Re: Audi drops in JDPower survey

[William J Murin <murin@uwp.edu>]

Assuming for the moment that the survey methodology is not defective (ie:
random and representative), then another possible explanation is that Audi
buyers have changed in recent years.  The A4 has created many first-time
Audi buyers.  I'm sure Audi knows where these people came from--previous
makes of cars owned, import vs. domestic experience, etc.

The new folks, as opposed to all the distinguished folks on this list,
don't necessarily look like us, have the same demographics, or expect the
same things in a car.  These numbers could present an interesting dilemma
for Audi.  On the one hand, Audi sales figures are up significantly in the
US and they have again made the JD Powers Top 10.  But, as the economists
love to say, on the other hand, these numbers could indicate that these
new folks are not as excited about Audi as we are and are less likely to
be repeat buyers.

Audi could easily solve their dilemma by giving listmeister Dan a new
S4and the rest of us hefty discounts on the Audi of our choice.  Watch
those JD Powers numbers go through the roof!

Bill Murin
89 100q

> It is unlikely for a car company to alter it's quality significantly in one
> year (better OR worse).  These results imply that either there is minimal
> difference between the top 10 cars or the survey methods are suspect.
> 
> JMHO
> Ralph Poplawsky
> 
> At 09:08 AM 4/3/98 -0500, Sean wrote:
> >
> >
> >To:   quattro
> >It appears that Audi has dropped 6 places to 9th in the latest JDPower
> >survey. Here's the list:
> >
> >1. Lexus (1)
> >2. Cadillac (2)
> >3. Infiniti (4)
> >4. Mercedes-Benz (7)
> >5. Acura (6)
> >6. Buick (9)
> >7. Lincoln (5)
> >8. Toyota (10)
> >9. Audi (3)
> >10. Oldsmobile (11)
> >
> >The numbers in paren's are the ranking's for 1997. And, sadly, it appears
> >in this list that Audi is the only one that dropped.  "Things that make you
> > go, 'Hmmm.'"
> >
> >Sean Ford
> >'92 Audi 100CS 5-spd 35k mi
> >http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/5528
> >
> >
> >
> >
> 
>