VW's Top Labor Representative Says US Operations Are A "Disaster"

Volkswagen's top labor representative has dubbed the carmaker's U.S. operations a "disaster" and called for more models and swift decisions to revive the group's declining fortunes in the world's second-largest auto market.

While VW has risen to become the biggest automaker in China and Europe, the group has yet to fully understood how to succeed in the United States, Bernd Osterloh, VW's works council chief, told reporters in Wolfsburg on Wednesday.

"The U.S. is a case of disaster" for VW, said Osterloh, who also sits on the carmaker's supervisory board.

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Patronus - 1/23/2014 2:49:08 PM

+3 Boost

Comparing VW's offerings outside the US to the models, engines and options offered in the US, the conclusion is easily reached that VW USA is run by idiots.

Eyecarehawaii - 1/24/2014 4:47:39 PM

+1 Boost

I agree with this totally. VWNA seems to be run by leaders who pay more heed to lawyers and unimaginative marketing personel than to consumer desires. There are so many options available elsewhere that aren't even offered here in the US. Their policies make Korean car options look better and better every day.

randy3023 - 1/23/2014 3:43:36 PM

0 Boost

VW is still reeling from a period, which began over two decades ago now, which saw their cars became plasticky and overly complex.

Old VWs were rugged, simple, utilitarian, and elegant. Interior designs were airy and long-lasting. Drivetrains were unbreakable.

Now, look at the VW of today. New VWs have all this silly chrome, black leather, cheap black plastic, and faux racing chic which doesn't appeal to anybody other than teenage boys and single women.

MattDarringer - 1/23/2014 7:40:24 PM

0 Boost

Step 1: a Hyundai warranty because VWs NEED them.

Step 2: build the Up and Polo in China where labor costs are dramatically lower and get some models that compete on VALUE pricing

Step 3: market the SEAT version of the Golf as the US Golf

Step 4: Skoda Yeti --> VW Yeti

Step 5: New Jetta is is priced identically to the competition, styled with the verve of the Elantra, and with with quality of a Corolla. It's time VW abandons their utter lack of quality/reliability control.

Step 6: Emergency reskin of the Passat

Step 7: Kill CC, Toaureg, Tiguan

Step 8: VW Esacpe

Step 9: VW Santa Fe

Step 10: VW Avalon

Step 11: Amarok

Step 12: VW GT86 called Scirocco

Step 13: New New New Beetle as a hybrid and plug in hybrid model ONLY

kysrsoze1 - 1/24/2014 10:48:31 AM

+2 Boost

You nailed it, Matt Darringer. They need to concentrate on less exhorbitant models like the Toaureg and Tiguan, and push cars that might actually raise someone's pulse. The Passat, while big and cheap, is boring. So is the Jetta, and it feels cheap to sit in and drive. I agree on the Scirocco, too. It amazes me how they concentrate on such flashy, high-performing cars with Audi, and the attitude toward U.S. VW's is, "Ehhh... whatever we can manage to get out the door is good enough."