Volkswagen of America CEO Kjell Gruner said at a media roundtable during the New York auto show that despite SUVs comprising 78% of Volkswagen’s U.S. sales, the company will continue offering models like the Golf GTI, Golf R, Jetta and the electric ID.Buzz because they serve distinct brand roles.
Volkswagen sold 329,813 vehicles in the U.S. last year and presented the second‑generation 2027 Atlas three-row SUV at the show; the Atlas was the brand’s second-best seller in 2025.
Kjell Gruner said lower-volume cars such as the Golf GTI and Golf R (10,554 combined U.S. sales in 2025) deliver the brand’s “heartbeat” and act as brand icons, while the ID.Buzz plays a different symbolic role.
Gruner added that the Jetta remains important with 54,291 U.S. sales last year, serving customers who prefer better fuel economy and a non‑SUV option.
This summary is based on coverage by Car and Driver.
Read the full article at Car and Driver.
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