Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Auto Show, Minivans/MPVs, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Volkswagen
VW up! van could come to U.S. because we're fat
click above image to view more pics of the VW Space up! Concept
That's right, Volkswagen thinks Americans are fat. At least that's what we take away from comments made by executives indicating that the second and larger up! concept that debuted last week at the Tokyo Motor Show could be sold in the U.S. because it's larger than the first one that debuted in Frankfurt. The first up! concept was a small three-door hatch, and by small we mean very small. The Space up! meanwhile is like a small four-door minivan of the concept on a longer chassis. Basically, we hear VW saying that the smaller three-door hatch version just wouldn't play well with our pudgy selves. That said, the up! van isn't a sure thing either, as VW states it will take the next three months to evaluate whether or not to produce a lineup of rear-engine up! vehicles. One last test for the cars will be in mid-November at the LA Auto Show where a third concept will be revealed. This one, likely to have an equally silly name, will be powered entirely by electricity.
[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
SuperSkyline89 3:50PM (10/29/2007)
Oh come on, everyone makes fun of Americans for being fat. Like that episode of Top Gear when Jeremy started the navigation system in the car he was driving (I think it was the corvette, not totally sure, anyone remember?) and the first thing it did was display the fast food restaurants. That was funny, probably scripted, but funny.
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GT 5:51PM (10/29/2007)
I hate to say it but its true (I live in Canada tho, and its obesity rate is slightly larger than the US) we are getting fatter...I mean, go look at a playground, its disturbing that there's that many fat kids! It can't all be genetic!
But what I don't get is why it is only here that we are stereotyped, I mean the UK's obesity rate is expanding (lol no pun intended) Take That, Jeremy!
At the end, its sad because automakers are now making cars bigger, couple that with a fat driver and a potentially fat family, it can bring fuel economy down and emissions up! Maybe Greenpeace will target fat people next lol!
Chris 7:47PM (10/29/2007)
Could it be that the VW executives we're referring to the fact that small hatchbacks don't have much of a market in the US? Isn't it more logically to think that VW is more concerned with being able to sell a car than if the people that want to buy it will fit in it.
They do their market research. If they thought enough skinny or fat people would buy it they would sell it here. If a country is known for their love of SUV's, big ass trucks, and roomy sedans would you take a chance on selling a tiny vehicle? Wait... VW thinks Americans are fat... that's sensationalizing and has lots of legs.
ugg.tryptophan 12:12AM (10/30/2007)
im sure this new concept will be able fit two 'whole' americans
John R 3:51PM (10/29/2007)
I wouldn't understand why VW would bring this stateside. A VW answer to the xB would give Toyota a pretty good headache.
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John R 3:53PM (10/29/2007)
that should read, "wouldn't bring this stateside"
John R 3:52PM (10/29/2007)
That was the CTS-V...I believe
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3cubed minus 3squared plus1 3:59PM (10/29/2007)
Is that supposed to be the new face of VW?
It looks clean and different than the Audi face which is a good thing.
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raz 4:00PM (10/29/2007)
So does that mean that Detroit has to make cars for germany that would be great for mass murder? That would work well in a concentration camp environment....that would kill anything that is not german?
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paul34 4:03PM (10/29/2007)
Um. What the hell are you talking about?
Rafa 4:05PM (10/29/2007)
Looks like someone doesn´t get it.
Chaz 4:16PM (10/29/2007)
Yeah, I'm with Paul, that's a totally inappropriate non-sequitur.
paul34 4:05PM (10/29/2007)
Yup, makes sense. Is there also an oversized cup holder for that Coke big gulp and a larger holder to hold a bucket of friend chicken, or maybe a quad stacker from Burger King?
Oh, and a little extra space on the rearview mirror stalk to allow the hanging of that oh-so-important "disability" tag.
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Dan 4:06PM (10/29/2007)
Well yes, when you're selling cheapmobiles and yet you're outsold by premium brands like BMW and Mercedes you have to come with excuses: Americans are fat they can't fit our graceful vehicles, Americans are stupid they can't understand our fascinating technologies.
