VW’s new boss Martin Winterkorn considers the original plans as not financially sound, describing the numbers as “far too low.” A VW insider estimates the additional cost of installing a hybrid drivetrain is at least €2,000. This simply wouldn’t work in the price-sensitive compact segment because cheap diesel vehicles already offer equal, if not better, economy and emissions levels.
According to Winterkorn, the current market analysis is in contrast to the earlier plans of Pischetsrieder. Instead, new plans will see VW offer a hybrid version of the Touareg SUV as its first model with the fuel-saving technology according to German publication Automobilwoche. The hybrid drivetrain, which will be sourced from parts supplier Bosch, is also likely to feature in the all-new Porsche Cayenne, which is based on the same platform as the Touareg.
Meanwhile, Porsche boss Wendelin Wiedeking has confirmed the two companies are developing their next generation models of the Touareg and Cayenne with an expected launch date in 2010.
Reader Comments
Fri Feb 29 2008 1:34 PM
jeff says
Well then where are the diesels? I can't believe the US won't allow them from passing emissions. TDI's get 50 miles to the gallon come on what is going on here. Automakers are missing out, especially US automakers. What is wrong with their thinking? I have heard the new compact VW hybrids would get 70 mpg. Who wouldn't want that? an extra 20 mpg. Plus who can afford a $40,000 suv? Surely not the people who would bennefit most from a 70 mpg hybrid. My house is only worth 40,000. Wake up VW and US automakers. 20 mpg would pay for itself in a few months and repay the environment immediately. Wake up!
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