REPORT: Larger VW E-Up! could come to the States
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Sep 22nd 2009 at 9:01AM 
Volkswagen E-Up! Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
After showing off the E-Up! at the Frankfurt Motor Show last week and declaring it the Beetle of the 21st Century, VW is promising to have the tiny little EV in small scale production in Europe by 2013. Apparently, though, the company isn't convinced such a small car would be accepted here in the United States.
This being the case, Automotive News is reporting that a somewhat larger version of the E-Up! – about 146 inches long, which is 20 inches longer than the concept (which VW claimed was its smallest car ever) – is being developed for the crucial U.S. market.
The first vehicle using the Up!'s New Small Family architecture is expected to debut in 2011, with the electric version showing up in Europe about two years later. U.S. sales of the slightly larger model will come at some unspecified later date.
Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Volkswagen E-Up!
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Simon 1:02PM (9/22/2009)
This is probably one of the few times I've thought it would be nice to have a bigger version in Europe as well. My current car is small but I want at least 4 seats.
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KK 1:20PM (9/22/2009)
Well, I still don't understand why the American version needs to be larger. A typical American family has more cars than European families, so there should be no need for each car to seat 4 or 5.
Of course, Americans tend to be larger than Europeans. But not all Americans are.
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David 2:50PM (9/22/2009)
This "too small for the US" mentality has got to stop. There are plenty of buyers for small cars in urban areas but there's not in rural areas. It's all a matter of effective marketing of the product. Don't try to sell to people who won't buy. Simple.
Maybe the mentality should be "to small for rural US but just fine for US cities".
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Sam 3:25PM (9/22/2009)
I think because in general, americans tend to be slightly ( how do i say this politely) "Larger" in build, they need to make sure the average american will even fit into the vehicle. If the average american wont fit into the car, they definitely wont sell many and their efforts in bringing it over here would be a financial disaster.
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woodyscarsite.blogspot.com 3:56PM (9/22/2009)
I agree, it is time to stop thinking that American = Mc Donald's eaters. Just like not all French eat french fries or Chinese eat rice.
Anyway, I would love to see the mini van version of the Up! (Space Up!) instead of the 2 door.
-Woody Thompson
www.WoodysCarSite.Blogspot.com
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Wave54 7:22PM (9/22/2009)
At 146 inches, it's still 8 inches shorter than an Aveo5 hatchback, which is a pretty small car in the US. I wouldn't blame VW for wanting to reach the broadest market possible rather than cater to a niche audience.
The concept car is exactly the same length as a smart fortwo at 106 inches. Do you really want a 3+1 seating package in a car that tiny? Not me.
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Nixon 8:27PM (9/22/2009)
Advertising jingle:
Buy the VW Up!, and make this VW Up yours!
Now available in a larger size, a perfect fit for oversized American backsides!
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Hans Wurst 12:51AM (9/24/2009)
supersize everything!
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