Purists rejoice – maybe? The European countries are seeing widespread financial issues, and it is impacting automakers across the continent – even Volkswagen. So far, the company has done very well in a difficult market, but sales are beginning to slow, and the company is looking to cut output.
Given that financing is becoming a problem, VW is looking to increase liquidity as a precaution. VW finance chief Hans Dieter Poetsch said at the Paris Motor Show that it is “normal that one looks for items that aren’t imperative.”
What that meant practically, we didn’t know for sure. One thing is true, though: models like the Bentley EXP 9F and Lamborghini Urus aren’t exactly imperative.
Automotive News is now reporting that the development of these SUVs for Bentley and Lamborghini could be delayed.
When you have seven brands, there is a lot of mouths to feed. The Volkswagen Group is a vast global enterprise with Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Seat, Skoda, and Volkswagen all under the same roof.
The company is under a directive to increase profits and sales, with the objective of becoming number one by 2018. European issues are causing problems in doing that, though. Lamborghini wants to push sales to the 3,000 mark, and Bentley wants to boost figures to over 10,000 units. To do that, both brands have shown off SUV models. Bentley’s EXP 9F has been poorly received, but the Urus has gotten a lot of positive attention.
VW’s corporate structure is unique. The brands have a lot of autonomy and their own leadership hierarchy. Despite the fact that the Urus could be delayed, Lamborghini Chief Executive Officer Stephan Winkelmann says that Lambo is continuing to develop the model.
Bentley spokeswoman Kerstin Sachl says that Bentley is pushing for approval by the end of the year. The decision could come as soon as November 23rd, when VW’s board convenes to vote on future models and spending.
