VW May Delay Bentley, Lambo Crossovers

Volkswagen AG may suspend development of ultra-luxury crossovers for its Bentley and Lamborghini brands until the global auto market improves, according to Reuters, which cites unnamed company sources.

Bentley CEO Wolfgang Duerheimer told Bloomberg News in April it intended to launch a production version of its EXP 9 F concept in 2015. He predicted the vehicle would retail for at least $210,000.

Lamborghini unveiled its crossover concept, the Urus, in April and said a production version could hit the market in 2016. But CEO Stephan Winkelmann told Reuters last month that VW had not yet authorized the program.

Analysts tell Reuters that the softening luxury-vehicle market, coupled with intense competition from other uber-luxury crossovers, seems likely to convince VW that delaying the two models would cause no harm. The company's board is expected to decide when it meets on Nov. 23, according to the news service.

IHS Automotive estimates that initial worldwide sales of the Bentley and Lamborghini crossovers would reach only about 4,000 and 2,400 units per year, respectively. At those volumes, the firm says, it's difficult to make a sustainable business case for either model.