Volkswagen Jetta to become a brand in China

MANILA: Volkswagen, the German automobile giant, has made an official announcement that the group will be launching a budget-oriented brand targetting the young and first-time car buyers in China. Interestingly, the brand will be called Jetta, which has been a prolific car in the Volkswagen portfolio for a long time. The Jetta has also been the longest running and the most successful saloon by Volkswagen.

Volkswagen said that while the automobile market in the metropolitan region of China is growing, other areas are yet to catch up. The domestic manufacturers with their offerings at affordable prices are ruling these regions. Volkswagen hopes that with the new Jetta brand, which will consist of an affordable product lineup, the company will be able to meet the needs of people in these unearthed regions.

When asked about why did Volkswagen go with the name Jetta, the company said that just like Beetle in Europe, Jetta has done wonders in China. Jürgen Stackmann, Member of the Volkswagen brand’s Board of Management responsible for sales said, "In China, the Jetta plays an extremely valuable role for us as a Volkswagen model. It has brought mobility for the masses, just like the Beetle once did in Europe. Developed by Volkswagen and built in China, the Jetta China has placed China on four wheels. To this day, it is one of Volkswagen’s most popular models in China – a real icon. This is why we are transforming a model into a brand for the first time in the history of Volkswagen and establishing a separate model and brand family”.

The Jetta product lineup will consist of three vehicles, two SUVs and a sedan. All three cars will be produced in conjunction with the Chinese automobile manufacturer First Automobile Works (FAW). While Volkswagen did not reveal much information about the Jetta cars, they for sure pack some eye catchy looks. While the Jetta brand will now target and cater to the needs of young and first-time buyers looking for great cars at affordable prices, Volkswagen will continue to raise its ante in the Chinese automobile market even further.