Cupra considering larger SUV as it eyes US rollout

Cupra is trying to enter the US market and to take action, it believes it wants a bigger mannequin – and Australia can be in line for it.

Firm CEO Wayne Griffiths confirmed that, ought to such a car be produced, it could be a worldwide product, manufactured in each left- and right-hand drive, with a “provocative” design.

Cupra has but to lock in a US market introduction, saying it’s “early days”, however has been busily endeavor market analysis and is pushing for the chance.

Given the style for bigger autos there, Cupra sees room for one thing bigger than the upcoming Volkswagen Tiguan-sized Terramar in its line-up.

“The automotive that we’d do for the US would even be an ideal automotive for you guys in Australia, I believe,” stated Mr Griffiths, noting it could be a worldwide mannequin.

“You may think about that if we’re trying to go to the US, we want automobiles that may work within the US.

“I believe it could be a mistake quite a lot of producers have made that mistake going with European design automobiles and making an attempt to make them work within the US as a result of the US has particular necessities.

“So that you’re proper that we would want an even bigger automotive. And the larger automotive would additionally need to be an SUV, I believe, as a result of that’s what the US clients need.”

Whereas he warns the car hasn’t been confirmed simply but, it could use the brand new SSP structure which isn’t anticipated to launch till 2028.

“I believe to have the perfect automotive for the US that may be need to be developed that additionally matches with the US market. And subsequently it must be a newly developed automotive, then we should always try this newly developed automotive on the latest platform that then has the longest time to run,” stated Mr Griffiths.

Even whether it is nearer to a Volkswagen Atlas than a Tiguan in dimension, it is going to nonetheless have a distinctly sporty focus.

“Please don’t use that phrase luxurious for Cupra. As a result of we don’t do luxurious automobiles,” warned Mr Griffiths.

“We’ve got loads of manufacturers within the Volkswagen Group do luxurious and premium automobiles. We’re not about luxurious, or premium, or huge.

“And I imply, that’s getting us into an actual entice and an overlap with different manufacturers that we don’t want.”

He dominated out a ute for the model, noting the Volkswagen Group is already engaged on an electrical ute with its upcoming Scout model.

The Volkswagen Group presently gives solely the Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Volkswagen manufacturers within the US market, with no SEAT or Skoda presence.

Mr Griffiths sees a gap for Cupra there as a distinct segment model.

“We’ve simply been doing a little analysis with clients within the US to see how they react to our model and design. We haven’t completed the report but, however the first outcomes are constructive,” stated Mr Griffiths.

“The model appears to suit with a few of the US clients, I imply, it’s not going to be a mass model for the US. If we go there, we’re going to be a distinct segment, very targeted model, very targeted on sure cities and areas.”

“We’re pushing for it, as you’ll be able to see. However on the finish of the day, we have now to get the help of the Volkswagen Group.

“They usually need to prioritise this as a result of going to the US with the model is an enormous determination by way of growth prices, getting the automobiles prepared for us by way of that, but in addition by way of the funding you must make to get to enter that market.”

“It’s going to be actually tough to be viable. However so we’d be trying to make use of group synergies by way of platforms. And in addition utilizing group synergies by way of manufacturing, significantly with the Inflation [Reduction] Act within the US now, if you wish to be aggressive.”

The Inflation Discount Act requires EVs to be manufactured in North America to ensure that a US$7500 federal tax credit score to be relevant. By 2029, the Act additionally stipulates all battery parts would should be manufactured in North America for autos to be eligible for the tax credit score.

Mr Griffiths says Cupra would solely go to the US market with a spread of autos, and prompt MEB-based autos may additionally function within the line-up there.

He additionally confirmed it could comply with the same retail community mannequin there as in Australia, with a deal with digital gross sales.

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