Volkswagen could stop selling the Golf in America because of the weak dollar. The German company wants to improve its profitability margins in its pursuit of market leader Toyota and the Golf, which is called ‘Rabbit’ in the States, isn’t selling as well as the company would like. The Tiguan and Touareg SUVs are more popular. But the US market has proved disastrous for VW recently with the North American wing of the company posting billion-dollar losses.Volkswagen is likely to build a new factory in America in 2011 and it’s possible that production of an American version of the next-generation Golf could start there. Until that point, it’s likely that sales will be halted in the US.
Join the debate
Add your comment
Re: USA to lose VW Golf?
It's a big country, you could easily lose a car there.
Re: USA to lose VW Golf?
I understand the 2.5 engine they use for the US model generates 170 bhp which is a reasonable figure for a car of that capacity in America. Some engines I have come across there have abysmal outputs when compared to their size. The question is, why doesnt VW introduce some of the more efficient engines they use in Europe such as the twin chargers? I know the brilliant TDI engines (2.0 170PS common rail in particular) wont be accepted there mainly do to emissions regulations and the american mentality towards diesel engines, however the choices given to the American VW market is very limited. This may be a factor restricting sales against certain competitors.
Re: USA to lose VW Golf?
This report is off the mark. Just today, VW of America has denied that the MK6 Golf/Rabbit will be dropped from the American market. According to Edmunds, VWOA spokesman Steve Keys has said that they are proceding with plans to introduce the new model in the fall of next year.