German automaker Volkswagen->ke94 will use the 2015 North American Auto Show in January to introduce a new crossover->ke288 concept in the United States. That's the word from Reuters, which adds that the study will preview a five-seat version of the seven-seat SUV->ke145 the German manufacturer plans to build at its plant in Tennessee in 2016.

Details are still scarce as of 12/09/2014, but the anonymous sources quoted by Reuters claim the concept vehicle is likely to be approved for production by 2017 as part of Volkswagen's plan to expand its SUV offerings on North American soil. The Germans sell only two SUVs in the United States as of 2014, the Touareg->ke321 and the Tiguan.->ke1817

The new five-seat crossover will join a lineup that could include more than six SUVs by 2018. Volkswagen has already confirmed plans to introduce a seven-seat SUV larger than the Touareg, a coupe-style version of the Tiguan, as well as a long-wheelbase model of its current crossover.->ke288

Stay tuned to Reuters for further details as the 2015 Detroit Auto Show->ke222 opens its doors in a month.

TopSpeed

Note: 2013 Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept pictured here.

Click past the jump to read more about Volkswagen's new concept crossover.0}

Volkswagen isn't doing particularly well in the United States, and that's because most of its rivals offer a wider range of crossovers and SUVs. The German automaker is aware that it can't improve sales by focusing on smaller, compact vehicles only, and the CrossBlue Concept showcased in 2013 proved it's pondering an expansion, but an actual production car has yet to surface. With this new concept underway, it seems Volkswagen is finally ready to take the big step and use the popular segment to reach its goal of becoming the world's largest automaker.

Why It Matters

The CrossBlue Coupe Concept was introduced at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show, only a few months after the larger CrossBlue Concept debuted at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. The study featured a sporty and stylish coupe-like appearance and a host of unique exterior details, including a one-piece grille and headlight configuration, large air vents, 22-inch wheels, L-shaped taillights, and trapezoidal tailpipes integrated into the rear bumper.

Volkswagen used a hybrid drivetrain for the CrossBlue Coupe, bringing together a turbocharged V-6 engine and a pair of electric motors. Total output sat at 409 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, enabling the crossover to hit 62 mph from a standing start in 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 146 mph.