Tag Archives: Volkswagen

News

SUVs were the best-selling cars in Europe in 2024

Although the demand for SUVs has been slowing down in recent years, this type of vehicle remains the most sought after in Europe. According to sales data, 6.92 million SUVs were sold in Europe in 2024, which is four percent more than in 2023.

Compact SUVs (C-SUV segment) were the most popular type in the category, and the top seller was the Kia Sportage. This segment accounted for 42 percent of total SUV sales last year, followed by smaller models (B-SUVs), with a 36 percent market share. The biggest demand was for the VW T-Roc. However, the greatest growth was achieved by luxury SUVs, whose sales increased by 13 percent (56,300 units).

SUVs were significant for a number of carmakers last year, including Jaguar Land Rover, Geely, Honda and SAIC Motor, while the segment accounted for less than half of total sales at Stellantis, Renault Group, BMW Group, Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi.

If we look at individual manufacturers, the highest demand was for SUVs from the VW Group. They accounted for almost 1/4 of the total number of new SUVs sold in Europe last year, and the T-Roc and Tiguan are among the ten best-selling models in the category. Stellantis was the second best-seller with almost 800,000 units (-7% compared to 2023), while Hyundai and Kia finished third with more than 705,000 units sold (-1%).

Source: Reuters, Photo: VW

News

Volkswagen added 2.0-L TSI option for Tiguan, Tayron and Passat

Volkswagen has expanded its 4MOTION lineup with two versions of the 2.0-liter TSI engine. These engines will be available in the Tiguan, Tayron and Passat.

The 4MOTION system uses a multi-plate clutch to connect the rear axle. In city driving on dry roads, power is only transmitted to the front wheels, which saves fuel. The rear axle is engaged when the load increases or power is lost. The driver can also engage all-wheel drive manually if necessary.

The 2.0-liter TSI engine delivers 204 hp (152 kW) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque, or 265 hp (197 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque (available only with the R-Line). The Passat is only available with the 265 hp option.

Volkswagen has also added a new Trailer Mode, which is activated automatically, allowing the Tiguan and Passat to tow up to 2,200 kilograms, while the Tayron has increased its towing capacity to 2,500 kilograms.

When it comes to price, buyers who opt for the Tiguan with a TSI engine and 4MOTION all-wheel drive will pay 48,200 euros, while this option for the Tayron costs 50,800 euros. Those who opt for the Passat with a TSI engine and 4MOTION will pay 62,990 euros.

Source: Volkswagen

News

VW delays launch of new EVs for 2026

The decline in demand for electric cars in Europe has forced Volkswagen to postpone the introduction of new EVs until 2026. This was announced by German automotive analyst Matthias Schmidt in an interview with Bloomberg.

In early 2024, Volkswagen introduced its most powerful station wagon ever, the ID.7 GTX Tourer, and this year, there will be no new models. In 2025, the German brand will be selling old technology to new customers. The reason is a large number of unsold EVs, and the same problem is plaguing other manufacturers as well.

However, what is most troubling VW are two new electric models that it is developing in China. These are two mid-range models, one of which will be an SUV, and the German company is developing them in cooperation with the Chinese company XPeng. VW hopes that this will not disrupt plans and that with the arrival of these models on the market, the VW Group will increase annual sales in China to four million vehicles by 2030. In 2023, the VW Group sold 2.93 million vehicles in China.

Source: Bloomberg