You are basically correct.  All foreign manufacturers began selling cars
in the US by setting up distribution centers, since US franchise laws
prohibit direct manufacturer to consumer new vehicle sales.  Foreign
manufacturers can only enter our market by selling franchises to
independent dealers, hence the need for distribution facilities.

VWoA is the distributor for North America, and as such controls the
distribution of new cars to its franchised dealers.  They sell the
franchises to independent dealers and support them with advertising, new
cars, service training and warranty repair reimbursement.

VWoA is an administrator of US business processes for VW in Germany, and
acts under their direction.  Their knowledge of cars is primarily
limited to educating the dealers on the current models for sales and
service purposes, but they most certainly have long term employees who
are familiar with vehicle problem histories.

Richard Golen will most likely be required to sign an agreement to drop
his claims and not enter any new claims against VWoA in return for
replacement of his Eurovan.  He may also be asked not to discuss the
settlement as well.  We will see, I know he is an attorney, so he can
take care of himself just fine!

Donald Newman wrote:
>
> Having read this thread from the beginning I am wondering just what
> constitutes VWoA.  It may be only someone pushing paper to import cars
> with no actual car knowledge at all and even less caring for the
> people who purchase the vehicles.
>
> The treatment Richard Golen has received makes me wonder.
>
> Donald Newman,  1999 EV W/E.  (I need to start checking my gas lines)
>
--
Stuart MacMillan
Manager, Case Program
800-909-8244 ext 208

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