Audi, BMW Accuse Each Other of Discounting To Win Sales While Lexus Gains

AN UNSEEMLY spat has broken out between two of the four German premium car makers, shattering the serenity that had marked the Teutonic domination of the most lucrative segment in Australia's new vehicle market.

Last week, both Audi and BMW accused the other of discounting, a heinous crime in the premium segment where most vehicles are sold as company cars and the people running those companies appear not to mind paying over the odds for their status on wheels.

Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche between them control 62 per cent of premium/luxury car sales, although Toyota's Lexus brand is gaining ground on the Germans.


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EL34 - 6/18/2007 11:25:13 AM

-7 Boost

A lot of little old ladies love driving thier Lexus'.

They say they drive sporty!

S4cabriofoxone - 6/18/2007 1:57:04 PM

-4 Boost

I'm not even going to respond to EL34's stupid post, but ENOUGH WITH THE RELIABILITY CRAP! You know it's not true!

rg12345 - 6/18/2007 8:51:07 PM

+1 Boost

Hei, I kinda agree with the guy .. lexus drivers think they are sporty. Think.

LexSucks - 6/19/2007 4:35:15 PM

+1 Boost

I'd rather Push a BMW than drive a Lexus.

ThaR8Don - 6/21/2007 7:02:11 PM

+2 Boost

06GS300<-- if this guy were correct I guess Lexus would still be in the JD Powers TOP Spot that is now Co-occupied by the A8 and S550..

Will_ - 6/18/2007 11:26:48 AM

+10 Boost

"We are confident and proud of what we are doing, we are relaxed because we know we have a great future ahead of us. But we are never ever arrogant.

" If you ask what is the difference between Audi and some other brands, this is a big difference."


-Audi Australia Director


*standing ovation*

truecarlover - 6/18/2007 11:43:03 AM

+9 Boost

My only question is - why would the BMW guy make such comments knowing that they started discounting the 3-series there already. That is quite childish. Talking bad about the competition makes no sense - that's why I agree with you in applauding the Audi exec for saying they are focusing on themselves.

Rupert - 6/18/2007 12:48:52 PM

+4 Boost

"It also reflects the pressure being exerted by Audi, which has lifted sales so far this year by an astonishing 41 per cent"
Wow. Still sells less than BMW of course, but it's gaining fast.

monkeyrun - 6/18/2007 1:45:45 PM

+6 Boost

Can someone tell BMW that their new 3-series is very boring, I'd rather get a second and 05.

Also their interior is pretty primitive.

S4cabriofoxone - 6/19/2007 12:44:47 AM

+2 Boost

*COUGH-COUGH-AUDI A4-COUGH-COUGH*...

Gee, the weather is making me feel ill today.

chuck717 - 6/18/2007 5:40:32 PM

+6 Boost

BMW now in the hatchet business, wonder if they give free 48k service on those things to?

JUGNU - 6/19/2007 7:46:30 AM

+6 Boost

"BMW Australia managing director Geunther Seemann fired the first salvo when he said BMW only had two competitors in Australia, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus, failing to recognize Audi as a competitor at all."

Talking about Audi in Media itself means BMW recognize Audi. If BMW doesn't care then why are they talking about them?
And that too giving so many Quotes.Foolish

Looks like BMW is upset,Disturbed.

JUGNU

EnnNorak - 6/19/2007 11:35:08 AM

0 Boost

I love a good price war!