Upcoming T-Cross eyed to ramp up Volkswagen PH sales

The leadership of Volkswagen Philippines expressed confidence that the forthcoming T-Cross subcompact SUV will be driving the brand's sales in the country.

During an online roundtable meeting with reporters, Volkswagen Philippines President Felipe Estrella III said he is banking on it to “revive the brand” locally.

Volkswagen Philippines quietly left the country’s SUV scene, discontinuing the sales of the Tiguan and Touareg which among its the initial offerings to the market following the AC Motors’ acquisition of distributorship.

Now bringing a subcompact SUV (and its latest global model at that), Estrella said that that they are considering the vehicle to be one of their major sales drivers.

“The T-Cross is a vehicle that we hope will be ushering in a revival for the Volkswagen brand in Philippines,” Estrella said. “It will be a product offering that will fall in the subcompact SUV class and it will be the first we hope of several other SUVs that we are working to bring into the market,” he added.

Citing growth in sales in the SUV market, Estrella said that they are eyeing to take a share and become a relevant segment shareholder that will eventually make the model a volume driver for the local distributor.

Asked for its targeted figures for the first 12 months, Estrella firmly answered, "a lot."

The Volkswagen T-Cross will be officially introduced on May 26. This model is said to boast the longest wheelbase in the local subcompact SUV market. Estralla added that the Philippine-spec model will be longer than the European version. 

The said model will be offered in two variants: the MPI AT S and the MPI AT SE. These two options will be powered by a Euro 6-rated, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine matched to a six-speed tiptronic transmission. This power mill is able to dish out 113hp and 145Nm torque.

Pricing for the upcoming Volkswagen T-Cross starts at ₱1.098 million for the MPI AT S, while the 1.5 MP AT SE variety will be retailed at ₱1.198 million

Photos from Volkswagen Philippines, Volkswagen

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