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Updated: US launch of VW Scirocco back on the table

Updated: US launch of VW Scirocco back on the table

Viknesh Vijayenthiran May 2nd, 2007 Viknesh Vijayenthiran By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Author May 2nd, 2007
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December 31st, 1969 Updated: Volkswagen’s American division may not be in favor of introducing the new Scirocco to the US market, but the final decision will come from VW Group’s head-honcho Martin Winterkorn closer to the production version's unveiling at next year's Geneva Motor Show. Autoweek has just reported that VW spokesman Hans-Gerd Bode has said that if given the go-ahead, the new Scirocco will arrive next year following its debut in Geneva. Original: Volkswagen won’t be selling its upcoming Scirocco sport hatchback in the US, an all-new model due to enter production next year. After bowing out from the auto world back in the early nineties, VW is rejuvenating the Scirocco nameplate with a new hatch based on the Iroc concept car that debuted at last year’s Paris Motor Show. "We don't want it," said VW America executive VP Adrian Hallmark in an interview with Automotive News. Despite the previous generation’s success, the new Scirocco won’t reach US shores because of fears that it would cannibalize sales of the GTI hatchback, also known as the Rabbit. "The GTI is iconic. It's as strong a name as the Beetle," Hallmark says, adding "it’s economically suicidal for us to risk the sales volume and the potential for GTI." Hallmark revealed that the Scirocco and GTI will share the same platform including the same 2.0L TFSI engine and chassis but will receive a lower ride-height. VW will instead focus on its sedan range in the US rather than the smaller coupe/hatchback market.
Updated: US launch of VW Scirocco back on the table

Updated: US launch of VW Scirocco back on the table

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Updated: Volkswagen’s American division may not be in favor of introducing the new Scirocco to the US market, but the final decision will come from VW Group’s head-honcho Martin Winterkorn closer to the production version's unveiling at next year's Geneva Motor Show. Autoweek has just reported that VW spokesman Hans-Gerd Bode has said that if given the go-ahead, the new Scirocco will arrive next year following its debut in Geneva.

Original: Volkswagen won’t be selling its upcoming Scirocco sport hatchback in the US, an all-new model due to enter production next year. After bowing out from the auto world back in the early nineties, VW is rejuvenating the Scirocco nameplate with a new hatch based on the Iroc concept car that debuted at last year’s Paris Motor Show.

"We don't want it," said VW America executive VP Adrian Hallmark in an interview with Automotive News. Despite the previous generation’s success, the new Scirocco won’t reach US shores because of fears that it would cannibalize sales of the GTI hatchback, also known as the Rabbit. "The GTI is iconic. It's as strong a name as the Beetle," Hallmark says, adding "it’s economically suicidal for us to risk the sales volume and the potential for GTI."

Hallmark revealed that the Scirocco and GTI will share the same platform including the same 2.0L TFSI engine and chassis but will receive a lower ride-height. VW will instead focus on its sedan range in the US rather than the smaller coupe/hatchback market.

Tags: Hatchbacks

Posted in: Volkswagen, News


Comments (8 total)

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  1. By Franksta #1, Posted: 4/23/2007

    That has to be the most depressing news I have heard all week; also seems like all the WRONG reasons for leaving the US out on a great looking car. Adrian Hallmark you are fired, this is an absolute outrage!

  2. By Renton #2, Posted: 4/23/2007

    Franksta, I agree.

    This whole concept of companies not selling certain models here b/c they will steal sales from other models is stupid.

    They are still selling cars.

    Also, if I want a GTI I'm getting one, if I wanted a Scirocco, I'd get that.

    The US division of VW is dying for fresh product. People need to see these cars on the road.

    If the GTI is sooooo important, why are we still waiting for the new R32 that has been in Europe for a long time?

    Why does the US get VAG's crap?

    VAG makes good even great cars, but they continually screw up marketing them.

  3. By Franksta #3, Posted: 4/23/2007

    I own a 1990 Jetta GLi and have been awaiting the new Scirocco as a prospect to purchase after I finish college this semester and it is very sad to hear that VW of America is not allowing the people their choice of car because they want to make more money; some how some way that is all that it comes down to, they just want to make more money, what ever happened to the peoples car?

  4. By C__ #4, Posted: 4/23/2007

    The Scirocco should be the new Corrado. As the body fits the Corrado name more and according to the article, that pointed out "...early ninties." which was the Corrado that took the stage. Just a thought

  5. By Franksta #5, Posted: 4/29/2007

    C - what they might end up doing is like the Scriocco which turned into the Corrado, they will probably have a generation or two of the Scirocco and then make the new generation the Corrado.

    I think that is their marketing plan, it would be mine if it was VW's. Maybe a few generations from now when the Corrado comes back they will offer that in the US.

  6. By pete #6, Posted: 5/2/2007

    personally, i hate the new design of the scirocco. VW should keep the essence of the corrado's wedge profile / body as it manifested into the g35 coupe shape.

  7. By Franksta #7, Posted: 5/2/2007

    well if they start off with the scirocco and move to a corrado a gen or two later I think that would more than make up for its shape now =)

  8. By Franksta #8, Posted: 5/5/2007

    Go Martin Winterkorn, make that decision! I want one maybe two!

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