VW and Audi could hold on to combustion engines beyond 2033

Until now, it has been assumed that VW and Audi will only launch electric cars in Europe starting in 2033. However, there are now growing indications that individual combustion models at the two Volkswagen brands could run longer after all - including facelifts that were not previously planned.

As reported by the German Handelsblatt newspaper, citing several insiders, a decision on an extended offer of combustion engines at Volkswagen is likely to be made at the upcoming investment planning round at the beginning of March. The VW core brand is said to be looking at bestsellers such as the Golf, T-Roc and Tiguan, which “could receive another facelift in the 2030s, which was not previously planned,” writes Handelsblatt. Similarly, Audi is considering a longer model cycle for the A3, for example.

According to the insiders, the models could be offered until 2035. As is well known, the de facto ban on the sale of combustion engines will come into force in the EU that year. However: “Should the end of the combustion engine in Europe […] be postponed once again, it would also be conceivable to extend this period,” the article continues.

The considerations are based on the fact that the market for electric cars is developing more slowly than expected. As a result, the self-imposed targets are no longer realistic, the Handelsblatt quotes from Group circles. However, VW and Audi do not want to officially confirm this. What is clear is that all manufacturers are currently waiting for signals from Brussels as to whether the CO2 fleet limits and the associated penalties will remain unchanged or whether OEMs will be given more flexibility to achieve the CO2 reduction targets.

VW’s commitment to become an all-electric brand in Europe from 2033 dates back to October 2022, when brand boss Thomas Schäfer preferred the previously set target of exiting the combustion vehicle business in Europe “between 2033 and 2035.” The combustion engine end date of 2033 only applied and still only applies to Europe. In other sales regions, such as China or North America, VW does not want to switch entirely to electric drives until later.

At Audi, those responsible have set an even earlier date of 2033 for phasing out combustion engines. Three and a half years ago, the German carmaker announced its intention to gradually phase out the production of its combustion engines by this date. However, Audi always kept a back door open for the Chinese market. According to earlier statements, the company expects demand there to continue beyond 2033, which is why there could be a supply of vehicles with combustion engines from local production.

handelsblatt.com (in German)