Volkswagen has had a presence in the specialty-equipment industry for years as far as creating vehicles that enthusiasts customize. Proof of this comes from the past SEMA Shows where specialty-equipment manufacturers displayed highly customized versions of Jettas, GTIs, Passats and Beetles. In 2006, there were 24 modified VWs scattered throughout the Show floor, and the number of customizable VWs may soon grow. Volkswagen recently announced its plans to introduce a slew of new vehicles in the next year or two. On the list for U.S. introduction include the Tiguan small SUV, a Passat-based four-door sedan with coupe styling, a minivan developed jointly with Chrysler and a possible subcompact and luxury car entrant, according to a recent AutoWeek article.
Debuting in early 2008, the Passat-based sedan will have a low and sporty roofline, and sales targets range between 15,000-20,000 units annually. VW says that this sedan will be priced below the top of the Passat range, which peaks at $32,770. The Tiguan small SUV is targeted for release during the second half of 2008. The automaker plans to sell roughly 20,000 of these annually carrying a price tag of less than $25,000. Also coming in the second half of 2008 is the Chrysler-built VW fullsize minivan, which will be based on the new Chrysler Town & Country, even though both will radically differ in exterior and interior styling.
The subcompact and luxury cars are currently being discussed, but each is destined to meet the needs of very specific segments of consumers. ?Those are the brand extensions?they are really niche markets,? said Adrian Hallmark, Volkswagen of America?s executive vice president. ?They are on the table.?
VW says that it expects to see 400,000 Volkswagens sold annually within the next five years?a considerable jump from the 235,140 sold last year. Helping to spur this sales growth are the upcoming Jetta SportWagen and freshened Touareg SUV that will hit dealerships in June. The automaker expects to sell 10,000 Jetta SportWagens, which carry an $18,000 price tag, and 10,000?20,000 Touaregs on an annual basis.
Diesel versions of both the Jetta sedan and SportWagen will be available early next year and will be sold in all 50 states, thus contributing to highly anticipated growth of the performance diesel market.
Via: Sema Press-release