VW CEO Outlines Plans for Golf, Last ICE Cars

VW Vehicles: Transformed in 10 Years

It is unlikely that Volkswagen will be introducing another version fuelled by gas of the iconic Golf 8, yet the automaker still remains adaptive to whatever metamorphosis may occur in the forthcoming years with regards to their final models inspired by usual fuel.

At present, the eighth generation Golf sold only in the U.S. in GTI and R versions will be entirely revised in 2024. Following that, the “Golf” badge is expected to remain alive on an electric vehicle, presumably a production model of the current ID.2 concept. This much we previously knew, but recent remarks from Volkswagen’s Thomas Schaefer with Automobilwoche slightly opened the opportunity for possible serious modifications that could affect these expectations.

Confirmation has been received that the recent discontinuation of the Passat sedan in the USA will be observed in Europe, too; in addition, new versions of the Tiguan, T-Roc and Tayron (a compact SUV designed for the Chinese market) will be introduced as the last ICE cars to come from Volkswagen. Complementing this decision is VW’s aim for the entire European region to make the transition to solely EV sales by 2033.

Schaefer declared that the Golf 8’s 2024 update will place it “in a great position until the end of the decade.” He then noted that the company “will have to see how the segment develops,” which left him open to the possibility of another gas-powered Golf. “If the world deviates from what is expected by 2026 or 2027, then we could launch a completely new vehicle once more. But I’m not expecting that to happen. That’s not in the plans right now.”

Schaefer’s statement about things developing “completely differently” in the automotive space could allude to a potential alteration of the current, looming bans on conventional gas-powered cars. Although this appears improbable, another potential outcome could be that the development of e-fuels could be hastened, thereby making the possibility of an environmentally friendly Golf 9 that still runs on internal combustion a real probability. Even though it is unlikely to happen by the end of the decade, it is not inconceivable.

No matter what the outcome, Volkswagen (VW) understands that beloved model names such as the Golf should not be forgotten. “It’s evident that we are not going to abandon iconic titles like the Golf, Tiguan, and GTI; we will just be transferring them to the electric realm,” he clarified. “But with the Golf, in particular, it needs to match its original identity. It would be a mistake to just slap a name on a vehicle that doesn’t fit.”

It is obvious that an electric rendition of the Golf in the future will retain its classic hatchback form, similar to that of Volkswagen’s ID.2 concept car. Word is that the ID.2 moniker might vanish and be swapped for the classic Golf nameplate in upcoming years. Ford, who drew a great deal of attention with their controversially labeled Mustang Mach-E electric crossover, appear less likely to undergo such a rechristening. Nevertheless, the masses will have to wait until the furthest reach of 2028 before they get their hands on a fully electric Golf as that is when the marque’s cutting-edge SSP platform is set to launch.

We are elated to also understand that a final gas-fueled Tiguan is going to be presented, as this is presently VW’s most beloved vehicle in the United States. Schaefer made no reference of other models like the Atlas and Taos, so these could possibly be fully supplanted by electric vehicles (EVs) when the end of their current lifecycles are reached. These determinations will very likely be taken by VW North America, on the other hand, since they are not worldwide models.

Right now, Americans with nostalgic yearnings to generations’ past can still obtain a Golf for roughly seven years. However, beyond this period, the name will remain but the vehicle’s inner workings will be transformed – either beneficially or detrimentally.