Volkswagen design chief: 'We lost our way' - new look in 18 months

“We lost our way,” says Walter de’ Silva, Volkswagen group’s new design chief. Silva was promoted February 1, 2007 leaving his previous job as Audi’s top designer. Automotive News reports that Silva is planning to give Volkswagen a new look when the next generation of Volkswagen starts to arrive in the next 18 months.

Production of the next generation Golf VI was delayed a bit after Silva became VW’s design chief. It seems that a lot of Japanese automakers are doing their best to take over Volkswagen’s top seller in Germany.

We’re fans of the current Golf, or Rabbit, and have a soft spot for the Touareg and Eos as well. But the Passat and the Jetta need a major overhaul. Let’s hope Silva turns things around for those two models.
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david999 - 4/2/2007 11:18:13 AM

+1 Boost

Its not the designs that hurt VW, its their sub-par quality and reliability for the money. Please merge with an Asian brand like Honda, and learn how its done.

froggy780 - 4/2/2007 11:24:53 AM

0 Boost

Quality is a big problem.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/2/2007 2:35:32 PM

0 Boost

Quality? What is quality? You use it in every post. It's very vague. Their interiors, like Audi's, are some of the best in the business-- built like tanks.

Reliability, I agree with.

froggy780 - 4/2/2007 11:24:17 AM

+2 Boost

I hope VW can bring back their image. I love their products but their designs are too bland right now. They need to focus on edgy products like the VW new microbus concept that they axed. That vehicle would have sold prety well like the new beetle. Instead, VW decided to invest alot of money into bringing the Phaeton to the US, but that failed. VW needs to understand that the average consumer won't pay $60,000 for a VW when they can buy a Lexus or a BMW (not that I agree with that). The Phaeton was a nice car with a lot of features but it was not an amazing looking car----it was average. To top it all off, VW wants to bring a redesigned Phaeton to the US. What are they thinking? Axe that project and bring more futuristic and compelling projects into production. The new Jetta looks really nice but can cost up to $24,110---come on ( the rear also looks like a Toyota Corolla) . They also brought back the "rabbit" name that seems a bit strange because the original "rabbit" was the car that made VW look bad---it had engine and quality control problems. Why change the name from Golf to Rabbit?

froggy780 - 4/2/2007 11:53:22 AM

+1 Boost

By the way, I think it's dumb that VW would have Dodge/Chrysler produce their upcoming new van that will be built off the new Grand Caravan platform. Chrysler has quality control problems that are just as bad as VW. Also, consumers tend not to buy rebadged products--the Mazada Tribute which is a Ford Escape, Mitsubishi Raider which is some Chevy, Suzuki Verona which is a Daewoo, Honda Passport which was an Isuzu, Isuzu Oasis which was a Honda Odyssey, Acura SLX which was an Isuzu Trooper, Lincoln LT which is a Ford F150 and it looks the same, Mercury Sable which was a Ford Taurus, and many others. Car companies tend to do this to fill holes in their lineup that they feel are needed but are actually not needed.

chewy - 4/2/2007 3:05:11 PM

-1 Boost

The Dodge/Chrysler minivan is best in business. Plus the VW version will be very different, in looks and in interior. I actually can't wait for it to come out.

Rupert - 4/2/2007 7:10:37 PM

+1 Boost

I wonder how they'll position these minivans? Will the VW be above the Chrysler or not?

JUGNU - 4/2/2007 5:03:59 PM

0 Boost

"But the Passat and the Jetta need a major overhaul."

Even add the beetle and if possible Phaeton to the list.

BTW i love Golf/Rabbit.I think It's the only worthy VW

Good luck VW.

JUGNU