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Dear Sirs, I wish to bring to your attention the recent actions Of Volkswagen Of America, regarding trademark issues. Myself and hundreds of other volkswagen enthusiasts around the world have been disappointed to see VWoA take negative approach towards all Volkswagen lovers in the internet, we are very concerned about the future of the VW brand and good name it has in the market. Here's what is happening: VWoA is using their lawfirm to force VW enthusiasts to REMOVE all VW logos, the words Volkswagen and VW and other VW related items from PRIVATE, non-profit web pages. This is rediculous, they are threatening Volkswagen OWNERS and lovers with lawsuits, just for showing the world that they LOVE the car and appreciate and trust the manufacturer over any other car maker in the world. This is crazy, and HURTS our feelings. Our very subject of admiration and love is biting the hand that feeds it. This is causing a lot of bad feelings and even negative ACTIONS against Volkswagen Corporation, people are already refusing to buy Volkswagen products because VWoA is giving the company such bad name. This is really crazy, VWoA has thousands and thousands of people around it who want to ADVERTISE and PROMOTE Volkswagen products for FREE, and what do they do? They try to shut them down!!! I realize that VW has to protect it's trademark, but this is rediculous, and BAD BUSINESS. There has to be a way to solve this in a more productive and constructive way, the current situation is causing a lot of potential customers to turn away in disgust, instead of creating good reputation. We live in a world where this kind of customer treatment is not acceptable, competition is tough already as it is, and VWoA is so close to regaining some of the ground it lost in North America during the past few years. I know personally that this issue WILL GO TO THE WORLDWIDE PRESS, in the very near future. The people will not tolerate this much longer, we are talking about PRIVATE individuals, who are not making any profit with the Volkswagen logo or trade name. Any company should realize that the people, your potential and existing customers, will decide whether you as a company will be successful in the market. You should work WITH people, not AGAINST them. My letter to you is representing the feelings of many other VW enthusiasts, but due to my limited language skills, I have not been able to set my words in the best possible way. There is a group of people, myself included, that are planning a worldwide media campaign to bring this problem out in the open, in order to get our voices heard. We have contacted the lawfirm, and VWoA directly, with no results. It is time for more drastic actions. Personally, I would not like to see things go this far. We do not want to hurt Volkswagen corporation in any way, it is just that in this case we feel it is our responsibility to save the company from comitting suicide in one of it's largest market areas. VWoa is bad for business, we want them to wake up and correct the mistakes they have made, and continue to make. Volkswagen used to be one of the best selling non-american cars in the US, we want it to get back on it's feet and prosper once again. I hope you take this letter to the highest level possible in your organization, This is a major marketing issue to be at least investigated further. I kindly ask you to contact me directly by email, regular mail or even by telephone, if you have any questions. I would very much like to hear your views on this, and whatever message you have for me, I will forward to all VW organizations and enthusiasts I know. I can reach directly a few thousand people worldwide, and indirectly even more, as VW club presidents around the world will spread the word to their club members. I apologize if my letter sounds too negative arrogant, or offensive to you. it is not my intention, I am merely seeking a peaceful solution to a difficult problem. Respectfully, Jan Andersson Helsinki, Finland |