BUSINESS MEMO: TO OFFER 'NEW BEETLE'

A Volkswagen company spokesman has announced Volkswagen plans to offer its New Beetle in Germany next year with two new engine options: One smaller and cheaper, the other a souped-up turbo.

The New Beetle is available with a 115-horsepower gas engine and a 90-horsepower diesel, but company spokesman Hans-Gerd Bode said VW would present two new gas engines -- 100-horsepower and a turbocharged 150-horsepower -- at this week's Frankfurt Auto Show.

The smaller engine will help cut about $2,700 from the base price of $19,200, Bode said in a statement. The bigger one is about $1,200 more.

The New Beetle has been a hit in the United States, where it starts at $15,200. Sales have been slower in Germany, largely because of the higher price, dealers say.