.

.August 13, 2003
.
This Week:

• H2RV - Ford Hydrogen Hybrid Research Vehicle

• Scion Solutions Attracts Young Customers in First Two Months of Vehicle Sales

• Porsche(R) 911(R) Celebrates its 40th Anniversary With Commemorative Model

• Great praise in the American media for the Touareg

• Motors In Wheel Give GM 'Jump' On Advanced Technology Vehicles

• BMW Group Still on Growth Course With New Models

• Nissan Breaks Stereotypes with Launch of 2004 Quest Advertising 

• American Honda Recognizes Top Suppliers for 2003

• Valeo to announce contracts and technical innovations of "Domains" technology strategy at IAA 2003

• TRW Automotive Introduces New Smart Airbag and Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

© 1998 - 2003 Copyright & 
Disclaimer
Automotive Intelligence,
www.autointell.com
All Rights Reserved .
For questions please contact
editor@autointell.com  

.
Great praise in the American media for the Touareg

Photo: VW

Volkswagen off-road vehicle launched in the USA and Canada - More than 20,000 Touareg planned to be sold in America before the end of 2003 Wolfsburg - The USA and Canada make up the largest, but also the toughest, off-road vehicle market in the world. The Touareg is currently being launched in America. Volkswagen of America dealers have been taking orders since the end of May and the new SUV has been in the showrooms since June. The initial response to the Touareg, which is available in America with a V6 or V8 engine (and a V10 TDI as of the beginning of 2004), has been more than positive. Background: Representatives from the media in Canada and the USA had the opportunity prior to the vehicle launch of testing the Touareg under the most extreme conditions in demanding off-road terrain in Utah.

The majority of the journalists reported in the same way as this author in the "Calgary Herald": "In nearly 25 years of testing new cars I have never been so impressed by the off-road characteristics of a vehicle". His colleague at the online edition of "Forbes" wrote: " ... it costs between 35,000 and 45,000 Dollars, but it's worth every penny." He continues: "What makes the Touareg such a tempting choice is the wonderfully finished interior, its good looks and the feeling of safety you have when sitting behind the wheel".

These comments confirm that the great success of the Touareg on the European market will be continued in the US market. Dr Jens Neumann, member of the board of management at Volkswagen AG: "We hope to be able to sell over 20,000 Touareg in the USA and Canada by the end of the year." As of 2004, according to the sales forecasts, approximately 65,000 Touareg will be sold worldwide, 50 percent of that figure being forecast for the USA and Canada. Volkswagen will thus be able to further strengthen its position as the most successful European automobile manufacturer on the US market.

(August 05, 2003)