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No VW Scirocco for U.S. due to weak dollar

No VW Scirocco for U.S. due to weak dollar

Alex Kaufmann March 5th, 2008 Alex Kaufmann By Alex Kaufmann Author March 5th, 2008
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December 31st, 1969 Volkswagen has consistently dismissed rumors the new Scirocco would be sold in North America and now the carmaker’s sales and marketing chief has confirmed the bad news. Despite the high level of interest in the car, VW has decided against selling the Scirocco in the world’s biggest car market because of the weak U.S. dollar against the strong euro. "The exchange rate is the only reason for not selling it in the U.S.,'' VW sales and marketing chief Detlef Wittig told Bloomberg reporters. "This car would fit the U.S. market but at the current exchange rate we wouldn't make any money.'' The Scirocco is manufactured in Palmela, Portugal, alongside the Eos convertible on which it’s based. The dollar has fallen to an all-time low against the euro and with no sign of improving anytime soon VW, along with a number of other carmakers, is planning to open new manufacturing plants in North America. However, VW’s new U.S. plant will only be set up to build versions of the Jetta and a new compact sedan. Volkswagen SciroccoHigh-res Volkswagen Scirocco images leak
No VW Scirocco for U.S. due to weak dollar

No VW Scirocco for U.S. due to weak dollar

Enlarge Photo

Volkswagen has consistently dismissed rumors the new Scirocco would be sold in North America and now the carmaker’s sales and marketing chief has confirmed the bad news. Despite the high level of interest in the car, VW has decided against selling the Scirocco in the world’s biggest car market because of the weak U.S. dollar against the strong euro.

"The exchange rate is the only reason for not selling it in the U.S.,'' VW sales and marketing chief Detlef Wittig told Bloomberg reporters. "This car would fit the U.S. market but at the current exchange rate we wouldn't make any money.'' The Scirocco is manufactured in Palmela, Portugal, alongside the Eos convertible on which it’s based.

The dollar has fallen to an all-time low against the euro and with no sign of improving anytime soon VW, along with a number of other carmakers, is planning to open new manufacturing plants in North America. However, VW’s new U.S. plant will only be set up to build versions of the Jetta and a new compact sedan.

Volkswagen Scirocco
High-res Volkswagen Scirocco images leak
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Posted in: Volkswagen, News, Coupes


Comments (5 total)

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  1. By CraigS #1, Posted: 3/5/2008

    No loss in my opinion, this car is truly ugly. The front and A Pillar look like the Volvo C30 and the rear looks like a small SUV. No Thanks VW!!

  2. By chris #2, Posted: 3/5/2008

    im with craig. looks like the C30, quacks like a C30, but doesnt have AWD or a 2.5L 5Cyl turbo like the C30. why bother? it would probably break down or get recalled anyways.

    oh and the C30 looks better IMHO.

    ...and it wont break down

    ......and it has AWD

  3. By Mike #3, Posted: 3/11/2008

    I had a '78 Scirocco and, at first, did not like this new one. But considering the changes in laws/rules (world-wide) I realized that VW had to make a Scirocco based on needs for the 21st Century. My car was good-looking, but impractical. This new one has a VW-family look, is safer, more roomy, and more practical as a daily driver. I'm sure it's still a bonafied 'sports car' and will perform as such. I'm getting used to its looks and actually beginning to like it. I just wish it was going to be sold in the U.S. (in place of the Golf GTI) as the up-market car for the line, topped only by the R32. I'd buy the new Scirocco(!)

  4. By sandman #4, Posted: 4/11/2008

    I have a 1988 Scirocco 16v. I love the car and I have modified it extensively. The New Scirocco looks like it would be a fun can and probably would be a winner in the states other than the fact that the R32 which is not as sporty looking has more power better handling and is being shipped to the states with the week dollar. Why not just stop screwing around with the poor performing new Scirocco and put all the parts on from the R32 (which are tried and true) and have a true sports car with the looks in the states again. I bet you could stop selling the R32 and more than make up the sales with the Scirocco at that point. Even if you continue to sell the R32, you have to remember the original Scirocco was shipped to the states in limited numbers, there are enough VW nuts out their like myself that would buy the car (I am not interested in the R32, I have a Jetta 1.8T Wolfsburg for a daily driver) what would it take to ship a limited number to the states (it’s not like they aren’t shipping cars to the states any how, what would it take to slip a few Sciroccos in.)

  5. By Max #5, Posted: 10/27/2009

    Well, I drove one when i was outside U.S.. oh man.. it is AWESOME! I just can't get enough of it.

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