2 weeks Ago By Matthew Guy
Article content Recognizing a newfound (some might say “resurgent”) appetite in the North American market for vehicles featuring a hybrid powertrain, this outlet has learned that Volkswagen is working on a plan to bring at least two battery-assisted models to market on this side of the pond. Top brass would only identify the machines destined to receive these hybrid engines as their “two best-selling vehicle lines,” but anyone blessed with the gift of numeracy can look at a sales chart and quickly determine the Tiguan is solidly in that wheelhouse. It was confirmed these hybrids will be of the traditional – not plug-in – variety, a decision apparently predicated on metrics like weight and material costs.
In a blunt assessment, the company said the forecast for a quick transition from ICE to EV was off the mark, necessitating this pivot. In this, Volkswagen is not alone; look at General Motors for another example of a huge company in this same boat. Reading between the lines and sorting the tea leaves, it is reasonable to suggest these hybrids will be built in the same factories as their gasoline-powered cousins.
Economies of scale are at play, after all, and such a production arrangement would allow the brand to more quickly adjust its output to match market demand. As for why they don’t just haul over hybrids already on sale other markets like Europe, spokespeople were quick to mention buzzwords like “value creation,” suggesting it might be difficult to make the numbers work based on cost versus volume. Sales are robust for VW in this country, jumping 28% last year to the highest level ever for the brand here in the Great White North.
Even vehicles like the Jetta , which plays in a shrinking segment now that customers have moved on to crossovers and SUVs, were a pivotal force in the growth. Spox told us VW Canada has about a 4.5% market share in Canada at the moment, and they’re looking to grow that to 5.
0%. Part of that growth is likely to come from conquest buyers (which is to say those who trade out of a different brand) of models like the new Tiguan. Given the improvements hove at that car for 2025 , plus a further horsepower bump for 2026 , they stand a very good chance of realizing that goal.
Having the freshest lineup in ages also bodes well for dealers representing Wolfsburg..
