Pre-order the 21st Century Beetle

[pdoel]

Originally Posted by MyOtherRidesAVette

My fears are many. VW will not shut it off after receiving 600 orders, but rather take all that come.

Won't happen. This isn't VW's first stint at doing a limited run. Chances are, these 600 cars are already built, or soon will be. They typically do these in a run, and once they're done building their limited quantity, that's it. They've done quite a few limited runs, and have never gone over their original statement of how many cars they are building.

As for people buying these, and trying to sell them as a profit. Hopefully they learned their lesson last time around. In 1998, lots of dealerships (non-VW) were buying these, and then trying to sell them for a premium on their lots. Most sat there forever. Yeah, some people will jump at the chance to be one of the first. But, at the same time, there are even more people who don't want a first run of a car, knowing it's going to have some issues.

As for this being a limited run, unfortunately, that also does not help with the long term value. Heck there were tons of Color Concepts sitting, brand new, on dealers lots for well over a year, and finally being marked down to about $18,000 (originally asking $22,00 - $23,00).

I think the average consumer has learned over the years, and most won't fall for paying a ridiculous amount for a car, when, if they'd just wait a month, could have exactly what they want, for much less.

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by pdoel

i think the average consumer has learned over the years, and most won't fall for paying a ridiculous amount for a car, when, if they'd just wait a month, could have exactly what they want, for much less.

outstanding point!

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by scarabY2k

Welllllll, I guess after a fashion it IS special. Special in that you'll be one of 600 folk to get the beetle first, along with some of the options.

From the list of options that I see, they're options available to buyer 601, and beyond.

Again Big Mo, i'm with you on the VIN#, but i'm sure B12 (Hey that's a cool moniker) VIN#00000000000000001 is already next to the last final edition nB.

Don't think so, it should be a different model # code in the VIN, what ever is assigned to the new model, and also TMK, the last digits start over each year, for each model, this will start with the number 000001. Someone will know they have the very first off the production line, unless the concepts at the shows, and the test cars, got assigned standard VINs, or these are actually not the first of the Model produced as claimed in the promotion.

If what you are saying were the case everyone would know how many NBs were produced, and that seems to be a closely guarded secret, I have never been able to find any published production figures. Perhaps an embarrassment to VW.

M.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

I have re-read the promo, and they are referring to these as an exclusive "launch edition", limited to 600. By all definitions of the word "exclusive", these will carry a uniqueness, just as with any SE, and their total, forever production, will be limited to 600.

Edit: It also goes on to say "And as a fan, you can be one of the few to own it." Tells me there will be no more produced. The "edition" could be a special color, special options, or simply special badging, but usually manufacturers off a combination of all. Note the color is described as exclusive "black pearl" paint. Also note the fine print, it is an automatic.

M.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by pdoel

Won't happen. This isn't VW's first stint at doing a limited run. Chances are, these 600 cars are already built, or soon will be. They typically do these in a run, and once they're done building their limited quantity, that's it. They've done quite a few limited runs, and have never gone over their original statement of how many cars they are building.

As for people buying these, and trying to sell them as a profit. Hopefully they learned their lesson last time around. In 1998, lots of dealerships (non-VW) were buying these, and then trying to sell them for a premium on their lots. Most sat there forever. Yeah, some people will jump at the chance to be one of the first. But, at the same time, there are even more people who don't want a first run of a car, knowing it's going to have some issues.

As for this being a limited run, unfortunately, that also does not help with the long term value. Heck there were tons of Color Concepts sitting, brand new, on dealers lots for well over a year, and finally being marked down to about $18,000 (originally asking $22,00 - $23,00).

I think the average consumer has learned over the years, and most won't fall for paying a ridiculous amount for a car, when, if they'd just wait a month, could have exactly what they want, for much less.

I agree whole heartedly, but a model trim level or trim option, the CC (TMK not a limited run, SE), is a different animal. Stupid dealers. And ditto any individual. When your buying a SE, there are several factors which come into play. This one seems to meet all those pros. Very few of those 600 buyers will be buying to sell their option (I say option, because now in reading closer, the deposit is indicated as fully refundable), but more so now as there is no gamble, IF the order is backed up with a confirmation that you are one of the chosen, along with the production number, as GM and Ford have done with a few vehicles. And WTF, this is a refundable deposit. It will be real interesting to see the "terms and conditions" when they are released tomorrow.

The way this is being done, I'm beginning to think we'll see so may pre-orders, VW will pull something like, oh, looks like you weren't one of the successful, or they only let this Dealership have x, and we had more orders than we could get cars, doesn't take much to stay within the law, but since we have you're deposit, and you're already in the showroom... (they call this bait and switch)

It will be interesting how this plays out.

M.

[pdoel]

Originally Posted by MyOtherRidesAVette

The way this is being done, I'm beginning to think we'll see so may pre-orders, VW will pull something like, oh, looks like you weren't one of the successful, or they only let this Dealership have x, and we had more orders than we could get cars, doesn't take much to stay within the law, but since we have you're deposit, and you're already in the showroom... (they call this bait and switch)

No offense, but you seem to be a bit of a conspiracy theorist. Again, this isn't VW's first attempt at limited runs, or special models. Nor is it their first time at releasing vehicles in this sort of a manner (allowing people to pre-order off a limited run).

They did this back in 2000 with their "Internet only" LE models. And guess what, everyone who went online and ordered one, got one. They did end up with extras, and once the internet promotions were done, they released the extras throughout the country to various dealerships.

