REPORT: VW CEO confirms Phaeton will return to America, doesn't say when
Volkswagen Phaeton - Click above for high-res image gallery
At least as far back as March 2007, we were reporting that Volkswagen might bring back their range-topping and bank-draining Phaeton sedan to the States. Back then, it was the company's CEO Martin Winterkorn predicting the car's return to America, but in more recent times, we haven't heard much news about the luxury liner. Then spyshots of a re-designed 2011 Phaeton emerged in June of this year, but we speculated there was zero chance of the much-maligned model being sold here.
Of course, Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO of Volkswagen of America had to prove us wrong by telling The Detroit News that yes, there will again be Phaetons sold on American VW dealers' lots. He doesn't get specific about when the luxury sedan will return (or even if it will be anything like the model American consumers already shunned), but he does say it will indeed be the range's high-end flagship once again.
Jacoby also lays out the brand's U.S. strategy to pretty much have something to offer in every category save perhaps amphibious vehicles. He admits additions to the German carmaker's U.S. lineup could include a Polo-sized car below the Jetta, a compact SUV to be produced next to a new midsize sedan in Chattanooga, which will be topped by another new midsize sedan "like the Avalon for Toyota."
Gallery: VW Phaeton (facelifted)
[Source: The Detroit News]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Matt (that likes ford) 10:37AM (8/17/2009)
I figured out why I LOVE this car so much.
Because I LOVE the A8.
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Jei 11:06AM (8/17/2009)
I agree.
The Phaeton is a business-class luxury vehicle. I respect it.
To me, it represents a "serious" luxury appointment which is not necessarily like the other luxury cars; which are much more "blase" about being luxury (Genesis, Equus, RL, MkS, MkZ, etc.)
AC0 3:49PM (8/17/2009)
I love it because of the way you can glide around a city, and nobody notices... All the others (A8 including in my opinion) are a bit brash.
AC0 3:51PM (8/17/2009)
...where "including" = "included", idiot.
Matt (that likes ford) 3:53PM (8/17/2009)
Well the A8 isn't very extreme IMO.
I mean which is more noticeable?
http://image.internetautoguide.com/f/auto-news/motor-trend-drives-war-between-2009-audi-a8-bmw-750li-and-mercedes-benz-s550/18404620+cr1+re0+ar1/audi-a8-bmw-750li-mercedes-benz-s550-triojpg.jpg
Farmboy 5:07PM (8/17/2009)
I love the Phaeton. My neighbor used to have one, and it made him look like he was at the top of his game (partially because he was). It was a really nice car, that and his Jetta he had with it.
the4thheat 6:20PM (8/17/2009)
I can't wait for this car but it has nothing to do with loving the A8 (although I do like the A8). No, I can't wait for this car to bomb horribly again so that I can buy it used with low miles and get what is essentially a Bentley for 1/5th the price.
Boyprodigy1 1:10PM (8/18/2009)
I saw one of these driving around denver colorado. I am pretty sure its here.
Mike7 10:40AM (8/17/2009)
It's Captain Kirk's favorite car!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzVIculiTWQ
I really liked it, and their great value on the used car market.
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AMcA 11:22AM (8/17/2009)
NO way to promote your car: show the navigation screen with the You Are Here symbol in the middle of the Mediterranean.
I don't think the Phaeton is amphibious.
DKB_SATX 2:11PM (8/17/2009)
@AMcA: Actually, it's probably just a zoomed-out map view and the car is being photographed on Ibiza or Mallorca... you know, islands. In the middle of the Mediterranean. With roads.
Paul 10:47AM (8/17/2009)
Americans that have the money to spend on a car like this also tend to be brand conscious. Once again, this will be a failure.
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mapoftazifosho 10:50AM (8/17/2009)
This is a waste of VW's time. The decision makes in charge of this project should be fired...
Tagg 12:16PM (8/17/2009)
Dead on target.
I can't believe VW didn't learn "the stove is hot" and is willing to put both hands back on it.
xmdfmk7x 1:31PM (8/17/2009)
@Paul
Exactly what I was thinking.
It's a shame though, because this is a great car.
Dave 10:48AM (8/17/2009)
Hyundai will undercut them with the Equus and steal what little sales in the $75k+ market that aren't already claimed by BMW or Mercedes.
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meatbag 11:36AM (8/17/2009)
dont be so quick to judge, while i agree the Equus will certainly take a chunk of the market, the Phaeton is a technological showcase of goodies you dont see outside of bespoke vehicles, things like built-in air conditioned, massage seats, drink warmers, adjustable rear seats, and an climate control diffusion system that will coll the car without blowing air in your face. Not to mention that the Phaeton is essentially an Audi A8, which is also the same chassis as the Bentley continental so people know the chassis is thoroughly tested. The w12 motor is also used in the Bently. Not to say that the Equus is without its merits. For the well-heeled who are not brand conscious, the Equus and the Phaeton will both be pretty high on the list
farmer0904 10:54AM (8/17/2009)
WOW I never realize how much this car looks like the old 05 kia optima from the back ..this thing is nice but not nice enough for almost a 100k ....I much rather buy a Hyundai genesis for 39k or a Hyundai Equus for 59k and save the 40 or 30 k and buy a Hyundai Sonata with the change , lol and still have about 10 to 12 k left to buy a kia rio...
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reddeth 10:54AM (8/17/2009)
"brand's U.S. strategy to pretty much have something to offer in every category"
Great, so please tell me this means there's going to be another Caddy sold in the US!!!!
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jim 10:59AM (8/17/2009)
Why don't they just rebrand the Phaeton as a Passat in the US and offer it with the 2.0T and 3.6 V6 at Honda Accord prices? If I have $80-$100K to spend, I'm going to buy Mercedes or BMW, not VW.
The Jetta really needs an update/upsize, too.
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