Volkswagen Group plans to reduce its model range: Jetta, Taycan and coupe crossover under threat
Volkswagen Group is preparing for a major reduction of its model range as part of a strategy to cut costs and increase competitiveness. Although the company has not officially confirmed which specific models may disappear, new reports indicate that several low-selling models will be axed.
Volkswagen: Jetta and Taos under threat
According to Bild, Volkswagen may discontinue the Jetta and Taos models after the current generation ends. The death of the Jetta would not come as a big surprise, as sedans are gradually losing popularity to crossovers. This trend has already led the brand to stop selling the Passat in the US.
In the first half of the year, only 15,949 Jetta vehicles were sold in the US. Although this is 9.7% more than last year, the figure lags significantly behind competitors: Honda Civic (132,440), Toyota Corolla (131,403), Hyundai Elantra (79,839) and Kia K4 (73,579).
While crossovers are generally in demand, the Taos cannot boast success. This may come as a surprise, as it is the brand’s most affordable crossover in the US, but sales for the first half of the year amounted to only 7,794 units. That is 43.9% less than in the same period last year, which was already unimpressive.
Skoda and Cupra: Fabia and Raval in question
It is reported that the Skoda Fabia is also living its last days. This is interesting, as the model is relatively popular: last year 119,139 units were sold, significantly ahead of the Scala and Superb.
The Cupra Raval, according to rumors, could be a model that lasts only one generation. This is odd, as the model debuted only a few months ago. However, the Volkswagen Group has a whole range of similar electric vehicles from other brands.
Audi: Coupe crossovers may disappear
In the premium segment, Audi may abandon several coupe crossovers. In particular, the Q5 Sportback and Q6 E-tron Sportback are under threat. The company does not disclose sales by modification, but it is believed that coupe versions are significantly less popular than traditional models.
Porsche: Taycan and gasoline 718 under threat
Similar cuts are expected at Porsche. The gasoline version of the Cayenne Coupe may soon become history. In addition, Porsche may again change plans and abandon the production of gasoline versions of the 718 Boxster and Cayman.
Initially, it was planned that these models would be exclusively electric, but the company had doubts and announced the release of several gasoline variants. However, they may never see the light of day.
Finally, the Taycan is also under threat. Sales fell by 22% last year to 16,339 units, and the company attributed this to a “slowdown in the adoption of electromobility.”
Bild claims that dropping these models could save the automaker up to €6.5 billion ($7.4 billion) by 2031. However, the list is preliminary, and it is possible that other models, such as the Audi e-tron GT, could also be cut. Meanwhile, Volkswagen product communications head Stefan Voswinkel did not confirm any information, stating:
“We do not comment on rumors regarding future models or decisions regarding product cycle planning.”
These steps indicate a deep transformation of the Volkswagen Group, which is trying to adapt to changing market conditions and increased competition, especially from Chinese manufacturers. Reducing the model range, albeit painful, may be necessary for financial recovery and concentration of resources on the most promising areas, such as electric vehicles and software. Abandoning low-selling models will allow the company to invest in the development of new technologies and platforms, which in the long term could strengthen its position in the global market.