Volkswagen
Volkswagens were first exhibited and sold in the United States in 1949, but sold only two units in America that first year. On entry to the U.S. market, the VW was briefly sold as a "Victory Wagon". Volkswagen of America was formed in April 1955 to standardise sales and service in the United States. Production of the Type 1 Volkswagen Beetle increased dramatically over the years, the total reaching one million in 1955.
Volkswagen Jetta
In Mexico, the fourth generation Jetta has been Volkswagen's most successful model for years, peaking in June 2009 on the top in sales and being fourth as of October 2009, just below Nissan's Tsuru (Sentra B13), Chevrolet's Chevy (Opel Corsa B) and the Brazilian Volkswagen Gol. Nevertheless, it is the best-selling compact car in the country. Volkswagen decided to keep sales along with the Bora (Jetta V, which is the fifth best seller) with the tagline "Why do we want a Jetta? Because the heart gives no reasons". In October 2010, the name "Jetta" was dropped, and the simpler name "Clasico" (Spanish for "classic") was chosen, suggesting this model may still be offered for years to come. In the model range, a 1.8-litre turbo in the Clasico GLI and a TDI 1.9 L engine are available. After the 2013 model year the Clasico lineup was reduced to a single trim level which is the base model called CLasico CL Aire (which means it is equipped with air conditioning). The GLI and TDI were also discontinued. The CL Aire trim level features 15 inch steel wheels with full covers. Antilock brakes and front airbags its available in manual and automatic transmissions as optional. The 2014 model was the last to be produced in Puebla, Mexico in favor of the more modern Vento. But some of the lasting units were still sold as 2015 models.
The fifth generation debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 5 January 2005. After the New Beetle, it was the second Volkswagen product to make its world debut at a U.S. Auto show . The Mark 5 sedan went on sale in the USA prior to any other country, reflecting the importance of the car in that market for Volkswagen. VW spent US$800 million to upgrade its Puebla facilities for this model's production. This included a US$290 million new engine production line for the 5-cylinder power plant, a US$50 million investment in the press shop, as well as a US$200 million purchase of 460 robots, which increased automation by 80%.