VW News: Volkswagen Ponders Golf R-400 and A Van for the U.S.

[William Maley]

We know that Volkswagen is in the midst of readying a seven-seat crossover and a long-wheelbase Tiguan as a part of a new product offensive for the U.S., but that may not be the only vehicle in the plans. Automotive News reports that Volkswagen is considering two other vehicles for the U.S.

The first is the production version of the Golf R-400 concept. The concept which made its North American debut at the LA Auto Show in November packs 395 horsepower version of the Golf R's turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder. Hans-Jakob Neusser, Volkswagen’s development chief tells Automotive News the company is close to making a decision on whether the model should go into production.

“We are just in front of the decision to do it or not, but I personally think that we have good conditions to do it,” said Neusser.

If Volkswagen decides to put the Golf R-400 into production, expect the company to send this model to the U.S.

The other vehicle up for consideration is a van. Michael Horn, CEO of Volkswagen of America says the automaker is studying whether a van makes sense for the U.S. market place.

“We’re studying this, and personally I believe we should do something based on the technology which we already have in this market,” said Horn.

There are two candidates for the van proposal. First is the next-generation Crafter van which is about the size of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The other van is the Caddy which competes with the likes of the Ford Transit Connect and Fiat Doblo (Ram Promaster City).

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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[G. David Felt]

Interesting to see what really hapens in thnl

[Drew Dowdell]

I wonder if VW ends up doing both vans.  Both have their appropriate market and very little overlap.