Yeah, I think it's more of a problem of brand recognition than one of company affliliations.

I just hope Bernd does not completely phase out the Phaeton from VW. I remembered one of his statements was "to keep VW as cost-efficient as possible." Although the Phaeton is barely making enough money for VW (I think), the Phaeton just needs time for acceptance, like the time needed by the A8 to finally have people thinking of it as a venerable contender to the heavyweight S-Class and 7 Series.

And marketing! VW's marketing is horrendous.