Bartek S.
Aerodynamic Ace
Volkswagen is considering selling its Polo – as well as other small models — in the U.S. due to rising gas prices, a new report finds. The new bound-for-the-U.S. models would use Volkswagen's 1.4L turbo four-cylinder powerplant and sticker for about $13,000.
"Small cars like the Polo could be very, very interesting," Stefan Jacoby, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, told Automotive News. VW has already indicated that the U.S. would receive a model based on the Space Up concept that first debuted at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show.
VW is also reportedly considering a small crossover that would combine the features of an SUV and a van.
Jacoby said the vehicles would be offered at a price point between $13,000 and $14,000, but not below that target. "We are not a cheap make in this market," Jacoby said. "[VW vehicles] will not start at $9,000 or $10,000." Volkswagen vehicles generally command a 10% to 20% premium over similar vehicles in the market.
However, Jacoby told Automotive News that turbocharged engines still have some hurdles to overcome in the U.S. "Turbocharging is not easy to market. The U.S. customer thinks it is expensive; it is not reliable," he said. But Jacoby is confident that turbocharged engine will become a trend in the industry, especially with stricter CAFE standards on the horizon. "It is the future," he said.
VW considering Polo for U.S. market, other fuel-efficient models
