Volkswagen is launching a Jetta sub-brand in China as it looks to target young Chinese drivers looking for value for money.

The new logo for VW’s Jetta sub-brand in China

The model range will be produced by FAW-Volkswagen in Chengdu and will include one sedan and two SUVs, with sales expected to start in the third quarter this year.

The brand will have its own network of dealerships using bespoke sales formats – digital showrooms, shopping malls and mobile sales trucks. By year-end, about 200 dealers are to offer the new brand.

In a statement, Volkswagen said the move would enable it to position itself more clearly as “top of volume” and further sharpen its image, while enabling further regionalisation.

Sales Board Member Jürgen Stackmann said: “In China, the Jetta plays an extremely valuable role for us as a Volkswagen model. It has brought mobility for the masses, just like the Beetle once did in Europe. Developed by Volkswagen and built in China, the Jetta China has placed China on four wheels. To this day, it is one of Volkswagen’s most popular models in China – a real icon. This is why we are transforming a model into a brand for the first time in the history of Volkswagen and establishing a separate model and brand family.”