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VW to crack S China market with tailored models, local production

By Zhang Ranran (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-11-25 08:06

Volkswagen Group China, together with its two joint ventures Shanghai Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen are showcasing 27 models at the Seventh China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition, which opened to media on Nov 23 at the China Import and Export Fair Complex.

The company is now well on course to meet the aims of its South China Strategy, the most important part of its 2018 Strategy. As part of this strategy, it plans to launch the Golf GTI and the Tiguan through its two joint ventures - FAW-Volkswagen and Shanghai Volkswagen. It is also seeking to establish its "Das Auto" branding in China's southern markets.

The Volkswagen Group sold more than 1.06 million vehicles in China during the first nine months of the year, an increase of 37 percent over the same period in 2008 and already in excess of its total sales volume for last year.

As part of its exhibition strategy, the company will be focusing on the Golf GTI, manufactured in China by FAW-Volkswagen. In line with its Powertrain initiative - Volkswagen's policy of cutting average fuel consumption through the local production of turbocharged stratified injection engines and double-shift gearboxes - the range is likely to include a 2.0 TSI and a 6-speed DSG transmission.

These are designed to boost its appeal to buyers craving strong performance and high quality.

The company also has high hopes for its SUV Tiguan, the latest high quality sports utility vehicle manufactured by Shanghai Volkswagen. Its design has been tailored for the Chinese market and features clear lines and an idealized body proportion.

Among the other models featured at the 3,000-sq m Guangzhou auto show are Passat Lingyu, Magoton, Lavida, New Bora, Sagitar, Touran, CorssPolo and Polo Sporty.

Powered by 1.4 TSI and 7-speed DSG transmission, the Magoton features creative powertrain technology with a new B-class concept designed to appeal to the southern market.

Volkswagen has also brought nine imported models to the event, including the Phaeton and the Touareg, equipped with 3.6L FSI V6 engine, the CC and R36 Variant, the EOS, the New Beetle, the New Beetle Convertible and the Scirocco.

Special Coverage: Guangzhou auto show 2009 Related readings:  VW Group China unveils masterplan  VW Tiguan, Golf GTI  September Magotan sales show huge surge for VW

The automaker said diesel cars are joining hybrids and plug-in electrics as the new show-cars of choice. The reason behind this is simple - efficiency, both in terms of fuel and finance. This is the main factor driving carmakers and consumers to give diesel-fueled vehicles another chance, according to the company.

In line with this trend, the new Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 TDI diesel will offer a more practical, more environment-friendly and economic option in the Chinese luxury SUV market.

This year, Volkswagen introduced 1.4 TSI and 7-speed DSG technology to the Chinese market by promoting its Scirocco model. The vehicle can reach 0-100 mph in 8 seconds and offers a top speed of 218mph, with a fuel consumption of only 6.3 liter per 100 km.

In Volkswagen Group China's "Scirocco Cup" in July, the Scirocco impressed many Chinese onlookers with its extreme speed, powerful engine and extraordinary driving control.

During the Guangzhou automobile exhibition, Volkswagen hopes to lure Chinese buyers with a wide range of alternative.

This sees the company highlighting a number of upcoming models and advanced technology, all of which are in keeping with the show's theme of "Technology, Trends and New life".