China's Audi-going Official Classes

Something I've noticed in China is that most Chinese government officials come equipped with a shiny black Audi. Really important officials are driven around in black Audis with darkly tinted glass. I asked a friend about this and she explained to me that when Audi first entered the China market their strategy was to market directly to the government's top officials. Not only were most cars in the early days of China's economic transformation owned by the government, but early adoption by the country's elite would make Audi the auto aspired to by the new, rich, capitalist class. The strategy worked so well that Audis became de riguer for even mid-level government officials and Party leaders. Non-officials like to buy Audis because they are rarely stolen. Only a fool would steal an official's car in China.

BMW owners on the other hand, are often targeted by thieves. BMWs are the choice of capitalists, entrepreneurs and the rich. In other words, people with wads of cash in their pockets and without the protection that comes with official status.

VW owners by contrast, only have to worry about their car falling apart before they can get to their parking spot.