So sorry, I really don't see VW pulling any bait and switch, or anything else underhanded. This all seems pretty legit, and nothing they haven't already done, and done successfully.

[SMG]

The first model year or two is probably worth avoiding if history is any indication.

Looks like a lot of hype over a TURBO sticker. What a clever way to instantly move 600 cars.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by pdoel

No offense, but you seem to be a bit of a conspiracy theorist. Again, this isn't VW's first attempt at limited runs, or special models. Nor is it their first time at releasing vehicles in this sort of a manner (allowing people to pre-order off a limited run).

They did this back in 2000 with their "Internet only" LE models. And guess what, everyone who went online and ordered one, got one. They did end up with extras, and once the internet promotions were done, they released the extras throughout the country to various dealerships.

So sorry, I really don't see VW pulling any bait and switch, or anything else underhanded. This all seems pretty legit, and nothing they haven't already done, and done successfully.

The 2000 "Internet Only" LE models were a run of over 6 times as many vehicles, and being dolled out to a significantly smaller market. And without all the new model release hoopla. I bought a new 2000 NBT, and as I remember, by then supply to the demand was not a problem.

Also thinking back to the two tone interiors and seats (CC in the VW NB brand), Porsche did this with the Boxster or Boxster S or Carrera (I really don't remember as I considered the purchase of all) about the same time. It queered the deal for me ordering one, because the option was which colors, not the two tone, that wasn't a choice, and I considered the two tone horrid at the time. Many of the manufacturers did this two tone thing as standard (GM ruined the interiors of their Chevy and GMC full size SUV lines with it), and it ran it's course in a couple years.

As I said, "it will be interesting to see how this plays out". I'd just like to see the "terms and conditions"! And no one said it wasn't legit. Actually quite a clever marketing campaign to sell $18M (retail) worth of cars, in what I think will be a record time. Damn, they gotta offset the cost of that Oprah thing! Another very smart marketing move! So you think the pre-order system will shut down after 600 orders, with refundable deposits, have been placed?

M.

[miffmole]

The Pre-Order Sale is on:
Volkswagen

[digitalputty]

All I see is
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Well, read the terms and conditions and "pre-order FAQS"

Sales on first come first served to complete the sales transaction at the Dealer of your choice, which cannot be changed once you place the reservation, without placement of new reservation. The guy who was at the Dealer today at high noon, or whatever time it was, with laptop and aircard in hand to create the reservation, with a pile of cash to expedite the sale, not better the price (Dealers don't want your cash, they want your financing), no time for haggling on price, and a Dealer willing to turn it in to the District Office immediately may have gotten the coveted VIN 000001. And then maybe not. May have already been commited by corporate.

No guarantee for sale and delivery of vehicle to any one placing a reservation.

Price to be totally determined by the Dealer of your choice, regardless of MSRP.

Reservations are not transferable, and vehicle must be sold to and titled in the name of the person placing the reservation.

Found no provision for adding additional options or option packages. Cloth seats, no mention of leather being available. Sounds as if all 600 will be a rubber stamp. Cars SHOULD be to Dealer by mid October.

No indication vehicles would be numbered, or even special badging other than color and special Turbo badging. What happened to the "Built expressly for... No. 1 of 600"

M.

********************MOD EDIT****************** AGAIN, please stop trying to get around the censors.

[miffmole]

As of today, 6/22/2011, there are still 130 of the Beetle Black Turbos unspoken for...
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I assumed they would move a little quicker.

[Smileybug]

I don't think they publicized it well enough. That is where VW often goes wrong...they make great cars but fail to publicize them and then they sell poorly. They really hyped up the launch of the Beetle, I would think they would have been pushing this pre-sale like crazy. I know I never got an email about it.

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by Smileybug

I don't think they publicized it well enough. That is where VW often goes wrong...they make great cars but fail to publicize them and then they sell poorly. They really hyped up the launch of the Beetle, I would think they would have been pushing this pre-sale like crazy. I know I never got an email about it.

There's some truth to that, especially for such a highly touted debut.

They do make pretty cool commercials, yet their persistence in advertising could be better. I remember the Internet nB ads back in the day- you'd see them on TV all the time. Today, you barely see the Black Betty commercials, and nary a one of the limited first run black beetle.

Guess they're sticking to a strictly internet-only ad campaign for this gem.

[Smileybug]

Even so, they aren't doing a good job at it. Hubby and I are both VW owners, and I know they have my email. I never got a thing about the pre-order. I only saw it here. There was a front page Vortex article about it, but if a lot of 'texers are like me, I never go to the front page. It needed to be put all over the 'net if thats how they were planning doing the promotion. They want to try to get guys and non-VW owners interested in the car so they need to market it as such and really get the info out there.

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by Smileybug

Even so, they aren't doing a good job at it. Hubby and I are both VW owners, and I know they have my email. I never got a thing about the pre-order. I only saw it here. There was a front page Vortex article about it, but if a lot of 'texers are like me, I never go to the front page. It needed to be put all over the 'net if thats how they were planning doing the promotion. They want to try to get guys and non-VW owners interested in the car so they need to market it as such and really get the info out there.

I agree my beetle lovin' friend

I didn't even receive an e-mail about the pre-order.

VWoA really needs an orger to work in their P.R./promo dept

[miffmole]

Originally Posted by scarabY2k

I agree my beetle lovin' friend

I didn't even receive an e-mail about the pre-order.

VWoA really needs an orger to work in their P.R./promo dept

I signed up for e-mail alerts on the VW corporate site. That's why I got the one about the 2012 Beetle that started this thread.