VW Up! mini-car could make its way stateside!
Click the up! for a high-res gallery
The Volkswagen up! which was shown off as concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show last week will almost certainly go into production in a couple of years. Selling the up! in European and Asian markets like China and India would probably be a given. The big question is whether we will see a production car based on the up! in the US market. Adrian Hallmark of Volkswagen of America told Automotive News that the US arm has told the home office that they are interested in a production version of the up!
They want a car to slot in below the Jetta and Rabbit that would be true to the heritage of Volkswagen. If such a car does come to the US it almost certainly won't be built in Germany due to low US dollar. Volkswagen will surely be watching the success of the Smart ForTwo after it launches early next year. If the Smart sells well, VW will probably move ahead with a US version of the up!
Gallery: Volkswagen up! concept
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
R Coker 7:00PM (1/30/2008)
I definitely think this is a move in the right direction for Volkswagen. Even with the company's recent marketing geared toward their smallest and most "affordable" cars, there is still a gap left by the original Beetle that has yet to be filled. A simplified design which incorporates parts which are cheap to replace and which also allows the owner to perform maintenance easily while having a low price tag is what people need and want. It's something that Volkswagen hasn't really addressed in years and is something I think it should be somewhat obligated to do as driving becomes less economical and as environmental conditions increasingly need to be improved.
Reply
progers 3:10PM (2/02/2008)
We need the Up!, Nido, Mazda 2 and otehrs in the US now - not some future year.
Reply
John Metcalf 3:48PM (9/17/2007)
I'm a bit worried if auto manufacturers judge the success of small cars on the Smart. It's a great car, but as an ultra-small 2-seater, it may not be the best vehicle to judge whether Americans are ready for A and B segment vehicles.
I really hope VW brings the Up! to the US. As a second car, it would be perfect for most folks, and unlike the Smart, you can pick up the kids from school, too.
Reply
-nm 5:32PM (9/17/2007)
1. I want one. If the production version hits the same notes, I will own one.
2. I don't understand why the sales performance of the Smart ForTwo influence the business case for the Up. This is a considerably larger car that seats 4 people. By the time VW puts realistic production bumpers on it, the Up should have an overall length comparable to a Mini Cooper. Wouldn't comparisons with the Cooper or Yaris HB be more relevant?
Reply
Jose Luis Gonzalez 11:34AM (12/11/2007)
I am from Mexico. Mexico wants a new low cost VW. Our country was the last one building and selling the old beetle. Now it's time for a new member of the high class- low cost VW familiy. If the final cost is about 10,000 USD or less, we think wil be a HUGE success. Mexico is a VW country. The Smart is a beautiful car, but the 2 seat platform is more oriented as a second or third car for the family. We need a cheap daily car. The Up! will be perfect!!!!!!!!!
Reply