With gas at $4 / gal and the media wanting / predicting $5 / gal by July 4, let's examine VW's marketing plan....
Step 1 - Discontinue the fuel efficient Golf / Rabbit in the US mkt. Can't sell any because of the weak dollar.
Step 2 - Introduce a small SUV. They'll call it the "GTI of SUVs". I searched the Net for mpg estimates but couldn't find any. Bet it doesn't get great mileage.
Step 3 - Move into the pickup and minivan mkt. That's where the big profits are. True today but how about in the future? In today's economy, there's not going to be a lot of action in the pickup mkt. The Big 3 and Toyota will be cutting each other's throat trying to move these monsters. VW thinks it can muscle in and take a piece of the action?
And they wonder why they aren't making money? Their product planners must be smokin crack.
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GPRPCA Chief Driving Instructor
2008 Boxster S Limited Edition #005
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