Volkswagen will launch the T-Roc compact crossover in the United States in 2019, slotting it below the new Mexico-built Tiguan, after U.S. dealers gave a firm commitment they can sell enough of the vehicle to make it profitable. Since the U.S. is build-to-stock rather than build-to-order the decision ultimately depended on whether VW’s 650 retail partners would vote in favor of the introduction.
While the decision to move ahead with the T-Roc has been made, other key factors are undecided. It remains unclear, for example, whether the model would be built in VW’s Chattanooga plant; in Puebla, Mexico; or even imported from its European factory in Portugal.
Moreover, the 2017 model-year Tiguan imported currently from Germany may continue to be sold alongside the longer-wheelbase version 2018 Tiguan as long as there is demand for it. This could mean that dealers have three SUVs — both Tiguans and the new Atlas — to offer customers until the T-Roc lands two years from now, potentially increasing the Tiguan’s volume beyond the current 3,500 sold a month. And the T-Roc may be renamed for the U.S.
The T-Roc launches this August in Europe and will come optional with all-wheel drive.
