Volkswagon PLans Has Stalled For Polo
Volkswagens' plans to supply a sub-Golf sized car to the U.S. Market has stalled as the German automaker considers permitting rival DaimlerChrysler [DCX] to import the automobile instead and sell it under the Dodge label. VW dealers are naturally sad about the move, but much more is at stake than what's clear. Does the Polo still show up? If not, why not?
The sector of auto selling has changed seriously in the last generation. Gone are brands that are purely set behind state borders and localized brands. Instead, vehicles are being sold that wear one label but are really built by another manufacturer. Globalism is here and automakers have openly embraced these changes.
Volkswagen's Polo is a likely entry into the U.S. market as a model that would fit nicely below VW's Golfing in its American line up. Many makers are changing their car lines to allow for smaller autos to become the new entry level automobiles in their fleets. Here are some examples of vehicles that recently were introduced or shortly will find their way into vehicle lines:
Chevrolet: Korean automaker Daewoo, a GM subsidiary, supplies the Aveo for Chevrolet. This bottom rung car is positioned straight below the Cobalt.
Honda: After 35 years, the Civic will not be the entry level model for Honda. An even smaller auto, the Jazz, will be imported in about one year's time.
Mercedes: Yes, even a luxury automaker such as Mercedes is considering bringing in one or two lines of cars smaller than its current “baby” Mercedes line, the C Class cars.
BMW: Ditto for the another German luxury make.
Dodge: With the Neon replacement Caliber soon to appear, Dodge is still looking at offering an automobile smaller than the Caliber for their fleet. With DCX's Mitsubishi relationship scuttled, the Japanese automaker can no longer be relied upon to supply a regular stream of entry level cars for The Chrysler Group.
Enter Volkswagen.
Yes, an unlikely provider for DCX is Volkswagen, a strong rival for DCX's Mercedes division in Europe. However, VW has its own desires – a minivan – and The Chrysler Group will permit VW to market a rebadged version of its minivan in the States. In return for the minivan, the Polo a small 1.2L powered four passenger car that should see town gas mileage of around 35 miles per gallon and road mileage of just over fifty mpg.
The current Polo is marketed in Europe as 3 or five door hatchbacks which is not a well-liked body style in the U.S. VW may ship a specifically changed 4 doorway sedan instead to ensure interest in the this model inside the U.S. market.
Although VW seems committed to this special agreement with DCX, the Polo could still be sold here as a Volkswagen too. By keeping the hot hatch style for VW branded autos only the Polo might still be available thru VW dealers. Include the optional 1.9L turbo diesel and fuel mileage will soar well past sixty miles per gallon. No wonder VW dealers are painful to see the car imported!
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Tags: performance, polo, review, Specs, volkswagen