Motor Trend
…How will VW do it? Unless it quickly develops a $30,000 Honda Pilot competitor off the new Passat's platform, plus perhaps a new Microbus-style minivan to replace the Chrysler-based Routan -- two models that combined could add more than 200,000 units to annual sales -- the Passat and Jetta will have to become best-sellers in their segments with sales topping 300,000 per year each. Should total U.S. sales volume not reach 17 million, the 200,000 range is more likely, competitive with Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion, and Chevrolet Malibu. That's about 400,000 for Jetta and Passat, just half the '18 goal.
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Golf-based Scirocco
Hackenberg and Browning emphasize efforts to improve quality scores in the U.S., long a major problem for the brand. They say much of VW's quality problems relate to design features that confuse and annoy Americans -- an explanation (or excuse) several competitors also use. While they talk about biting into Toyota and Honda sales, they don't mention Hyundai, which expects to sell 590,000 in the U.S. this year, or Kia.
"German engineering still has a very good image in the USA." Hackenberg says. "It is our job, and the job of Mr. Browning, to bring that to the customer."
VW has tried competitive pricing with Japanese brands and "affordable German engineering" in its marketing before, though not both at the same time. A mix of big, low-priced German sedans for the American market, and more interesting cars like the GTI and CC, might work this time. Until it does though, we don't envy Mr. Browning his task.
Image via Wikipedia New Volkswagen Routan Embraces and Enhances Role of Minivan
BRAINTREE, MA (02/28/2011)(readMedia)-- When it comes to questions of what and whom should be brought along on family road trips, the new 2011 Volkswagen Routan answers with a confident "Yes" to everything and anyone. Now available at Greater Boston Volkswagen dealers, the latest Routan offers the space and towing capacity for up to seven adults and their cargo while keeping children, or any adults with similar attention spans, occupied with an abundance of entertainment features.
A virtual home theater system in motion, the 2011 Volkswagen Routan features an available six-disc DVD changer and two nine-inch LCD screens in the second and third rows. An available package offers a second DVD player, so that separate movies can be played to appease the varying tastes of brothers and sisters. For essential road devices such as phones, MP3 players and game consoles, the VW minivan includes 12V power outlets and an available 115 AC outlet to ensure that charging is never an issue.
Every 2011 Routan features a new 3.6-liter engine connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission that provides an efficient 25 mpg on the highway. For added fuel efficiency, the driver can activate a new ECO mode fuel optimization switch that modifies shift patterns.
Meanwhile, the 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque offered by the Volkswagen Routan deliver a smooth, effortless ride no matter how many in-laws or uncles tag along. Or, if drivers just need storage space for groceries, the Routan can provide 144 cubic feet of space with the second row removed and the third row stowed.
"The Routan is not afraid to fully embrace what a minivan can do when it comes to size and function, and it showcases Volkswagen's signature engineering and style," said Jason Thompson, general manager of Massachusetts VW dealer Quirk Volkswagen. "When it comes down to it, most families want as much space and entertainment as possible in their vehicles, but they need a vehicle that's practical and cost-efficient to own. The 2011 Routan satisfies all of those needs."
Since safety remains a particular priority for families, the 2011 Routan now features standard front-row side airbags, a standard knee airbag for drivers and newly designed head restraints for all seats. The Routan's Engine Braking Control, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Electronic Stability Control all supplement its Antilock Braking System to adjust speed, improve traction and reduce the chance of accidents.
The VW Routan's ability to combine function and form helped it to earn the number-one spot in the minivan segment of the recently released Strategic Vision Total Value Index for 2010. The index honors those vehicles that scored the highest based on the opinions of 111,212 people who bought vehicles between September 2009 and June 2010 and who measured their vehicles' perceived value against their purchase prices. With the Golf and CC also leading their segments, Volkswagen was the index's overall leader in total value for the second year in a row.
"No one understands the importance of value more than parents paying for diapers, toys and flu shots, and the Routan provides it to them in so many ways, from pricing and power to reliability, space and entertainment," Thompson added. "The Routan has been a success as a minivan because of its value to families, and the fact that it has been honored by Strategic Vision alongside VW mainstays like the Golf and CC is proof."
About Quirk Volkswagen:
Quirk Volkswagen is the premier Greater Boston Volkswagen dealer. Massachusetts Volkswagen customers choose Quirk for the great service and pricing on new and used VW cars. A dedicated and knowledgeable staff is on hand to show you their extensive selection, with Volkswagen models ranging from the Jetta to the Touareg. You can preview their inventory online at www.quirkvw.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkCars, reach them by phone at (877) 624-0143 or visit their dealership showroom at 20 Granite Street in Braintree, Massachusetts.
