Could Volkswagen's Diesel Buyback Policy Actually INCREASE Their Sales?

Will Volkswagen TDI owners who opt for a buyback be soured on the brand, or can they be lured into a new model?

It’s a big question for dealers, who could stand to benefit from the dealership traffic they’ll see when Volkswagen’s buyback program gets up and running later this year.

The fate of hundreds of thousands of 2.0-liter turbodiesel models sold in the U.S. rests on the finalized details of the automaker’s April 21 settlement deal. Those details become public this summer, after which the company can start to buy back or fix (at the owner’s request) the vehicles caught up in the diesel emissions scandal.

The program will have to be run through the national dealer network, and though some former owners will leave determined to give another brand a try, some might linger in the showroom with company money in hand.

atc98092 - 4/26/2016 11:11:55 AM

+3 Boost

I'm willing to consider VW when my Passat and Jetta are bought back, but it's going to depend on what's available and pricing. If VW wants to keep current customers, they need to get the latest models on the street pronto, and they better offer some cash on the hood, over and above whatever "compensation" is offered for the mess they made. Get the T-Prime concept in production quickly, with the hybrid drivetrain. Or the Tiguan replacement.

Make more hybrid offerings, or get your TDIs certified again. My last Tiguan wsa just too thirsty, which is why I bought the diesel in the first place. Otherwise, other manufacturers are going to be turning my eye.

PUGPROUD - 4/26/2016 12:24:07 PM

+2 Boost

VW will try to cajole people to buy new cars with special programs and/or incentives. For example: "You have turned in your car and can expect to receive your check in 60 days. However if you take advantage of our special program you can buy a new VW today and apply the full buy back proceeds against your purchase price immediately." Fair or too heavy handed...you decide.

Agent009 - 4/26/2016 1:53:59 PM

+3 Boost

Fair - You get apply that buyback credit NOW or wait with out the car for 60 days to get a check. BTW if you buy now we have good will incentives too we can apply.

All fair in this case, the buyer has to decide what they want to do, however enough cash can be laid out influence them easily.

TomM - 4/26/2016 1:50:56 PM

+3 Boost

The question is - will VW even TRY to get its diesels certified again in the USA - Maybe only with AUDI -

Agent009 - 4/26/2016 1:55:44 PM

+3 Boost

I think only Audi and Porsche will retain the diesel in the US. Both of them seem to be unaffected in the US by the fiasco.

bw5011 - 4/26/2016 4:20:04 PM

+2 Boost

When the buyback goes through for my A3, I will buy another Audi. I don't need diesel now that I don't drive 320 miles multiple times a week. Time for something that barely gets 20.... lol

MDarringer - 4/26/2016 8:08:13 PM

+1 Boost

Anyone willing to buy a new product from a company that lied to them deserves to get screwed over. Fansheeple are such idiots.

TDIOwner11 - 4/26/2016 9:18:34 PM

+3 Boost

I have a 2011 VW Sportswagen TDI. I will consider another VW if they give me pre-scandal market value + compensation and a healthy discount on a gas version. Basically I like their engineering but don't appreciate the way they've treated their customers. If they continue acting arrogantly, I'll probably buy something else.

skytop - 4/27/2016 7:36:12 AM

0 Boost

For sure, whatever VW cooks up, the schemes will be 100% in their OWN self interest.