A report in Automotive News Europe (ANE) says that Volkswagen has decided not to build another Volkswagen Lupo or Seat Arosa. The report says that the entry-level city-car models, launched in 1998, have been ‘big disappointments’ for Volkswagen.
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ANE says that the cars will be replaced in 2005 with ‘much larger models’. Wilfried Bockelmann, head of product development for the VW brand, told ANE: “Customers want more than just a small car. They want value for money and a cheaper car that can carry four occupants with their luggage, particularly in eastern European markets. A successor would therefore be bigger.”
DRI-WEFA analyst Colin Couchman told just-auto that a Skoda successor to the Lupo will be offered for the first time, but that it may not be made available to Volkswagen or Seat.
“It makes sense to make such a car available in eastern Europe in particular,” he said. “It is also a way to reinforce the differentiation of the brands. Skoda can offer this product, but Volkswagen may not, preferring to pitch its entry-level product a little higher.”
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