VW Phaeton back in the U.S. by next year?

It was reported earlier this year that Volkswagen was planning to bring back the Phaeton sedan back to the U.S. -- after yanking it from the U.S. market in 2005 -- but not until 2010 or 2011. But according to a new report, the Phaeton could be back on U.S. soil as early as next year.

VW redesigned the Phaeton for 2008 and the updated has been met with great success in Europe, particularly in Germany. According to AutoBild, sales of the Phaeton were up over 45 percent through the first quarter of the year, and VW's flagship model even out sold BMW's 7-series in Germany.

Volkswagen executive are reportedly encouraged by the car's newfound success and feels that it is ready for a re-launch in the U.S. However, executives from Porsche -- a part owner of VW -- aren't quite convinced that the U.S. is ready for a $60,000+ VW.

But if VW brass wins out, the Phaeton could be back in U.S. showrooms by 2009.