VW's 1L is back ("XL1" latest version of concept, side-by-side seating this time)

[Frank Lee]

A whole model line based on the 1L could be a good thing.

The 1L lighting a fire under the other mfgs, causing them to copy it, would be another good thing. Then Hyundai and Ford can introduce their own 1Ls for 1/3 the cost.

[RobertSmalls]

Yep, similar to the fire ignited by the 2004 Prius, with Detroit rushing out to build something similar so they could stay in business.

I hope it catches on, but VW have been kicking around this concept since 2002 with nothing to show but prototypes.

[menaus2]

I love this car, If even half of the ideas are applied (especially the mass production on carbon fiber frames) it will help stimulate the industry in the right direction. Could use a boat-tail, front wheel covers and ultra-capacitors married to the batteries to even out the rate of charge/discharge the battery sees.

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by RobertSmalls

I hope it catches on, but VW have been kicking around this concept since 2002 with nothing to show but prototypes.

I think every new release is looking more and more production ready.

[NeilBlanchard]

Update: they plan on limited production in 2013:

Volkswagen Says It Will Build 2-Seat, 260-MPG Plug-In Hybrid - Green Car Reports

[redneck]

UPDATE: Just prior to the media launch in Qatar, VW Chairman Ferdinand Piech told reporters the company would build a small run of XL1s, starting in 2013. Initial models will go to Germany and then other European countries. The U.S. and China will follow. Another VW executive said total production volume could be as low as 100 units, however.

Only a 100 units...???



>

[gone-ot]

...quote: "UPDATE: Just prior to the media launch in Qatar, VW Chairman Ferdinand Piech told reporters the company would build a small run of XL1s, starting in 2013. Initial models will go to Germany and then other European countries. Then U.S. and China will follow. Another VW executive said total production volume could be as low as 100 units, however."

...that'd be maybe 10-20 for USA? Fewer than one per state!

[botsapper]

Again, another conservative VW investment strategy. Most likely a modest loss leader but it is a marketing, demonstration & tech, 'halo', model. A more conservative model and sales leader, likely to follow...
The stratospheric Bugatti Veyron, VW Group's top tech/luxury demonstration model, has not been profitable for the corporate parent, but it owns the top crown in the auto kingdom. They also own Lambo & Bentley, the top luxury & exotic segments. An eco/tech division might be spawned from the 1L-XL1 exercise/models. I speculate...

[RobertSmalls]

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

...that'd be maybe 10-20 for USA? Fewer than one per state!

Dibs!

Provided that they're more affordable than a Veyron, and for sale to non-celebrities, of course.

[jakobnev]

Only a 100 units...???

I think that much like with cars like the AC Cobra and Lancia Stratos, any normal person who wants one will have no choice but to roll their own. Which, on the positive side, would make one sweet project on ecomodder.com

..Veyron...

I wonder if VW will end up losing money on each unit sold.