Volkswagen Planning 7-Passenger SUV for US

VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
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31 videos
is hatching plans to offer a larger, cheaper seven-passenger SUV that will be marketed mostly to North America and built at its Tennessee factory. VW wants to compete with the FordFordUnited States of America, 1903 > present92 models
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ExplorerFord Explorer Gen.5United States of America, 2011 > present11 versions
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that made a major jump upmarket in its latest generation.

VW would like to have the larger SUV on sale within three years. Being made in the US would be able to keep prices closer to the Ford. 

The problem facing VW is that the Ford Explorer had a major increase in fit and finish in its latest generation. Prices for the FordFord Explorer Base FWDUnited States of America, 2011 > present2 photos
start at $29,135 and go to $40,720 for the 365hp SportFord Explorer SportUnited States of America, 2013 > present11 photos
model. Comparatively, the TouaregVolkswagen Touareg VR6 SportGermany, 2010 > present1 photo
starts at $43,425 in the US and go to $62,055 for the top HybridVolkswagen Touareg HybridGermany, 2010 > present1 photo
model. The Touareg is more expensive, has 10hp less power when comparing the base engines and has the same fuel economy. Also, the Explorer seats seven for all models, but the Touareg only seats five. 

VW does not have a seven-passenger SUV in the US.

“The problem we have is that the Touareg is our current competitor in the class, but it is smaller and more expensive than the likes of the Explorer. That category of car is one of the biggest for sales in the US, so we are pushing to get a large family-oriented SUV in that sector," said VW USA boss Jonathan Browning.

Source: Autocar