DETROIT (WJRT) -
(01/13/12) - Volkswagen has made it a goal to become the number one automaker in the world. At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, VW officials weren't afraid to talk about how they plan to do that.
In order for VW to reach the top, the German-based company realizes it has to do better in the US. It recently opened an assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee where the Passat is built. It also wants to increase the number of dealers in the US. A store will be built at the Al Serra Auto Plaza in Grand Blanc.
"Our strategy and the focus in the U.S. isn't just a local imperative. It's a global priority. It calls for significant resource commitment from manpower to investments, such as our Chattanooga plant," said Jonathon Browning, Volkswagen of America CEO.
Those efforts apparently are paying off, with US sales last year increasing 26 percent.
"2011 was a year of growing momentum across the board for Volkswagen in the U.S. Sales were up well ahead of market growth," Browning said.
To keep up that momentum, VW is planning to sell a hybrid version of the Jetta in the US.
"This sedan, which is both sporty and eco-friendly, will be on the market starting November of this year," said Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, VW Board of Managers.
VW says the Jetta hybrid will deliver an estimated combined fuel economy of 45 miles per gallon. It can be driven on battery power alone at speeds of up to 44 miles per hour and for up to 1.2 miles.
"All of this makes the Jetta hybrid one of the most fuel efficient and dynamic automobiles in its class," said Dr. Hackenberg.
Volkswagen also introduced a two-seater concept car in Detroit based on the famous Beetle. The name E-Bugster is a combination of "E" for electric, "bug" for the American nickname for the Beetle and speedster for its low-profile. The E-Bugster is powered by a lithium-ion battery that can propel the car for 100 miles. The battery weighs 176 pounds and is stored under the trunk floor.
"It's a crazy car. It's funny, it's sporty and it's American looking," said Walter de'Sliva, VW design chief.
For more information on Volkswagen, click here.
