Why Aren't There More GTI And R Models In America? Volkswagen Explains

Volkswagen explains why the US market lacks more GTI and R models, stressing authenticity over branding. Serban Boldea, Director of Product Planning for Volkswagen of America, says a GTI or R badge should reflect a genuine performance package, not just cosmetics. The brand has GTI variants in Europe (Lupo, Polo, Scirocco, Up) and in Latin America (Gol, Parati, Pointer), but not in the US. Although VW debuted the ID. Polo GTI in Europe, it won't be sold in America. Boldea notes VW will only launch a GTI if internal testing proves it delivers true 'fun to drive,' and he cites the Passat GT (2018) as not a complete GTI.