Um, I invited VWAG to TDIFest 2004...

[whiterabbit7]

I think the idea of pointing out to VW that very soon there will be competition in the diesel market when we have ULSD, was a very good one. That is a very strong selling point on why there presence at the fest would be important. To make us owers know that our company cares about us, even though we are a small group, and we want to help expand the the joy of diesel cars.
I've often wondered if there would be as many TDI owners if there was something to choose from. Or how much better our cars might be if VW had to worry about the competition? Maybe we would get some of the goodies that they have in europe?? I envision a 4motion 180hp PassatTDI wagan with a 6sp and sport package all from factory, warranty included. I might be old and gray when that happens, if ever, but what a nice dream it is.

 

[Betzel]

Yeah,

I want a 4motion 4-valve DSG Passat with leather and toys too.

OK, so to list the reasons VWOA may want to consider some kind of support or bring attention to our group by blowing some wind into our TDIFest sails:

1) To demonstrate to non-diesel owners in the USA that people buy the TDI here not only for frugality, but because it is also fun to drive. No smoke, no noise, no smell, not slow!

2) To show the car buying public that VW TDI technology has been around for a while and is not a "new thing". We already drove it and got it way back in 1996 - like our European bretheren.

3) To remind the American consumer that they can buy a diesel from VW and have reasonable expectations to find fuel easily and good service from the VW branded dealer network. <coughs a bit...>

4) To further VW's nascent appeal to the growing sentiment that Americans should reduce their dependence on foreign oil and drive farther on a drop of fuel.

5) That we will work with VW on several common goals including creating demand for expanded TDI line in North America for 2006

6) That VW can trust the TDI club to support them as they consider supporting us - we only ask that they don't blow smoke up our a$$ because we are culturally and technically enthusiastic, but not stupid.

7) To show that this technically savvy crowd agrees with VW that fuel cells are not the short term "plug-n-play" solution hyped in the media (technology is too far away and ecological issues with creating hydrogen)

8) To encourage the international collaboration on biomass fuels that can be used universally and help the developing world sell their products and power their own local economic development without destroying the planet.

What do you think of these brainstorming talking points and what else can we offer VWOA to elicit their support?

 

[compu_85]

Sounds very logical to me, espically the point that they won't have a monopoly for much longer (and that the dealers really leave a lot to be desired...)

-Jason

 

[danix]

Guys,

Sorry for the delayed reply, I have been horribly busy lately.

In a nutshell, here was VW's response via their PR person.
Fest sounds like an interesting idea, they are willing to lend some type of support depending on what budgets allow, would try to bring a Touareg or Passat TDI there.
(Again, IMO, specific requests will merit actions, if we leave it open ended, we'll get nothing most likely.)

As far as a Lupo or Polo, not a chance in hell, they won't be sold here so no sense teasing anyone.
I was also reminded that Bosch has a fleet of various turbodiesel cars here in the US (for testing purposes) and perhaps they could be coaxed into attending with one or more cars. I am looking into that angle.

Hope that helps.

 

[Betzel]

Dan,

The suggestions made above make good sense to me. Since you have made personal contact and I only have email, I will defer to you to see if you can convince VWOA to bring the cars you mentioned. Contacting Bosch is also a great idea.

Do you want to run with both or do you want to delegate parts out for the action and rundown? Also, should I contact a local dealer (Boston VW?) and see how they might feel? Is there a consensus on which dealer(s) to contact? Welleley VW has also been good to me...

Dan and the rest of ya: please advise regarding your ideas around an action plan.

 

[GeWilli]

[ QUOTE ]
6) That VW can trust the TDI club to support them as they consider supporting us - we only ask that they don't blow smoke up our a$$ because we are culturally and technically enthusiastic, but not stupid.

[/ QUOTE ]

/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /images/graemlins/grin.gif /images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Lineman]

The Sheraton Braintree is pretty close to Quirk VW in Quincy. (that's where I bought my VW). The question is, would any VW dealer in MA actually have some TDI's on the lot?

... either way i'd love to see a new TDI Passat or Tourag at the Fest.

 

[jdonsbach]

Betzel,
I would suggest contacting South Shore VW about a presence. They really might be interested. Also, Quirk VW is "the local dealer" a stone's throw away from the hotel, in Quincy.

Jeff D
[apparently, Quirk just moved, or is moving, their VW show room to Granite St in Braintree, which is even closer to the hotel]

 

[jdonsbach]

I think about the only TDI a Mass dealer might have on the lot in 2004 is the Toureg, since it is a "truck" and squeaks past CARB regs. No cars.

 

[Betzel]

OK,

Do we want to take a poll to pick a dealer list to run through? Everyone has a favorite...

 

[tdipoet]

actually, insofar as the dealerships go, we're working that angle within the organization committee, and would prefer to keep it that way. making it a general free-for-all will get really confusing, really quickly, so we'd respectfully prefer you leave that one to us.

 

[Betzel]

[ QUOTE ]
actually, insofar as the dealerships go, we're working that angle within the organization committee, and would prefer to keep it that way. making it a general free-for-all will get really confusing, really quickly, so we'd respectfully prefer you leave that one to us.

[/ QUOTE ]

OK. Cool...I did not know about that as I guess I am kinda on the outside looking in a bit. Not trying to start the "disorganization committee" /images/graemlins/smile.gif

Are you guys going to contact Bosch? Do you want to follow up with Tony Fouladpour at VWOA after my reply to him and Dan's interactions at the show? Just let me know so I don't drop anything by "accident"; I'm cool with letting go if someone else has the ball and can run with it.

BTW, I wholeheartedly concur with avoiding the chaos factor here - I'm just trying to pitch in. Please advise on the direction of the flow and I'll go with it.

If you want help, I'm all yours. It's all good /images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[tdipoet]

the help that everyone has given thus far in contacting VWAG has been fantastic - keep it up! that's one area where we do not have anyone in the committee with the right contacts, so it is preferable to draw upon the larger club - there are those of us here who have much more contact with the right folks at VW and stand a much better chance.

 

[Betzel]

Poetic one,

I'm not sure, but I think you are green-lighting Dan or myself to move ahead with VWOA and Bosch, but to leave the local dealers, etc. to the committee. Correct?

If so, I would say Danix is once again the man as he wants to run with contacting Bosch and has actually MET the PR folks at VWOA personally (at least I think it was the Americans...), but I know he has a new job and we all know what that's like. He's also quite the diplomat, being a natural born "killer salesman" /images/graemlins/smile.gif

Danix,

I recommend these items be addressed by you when you have the time to pursue them. Let me know if you want me to assist, OK?

--Karl Von Betzel

 

[danix]

I will take the ball with VWOA and Bosch, I am also going to use my PR contacts within Ford and Daimler to see if there is any interest. I assume that most fest attendees are diesel enthusiasts first and VW enthusiasts second, and as such won't be offended if there happens to be a Focus dTi there or something similar /images/graemlins/smile.gif