Volkswagen made a big deal about a very small car at tonight's pre-show unveil party. It's called the up! Concept, and it's Volkswagen's answer to the Smart city car. Chairman of the Board, Martin Winterkorn, said it was the first project he turned his attention to when he became head of the German automaker...
"It's exactly what the Volkswagen brand stands for, it's affordable mobility," said Winterkorn of the up! He went on to say that the rear engined, rear-wheel-drive car would spawn several variants, all of them designed to deliver maximum efficiency using two- or three-cylinder engines.
Sounds like the up! is more than just a concept. Whether it will ever make it to the U.S. is doubtful unless the upcoming Smart Fortwo proves there's a significant market for ultra-efficient city cars. -- Ed Hellwig, Inside Line Lead Senior Editor
firstwagon says:
05:20 PM, 09/10/07
They sold 10,000 Smarts in Canada where they expected to sell 2000 so there is a market in North America. I think it will be a harder sell in the states where bigger is better but it's a much bigger market too.
I think they will sell well among young trendy urbanites and hopeful open the door to other cool little cars.
ahightower says:
06:16 PM, 09/10/07
Why do people insist on refusing to capitalize proper nouns? That alone is reason enough to keep me from buying one. That and the fact that it's ugly. I reckon most folks who could use a small city car would be better served by public transportation for their daily commutes. Hypocrites!!!!
I'm feeling grouchy tonight.
rsholland says:
06:25 PM, 09/10/07
"Why do people insist on refusing to capitalize proper nouns?"
It's called artistic license. :)
puristsoul says:
12:46 AM, 09/11/07
When I read about this upcoming VW with a rear engine, and affordable price agenda, I got excited. What do they have up their sleeve? They dropped the ball with the design of the latest crop (I mean who wants a Jetta that looks more like a corolla?), they blew it on the microbus concept-topped off by selling out and using Chrysler underpinings...Maybe, just maybe, there's hope. Finally, pictures come out of this new concept, and "disappointed" is all I can say. How does a company get so misguided?
ateixeira says:
07:44 AM, 09/11/07
This is a four seater, so it would compete with the ForFour, not the ForTwo.
I'm not sure anyone offers RWD under $20k now. Solistice and Miata break $20k. ForTwo would be the first.
up! would be the 2nd, and only RWD 4 seater under $20k. I think next up in price would probably be the Mustang.
This has more potential than the ForTwo does, if they can keep prices down.
marygtz says:
12:45 PM, 09/13/07
I was born on a city called Merida in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico (yes, nearby CanCun), and for over 20 years the number one car to be sold in Merida was the Wolkswagen Beatle, guess why? there are not many wide roads in Merida and parking space is a hassle, but the "Volcho" as we nicknamed this car was the best. My father in law has a 1969 in fair contition, runs beautifuly. I know we need a ultra-efficient city car there, I can garantee you, if you sell the "Up" there it will sell as good (or better) than the "Volcho". Pre-signed me for a couple of them ! (for my family in Merida), I currently live in Long Beach, CA and have a Jetta and a Passat.