VW's Jacoby outlines future U.S. product strategy, plans to take over the world
 

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog....dan-sketch.jpg

Volkswagen's Stefan Jacoby has his sights set on turning the German company into the largest automaker in the world. Oh, and he also plans to turn a profit in the process. Perhaps someone should remind him how that's gone for Toyota and General Motors over the last few decades? Just like any proper plan to attack the global automotive market, VW's strategy includes introducing new models aimed at the heart of the market, including a new American-made midsize sedan targeting the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion.

In fact, Volkswagen aims to refresh its entire lineup by 2011, and that product renaissance will reportedly entail a revised New Beetle and Jetta that are specifically tasked with catering to American automotive tastes. Also in the pipeline is a new seven-seat CUV that will go head-to-head with the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Chevy Traverse, though a pickup apparently isn't in the cards. We're not sure where that leaves the automaker's subcompact Up!, but Jacoby did mention that smaller models are under consideration.

Of course, if VW is going to play on the same level as Toyota and the rest of the gang, quality is going to need to be up to snuff, and that's something Jacoby says the automaker is working to improve. The trick will be accomplishing all of these assorted goals while maintaining VW's status as a desirable nameplate among image-conscious buyers. "It's not our intention to make VW a boring brand," he says. Pretty ambitious plans... what could possibly go wrong?

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]VW's Jacoby outlines future U.S. product strategy, plans to take over the world originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.


Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

أكثر...