Press Release
Positioning - Page 1
Body - Page 2
Passive Safety - Page 3
Interior - Page 4
Four-Wheel Drive - Page 5
Running Gear - Page 6
Engines - Page 7
Standard Equipment & Specs - Page 8
Positioning
The contemporary interpretation of a luxury off-road vehicle
- Attributes of a luxury sedan and dynamic of a sports car
- The Touareg competes at the top level of the major SUV's
There are currently three main categories of off-road vehicles: conventional models with distinctly off-road equipment, lifestyle SUV's with many street features, and those which want to master both types of terrain. Each category has its strengths, but they often involve compromises. Not so with the Touareg: Despite its authentic off-road capabilities, it offers the comfort of a luxury sedan along with the handling and drive features of a sports car for street driving.
The Touareg is positioned as a high-end off-road vehicle � a strongly expanding segment. In 2000, approximately 700,000 vehicles of this category were sold world-wide, with a rising tendency. According to analyses, by 2004 annual sales of high-end SUV's will reach 400,000 in North America alone. In Western Europe, forecasts predict 200,000 units by 2004. Add the Asia-Pacific region and the million milestone is not long in coming.
Volkswagen is entering a rapidly growing market with an impressive vehicle
The off-road vehicle market in Western Europe has also experienced constant growth. Across all SUV classes, annual sales rose from 362,000 vehicles in 1997 to 604,000 in 2001 � a growth rate of 13.6% per year. A similar tendency applies in Germany: In the first six months of this year alone, sales rose 22.7% over the same period last year. Volkswagen's existing market presence ideally positions it to successfully establish the Touareg on the global market � especially since it is quick to get this in many respects superior vehicle out of the starting blocks.
In addition, the Touareg meets the expectations of a clientele which does not make any compromises (sedan drivers) or does not want to any more (SUV and sports-car drivers). The market analyses resulted in the following requirement profile: the same driving performance as an upper or luxury-class sedan, commanding engine power, no sacrifices in quality and comfort, objectively same safety level as passenger vehicles, specially individual experience, roomy interior with variable uses, subjective feeling of safety (higher sitting position, more-voluminous body), and prestige value of an "alternative" upper class.
The Touareg meets these expectations in every way, setting standards in every performance category by offering superior street and off-road features as well as a broad selection of engines. This combination of state-of-the-art technology and luxury features is simply unmatched in this segment.
Note:
All data and equipment mentioned apply only to the models available in Germany. There may be differences in other countries. Fuel consumption is given on the basis of the 99/100/EC standard. Errors and alterations reserved.