Go on VW, you're building a fanbase here.
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Karl 4:16PM (10/29/2007)
Unfortunately, although your post seems to have been made sarcastically, it is correct, at least as far as the ability to understand technology is concerned. Almost half of American adults range anywhere from barely functionally literate to illiterate. The Germans, however, have little room to talk, concerning obesity, as it is becoming a worldwide problem.
Maestro1 4:21PM (10/29/2007)
I agree with Karl. And by the way, 'RAZ' is a shining example of that ignorance and illiteracy.
Its true that obesity is becoming a worldwide problem, and I think more people see that it isn't just the US. However, Americans are generally pretty big people (not so much in terms of fat but in overall build) so I don't think that VW was THAT far off.
That said, Jeremy Clarkson doesn't have much grounds to talk, considering that he has his own sack hanging from his mid-section; and the british in general can't talk either because they have tons of fat people running around! I should know, I lived there for a good while!
Dan 5:06PM (10/29/2007)
@ Karl
You have a point when it comes to literacy in general, but technical literacy in Europe quickly approaches zero. I did my undergrad in Europe, and the level of understanding in maths/science/technology is appalling there. The laws governing technology in Europe are mindless as well. I am European, but I am concerned. Europe's technical know-how is non-existant today, when was it last time when you bought a electronic product designed in Europe (digital camera/computer/HiFi equip or anything else)? I don't even remember when that happend. Germany successfully packages technology made elsewhere in cars, but that's pretty much it. Europe moved the manufacturing and engineering overseas, and kept only the marketing at home. This strategy will work only as long as the European market size is important (and entrance is well garded), but that's bound to change. Europe laughs at US only because US is one step further and encounters first the effect of such policies (in education/health/economy/environment). But Europe will experience soon the same problems despite the warnings. Who's going to be the laughing stock then?
Andrew 8:22AM (10/30/2007)
You did your undergrad in "Europe", huh? That's great for you, but unless you studied at some University called that you only studied in *one country* in Europe. Europe is actually made up of 47 countries and I doubt you would know anything about the conditions in the 46 other countries.
dothackRAVE 5:43PM (12/20/2007)
@Dan:
Who did you think came up with technical achievements in cars such as ABS? Traction control? Drive Assist? Active Steering?
Benz and BMW. If those two aren't European, I don't know what is.
tariq 7:53AM (1/27/2008)
"when was it last time when you bought a electronic product designed in Europe (digital camera/computer/HiFi equip or anything else)? "
ur talking about CONSUMER electronics in which europe is behind other countries but slowly catching up. but what about industrial products? can ANY country in the world beat the germans when it comes to making hi tech stuff for cars( as suppliers i mean not as OEMs)
who can make better wind turbines, equipments for solar power, cars that can drive themselves, maglevs and industrial machinery used for textile industry better than the germans? i dont think there are many
take the uk car industry:
best suspensions-lotus
best grearbox-ricardo(including the one in the veryon)
best body materials-the whole industry(mclaren lotus lola etc)
best differentials-prodrive(who do u think provides for the focus and impreza?
cosworth is also british
formula one winners ferrari maclaren renault(owner of the manufacturer of skyline) are europeans
there is a LOT to his world than just CONSUMER electronics. textile machinery are mostly imported in my country from germany due to their quality and from taiwan and japan because they are cheaper(but not that advanced)
europeans are pretty advanced. only they make stuff which consumers dont buy. one more example: lotus developed the active suspension in the 80's and we consumers didnt buy that high tech stuff. but nearly EVERY major car manufacturer wanted a piece of that technology and we just buy that car thinking that the technology comes from their country. i remember about the infinity Q. its active suspension is not japanese, its british and british dont make decent notebook pcs. but that reminds me, nokia is finnish(do some research on nokia it has an impressive record-the largest mobile, camera and music player manufacterer)