Volkswagen has big plans for the US market: two new models by 2010, a new plant and also increased exports. It is all part of Volkswagen "Strategy 2018", or an attempt of Volkswagen to overtake Toyota as the world’s number one carmaker within the next ten years.

The first model is a new compact sedan (NCS), a model longer than the current Jetta that comes to satisfy US customers' desire for more interior room. The NCS platform will also provide the base for the successor to the Jetta. Volkswagen wants to produce 160.000 units a year.

The second one is a new medium sedan (NMS); an affordable sedan that includes fewer technical features than others in the Passat class. Volkswagen is planning to produce 120,000 units of the car per year.

The German automaker is also considering a new plant in North America to protect itself against a strong euro. VW already operates a factory in Puebla, Mexico. "Should the dollar continue to lose out to the euro, then the plan will only make economic sense with an additional factory (in North America). Plus, the plant at Puebla is already close to full capacity."