Munich, Germany-- Everyone said that it was late for the ball. These same “everyones” also said, after taking a closer look at the Q7, that it was probably going to be a hit. And so it has been written. The Q7 ended it up being a crucial player in Audi's drive for 1 million worldwide sales. The landmark was obtained in 2008, they understandably fell just shy of the mark in 2009 and now, for 2010, they are well on their way to write another page in their long-standing history books.
Like any wise company, Audi is in it for the money. With a great business plan, desirable products and a “we'll leave the rat race to the others” attitude, Audi has too few cars to meet the demand. While others throw cash into trunks (meaning heavy incentives and discounts), Audi is selling everything they've got without losing a penny.
Their situation is practically unique. In their case, at the moment, they could stand to have an extra plant putting more cars together, but they simply don't. Their competitors have these supplemental assembly lines, and to keep them running costs money. A large portion of the profits is reinvested in R&D for the future. And it shows. Every latest Audi is more sought after than the last and what's heading our way in the near future will be even better; this is a great way to ensure continued success.
Case in point
The Q7 was a well thought-out plan. Big but not too big. Just sporty enough and with looks good to make the cover of Seventeen magazine for car-tards like me. From the 2007 model on, Audi has made subtle improvements and changes to the 7's shell. The most significant came with the 2010 model where the ultra-cool and trendy LEDs made their way in the head and taillights. Immediately recognizable, like the horse-collar grille, these signature beacons signal Audis from the not.
New wheel designs and extra chrome accents also bring the Q7 into the new decade of the 21st century. The 7 continues to be the larger of the siblings which share the Volkswagen Group PL71 platform which also underpins the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, both on the receiving end of full revitalization.
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| The 2011 Q7's pricing has not yet been announced, but it's expected that it will change little from the 2010's. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |
Like any wise company, Audi is in it for the money. With a great business plan, desirable products and a “we'll leave the rat race to the others” attitude, Audi has too few cars to meet the demand. While others throw cash into trunks (meaning heavy incentives and discounts), Audi is selling everything they've got without losing a penny.
Their situation is practically unique. In their case, at the moment, they could stand to have an extra plant putting more cars together, but they simply don't. Their competitors have these supplemental assembly lines, and to keep them running costs money. A large portion of the profits is reinvested in R&D for the future. And it shows. Every latest Audi is more sought after than the last and what's heading our way in the near future will be even better; this is a great way to ensure continued success.
Case in point
The Q7 was a well thought-out plan. Big but not too big. Just sporty enough and with looks good to make the cover of Seventeen magazine for car-tards like me. From the 2007 model on, Audi has made subtle improvements and changes to the 7's shell. The most significant came with the 2010 model where the ultra-cool and trendy LEDs made their way in the head and taillights. Immediately recognizable, like the horse-collar grille, these signature beacons signal Audis from the not.
New wheel designs and extra chrome accents also bring the Q7 into the new decade of the 21st century. The 7 continues to be the larger of the siblings which share the Volkswagen Group PL71 platform which also underpins the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, both on the receiving end of full revitalization.
 |
| The most significant came with the 2010 model where the ultra-cool and trendy LEDs made their way in the head and taillights. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |