The Ultimate Folks Wagon
Historically in North America the lowly Volkswagen held very little prestige. Oh, everyone knew that VW ownership made sense, but few would admit it. I recall my own father cursing the little bug if it wasn't keeping up with the gas guzzling V8s roaring over mountain passes during the '60s and '70s.
 |
| In the past, Volkswagen had very little prestige in North America, but after working hard to upgrade their image over the years people are gearing up to spend more on the VW brand. (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
But guess what? Like the nerdy kid in school that goes on to become a successful, affluent powerbroker, so has Volkswagen. Just ask Bentley, Volkswagen bought them in 1998. Legendary supercar marques Lamborghini and Bugatti are part of the VW clan now too.
 |
| The name Touareg evokes images of exotica, and not just because it's difficult to spell. It's named after a tribe of nomadic merchants in the Sahara Desert, known as the "Knights of the desert." (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
But while the German car company from humble roots has acquired a few exotic brands, its own circular VW logo is starting to appear on some extremely upscale merchandise. The full-size 2004 Phaeton luxury sedan is a case in point, winning accolades in Europe where it was first offered for sale.
But large-scale luxury sedan or not, no automaker can be taken seriously in today's market without a contender in the sport utility war. While late to the party, VW's new Touareg SUV leads the brand's charge into unknown waters - literally if you've seen the TV ads. Even the name Touareg evokes images of exotica, being named after a tribe of nomadic merchants in the Sahara Desert, known as the "Knights of the desert."