Bentley, Lamborghini SUVs May Be Delayed

Just the Facts:

• The launch of the Bentley and Lamborghini luxury SUVs may be delayed because of economic headwinds, say sources within parent Volkswagen.
• Slowing sales within the Volkswagen Group are prompting a reassessment of investment plans.
• Even without a recession, these high-end luxury SUVs would face an uphill battle against such rivals as the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X6 and upcoming Maserati Levante.

BERLIN ? The launch of the Bentley and Lamborghini luxury SUVs may be delayed because of economic headwinds, say sources within parent Volkswagen.

Slowing sales within the Volkswagen Group may put the brakes on a production version of the Bentley EXP 9 F concept and the Lamborghini Urus. The EXP 9 F was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show and the Lamborghini Urus at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show.

Development of both cars has continued since their debuts with the ambition of mid-decade launches, but slowing sales within the VW Group, which has previously appeared almost immune from the global recession, are prompting a reassessment of the Group's investment plans.

The Bentley created controversy for its extravagant styling, while the Lamborghini was criticized for being too far removed from the supercars that define the brand. However, Bentley claims that potential customers like the car, while Lamborghini has previously produced an SUV in the form of the 1980s LM002.

Even without a recession, these high-end luxury SUVs would face an uphill battle against such rivals as the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X6 and upcoming Maserati Levante.

At the 2012 Paris Auto Show, VW Group Finance Chief Hans Dieter Poetsch indicated that sinking European demand for cars could trigger further cash-saving measures at the company.

"It's normal that one looks for items that aren't imperative," he said, referring to projects that might be put on hold.

However, at this stage work has not completely ceased on the two SUVs. Bentley insiders told Edmunds on Friday that development work continues, and that the brand is still anticipating a decision on the project's fate to be made before the end of the year, as was previously the case.

Similarly, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann told Reuters that work would continue on the Urus even though it had yet to be signed off by VW.

No official statement on either project has been forthcoming, but decisions on both are likely before the year ends.

Edmunds says: Europe's economic woes may delay or sink the Bentley and Lamborghini SUVs.

Source: http://www.insideline.com/bentley/bentley-lamborghini-suvs-may-be-delayed.html

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