| Volkswagens' plans to deliver a sub-Golf sized car to | | | | Mercedes: Yes, even a luxury automaker such as |
| the U.S. market has stalled as the German automaker | | | | Mercedes is contemplating bringing in one or two lines |
| considers allowing rival DaimlerChrysler [DCX] to | | | | of cars smaller than its current "baby" Mercedes line, |
| import the car instead and sell it under the Dodge label. | | | | the C Class cars. |
| VW dealers are naturally unhappy about the move, | | | | BMW: Ditto for the another German luxury make. |
| but much more is at stake than what is evident. Will | | | | Dodge: With the Neon replacement Caliber soon to |
| the Polo still show up? If not, why not? | | | | appear, Dodge is still looking at offering a car smaller |
| The world of automobile marketing has changed | | | | than the Caliber for their fleet. With DCX's Mitsubishi |
| drastically in the last generation. Gone are brands that | | | | relationship scuttled, the Japanese automaker can no |
| are purely set behind national borders and localized | | | | longer be relied upon to supply a steady stream of |
| brands. Instead, vehicles are being sold that wear one | | | | entry level cars for The Chrysler Group. |
| label but are actually built by another manufacturer. | | | | Enter Volkswagen. |
| Globalism is here and automakers have openly | | | | Yes, an unlikely supplier for DCX is Volkswagen, a |
| embraced these changes. | | | | strong competitor for DCX's Mercedes division in |
| Volkswagen's Polo is a likely entry into the U.S. market | | | | Europe. However, VW has its own needs - a minivan - |
| as a model that would fit nicely below VW's Golf in its | | | | and The Chrysler Group will allow VW to market a |
| American line up. Many manufacturers are changing | | | | rebadged version of its minivan in the US. In exchange |
| their car lines to allow for smaller cars to become the | | | | for the minivan, Dodge gets to market the Polo a tiny |
| new entry level vehicles in their fleets. Here are some | | | | 1.2L powered four passenger car that should see city |
| examples of cars that recently were introduced or | | | | gas mileage of around 35 mpg and highway mileage |
| soon will find their way into car lines: | | | | of just over 50 mpg. |
| Chevrolet: Korean automaker Daewoo, a GM | | | | The current Polo is marketed in Europe as three or |
| subsidiary, supplies the Aveo for Chevrolet. This | | | | five door hatchbacks which is not a popular body style |
| bottom rung car is positioned directly below the Cobalt. | | | | in the U.S. VW may ship a specially reconfigured four |
| Honda: After 35 years, the Civic will no longer be the | | | | door sedan instead to ensure interest in the this model |
| entry level model for Honda. An even smaller car, the | | | | within the U.S. market. |
| Jazz, will be imported in about one year's time. | | | | |