2023 Volkswagen Polo Track teased for South America

KUALA LUMPUR: Despite struggling with the two serious concerns - COVID-19 and semiconductors shortage, Volkswagen has high hopes for 2021 sales figures in the Latin American market. The automaker recently announced new investment plans for the country along with teasing an all-new model, dubbed as the Volkswagen Polo Track.

Being one of the compact cars VW aims to launch in the region, the Polo Track is based on the MQB platform. It will be produced at the automaker’s factory in Taubaté, Brazil with significant savings in development costs. While the automaker remained tight-lipped about the Polo Track specifications, it confirmed that the car will make its debut in 2023.

Speaking about the investment plans, Volkswagen aims to invest 7 billion Brazilian Reais (more than 5 billion Malaysian Ringgits) between 2022 and 2026 to boost the brand’s competitive position for sustainable profitability. The funds will be used for local vehicle projects, digitization, and decarbonization and for a biofuels research centre to complement Volkswagen's global electrification strategies.

In the areas where charging networks are not available and green energy supply levels are low, biofuels, with a positive CO2 balance, can be a bridge to the electricity era, explains Volkswagen.

“Latin America is an important future market for Volkswagen. Over the last two years, we have achieved a very good starting position in the region through a very consistent restructuring program. We are now driving implementation of our ACCELERATE strategy with a major investment program, strengthening our competitive position in the region and thus gearing up for sustained profitability,” said Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of Volkswagen. 

In addition, the brand is also adapting to the specific needs of the market in terms of software-driven sustainable mobility solutions. It will introduce a new-generation infotainment system - VW Play to allow drivers to stay connected, expanding connectivity outside of their cars while adding new features and services.

Also read: New Volkswagen ID.5 unveiled for European markets, gets coupe-like roofline over ID.4