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.
Have an opinion?Join the conversation!
By Franksta Posted: 4/23/2007 7:10am PDT
By Renton Posted: 4/23/2007 7:39am PDT
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.
By Franksta Posted: 4/23/2007 10:46am PDT
By C__ Posted: 4/23/2007 11:43pm PDT
By Franksta Posted: 4/29/2007 8:01pm PDT
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.
By pete Posted: 5/2/2007 2:07pm PDT
By Franksta Posted: 5/2/2007 2:42pm PDT
By Franksta Posted: 5/5/2007 11:41am PDT
Have an opinion?Join the conversation!