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The End May Be Near for Some of Volkswagen’s Most Recognized Models

Some drastic measures may be needed to right VW’s financial ship.

Close-up of a white Volkswagen car's front wheel with black alloy rim and red brake caliper.Volkswagen
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By Chris Chin

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Things are apparently not going too well at Volkswagen. According to various reports and official statements from the mothership, the Wolfsburg-based automaker may be forced to kill off some of its most notable models to save its dire financial situation.

A report from Germany’s own Bild says the German automaker is currently weighing its options to avoid going into the red. One would have the carmaker reduce its portfolio across the board.

But some more drastic measures may also be on the table for consideration.

VW’s cars aren’t “profitable”

Four Volkswagen sedans in white, blue, and black parked on a winding road with grassy hills and trees.
The Volkswagen Jetta may be running on limited time as it potentially faces the guillotine.
Volkswagen USA

In addition to the reports, Volkswagen AG issued an official press release announcing its plan to scale back operations and curtail expenses. While VW shared no specifics regarding which models could be disappearing, the news still has the Internet abuzz with speculation.

The plan reportedly calls for cutting offerings by roughly 50 percent by 2030. However, if VW can’t correct its trajectory, that percentage is at risk of swelling to as much as 75 percent.

The idea is to reduce VW’s product portfolio diversity to streamline production and planning while reducing assembly costs.

Blue Volkswagen SUV driving on a wet road with headlights on and forested hills in the background.
Other corporate cutbacks could also lead to the end of the VW Taos after this second generation.
Chris Chin

According to Bild, models like the Jetta and the Taos could face the axe after their current generations. The Taos just entered its second generation last year, so it still has some life expectancy left until its production run ends.

The Jetta, however, is in its seventh generation and has been with us in its current form since 2018. That means it’s very much due for replacement. But with this new reduction plan, this could mean the Jetta is running out of time, and quickly.

Furthermore, the Jetta is a Volkswagen staple, having been part of the automaker’s lineup since 1979. If it goes the way of the dodo, VW could be losing one of its most iconic models.

Cuts aren’t just limited to VW

Two Porsche Taycan electric sports sedans, one purple with a rear spoiler and one light green, parked on a wet asphalt surface under a clear blue sky.
The Porsche Taycan is also on the plank due to slow sales.
Porsche

Because VW is a massive auto conglomerate that owns a hefty list of brands, its cuts aren’t just limited to the People’s Car. Analysts are also expecting reductions at Porsche and other VW-owned brands.

For instance, the Taycan isn’t expected to live on past its current generation due to extremely slow sales. Porsche’s also suffering from a whammy as some of its models are just aging out.

Two dark blue Porsche SUVs parked on a wet city street with people walking under umbrellas.
VW’s situation isn’t helped by the fact that some of its models in other brands are reaching the end of their production lifecycle.
Porsche

One of which is the current gas-powered Cayenne Coupe, which is still based off the outgoing third-gen model.

Cutbacks at Audi are also reportedly part of the plan, along with model reductions at Skoda and SEAT.

However, two brands that don’t seem to be affected by the new plan are Bentley and Lamborghini.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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