Seems like another marketing/busineess mantra of some time back.
Think global- act local.
It used to be that Spanish people bought SEAT cars (VW sub-brand now with different body panels on the same parts) etc etc. VW worked to increase their production volumes with parts manufacturers by grabbing market share through the purchase of Skoda and SEAT many years ago. It gave them new markets and volume benefits that should have been more loyal.
If I get out at Madrid and Barcelona airport now I mostly see Skoda Taxis. When I asked the driver why not SEAT anymore he said "Skoda is better quality and they offer a longer warranty" despite being the parts in a different skin. You do have to wonder about the reality vs perception gap. Yet when I get out at Prague I see - Skoda !
Skoda talk about seeing many conversions from MB E class estates to their new Superb estate. If you look at the price of an E Estate 220D SE on a 2-3 year lease (heavily price supported by MB) then they are not so different. Interestingly the Skoda has benefited from modern styling and greatly increased parts quality inside. If I compared them I would say the Skoda is nicer inside now.
Funny old world
