For the first time, Volkswagen do Brasil is developing a vehicle based on the modular transverse toolkit MQB in-house. Known as the ‘new urban coupe’, the OEM says that the new model will combine sportiness with a high driving position. Launch is planned for spring 2020. Production will commence at the Anchieta plant the same year and the vehicle will also be built in Europe from 2021 and sold in other markets.
The German OEM is strengthening the economic significance of Volkswagen do Brasil with the regionalization of the South American market. Until 2020, Volkswagen is investing US$1.6bn in Brazil in the development of new products, digitization and technological innovations.
This is based on a restructuring program introduced by Volkswagen to support business opportunities in the South American market. Under its regionalization strategy, the company launched a product offensive with 20 new models for Brazil as the key market in the region.
Ralf Brandstätter, chief operating officer of the Volkswagen passenger cars brand, said, “The internationalization of Volkswagen began 60 years ago with construction of the plant in Anchieta, Brazil. South America has been an important market for Volkswagen ever since. We are strengthening our regionalization strategy with these investments.”
Pablo Di Si, president and CEO of Volkswagen Latin America, added, “For the first time in our history we will be offering our very own vehicle concept on the international market, and sharing design, technology and know-how from Brazil with the world.”