But that is not a problem, Volkswagen's American chief executive Jonathan Browning tells the BBC.

BBC: Convertible Beetle back in battle for VW in the US

"The CrossBlue concept is exactly the right type of vehicle for the U.S. market, " said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America.

ENGADGET: VW unveils CrossBlue plug-in SUV with iPad mini headrests and 85MPGe efficiency (eyes-on)

"Achieving this speed at Bonneville shows that the all-new 2013 Jetta Hybrid is a distinctly different offering in the compact hybrid class, " said Jonathan Browning, CEO and President, VW Group of America.

ENGADGET: Volkswagen 2013 Jetta Hybrid sets speed record, gives new meaning to hypermiling

But at the New York International Auto Show Wednesday, group chief Jonathan Browning said the primary reason for setting the goals was to alter the mindset in an organization that was underperforming in the region.

WSJ: VW's chief in US expects sales to keep growing