Volkswagen will launch 34 new models
worldwide in 2020 as part of its major investment in future technologies,
including of course electric cars. Out of the 34 new VW models we’ll see next
year, 12 will be SUVs and eight will be electric or hybrid vehicles.
These will include the first two
models of the new electric ID range: the ID 3 hatchback, which will go on sale
this summer, followed by the ID Next, an electric compact SUV that will most
likely adopt the ID 4 nameplate for its production version. Unlike the ID 3, VW
will offer the electric ID 4 in North American markets. The German manufacturer
will be investing no less than 19 billion euros (US$ 21 billion) through 2024,
with 11 billion euros (US$ 12.2 billion) going to the development of electric
cars.
The new models will also include
various plug-in hybrid vehicles fitted with the new powertrain that pairs a
1.4-liter TSI with an electric motor offered in various outputs, and one of
them is the upcoming Golf GTE.
In addition, VW’s planned cost savings
of 3 billion euros by 2020 has been successful, with 2.6 billion euros saved so
far, according to Brandstaetter. “Ongoing restructuring of core business,
including the positive effects of the pact for the future, and the success of the
worldwide SUV offensive have been key to this achievement. Improved earnings in
the regions and successful WLTP management have been just as important,” VW’s
COO said.
