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14th
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This time around, I'm going to dive into Germany and Europe's largest, most prosperous automaker.
It's no secret that I've an affinity for the brand. I feel the same about it as I do for many other makes including Ford, Hyundai, Subaru and Honda, despite what I may have said about the latter in the past.
I've owned several 2nd generation Jettas in the last 12-13 years, and am now the proud owner of a 2012 Tiguan. I know Volkswagen, and I was recently at the wheel of a 2013 CC which finally inspired me to write this blog.
I'll start with the rough part: I think VW should concentrate on its core products in the near future. This means that the Eos and CC have got to go. The make's core belongs to the Passat, Jetta and Golf. The Tiguan, Touareg and Beetle are nice-to-haves, but are not what make Volkswagen tick.
This is why I say that the Golf Cabrio should make a comeback, and replace the Eos or better yet allow the Beetle Convertible to be the only drop-top in the lineup. This little clean-up could allow VW to bring the Polo to North America.
Clearly, Volkswagen of North America would not make as much dinero on each unit as they do with the CC, but this foot in the small-car business door could only help. The Polo is currently being built in Brazil so throwing a few across the Gulf of Mexico our way shouldn't be too much of an issue. Right?
And here, keep in mind that my mild bitching is not to request an Amarok, a Scirocco or even a CrossGolf; because I could complain, but am well aware that it would be for naught.
And now, the nicer part: The remainder of VWoA's lineup works fine. In many expert's opinions (not just mine), both the Tiguan and Touareg are leaders and some of the best-to-drive vehicles in their respective categories.
The Routan is on its last legs and will be replaced by something interesting being assembled in Chattanooga, Tennessee, so it's a non-issue.
Volkswagen has a boat-load of cars that people want, but pricing will and remains to be a delicate topic. The de-Volkswagen-ed and thus less expensive current 6th generation Jetta and Americanized Passat have done fairly well so far, better than the previous cars, and I expect that an equally Americanized Touran- or Sharan-inspired family vehicle (the other Chatt. car) replacing the sadly defunct Passat wagon will catch on.
What drives people to Volkswagen dealerships are the same elements that get consumers into Hyundai and Ford showrooms: The promise of forward-thinking design, and high levels of perceived quality and performance that come without the expense of an environmental conscience.
It's no secret that I've an affinity for the brand. I feel the same about it as I do for many other makes including Ford, Hyundai, Subaru and Honda, despite what I may have said about the latter in the past.
I've owned several 2nd generation Jettas in the last 12-13 years, and am now the proud owner of a 2012 Tiguan. I know Volkswagen, and I was recently at the wheel of a 2013 CC which finally inspired me to write this blog.
I'll start with the rough part: I think VW should concentrate on its core products in the near future. This means that the Eos and CC have got to go. The make's core belongs to the Passat, Jetta and Golf. The Tiguan, Touareg and Beetle are nice-to-haves, but are not what make Volkswagen tick.
This is why I say that the Golf Cabrio should make a comeback, and replace the Eos or better yet allow the Beetle Convertible to be the only drop-top in the lineup. This little clean-up could allow VW to bring the Polo to North America.
Clearly, Volkswagen of North America would not make as much dinero on each unit as they do with the CC, but this foot in the small-car business door could only help. The Polo is currently being built in Brazil so throwing a few across the Gulf of Mexico our way shouldn't be too much of an issue. Right?
And here, keep in mind that my mild bitching is not to request an Amarok, a Scirocco or even a CrossGolf; because I could complain, but am well aware that it would be for naught.
And now, the nicer part: The remainder of VWoA's lineup works fine. In many expert's opinions (not just mine), both the Tiguan and Touareg are leaders and some of the best-to-drive vehicles in their respective categories.
The Routan is on its last legs and will be replaced by something interesting being assembled in Chattanooga, Tennessee, so it's a non-issue.
Volkswagen has a boat-load of cars that people want, but pricing will and remains to be a delicate topic. The de-Volkswagen-ed and thus less expensive current 6th generation Jetta and Americanized Passat have done fairly well so far, better than the previous cars, and I expect that an equally Americanized Touran- or Sharan-inspired family vehicle (the other Chatt. car) replacing the sadly defunct Passat wagon will catch on.
What drives people to Volkswagen dealerships are the same elements that get consumers into Hyundai and Ford showrooms: The promise of forward-thinking design, and high levels of perceived quality and performance that come without the expense of an environmental conscience.
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| Photo: Sébastien D'Amour |