Guess WHO Would Be Smoking The Other German Automakers If They Could Get ENOUGH Cars...

Although the general macroeconomic environment is less than desirable, with the possibility of a double dip recession still lingering, some auto manufacturers aren't having so much trouble.

You have to remember, where there are losers there are also winners. Where things get tricky is picking the winners.

It's pretty easy to see that some brands are just KILLING their sales figures. Even after growing market share year-over-year, some automakers are still breaking records and aren't showing signs of slowing down.

But with all of that success comes problems. That's because with all these new consumers, certain brands can't keep up with demand!

With that said, we want you to list some manufacturers that would be running MUCH stronger if only they could meet demand. We'll give you a hint with one of them. After talking to some of the Agents' dealer friends, it turns out that AUDI would be giving BMW serious problems, if only it could meet demand.

Because it can't churn out enough cars, Audi can't come close to giving BMW a run for its money in the US market.

sdcarguy - 9/26/2011 11:50:54 PM

+1 Boost

Yes, someone at Audi screwed up scaling back their supply chain the last 18 months.

BondMI6 - 9/27/2011 12:30:45 AM

0 Boost

Maybe they don't want to meet demand.

Every other car in L.A. is a BMW now- it would seem that Audi wants to be a little more unique.

Willis - 9/27/2011 5:16:51 AM

0 Boost

Smoking is not good for your health/

bmwdrvr - 9/27/2011 9:14:06 AM

+3 Boost

I love these fan boy false truths, sure the reason why the A4 sells so low is because of supply thats the reason as to why 2.5 times more people choose a 3 series. Thats laughable at best, Audi has stated several times their goal to overtake BMW in sales its not supply its that customers are choosing the car they would rather have.....

JRobUSC - 9/27/2011 11:58:23 AM

+4 Boost

"It was stated on this very site that Audi is making less money on US sales for some reason, but it can't be because of lack of interest, as their month-to-month sales/year over year keep setting company records."

Every vehicle that gets imported into the U.S. makes the manufacturer less money than it could elsewhere. That's why BMW and Benz (and soon, Audi) are building cars here. It's why BMW has pushed back the U.S. debut of the X1 until who knows when, because it's sold out worldwide and importing it here means taking away units from somewhere else and that means costing them money.

All three German brands are having record years. Bottom line, yes, Audi could sell more cars in the U.S. They have artificially constrained supply. But not by THAT much. They wouldn't magically become #1 just by removing that bottleneck. Their U.S. sales are roughly 39% of BMW's and Benz's, they're not going to make up that 61% shortfall just by importing more of them.

Joe_Limon - 9/27/2011 9:25:51 AM

+2 Boost

Audi doesn't have as many dealerships in north america.

ThierryHenry14 - 9/27/2011 9:36:47 AM

+1 Boost

Audi does not have the reputation that BMW has in the US, although it may change soon... It would certainly help Audi if they were to set up an assembly/manufacturing plant in the US.

infiniti_G35c - 9/28/2011 1:12:27 AM

+2 Boost

^^^I disagree. IMO, anyone who thinks Audi is on the same caliber as BMW and Mercedes-Benz is ill-informed. BMW and MB have a reputation unmatched (whether we think it's hype or not). I just think Audi finally pulled it's act together and did some homework with the lastest generation. Trendy at best.

gkearns56 - 9/28/2011 1:02:27 PM

+2 Boost

@ PatriotNation: You are absolutely correct about the wait time on an Audi. I have family that work for Aud/VW in their corporate offices in Auburn Hills, Michigan. When I recently ordered my 2012 A6 in Jun and just cam ein 2 days ago (Monday). I sold my Audi A4 to a fellow who lives in California. I live on the east coast. He said the folks in the west cost can wait as long as 6 months to get their "ordered" vehicle.

Audi is having issues with meeting demand. When I was at the dealership to pick up my new A6 the dealer actually ask if he could show it for a day in his showroom since they did not have any others on their lot.

Audi may not overtake BMW (wife has one) in sales, but they have a very nice product. Folks are having to wait on certain models to get.