VW mulling Microbus-style CUV to ramp segment sales

Volkswagen is on a mission to dominate sales in almost ever category, with a goal of selling over one million Audis and VWs yearly in the United States and further expand market share in Canada by 2018. To reach such goals, analysts say the two brands will need to compete in almost every sales category.

VW and Audi have the sedan customers covered, but offerings in the crossover segment are slim. Automotive News says it hears VW is planning a couple of crossover variants, the most interesting of which concerns a possible greenlight for the Microbus-inspired Bulli concept from the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Unnamed VW executives are said to have expressed interest in a Microbus-type crossover large enough for five adults. We think a retro-themed Veedub bus would look very nice next to the newly restyled Beetle.

Other rumours have VW developing a seven-seat crossover to compete with Ford's Explorer and the Honda Pilot. The new Chattanooga plant is probably where it would be built in time for sales in 2014.

Sources also say the upcoming Tiguan replacement will be "North American-sized" (i.e., larger) for 2014. Fewer than than 30,000 Tiguans are sold every year, possibly because of limited legroom and cargo space compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Hit the jump for a closer look at the VW Bulli Concept in our photo gallery.

News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.