Volkswagen’s range to shrink as petrol and EV models converge
Words: Kyle Cassidy
Volkswagen boss Thomas Schäfer says the group’s plan to halve its model portfolio will come largely through electrification and closer coordination between brands.
Speaking at the Paris motor show, Schäfer has been reported as saying that the Volkswagen brand’s range would shrink through a “natural transition”. He pointed to the Polo and ID. Polo, and T-Cross and ID. Cross, as examples of combustion and electric models that would not need to coexist indefinitely.
Volkswagen has mapped out its preferred portfolio for 2035, then aligned that with plans for Skoda and Cupra. Schäfer said the resulting range was roughly half the size, with greater emphasis on profitable products.
Read more – New electric ID. Tiguan coming to NZ next year
Future projects will be organised into “synergy groups”, with one brand leading development where several marques need similar vehicles. The aim, Schäfer said, is to ensure “we are not all fishing in the same spot at the same time.”
The approach is already visible in the group’s small electric car family, comprising the Volkswagen ID. Polo and ID. Cross, Cupra Raval and Skoda Epiq. Volkswagen says the four-model family had attracted almost 150,000 orders ahead of its joint appearance at the Paris show.
However, not every model will have sister cars. According to Schäfer, only Volkswagen will offer the production version of the ID. Every1 city car concept because that market is too small to justify equivalents from multiple brands.
The process is less straightforward for the group’s premium brands. Schäfer told Auto Express that 2035 was not necessarily a cut-off for combustion cars at Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini, making their portfolio decisions more complicated.
For New Zealand buyers, the shift will still involve petrol and electric models sharing showroom space. Volkswagen NZ has confirmed that the new ID. Tiguan will arrive in 2027 alongside the existing Tiguan, rather than replacing it.
The distributor says it will continue offering the Tiguan with traditional powertrains, while the ID. Tiguan provides a battery-electric alternative. Local specifications, pricing and more precise arrival timing will be announced closer to launch.
