VW to add two new sedans in the U.S.

Globally, Volkswagen plans on adding an extra 12 models to its lineup by 2010. Winterkorn believes that if Volkswagen ventures into segments it currently has no product for; it will be able to reach Toyota’s sales record. Winterkorn is also planning on adding more models to the U.S. lineup hoping to increase sales to 1-million units in the U.S. alone.

So what’s in the works? Automobilwoche, has obtained an internal document from Volkswagen called the “Strategy 2018...
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S4cabriofoxone - 11/5/2007 5:38:29 PM

+2 Boost

No, it looks like a Passat with a bodykit... which is what it is.

EnnNorak - 11/6/2007 8:49:20 AM

+2 Boost

I drive a leased A6 and I want all their cars to look like Audis. Market differentiation is an evil practice aimed at sucking more money out of your wallet. Market differentiation is good public policy only if there is true incremental value for the incremental price difference.

German car makers are truly nasty about their market differentiation practices, generally charging astronomical extra prices for cars with larger engines. They also practice blackmail marketing by charging extra for all but very few bland paint colors. It's blackmail because customers are forced to chose between a color they don't want and a color they want at an unjustifiable extra cost.

zorbeeze - 11/5/2007 1:44:21 PM

+1 Boost

Redo the Jetta and Rabbit asap.
Please go back to the basics with the next GTI.

Htay7500 - 11/5/2007 3:41:45 PM

+1 Boost

I agree.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/5/2007 5:40:03 PM

+2 Boost

What are you guys talking about? The Rabbit is stylish and standard with a ton of features, and the GTI is perhaps the best ever. Neither needs a redesign anytime soon, especially not the GTI. It's as "basic" fun as you can get without shopping for a two-seater at that price.

The Jetta really needs a redesign, though. The GLI is nice. The others...

zorbeeze - 11/6/2007 7:41:28 PM

0 Boost

The GTI is sloppy and not as fun to drive as the mazda 3speed nor the civic si.
And the rabbit is soooooooooo slow. I swear my neighbors accent is more fun to drive.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/6/2007 8:44:45 PM

0 Boost

And I know you've had countless hours of experience with both the Rabbit and GTI, right?

So, all the reviews--ALL of them--which praise the GTI for its amazing engine/transmission and unflappable dynamics are dead wrong? You're the only right one.

zorbeeze - 11/7/2007 7:43:47 PM

+2 Boost

I own a performance shop and who do you think are the majority of my clients. Civic, Golfs etc. Yes i've driven several of the new GTI's, yes the car has potential but in basic form it lacks behind the other two.
As for the rabbit yes ive driven many of them and yes it is a slow car when compared to the rest of its class.

2ndbimmer - 11/5/2007 5:39:36 PM

0 Boost

The new Jetta and Passat or so but ugly. It makes the previous bodystyle look amazing!

Rupert - 11/5/2007 6:14:43 PM

+2 Boost

I liked VW's old solid, sober styling more, like on the old Golf and Passat. Especially the Passat, looked like a premium car.

SX123 - 11/5/2007 6:58:47 PM

+1 Boost

to increase sales to 1-million units in the U.S. alone

megalomaniac.

BMW995 - 11/5/2007 9:09:33 PM

+2 Boost

I hope this works for VW. A car that drives like an Audi with far less content that I don't need or want seems like a car that I would be interested in. VW has some stiff competition in the U.S., so their work is cut out for them. They need to get back to their roots and produce cars that are fun to drive that are cost competitive.