VW Names Compact CUV Taos

Volkswagen announces a new compact CUV that will be called the Taos.

Slotting under the Tiguan in the VW lineup, the model is designed specifically for the North American market. Its name, shared with a New Mexico town known for its arts community, is meant to resonate with American customers, Volkswagen of America says in a news release.

“We’re thrilled to announce the name for the newest member of the Volkswagen family,” says Hein Schafer, senior vice president-product marketing and strategy for Volkswagen of America. “It was important to choose a name that really embodied the nature of the car and the town of Taos, New Mexico, was a perfect fit. It’s a small city that offers big things — from outdoor adventure to arts and design and great cuisine.”

The Taos is the second proof point of Volkswagen’s doubling-up CUV strategy following the launch of Atlas Cross Sport earlier this year, VW says. The official reveal will take place Oct. 13.