Volkswagen considering Polo for North America

Posted Thu Jul 17 2008 7:55 PM by Ralph Hanson

Volkswagen confirmed this week a goal to sell more than 800,000 vehicles in the U.S. by 2018 but achieving such success will be near impossible with the carmaker’s current offering of only a handful of models in North America. To expand its lineup, while also improving its cost structure, VW will construct a new plant in Tennessee to starting building American-specific models including a new midsize sedan. However, to cater to the rapidly increasing demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles VW is also considering bringing its next-generation Polo range.

The new Polo is due to be launched in Europe early next year and will be available in both three and five-door bodystyles. The car is smaller than the Golf (Rabbit) and would be priced accordingly. VW’s U.S. chief Stefan Jacoby has told reporters from Bloomberg that the Polo is under considering for North America but that it “too early to give a timeline for when.”

Jacoby also confirmed that construction of an engine plant, probably in Mexico, is also under study. He also said that a replacement for the Jetta will also arrive around 2010.

Construction of an engine plant in North America, probably in Mexico, also is under study, Stefan Jacoby, chief executive officer of Volkswagen Group of America Inc., said yesterday in an interview.

Next-generation Volkswagen Polo renderings

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Polo renderings

Reader Comments

Fri Jul 18 2008 8:37 AM
Renton says

Considering? Well, they have made nothing but terrible marketing moves in the last 20 years, I do not expect VAG to do the right thing here either.

Of course it should be sold here.

'tards.
Fri Jul 18 2008 12:05 PM
cirquo says

Bring it here, it will compete with Honda Fit, Mazda 2, Hyundai, Toyat and so on. VW HAS to bring the POLO to the U.S. if it is to compete.
Sat Jul 19 2008 12:24 PM
Tom Mills says

With the current exchange rates, it may be difficult to price this model competitively in the USA. Perhaps they can built it in Mexico... You also have to wonder if VW needs a more conventional low-end sedan rather than another hatch to balance out the Rabbit/Golf and Bug.
Sat Jul 19 2008 7:39 PM
Dane says

Thought it was a done deal.... Better wake up VW... Ford is beating you at your own game.....

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