VW’s 2016 Detroit Press Conference: Ready, Roll Tiguan GTE

Jan. 11: You might say the big news at VW today is the number of cameras focused on VW’s press conference. VW’s booth was packed, all eyes and ears waiting for VW to talk dirty diesels.

VW’s American boss Michael Horn says VW/Audi will extend the $1,000 goodwill gesture to V-6 TDI owners. Then, he proceeded toward new talking points: the redesigned Passat and fall 2016 Golf all-wheel-drive SportWagen called the Alltrack.

Herbert Diess, the new German VW brand chief, took the stage. He said VW has made much progress with the diesel situation. He plans to redefine VW as committed to the U.S. with a new mindset. “America,” he said, “is vital to our future.” Expect a major lineup change with the longer wheelbase Tiguan in 2017 and an SUV in every major segment.

To prove that point, Horn returned to the stage and introduced VW’s plug-in hybrid Tiguan GTE concept with two electric motors and one gas engine. With at least nine inches of ground clearance, it looks off-road capable.

No one at VW wants to talk diesel specifics though. While we know an improved catalytic converter might be part of the firm’s fix, they’re still waiting to see how regulatory officials respond to its diesel cleanup plans Wednesday.