Silly Americans

[GTILover]

Hi guys, Just thought I'd ask all the present GTI owners if they have received their "Fasts"?

I was doing a bit of research, as one does when buying a new car, and came across the US marketing trick for the GTI/Rabbit. When you buy a new GTI/Rabbit you get a free toy!! Think "happy meal", or up market "cereal"..
I'm looking for photos at the moment, but I'm sure some people here will know what I mean.
Are americans not sold on the GTI for it's great drive, superb handling, and brilliant engine?
Why does VW feel the need to give away toys with cars in US?
More importantly where's ours?

[GTILover]

Found a pic to clarify what I mean..

[geoffp]

Found a pic to clarify what I mean..

ssssooooooo, what the hell is it?

[GTILover]

As far as I can gather, it is a free toy that you get when purchasing a GTI in the states.
I think it is a "Techno-Robo-Bunny" that was used in marketing campaigns. Emphasis on the "think".
Like the "Flower" in a Beetle. A charm adding gimmick?
Can anyone else cast light on the "Fast"??

[Peter Jones]

Watch the ads, and it will all make sense! (Or perhaps not!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xnd1BxAo81g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvyxCC5XWCg&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=119eSti2n1o&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9Eg-S6aaSw&mode=related&search=

There's probably some more, go have a play on YouTube!

Pete

[geoffp]

OMG, that says it all... McDonalds Happy Bug

[Dr Spine]

At least VW America have very clever marketing. Just look at their web site. VW Australia could learn a lot form them. I've had my GTI for almost a year now and I've never even been asked my opinion of my car or been asked to give constructive feedback re my VW buying experience. How can VW Australia hope to better serve their clients if they don't do this?
It's simpler and a lot cheaper for a company to get repeat business (ie get me to buy another VW) than to create a new customer (1st time buyer).
They should do more marketing to the existing client base I feel.

[rayray086]

There was also a promotion with First Act guitars where every VW car sold included an in-built amp and an electric guitar of said brand. There was 3 commercials with it too, one of the first I found on YouTube while just poking around.

I definitely wouldn't mind free gimmicks with my car!

[and133]

Rabbit

I was checking out the VW American Site.. And they have renamed the Golf to RABBIT?

What?

Obviouslly to sell more?

They also are alot cheaper than here.. start 14,990!!

I think there website is pretty hard to navigate with stupid flash animations everwhere. Where is a spec sheet? lol

THEY HAVE A 2.5 LITRE ENGINE? there doesnt seem to be a diesel rabbit...

Wheres our 2.5L I want 40 more HP for less money....

[phaeton]

2.5L is a North American only engine

We get the FSI instead and soon the TSI will replace it

[DaveMack]

At least VW America have very clever marketing. Just look at their web site. VW Australia could learn a lot form them. I've had my GTI for almost a year now and I've never even been asked my opinion of my car or been asked to give constructive feedback re my VW buying experience. How can VW Australia hope to better serve their clients if they don't do this?
It's simpler and a lot cheaper for a company to get repeat business (ie get me to buy another VW) than to create a new customer (1st time buyer).
They should do more marketing to the existing client base I feel.

Have they stopped sending out the 'Satisfaction' surveys? They were still doing it last year when I bought mine ... still get the VW Dealer mag as well. Did you buy your GTI in Bris Doc?

Dave

[Dr Spine]

No. Got it from Bundaberg Volkswagen. Excellent service in my particular experience. Maybe VW Australia don't survey all new customers?
I just think that they could do a lot better at existing client relations. I believe that it would cost them more (lost opportunities, goodwill and return business) to not do this well than it would save them ($$$) by not doing it. Was that clear as mud?

[japtaxi]

Have they stopped sending out the 'Satisfaction' surveys? They were still doing it last year when I bought mine ... still get the VW Dealer mag as well.

I got those snail mail survey spam twice until I filled it out. annoying to say the least.