17/07/2008 16:37. July 17 (Bloomberg) -- Volkswagen AG , Europe's biggest carmaker, may bring a subcompact car similar to its Polo to the U.S. as record gasoline prices spur sales of fuel-efficient vehicles.

Construction of an engine plant in North America, probably in Mexico, also is under study, Stefan Jacoby , chief executive officer of Volkswagen Group of America Inc., said yesterday in an interview.

Adding a new small car in the U.S. would help Volkswagen tap demand for compact models exemplified by a 31 percent jump in 2008's first six months, when the rest of the market shrank 10 percent. The Polo, sold chiefly in Europe, is similar in size to Toyota Motor Corp. 's Yaris or Honda Motor Co. 's Fit.

``We are considering bringing these cars here,'' said Jacoby, 50. ``It's too early to give a... // Bloomberg