Group items tagged

needs more models designed for U.S. consumers and manufactured competitively in the region, analysts say

VW's U.S. deliveries fell 7 percent in 2013 as a push into competitive midsize cars lost traction, with the brand languishing in the bottom third of quality rankings - a mirror image of its European standing that puzzles German bosses.

The Passat, Golf and imported Tiguan and Touareg SUVs lost ground to fresher models from U.S. and Japanese rivals, which increased sales in a market that grew 7.6 percent overall.

Demand for its namesake brand fell 6.9 percent to 407,700 autos last year on declining demand for the U.S. version of the Passat

VW last month ousted U.S. divisional chief Jonathan Browning, who oversaw the 2011 launch of the mid-sized Passat, sales of which declined 6 percent in the United States last year after a surge in 2011-2012

Michael Horn, who this month said that VW headquarters had paid little heed to the dynamics of the U.S. market

won't improve until 2016 and it needs more models there, including a pick-up truck

Jeep will achieve its goal this year of selling 1 million SUVs around the world.

Marchionne reiterated that the Wrangler and the Grand Cherokee will not be built outside the United States.

Chrysler-Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne worries that Chrysler can't build enough Wranglers to meet demand. Wrangler's U.S. sales rose 10 percent in 2013 to 155,502 units. "The problem we have with Wrangler is that we are at capacity," he said.

The Jeep Compass and Patriot are the "weakest links" in Chrysler's North American lineup, but those deficiencies will be partially addressed when Jeep introduces its new subcompact SUV this year.

Lexus has some fine choices, as do BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, Acura, Infiniti and Volvo. Lincoln... Not so much. Until now, that is. The suave new MKC brings fresh lines – and fresh thinking – to a crowded segment.

Lincoln gave the base MKC a 240-horsepower 2-litre EcoBoost engine. A 2.3-litre turbo four is optional, producing a healthy 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. Notably absent (for now, at least), are six-cylinder gasoline, turbo-diesel and gasoline-electric hybrid options.

Occupants are never reminded what sort of engine lies under the hood. On the road, the MKC delivers exemplary ride comfort and splendid control over bumps and around curves. All good news