VOLKSWAGEN WANTS TO BUILD A SLEEK, FOUR-DOOR FASTBACK

Volkswagen plans a four- door fastback model more expensive than its Passat but cheaper than the Phaeton luxury sedan that it axed last year, pushing further to revive profit and rebound from its diesel emissions scandal. The addition to VW’s lineup will be inspired by the Sport Coupe Concept GTE unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show last year, and is set to roll out as early as next year, a spokesman for the German company said. The model will be targeted at European as well as overseas markets including the U. S., he said. The step underscores VW’s efforts to overhaul its product range that the company accelerated in the wake of its emissions- cheating scandal. Adding a fastback model above the Passat marks a fresh attempt to lure buyers of upscale vehicles in a lucrative market segment.