Autoblog

While the European press reports that VW honcho Martin Winterkorn has iced plans to sell the Golf Mk VI in the United States, a rep for the automaker's American division has responded to the contrary. Volkswagen of America spokesman Steve Keyes told Inside Line that plans to introduce the 6th-generation Golf and GTI in the U.S. continue apace, with a Stateside introduction scheduled for next fall. Keyes also told IL that the new Golf's sales volumes have been factored into VWoA's '09 financials. The world should get its first official look at the Golf VI at this year's Paris Motor Show in October.

[Source: Inside Line]

Germany's Spiegel Online is reporting that currency concerns will force Volkswagen to not sell the upcoming Mk VI Golf in the United States, Brazil, and Australia. It all boils down to profitability, and it appears that the forthcoming Golf simply cannot be sold in our market (or Brazil or Australia) in the current economic climate without falling short of VW's targets. Thus, Spiegel reports that VW boss Martin Winterkorn told a meeting of the board that the next Golf won't make an appearance here in the States, period. The original article (in German) is here, and any German-speaking readers are welcome to add clarity to the report in the comments below.

In the US, the Golf (Rabbit) family is VW's second-highest seller behind the Jetta. If this drastic measure does indeed come to pass, we're left wondering what, if anything, would fill that void. Would the current Mk V soldier on, much in the same way VW continues to offer the Mk IV in markets like Canada under the City moniker? This is going to be an interesting story to follow, regardless of what ultimately transpires. Thanks to all who sent tips.

UPDATE

[Source: Spiegel Online (Translated)]

As we reported earlier, Volkswagen is rushing the sixth generation Golf (now the Rabbit again in U.S. and Canada) to market two years ahead of schedule because of the current fifth generation's poor performance in the marketplace. VW's main task for the 2008 Golf Mk VI is to build it cheaper, faster and better than the Mk V. While not an all-new vehicle, the Mk VI will feature a substantially updated exterior with design cues pulled from around the VW garage, including taillamps that mimic those from the Concept A and rear fenders with blister outward a la the Eos hardtop convertible. With this new Golf will come new variants, including a new Jetta although we'll likely see that car get a mild refresh before it transitions to the Mk VI.

[Source: Autobild]