Volkswagen's New Golf Hatchback is Headed for U.S.

Wahington DC September 5, 2012; The AIADA newsletter reported that Volkswagen is rolling out the latest version of its Golf hatchback in a key test of its ability to widen its lead over other mass market carmakers in Europe, lower manufacturing costs, and overtake Toyota as the world's biggest carmaker.

It's coming to the U.S., too. USA Today reports that the new Golf looks much like the old one, but the key differences are on the inside.

The car has been completely redesigned, based on a new common mechanical structure for the chassis, engine, and other basic parts. The new Golf is "the acid test" of VW's effort to ramp up mass production of the new common platform and achieve lower costs while maintaining quality standards.

The common structure will underpin not just the Golf, but other Volkswagen vehicles. Savings from sharing parts should make the company's cars cheaper to build, analysts say. Those savings in turn will help VW add on more environmental, safety, and energy-saving features that will boost the car's perceived value to consumers. And that, in turn, should let Volkswagen charge more and reap higher profit margins. Click here for USA Today's story on the new VW Golf.