VW Hopping Blunder Leads To Dismal Sales

Volkswagen, one of the world's major producers of passenger cars and Europe's auto giant, is said to have committed a blunder, if not erroneous decision with regard to its previous undertakings. Said blunder is anchored on the replacement of Beetle in favor of Rabbit as VW’s entry-level vehicle.
Most of the critics in the auto industry found Volkswagen’s decision to replace Beetle as its entry level vehicle with all-new Rabbit a great blunder. This is due to the fact that Rabbit does not hold interest the same way Beetle does. As a result, sales were considered dismal and

It was in the year 1977 when Volkswagen has finally decided to replace its entry-level vehicle. The chosen model was Rabbit, which was built in the US between 1979 and 1984. However, the same was replaced by Golf, which eventually did not satisfy the expectations of the automaker. In fact, last year’s sales of Golf dropped by 36 percent, which is equated to 15, 690 units.

With this instance, the automaker has decided to start anew and breathe a new life into sales. This new goal involves the reintroduction of the next-generation Golf to the US market. Nonetheless, it will be given a new name which is - Rabbit.

Aside from that, Volkswagen is also aimed at affordability. Hence, the company is offering its cars in a lesser price. This is to cater to the multitude who cannot afford expensive luxury cars. Rabbit, which can be purchased in 2-door or 4-door, is a hatchback which is priced at $14,990 and $16,990 respectively. This pricing will make Rabbit a worthy rival to Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, and Nissan Versa. These cars are designed to improve mileage and affordability without sacrificing the quality.

Kerri Martin, Volkswagen's Director of Brand Innovation said, "The Rabbit's return to Volkswagen's family is not an attempt to recreate the original car. The Rabbit, or Golf as it is well known throughout the rest of the world, is the world's best seller with over 25 million cars sold over five generations. This latest generation has already won more than 25 awards in more than sixteen countries. Even the name 'Rabbit' dramatizes the enhanced performance, playing off the car's clever design, efficient size, agility and nimbleness. The Rabbit is back."

Volkswagen Rabbit parts include a 2.5-liter, 150-horsepower 5-cylinder engine, quicker accelerator, fully independent suspension system that uses a multi-link rear and optimized front axle and more. This latest action from VW is made to stand by its German tagline "Aus Liebe zum Automobil" which means for the love of the car.

By Jenny McLane
Published: 9/23/2006
 
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