Renault launched were first to capitalise when it started to produce the Sandero. More recently Nissan has relaunched the Datsun nameplate. And now Volkswagen is contemplating a move downwards to the more affordable end of the scale.
In an ironic twist for a firm that is named “People’s Car” the VW groups general slide up the quality scale has meant that the current range of offerings is a far cry from Hitler’s ideal as seen in the original Beetle. VW are now considering a budget range of cars.
Chatting with autocar magazine Volkswagen’s new head of R&D Hans-Jakob Neusser has reconfirmed the company is developing a range of budget cars.
“Our budget car plans are progressing,” said Neusser. “We haven’t made any firm commitments — not because we’re slow but because we are doing our homework.”
The most likely partner for the joint venture, as alluded to by Neusser, will be SAIC, the German firm’s Chinese partner in that oriental market.
As VWSA has a strong track record with elongating lifecycles a la CitiGolf and Polo Vivo perhaps Neusser will be consulting with his South African colleagues with regards to effective cost-cutting measures.
Source: http://www.autocar.co.uk/
Read other Volkswagen News Articles