Currently, the plant in Puebla produces Jetta sedans and Tiguan crossovers. Production of the Beetle model at these facilities was stopped on July 10. According to the head of the concern's Mexican division, Steffen Reich, the "Beetle" will be replaced by the Tarek model, which will occupy a niche below the Tiguan. Production launch is scheduled for the end of 2020, and the first Mexican-assembled cars will reach dealers in the USA at the beginning of 2021.
Tarek, which is an analogue of the Chinese VW Tharu, is built on the MQB platform. It will differ from the version for China, as it will be adapted to the requirements of the local market. In particular, the crossover may acquire more powerful engines.
For the Chinese market, turbocharged engines with a volume of 1.2, 1.4, and 2.0 liters are provided, producing 114, 148, and 187 horsepower, respectively. They are paired with a seven-speed robotic gearbox with two clutches and front-wheel drive.
Tarek will become the most affordable SUV in the American lineup of the German brand. At the same time, in Europe, Volkswagen sells inexpensive T-Cross and T-Roc, which are not supplied to North America.
