Volkswagen group to phase out more than 40 car models - report

[super jumbe]

Emblems of VW Golf VII car are pictured in a production line at the plant of German carmaker Volkswagen in Wolfsburg, February 25, 2013.



FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Volkswagen will stop producing more than 40 car models in the coming years as part of a new strategy by Europe's biggest automaker, German newspaper Handelsblatt reported on Saturday.

Volkswagen (VW) said on Thursday it would invest billions of euros in electric cars, ride-hailing and automated driving to become a world leader in green transport by 2025 as it reshapes its business following a diesel emissions scandal.

Citing company sources, Handelsblatt said the overhaul would also involve ceasing production of more than 40 models. Volkswagen currently makes about 340 car models across its portfolio, which includes brands such as Audi, Skoda and Seat.

A Volkswagen spokesman said, however, the number of models that would be discontinued had not been decided yet. "A decision on how many models will be phased out or ceased has not been taken yet," he said.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/volkswagen-group-phase-more-40-car-models-report-121357042--finance.html?nhp=1

[super jumbe]

Phasing out 40 cars out of 340 basically a meaningless figure !!! Most probably they will be rolling beetle again….

[rds60h]

Multi-National Car Manufacturers tend to phase out whole Brand names when announcing cuts like this, but with brands such as Audi, Skoda and Seat that could be a dangerous move. Audi has always been considered a luxury brand, Skoda has been completely re-invented and now has a large and loyal following and Seat is now considered as the only remaining Spanish car brand, so the loss of any of these brands would result in a loss of customer base.
The likelihood is that the diesel models that have caused them so much embarrassment will be the likely target, so the TDi versions of the Jetta, Passat, Golf and Beetle are the most likely targets along with any Audi, Skoda and Seat models that also use the same engines.