Big changes are coming to the Volkswagen Group. The automotive conglomerate, which includes Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, Porsche, and Volkswagen—along with Seat, Cupra, Skoda, and the nascent Scout Motors—produces dozens of different models across its vast portfolio. Now, it appears that the sprawling lineup is set to shrink, with the VW Group announcing plans to greatly reduce the number of different models it offers in the coming years.
The German automotive giant said in a press release that "the model lineup will be gradually streamlined by up to 50 percent and concentrated on the most attractive market segments." The company will also reduce complexity within model lines, slashing the number of equipment options by up to 75 percent. Ironically, in the same release, VW boasts about how having "the largest model lineup in its history" will help the company "shape a successful future."
Popular models like the Tiguan are presumably safe.
Volkswagen didn't specify which models will be cut or when, but we don't expect this reduction to have a huge effect on Volkswagen's U.S. lineup. The brand's SUVs—the Tiguan, Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and Taos—should all be safe, given their strong sales in key segments. The Jetta also probably isn't going anywhere, since it serves as the entry point to the brand and is VW's fourth bestseller in the U.S. The performance-oriented Jetta GLI may be less secure, especially since it overlaps with the more iconic Golf GTI. Still, we'd like to think the GTI and Golf R's rich history will keep them safe. While the ID.Buzz has struggled here, it has found enough success in Europe to stay alive.
Instead, we think the model cuts will likely come in other markets. In Europe, for example, VW currently sells three different subcompact SUVs—the T-Cross, Taigo, and T-Roc—while in China, VW sells four different compact sedans: the Lavida, Bora, Lamando, and Sagitar. There is a similar amount of overlap in other segments in Europe, China, and other markets, and that seems like the easiest place to start cutting.
More niche models such as the Jetta GLI could be in trouble.
Some of the VW Group's other brands are also likely cut candidates. Spanish brand Seat has slowly seen its lineup reduced as VW pours investment into Cupra, formerly Seat's performance division, which was spun off into its own brand and now boasts a healthier lineup and higher sales than Seat. We wouldn't be shocked if Seat's role is reduced even further.
There may also be consolidation as gas-powered models are gradually replaced by EVs. Czech brand Skoda recently unveiled its fourth electric SUV, and it seems likely that at some point relatively soon, some of the aging gas SUVs could be dropped, provided that sales of the EVs meet expectations.
Audi is another brand with a bit of bloat when it comes to the overlap between EVs and gas models. Intriguingly, recent comments from an Audi executive seem to contradict the VW Group's plans for simplification, with Audi's CTO saying the so-called "global car," a car that can be sold across many different markets, is not feasible and that the company will continue to invest in different models under the AUDI spin-off brand in China.
Ultimately, we don't know exactly which models the Volkswagen Group plans to keep and which ones are destined for the chopping block, nor did the company say exactly when these changes are happening. While the official announcement states that the global lineup will be "gradually streamlined," it also says the reduction in complexity within the product portfolio will happen "with immediate effect." We'll likely learn more about the VW Group's plans to simplify its lineup later this year.
Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.
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