Volkswagen ’s new Tiguan SUV is rolling into U.S. showrooms as you read this, but the compact SUV has already been on the market in Europe for several months. Since it’s European launch, the Tiguan has been a sales hit for VW which has resulted in a lengthy wait time in several markets. Fearing that a long wait time will deter potential customers from buying a Tiguan, VW has devised a plan to lure buyers, even if they won’t get their SUV for several months.
Under the new program, VW will give anyone that buys a Tiguan a Golf to drive until their SUV arrives — which will be January 2009 at the earliest. In return, VW dealers will get a €1,000 bonus for every Tiguan sold through June. “This is certainly a good deal for VW,” a dealer in northern Germany told Automotive News. “It placates angry Tiguan buyers. And it pushes the fifth-generation Golf, which will be replaced by the Golf VI in October, out into the market.”
However, many dealers are upset with the program as the Golf will be devalued far more than the allotted €1,000 payment when they go to resell it.
VW doesn’t think it will see a similar situation in the U.S. because the Tiguan is priced at a premium over its competition. The base model Tiguan will list for $23,840, with all-wheel drive models starting at $29,515.
