back to archive
VW could resurrect Phaeton and Scirocco models
Volkswagen is reaching deep into its stable to find new ways to grab a bigger slice of the American
car leasing market.
The German automaker could bring its Phaeton sedan and Scirocco coupe back to the U.S. in an effort to compete with Toyota and General Motors.
The Phaeton sedan was a sales flop when it entered U.S. showrooms in 2004, lasting just two years before VW pulled it from the American market. Conceived as a competitor to luxury vehicles from Mercedes and BMW, the car needed four years to reach its sales goal of 20,000 vehicles worldwide.
Now VW is trying a new strategy as it aims to triple American sales, reaching 1 million vehicle deliveries by 2018, including
Audi lease totals. As a first step, VW unveiled a new Passat sedan in January, featuring a larger design for the American market.
The company also redesigned the Scirocco in 2006, but hasn't returned that model to the U.S. since it ceased global production in 1992. That, too, could change soon.
"We will be looking for opportunities [to return the Scirocco to the U.S.]," VW's U.S. chief, Jonathan Browning, told reporters this week. "We will reconsider bringing the Phaeton back to the U.S. in the next product cycle."
Related News
Automotive Industry News
BMW Leasing News
Car Dealer News
Car Leasing News
Mercedes Benz Leasing News
