A long and extensive options or customisation list presents the dealer much more opportunities to make bigger profits - the upmarket German brands in particular are notorious for this. What they lose in volume, they make up in bigger profits from their "discerning" patrons - I think it's a financial masterstroke.

I'd have thought Volkswagen would be keen to follow in their compatriot's footsteps, but instead, they've fitted more kit as standard and bought in more stock (at least, for the Australian market). More sales volume, better value for the consumer, and less overhead costs for the importer - it's a win-win for nearly everyone.

The only ones that miss out are those who like ticking the options list, as well as some of the more, how shall we say... "talented" salespeople out there.