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Unfazed by the European debt crisis and sluggish global economy, Rolls-Royce plans to increase the number of dealers from 105 to 120 worldwide in countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and Chile to target the well-to-do. Rolls-Royce is counting on the growing wealth in Asia and South America to generate demand as the debt crisis dampens sentiment among Europe's rich. The number of households in these regions with more than $5 million in assets is set to grow by 3 to 5 percent per year in the coming years, said Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes, Rolls-Royce's CEO. "Of course, we feel that the mood isn't the best in certain markets, but we're able to compensate with growth in places such as Russia, the Middle East and China," he said. "Our goal is to grow sustainably and not chase volume. Rolls-Royce will remain exceptional," Torsten added. The concentration of wealth is increasing in developing markets. The Asia-Pacific region overtook North America with the most high-net worth individuals in 2011. Earlier this year, Rolls-Royce created a Year of the Dragon special edition of the Phantom for the China market, featuring a hand-painted gold dragon on each side of the wheelbase. They were sold out within two months. China is the perfect example rising affluence in Asia.

After Nissan confirmed that it will resurrect the Datsun brand for emerging markets, Volkswagen is said to be planning a sub-brand as well for such markets. In addition, VW will be offering these budget vehicles for sale in Europe. These low-cost VWs will be built in India or China via current joint-ventures and will be sold from 6,000 Euros (S$9500) onwards. This is cheaper than the cheapest VW model in Europe, the Up!, which cost 9,975 Euros. According to Der Spiegel, an online German news magazine, the lineup could consist of a hatchback, sedan, wagon and SUV with sales starting as soon as 2015. These models will be based on existing platforms so as to reduced production costs. Since these cars are targeted at emerging markets, expect the equipment level to be basic and functional. Perhaps, they may be equipped with just twin airbags instead of six airbags commonly found in the rest of the VW range. All these vehicles will be equipped with Euro 6 compliant engines with front-wheel drive setup. I am not sure if the move by VW will cannibalize on the sales of another brand under the group, Skoda. The Czech automaker is also targeting at the emerging markets such as India, China and Russia. For instance, the Rapid sedan is built with such intention in mind.