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)
VW Vans for Sale 7:33AM (8/14/2009)
Hello. It looks great in those pics. The interior seems substantially upgraded, with the new leather-trimmed door panels, and I like how the seats have more lateral support. The stitching on the steering wheel is nice, too. Thanks for the information and have a nice day! :)
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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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Anti-believer 7:03PM (10/29/2007)
Americans are fat. That's why we made huge SUV's to fit fat people in.
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Scorch 1:46AM (10/30/2007)
Wow, that was very insightful.
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?