German automobile manufacturer, Volkswagen, showcased its new Jetta hybrid and E-Bugster concept vehicle at the ongoing North American International Auto Show in Cobo Hall, Detroit. While introducing new vehicles, company also announced its aim of selling 10 million units worldwide in the time span of 6 years.
Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the company’s Management Board was present at the occasion. He stated, "Our global sales were up 40% last year and our 12.5 market share is the highest we've ever achieved. This will be the year of our turnaround in North America with a goal of selling 500,000 vehicles.” He added that the company is looking forward to build a strong partnership with its North American customers.
Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen America, stated that the company got motivated to undertake new ideas in engineering when its Passat model was declared the car of the year in Motor Trend magazine in 2011. Volkswagen brand was able to sell a total of 444,192 units last year in the United States alone. In Canada, the German automaker sold a record 52,604 units out of which 70% of sale came from Volkswagen brand and remaining were from its other brands namely, Lamborghini, Bentley, Audi and Buggati.
The Volkswagen Jetta was made available in the U.S. showrooms last year. As per the sales figures, the company successfully sold 177,000 and 26,749 units of Jetta in the U.S. and Canada, respectively. These figures state that Volkswagen was able to establish a strong presence in the North American automobile market.
Apart from introducing the upgraded version of Jetta, Volkswagen has launched its hybrid version too. This hybrid model is equipped with a 22-hp electric motor and 158-hp gasoline engine that together churns out a fuel economy of 45 mpg. With the electric fuel, the car can attain a speed of 70.8 kmph for 1.2 miles depending on the driving conditions.
As mentioned earlier the company unveiled E-Bugster concept car at the Detroit Auto Show, which is the sleeker and flatter version of the Volkswagen Beetle. This model is a two-seater that has been assimilated with a lithium-ion battery and a 114-hp electric motor. E-Bugster also includes a new bumper system, flared fenders, lights and 19-inch wheels. According to Walter de Silva, Head of Volkswagen’s design group, "It's a fun, crazy car and we think Americans are looking for something like this.”
