Dealerships stunned by unexpected incident: "Harsh slap to the face" (VW)
The German automaker, Volkswagen (VW), has found itself in the midst of a controversy over the use of Linglong tires on its premium SUV, the VW Tiguan. The decision to equip the Tiguan with Linglong tires, instead of established brands like Continental, Michelin, or Pirelli, has sparked criticism and negative reactions from consumers and tire sellers.
In a recent ADAC SUV summer tire test, the Linglong tire used on the 2024 VW Tiguan and Cupra Terramar, the Linglong Sport Master, scored 3.3, while the test winner, the Continental PremiumContact 7, achieved a commendable 1.7. This performance difference has further fueled the controversy, with many questioning the safety and quality of the Linglong tires.
VW has defended its decision to use Linglong tires, citing cost-cutting measures as the reason. The company confirmed that LingLong China is a series supplier for a 19-inch tire used on the Tiguan and Cupra Terramar in 2024. However, the future use of LingLong tires by VW remains uncertain.
The dealer's frustration is palpable, with one criticizing the decision to put a budget tire on the new premium model, calling it a challenge to their work. Another dealer was furious about the Linglong tire on the VW Tiguan, considering it a 'budget tire.' This sentiment was echoed by numerous LinkedIn users, with one stating that they would politely ask if it was an April Fool's joke if presented with such a car.
The situation has been seen as a slap in the face for tire sellers by the dealer, and even more so when an expert found a Linglong tire on a freshly delivered VW Tiguan instead of a well-known brand. The commission earned from affiliate links in this article helps the team to provide high-quality, entertaining journalism for free.
It's important to note that around 10,000 tires were ordered from LingLong China by VW in 2021, a small number in relation to the entire model range. Despite this, the controversy persists, with the high price of the new VW Tiguan, which can range from 40,000 to 50,000 euros, adding to the expectations that it should be equipped with reputed, high-quality tires.
More information about VW's financial results for the second quarter can be found here. As the controversy continues, it will be interesting to see how VW navigates this challenging situation and whether they will reconsider their decision regarding the use of Linglong tires on their premium models.
[1] ADAC SUV summer tire test results, 2024. [2] VW's financial results for the second quarter, 2022.
The controversy over Volkswagen (VW) using Linglong tires on the VW Tiguan has led to criticism from consumers, tire sellers, and even dealers. In a recent ADAC SUV summer tire test, the Linglong tire scored 3.3, while the Continental tire, a well-known brand, achieved a higher rating of 1.7.
VW has defended its cost-cutting measures by using LingLong China as a supplier for the 19-inch tire on the Tiguan and Cupra Terramar, but the future use of LingLong tires remains uncertain. Dealer frustration is evident, with many seeing the use of a budget tire on a premium model as a challenge to their work and business.
One dealer referred to the Linglong tire on the VW Tiguan as a 'budget tire,' a sentiment echoed by numerous LinkedIn users. The high price of the Tiguan, which can range from 40,000 to 50,000 euros, adds to the expectations that it should be equipped with reputed, high-quality tires.
As the controversy continues, it will be interesting to see how VW navigates this challenging situation, especially in light of their financial results for the second quarter, which can be found here. It remains to be seen if they will reconsider their decision regarding the use of Linglong tires on their premium models. [1] [2]
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