Volkswagen plans to expand its crossover lineup to include a two-row, five-seat version of the Atlas, and a two-row, long-wheelbase version of the Tiguan.
The "doubling up" strategy will give VW expanded offerings in the large and compact crossover segments at relatively low cost, said Volks- wagen Group of America CEO Hinrich Woebcken.
VW went big into crossovers in 2017 with its three-row vehicles — the seven-seat large Atlas, and long-wheelbase compact Tiguan.
"We decided the Atlas will get a slightly lower-positioned five-seater, with nice, coupe-ish styling, [but the] same dimensions," Woebcken said.
He said the Tiguan would "get kind of a little smaller" with a second offering on its long wheelbase.
Expanding crossover offerings "gives us another scale opportunity to improve our financials," Woebcken said. He did not reveal the timing of the five-seat Atlas and smaller long-wheelbase Tiguan. The Atlas is scheduled for a freshening in 2020.
