VW to Add Two More Crossovers in Two Years

Volkswagen AG is finally responding to the surging demand for SUV/crossovers with plans for two new models that would double its lineup of such vehicles to four but not until 2017.

The company also is hinting at a fifth crossover as it presents the Cross Coupe GTE sporty concept at the Detroit auto show later today. VW has not indicated when or if that model will be built.

VW's Cross Coupe GTE concept crossover

One of the confirmed new models is a seven-passenger SUV inspired by the CrossBlue diesel hybrid concept the company revealed at the Detroit auto show two years ago. It will be built at VW's factory in Tennessee.

VW also confirms plans to add output of a stretched Tiguan crossover at the U.S. factory in 2017. Both new models will join VW's relatively expensive midsize Touareg and compact Tiguan SUV/crossovers.

Last year the American passenger vehicle market expanded 6%. But VW's sales slid 10% to 367,000 units because of its relatively sparse lineup of models there. The brand hopes to reach sales of 800,000 vehicles in the U.S. by 2018. But its next updated car, the Passat sedan, is not expected to reach the U.S. until the second half of 2018.