Despite having the good sense to offer modern reproduction parts for classic models, Audi has tragically not made getting them into the hands of customers based in the United States or Canada particularly easy. Fortunately, that could be changing based on a post from Audi Club North America.
The group recently made an Instagram post asking for Audi owners ( h/t TheDrive) to provide feedback that could lead to Americans eventually getting the parts they need for whatever Audi model they happen to be wrenching upon. The questionnaire pertains directly to informing Audi Tradition on how best to handle bringing heritage parts to our market.
Getting OEM parts for an aging vehicle can get a little obnoxious. I own an ancient Toyota Corolla that I like to tinker with and am blessed by the fact that it’s one of most widely produced automobiles in human history. Junkyards frequently have what I’m looking for. When they don’t, Toyota is actually willing to sell me a lot of the components I need despite the car technically qualifying as an antique.
This is massively convenient for me. But not everyone is so fortunate when it comes to sourcing original-spec equipment. Audi assuredly offers plenty of parts for older models but things get a little more spartan in our part of the world the older the vehicle in question becomes, leading owners to spend more energy trying to wrangle OEM components from overseas, getting extra chummy with their dealer, going to aftermarket brands, or foraging for parts on websites like eBay.
Audi Club North America wanting feedback from owners about parts is a signal that component availability could soon be on the rise. However, that assumes enough fans are filling out its survey to help the process along.
The post states that the group wants feedback, noting that it could help bring Audi Tradition parts to North America.
“Whether you’re a longtime Audi owner or someone who dreams of one, we want to understand your interests and needs when it comes to heritage parts,” read the Instagram post. “Your insights will be compiled and shared with Audi Tradition, the group committed to preserving Audi’s legacy and supporting vintage models.”
Presently Audi Tradition does not sell parts to customers in the United States — at least not directly. This could change that.
Frankly, it seems like it could be a victory for both Audi and fans of its vehicles if everything goes through. Enthusiasts gain better access to parts, thereby keeping classic models on the road. Meanwhile, Audi Tradition makes some extra money and the manufacturer earns more street cred with enthusiasts and draws in some younger fans who are able to experience properly maintained examples of its best work.
The survey is supposed to be relatively short and comes with a sweepstakes for those who might need added incentives. But anyone with an old Audi in the garage would probably be crazy not to offer their feedback.
[Images: Audi]
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