VW has Big Plans for Detroit 2012

VW is headed to Detroit with a pair of new models.Volkswagen will unveil two new models at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month.The new EV concept should mark the German automaker's foray into Nissan Leaf-territory and the Jetta Hybrid could turn heads as a Toyota Prius-competitor.The EV concept is considered a "pure concept" by VW, as it is an entirely new model not based on any previous vehicles.The Detroit Free Press says it will be reminiscent of a Beetle in terms of styling, however it isn't an electric version of the familiar model by any means. VW plans to sell an electric model to keep up with the tighter CAFE standards in the U.S. market. As mentioned earlier, it will compete with the Nissan Leaf and the Mitsubishi i as they are the only two fully-EV autos sold in the U.S. by big-time automakers. It may or may not make it into production.The Jetta Hybrid, however, is set for production and will challenge the Toyota Prius. It runs on a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine coupled by an electric motor.It is expected to make its way into dealerships around November 2012.If the EV concept looks good and the Jetta Hybrid lives up to the high expectations, the 2012 Detroit Auto Show could be a big win for Volkswagen.Photos displayed are of the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta.