Wheels24.co.za | Volkswagen Brazil\'s new \'Urban Coupe\' SUV to launch in 2020

Volkswagen Brazil's new 'Urban Coupe' SUV to launch in 2020

2019-09-04 08:15

Image: Newspress

For the first time, Volkswagen Brazil is developing a vehicle based on the modular transverse toolkit MQB completely in-house; the model is also to be produced later in Europe and sold on other international markets.

The vehicle based on the MQB will be designed and developed in Brazil. Known as the "New Urban Coupé" it combines sportiness with a high driving position. The world premiere is planned for spring 2020. Production will commence at the Anchieta plant in the same year and the vehicle will also be built in Europe from 2021.

The automaker is looking to strengthening the economic significance of of its Brazilian arm with the regionalisation of the South American market. Through 2020, Volkswagen is investing around €1.5-billion in Brazil in the development of new products, digitalisation and technological innovations.

Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, said: "The internationalisation of Volkswagen began 60 years ago with construction of the plant in Anchieta, Brazil. South America has been an important market for the company ever since. We are strengthening our regionalisation strategy with these investments."

                                                                Image: Newspress

Between 2016 and 2020, Volkswagen is investing around €1.5-billion in Brazil in the development of new products, digitalisation and technological innovations. With these investments the company is strengthening the development of local products for customers in South America in particular, but also worldwide.

This is based on a restructuring program introduced by Volkswagen to support business opportunities in the South American market. Under its regionalisation strategy, the company launched a product offensive with 20 new models for Brazil as the key market in the region.

Pablo Di Si, President and CEO of Volkswagen Latin America, said: "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."