VW Launches Bora with Optimism

December 10, 2001

Sacramento - Europe's largest automaker took an important step toward its aim to become China's largest automaker today with the launch of the Bora, a model similar to the Jetta sold in the U.S. It is not an inexpensive car for China with a price of about $23,500, but VW looks to the mid-sized, moderate priced car market as being an important area for growth in China over the next decade. Right now, VW owns about a 50% share of the sedan market in China through its j-v partner FAW.

FAW-Volkswagen makes the Bora at a plant in Changchun, which also produces Audi models for sale in China.

Volkswagen is also preparing to launch a new model of its Polo in China through another j-v with Shanghai Automotive Industrial Corp.

Volkswagen officials say the launch of the Bora and Polo are timed perfectly with China's ascension to the WTO, which will allow importation of more competitive vehicles.