VW Rushes Phaeton's Return to the U.S.

International auto shows are not all about displaying the latest contraptions by the carmakers all over the world, but it’s also the moment when companies’ officials are making statements that give a slight preview of their future plans in the market.

This is also the case of Stefan Jacoby, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, who said the Company is currently considering relaunching the Phaeton in the North American market. In fact, the German carmaker has thought of a diesel powertrain as a selling point for the model’s relaunch.

The decision comes after the brand found that its diesel models during the U.S. Cash for Clunkers program (C.A.R.S.) have been high on demand, which suggests that a diesel Phaeton could be quite successful. Jacoby said the VW brand sold about 11,500 vehicles during C.A.R.S, but it might have sold more if it had not run out of popular diesel-powered vehicles like the Jetta TDI station wagon.

"I have to admit that it was a mistake to take this car out of the market," Jacoby was quoted as saying at a media briefing in Frankfurt, Automotive News reported. "We think that the Volkswagen brand is a good place for this. We are looking at various alternatives for the re-launch of Phaeton."

The Phaeton was introduced in the U.S. in 2003 costing about $70,000 at the time. The model reached its peak of 1,939 sales the following year, but due to slow sales was pulled out of the market two years ago. However, considering the increased interest in diesel technology in the U.S., Volkswagen is now trying to rush up the Phaeton’s relaunch.