being a musician, i understand and respect the need to protect an image and brand. and we all know that there are plenty of shops that have used the image and do nothing but hurt the branding to the average consumer. VWoA makes no meaningful amount of money off of ACVW guys (only a small percentage are into the water-cooled VWs also) and therefore have very little concern over who they offend in this area. it may have an impact, but it is probably less of a hit than they take on shops giving them a bad name through poor service while using the brand.
i have no love of the company, but definitely do of the cars, old and new. their products have generally (and i mean generally) improved to very high levels over the past 10 years. i have had many and just sold a '96 jetta that we had for 6 years and i have nothing but praise for.
all that said, i have no problem giving authority the finger.
