I think you could read it one of two ways:
1) That VW created the hot-hatch category in north america (this is obviously not the case though as it goes on to say in 1983 and the hot-hatch category was well established by then).
2) That VW created the north american hot-hatch category in 1983 (i.e. vw was responsible for introducing hot-hatches to america).
I think the latter is what they are trying to get across albeit very badly.
Great review though, I look forward to seeing a few of those tearing up the strip at inters next year!