Volkswagen is considering a sub-brand to sell its $15,000 GX3 car-motorcycle roadster in the United States, according to a newly published report. Concern over handling, safety, and public reaction prompted Volkswagen to shift from a strategy that would have originally seen the GX3 in regular VW dealerships, reports Automobile magazine. While the GX3 would legally be classified as a motorcycle and significantly safer than a two-wheeler, the possibility of negative headlines still worries VW executives. Thus, the company wants to keep the GX3 at arm’s length. There is also debate over whether the GX3 would appeal to Americans. In the words of one skeptical company executive: “It’s nice to be able to use the car-pool lane, but it’s not so nice to have to wear a helmet, to be exposed to exhaust fumes and flying objects, and to sit so low that towering SUVs and big rigs pose a physical threat. I am not sure if we have thought this one through all the way.” VW is widely believed to be working with Lotus on the GX3. See our full report on the 2006 Volkswagen GX3 Concept for more info. The Leftlane Perspective: What good does the GX3 do VW as a ‘halo’ vehicle if it’s not sold as a Volkswagen?
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05/03, 2:14 PM
posted by:
gsh
some very good concerns..i was thinking about using it as a commuter car, i think its safe enough to use everday
05/03, 2:15 PM
posted by:
Marc
Bring it on!!! That thing is awesome! Forget the critics.
05/03, 2:33 PM
posted by:
Northeasterner
It is classified as a motorcycle – so be it. People shouldn’t expect it to be at the same safety level as a car.
05/03, 2:49 PM
posted by:
peter
Executive: “This niche vehicle doesn’t seem like it will appeal to a wide audience, I don’t think we can justify making it, or at least selling it in America”
Designer: “Do you know what a niche vehicle is?”
Executive: “Um…er…You’re fired!”
Designer: “Thank you for having the creativity and bravery to take a risk to expand the brand and bring in new customers with something truely unique in the automotive world. See you at the wrongful termination hearing!”
I guess I can sorta understand wanting to distance it from VW cars, because it’s not a car, but if it’s in a dealer, stupid people might think it’s a real “car”. But getting cold feet about the whole things seems…oh…typically lame of auto execs.
If people are willing to ride sport bikes and harleys and all that stuff, why would they be afraid to ride something like the GX3? I guess that’s why VW isn’t in the bike business.
05/03, 3:13 PM
posted by:
Robert
So, if it is classified as a motorcycle do you need a motorcycle license to drive it?
05/03, 3:14 PM
posted by:
Maverick
That’s ridiculous. It’s cheap, fun and economical. It’s a bike. If you don’t sell it like a car you’re fine. Hell, Mitsu Evo buyers had to watch a video at the dealer.
Build it for crying out loud!!! I’ve already stated my intent with VW to buy it come hell or high water.
05/03, 3:29 PM
posted by:
Dax
Ugh, c’mon VW. I would totally throw down right now for one of these babies. Don’t fear to break the mold! Yeah, there’s going to be some challenges to overcome with safety, etc. but from what I’ve seen in researching the GX3, it would be a hit.
05/03, 3:40 PM
posted by:
MrGTI
Build it already!
05/03, 3:50 PM
posted by:
Volksbloggin.com » Blog Archive » Will the GX3 Concept see Light? Maybe. : Reviews, opinions and rants on all things Volkswagen
[...] LeftLaneNews.com just posted that Volkswagen might be getting cold feet with the GX3. UGH!!! C’mon VW. Don’t fear to break the mold, be different, go out on a limb, take a chance, insert other quaint quote here. [...]
05/03, 3:56 PM
posted by:
Anonymous
Fer’Krystakes VW.. BMW makes m-o-t-o-r-c-y-c-l-e-s?!
Actually, what they’re worried about is that this MC/car have the same effect BMW bikes has on BMW cars: nada. All that effort and No Halo. …or even negative, because bikers won’t get in it.
I’d suggest they concentrate on keeping VW’s out of the garage.
j i m
05/03, 4:17 PM
posted by:
Jon
VW: If you build it, they will come.
Jon.
05/03, 5:10 PM
posted by:
Marc
That seems so unexpected coming from VW: the company that understands niches. Afterall, look at their other niche vehicles: Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghinis, SEAT and Bentleys. Its nice that they’re pursuing the other end of the price spectrum. I just wish that people who don’t like the GX3 would stop whining. If you don’t like it, don’t buy it. I don’t like Saturns, I won’t buy one, but you don’t hear me moaning.
05/04, 7:21 AM
posted by:
canut4ever
Maybe VW is still suffering from the aftermath of the Phaeton brouhaha. VW needs the GX3 to spice up it lineup.
06/09, 10:13 AM
posted by:
Fred Jacob
You got to build it! After all BMW is still selling motorcycles and Harley Davidson sells all the machines they can build for close to the same price.