When VW was hit by one of the biggest scandals in automotive history, there was an outburst from the automotive community against the company. VW saw a major dip in sales and was even on the verge of selling its subsidiary Ducati motorcycles due to payment of heavy fines and penalties to the tune of €27 billion. The emissions scandal had disrupted the reputation of one of the most highly reputed automotive manufacturer in the world. The “people’s car” company was being disavowed by the very people who made it big. Following several arrests, it looks like VW is back on track to rebuild all the traction it had lost during its worst time.
The entire VW group which includes Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen will curb their production of gasoline or diesel powered vehicles completely by 2026, said CVW chief strategy officer Michael Jost. Yes, you read that right; all of VW’s brands will only be selling cars with electric drive trains come 2026. Jost also said that the company would continue to adapt to the changing emission norms globally.
The announcement made by VW is after successful confirmed launches by Audi and Porsche with their E-tron and Taycan respectively. Jost has stated that his colleagues are working on their last platforms for vehicles that aren’t CO2 neutral. The Volkswagen lineup will include fully or partially electric versions of its entire lineup of over 300 cars, vans and trucks.
The I.D. Neo will be followed by the I.D. Buzz van, a crossover/SUV and a larger limousine based on the I.D. Vizzion. The company has also confirmed that they are planning a liaison with SK Innovation for the production of battery cells prior to its full fledged entry into this segment. By 2030, its motorcycle subsidiary i.e. Ducati would also be prepped up to launch its electric bikes.
