VW company boss surprise on VW forum
7/8/05, 07:09 AM
#1
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We know Ford watches the Forum.....
Debate on independent Internet site prompts Volkswagen of America boss to respond
RALPH KISIEL | Automotive News
Posted Date: 7/7/05
One day last month, Volkswagen of America boss Len Hunt was monitoring a highly charged Internet discussion about why some VW owners are leaving the brand.
As he read the opinions on VWvortex.com, an independent Web site for VW owners and enthusiasts, Hunt was goaded into action.
It's standard procedure to let such things pass if you are a senior executive. But Hunt couldn't help himself.
In a rare move for a high-ranking auto exec, Hunt went public: He posted a comment along with his name and title: "Len Hunt, executive vice president, Volkswagen of America Inc."
Sometimes people who post messages on the site pass themselves off as "Bernd Pischetsrieder" or "Ferdinand Piech," the names of VW Group's current and former CEOs. But Hunt's posting was the real deal.
Debate on independent Internet site prompts Volkswagen of America boss to respond
RALPH KISIEL | Automotive News
Posted Date: 7/7/05
One day last month, Volkswagen of America boss Len Hunt was monitoring a highly charged Internet discussion about why some VW owners are leaving the brand.
As he read the opinions on VWvortex.com, an independent Web site for VW owners and enthusiasts, Hunt was goaded into action.
It's standard procedure to let such things pass if you are a senior executive. But Hunt couldn't help himself.
In a rare move for a high-ranking auto exec, Hunt went public: He posted a comment along with his name and title: "Len Hunt, executive vice president, Volkswagen of America Inc."
Sometimes people who post messages on the site pass themselves off as "Bernd Pischetsrieder" or "Ferdinand Piech," the names of VW Group's current and former CEOs. But Hunt's posting was the real deal.
7/8/05, 07:11 AM
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Spontaneous post
"I just did it; it was totally spontaneous," says the VW brand's top U.S. exec. "I don't want people thinking I'm this faceless corporate suit somewhere."
Now Hunt is regularly posting comments on VWvortex.
Not that he went ballistic. Most of what he has to say is innocuous. For example, here he is what he said about the leaving-the-brand question:
"Thanks, Vortexers, for this subject which I obviously find very important. Our challenge seems to be a combination of quality and exciting vehicles. I can tell you all that we are listening to your views, and I personally take them with me on my many trips to the factory in Wolfsburg. Keep sending the comments; I'm listening."
That's what he might say in a press release. But Hunt says he also sends e-mails to some posters.
General Motors Vice Chairman Robert Lutz writes a Web log on GM's corporate Web site, but Hunt is the first senior auto executive to be spotted in an independent forum.
"I just did it; it was totally spontaneous," says the VW brand's top U.S. exec. "I don't want people thinking I'm this faceless corporate suit somewhere."
Now Hunt is regularly posting comments on VWvortex.
Not that he went ballistic. Most of what he has to say is innocuous. For example, here he is what he said about the leaving-the-brand question:
"Thanks, Vortexers, for this subject which I obviously find very important. Our challenge seems to be a combination of quality and exciting vehicles. I can tell you all that we are listening to your views, and I personally take them with me on my many trips to the factory in Wolfsburg. Keep sending the comments; I'm listening."
That's what he might say in a press release. But Hunt says he also sends e-mails to some posters.
General Motors Vice Chairman Robert Lutz writes a Web log on GM's corporate Web site, but Hunt is the first senior auto executive to be spotted in an independent forum.
7/8/05, 09:57 AM
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I think it's great that a guy at his level is actually reading and posting on that forum. I know that people at all the manufacturers read posts on various forums, but I wonder how many senior executives actually do it.
If they don't they're missing some very important information from the most important people in the world, their customers.
If they don't they're missing some very important information from the most important people in the world, their customers.
7/8/05, 10:49 AM
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Originally posted by mr-mstng@July 8, 2005, 8:45 AM
To have such a high level person post is interesting to see.
To have such a high level person post is interesting to see.
7/8/05, 05:26 PM
#9
Originally posted by mustangfun101@July 8, 2005, 8:14 AM
That's what he might say in a press release. But Hunt says he also sends e-mails to some posters.
General Motors Vice Chairman Robert Lutz writes a Web log on GM's corporate Web site, but Hunt is the first senior auto executive to be spotted in an independent forum.
That's what he might say in a press release. But Hunt says he also sends e-mails to some posters.
General Motors Vice Chairman Robert Lutz writes a Web log on GM's corporate Web site, but Hunt is the first senior auto executive to be spotted in an independent forum.
It is nice that an automotive executive has the cajones to post openly on a forum and measure the pulse of enthusiats.
I am sure bigwigs have posted on TMS, but I also think it is good that they do it incognito so they don't get bombarded by fools sending their resumes to them asking for a job (Me)
7/9/05, 09:42 PM
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I hate it when some people think they are on a pedistal they we cannot touch. You are the same as me and so on. Get over yourself literally.
Matt
Matt
7/9/05, 10:21 PM
#11
Originally posted by Galaxie@July 8, 2005, 6:29 PM
I am sure bigwigs have posted on TMS, but I also think it is good that they do it incognito so they don't get bombarded by fools sending their resumes to them asking for a job (Me)
I am sure bigwigs have posted on TMS, but I also think it is good that they do it incognito so they don't get bombarded by fools sending their resumes to them asking for a job (Me)
And by the way guys, I know for a fact that higher ups at FOMOCO browse the site. During the 05 develop ment, alot of your comments, complaints and feedback were dearly taken to heart by the people making the car. They wanted it to be the peoples car.
7/9/05, 10:36 PM
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Originally posted by Scothew@July 9, 2005, 9:24 PM
And by the way guys, I know for a fact that higher ups at FOMOCO browse the site. During the 05 develop ment, alot of your comments, complaints and feedback were dearly taken to heart by the people making the car. They wanted it to be the peoples car.
And by the way guys, I know for a fact that higher ups at FOMOCO browse the site. During the 05 develop ment, alot of your comments, complaints and feedback were dearly taken to heart by the people making the car. They wanted it to be the peoples car.
Personally, I think GM is completely ignoring what the people want.
I just hope Ford dont take Arin's posts too seriously :P
Steve- I believe you wanted to use "cojones." Cajones means drawers :P
7/10/05, 10:18 AM
#16
Originally posted by scottie1113@July 10, 2005, 1:18 AM
Scott, I know what you meant to say, but the peoples car has been around for a while. It's called a Volkswagen.
Scott, I know what you meant to say, but the peoples car has been around for a while. It's called a Volkswagen.
7/10/05, 05:30 PM
#17
Originally posted by thezeppelin8@July 9, 2005, 11:39 PM
Steve- I believe you wanted to use "cojones." Cajones means drawers :P
Steve- I believe you wanted to use "cojones." Cajones means drawers :P
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