Cupra contemplating bigger SUV because 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 will 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 enterprise market analysis and is pushing for the chance.

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

“The automobile that we might do for the US would even be an important automobile for you guys in Australia, I feel,” mentioned Mr Griffiths, noting it will be a worldwide mannequin.

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

“I feel it will be a mistake loads of producers have made that mistake going with European design vehicles and attempting to make them work within the US as a result of the US has particular necessities.

“So that you’re proper that we would wish an even bigger automobile. And the larger automobile would additionally should be an SUV, I feel, as a result of that’s what the US clients need.”

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

“I feel to have the best automobile for the US that will be should be developed that additionally suits with the US market. And subsequently it must be a newly developed automobile, then we should always do this newly developed automobile on the latest platform that then has the longest time to run,” mentioned Mr Griffiths.

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

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

“We have now loads of manufacturers within the Volkswagen Group do luxurious and premium vehicles. We’re not about luxurious, or premium, or large.

“And I imply, that’s getting us into an actual lure 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 at the moment presents 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 optimistic,” mentioned Mr Griffiths.

“The model appears to suit with a number 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 centered model, very centered on sure cities and areas.”

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

“And so they should prioritise this as a result of going to the US with the model is an enormous resolution by way of growth prices, getting the vehicles prepared for us by way of that, but additionally by way of the funding it’s a must to make to get to enter that market.”

“It’s going to be actually troublesome to be viable. However so we might be trying to make use of group synergies by way of platforms. And likewise utilizing group synergies by way of manufacturing, notably 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 must be manufactured in North America for automobiles to be eligible for the tax credit score.

Mr Griffiths says Cupra would solely go to the US market with a variety of automobiles, and steered MEB-based automobiles may additionally characteristic within the line-up there.

He additionally confirmed it will observe an analogous retail community mannequin there as in Australia, with a concentrate on digital gross sales.

MORE: Cupra readying electrical Leon and Formentor
MORE: Cupra mulling electrified sports activities automobile