VW sees the 2012 Passat more successful than the Jetta
By Andrew, 13 Jul, 2011. 0 Comments
2012 Vw Passat (USA version)
Volkswagen AG is expecting that the new Passat midsize sedan will be at least as successful as the Jetta compact. The new Passat will arrive in the U.S. in the middle of September. To go up against the consistent bestsellers like the Toyota Corolla, $1,700 was shaved off from the $17,700 starting price of the new Jetta compact sedan. In the first half of the year, U.S. sales of the Jetta climbed by 77%. Sales rose as consumers were tempted by its affordable price.
They then purchased sedans that were fitted with extra options like sunroofs and leather seats. While the average sales prices were maintained, the higher deliveries raised profits. This same strategy will be utilized by Jonathan Browning who leads American operations. VW expects that with the new Passat midsize sedan, the brand will achieve record sales gains without damaging its premium pricing. This move is part of VW’s efforts to reach 1 million U.S. sales, a feat that will make it the largest and most profitable automaker in the world by 2018.
Nearly half of VW’s sales in the U.S. last year come from Jetta and Passat sedans. Will Trafton, a VW dealer from Rochester, New York, and head of the brand's U.S. dealer council, said that when looking at the success of the Jetta, he can’t help but be optimistic about Passat. Browning said that the new Jetta, which features a longer wheelbase that creates more space inside the car as well as added legroom, will have twice as many new customers to VW from competing brands as compared to the older model.
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