, Daimler-Benz & Chrysler de iure merged, while De facto Chrysler was acquired by DB.

Also: Rolls-Royce is owned by BMW AG, and gets tech & parts form BMW.
Aston Martin was a part of Ford, Jaguar still is. Lexus = Toyota. Infiniti, Acura ...

And non of those brands have problems due owner reputation.

If Lexus was able to get over "rebadged Toyota" issue, Audi will get over VW issue even quicker. Audi offers superb products. What Audi needs in US market is better marketing: better dealer network, better advertising campaigns, better identity. And that can be done with right people in right places ... and a huge marketing budget. But ... Audi AG is not in a hurry. Right now low US sales are even better for Audi profitability (Dollar / Euro exchange rate) since they are able (due huge demand) to sell Audi products in markets that brings better profit (eg. Europe).

Sunny

It is not a child-parent relationship, it is an investor/investment relationship and VW is not stupid to sell it now, when it is doing well.

And what will it take?
Audi doing bad, every quarter for couple of years - that should convince VW.

Hypersonic

That is not such a crazy idea ...although I imagine it would really annoy Horacio Pagani. But then, I doubt DCX could do as good a job with Lamborghini as VW/Audi has done, after all, they have not exactly done wonders with McLaren.

Hypersonic

That does seem to be the case. I wonder why that is?

Centurion

VW isn't holding back Audi at all. Right now Audi's biggest problem is Lamborghini, Bentley(partially) and Porsche(will be if they aquire VW).

Merc1

True. I forgot about Pagani connection. I wonder why he hasn't approached Mercedes about selling his Zondas in the U.S. At this point I say the hell with the SLR, well ok....I'll hold that thought until I see the roadster version. I can't imagine an Pagani sign alongside the Mercedes and Maybach signs at my local dealer. Zondas would sell like very expensive hotcakes.

Why doesn't MB get and let Pagani, AMG and McLaren create a line of sports car without the S-Class people being involved. Mercedes ruined the SLR project with too many demands about it being as civil as any other Mercedes. Anyway that is for another thread. Nope, MB wouldn't do nearly the job with the Lambo as Audi/VW has. For one I doubt Mercedes would want anything to do with the Italian V12 and the Audi sourced V10.

M

Bruce

The reason Pagani has not approached Mercedes about selling the Zonda in the United States is because the Zonda was never intended for US Sale. As it is now, it would take far too many modifications to properly allow the Zonda to be sold in the United States (exhaust emissions, air bags and design safety)

As far as I know the Zonda's rear and front end bumpers are yet another thing which make it illegal for sale in the United States.

So in the end, it's way too much hassle and hassle that ruins the spirit of the vehicle.

Perhaps when Pagani introduces his newest supercar (apparently bound for the United States) he'll strike a deal with Mercedes to sell them at Maybach/Mercedes dealers.

Curb Zone