Popular Jetta spun off by Volkswagen in bid to tempt young customers

German carmaker Volkswagen's Jetta model, which has been well-known in China since the 1990s, has grown into a standalone brand. It is targeted at the young generation to meet the driving needs of different segments in the world's largest auto market.

The model sold more than 4 million units by the end of last year and has become the first car of many Chinese people since it first entered China in 1991.

Volkswagen showcased Jetta as its new sub-brand in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on Friday. It came one month after it was unveiled in Volkswagen's headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Juergen Stackmann, Volkswagen board member responsible for sales and marketing, said: "From Jetta's hometown Wolfsburg to its new home, Chengdu, the brand will meet young customers' driving demands. With its all-new design, advanced technologies and attractive vehicle model range, it will inherit Volkswagen's quality and add a new chapter of 'people's car' in China."

The company said that Jetta, as an entry-level brand, will be produced at its Chinese joint venture FAW-Volkswagen's plant in Chengdu.

Liu Yigong, president of FAWVolkswagen, said: "With 28 years' accumulation on systematic capacity, FAW-Volkswagen will promote the rapid development of Jetta."

With the support of FAW-Volkswagen's strong R&D ability and technical strength, leading manufacturing system and improved marketing team, the company will step into a bright future with Jetta, Liu added.

According to China Passenger Car Association statistics, the sales of FAW-Volkswagen increased 2.1 percent year-on-year in 2018 despite the downturn of the overall auto industry, totaling 1.99 million units.

At the launch ceremony, the first three products of Jetta - SUV VS5 and VS7 and VA3 sedan - made their debut.

According to Martin Jahn, executive vice-president and managing director of FAW-Volkswagen Sales Co, the design of the products is led by a Wolfsburg team with strict quality standards.

The VS5 is expected to hit the market in the third quarter of this year, which is based on Volkswagen's MQB platform.

Dong Xiuhui, vice-president of FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Co and general manager of FAW-Volkswagen Sales Co said that they will integrate internet thinking with the whole purchase process for Jetta.

Jetta will establish an accurate marketing system according to the consumption habits of young consumers. It will be based on big data and provide a flexible and convenient car-purchase experience, such as scanning the QR code to test drive cars or buying cars through an app or website.

In addition, the brand will create regional sales models, such as experience stores, 2S and 4S stores, and more than 200 dealers are expected to start business by the end of this year.

Dong said that the three models will be presented at Shanghai Auto Show next month.