Wow,

Help my ignorance here:  I realize that VW has one of the most recognized
and valuable brandnames and trademarks (which they don't change every 4
years like the Japanese cars) and they must protect it and use it.
However, one look at their marketing style (have you seen their web site
lately?) shows that they are trying to sell the VW culture, and not just
cars.  It seems to me that items like T-shirts, hats, and stickers are FREE
ADVERTISING, and the excitement of the VW clubs and shows also promote the
positive, happy VW culture that they want people to buy into.  It seems
like their IMHO overzealous attention to trademark protection is going to
do them more harm than good.

So, VW, since you are listening to this list:  We want the TDI in the
Eurovan, the Passats (including wagons and 4motions), and the Jetta wagons
to down here in the USA.  If you make the new microbus, offer us the TDI.
In addition, when the cabrio is replaced by the Beetle cabrio, guess what,
some people might actually want a TDI in it!  While you are at it, you
could improve your customer service and give us a real bumper-to-bumper
warranty.  Oh yeah, you remember those Vanagon head gaskets? . . . . . .

:-)

Michael Townsend
90 Carat

>
> I am preparing to write a substantial (for me) check to VWOA to settle
> potential copywrite infringement for use of the VW in a circle in hats I
made
> for resale. This is to avoid federal prosecution and threatened lawsuit
from
> a company acting on behalf of VW. It appears this company monitors this
and
> other lists for information in the use of their designs. The most recent
> issue of Hot VWs and VW Trends discusses this issue in editorials.
>
> . . .
>
> They are out there and they are listening. Wish they listened to the
needs of
> their car owners with the same diligence!
> Lynn Sheeley
> 720 Valleydale Rd.
> Knoxville, Tn 37923
> Vanagon List Hat source