VW: Only EVs from 2033 in Europe

The Volkswagen brand is bringing forward its self-imposed target for the end of internal combustion engine production and wants to build only purely electric cars in Europe "from 2033 at the latest".

Previously, this was flexibly planned for "between 2033 and 2035". This was announced by Thomas Schäfer, the new head of VW's core brand since July, at an event in Berlin a few days ago. In other countries, such as the USA or China, the end of combustion engine production will take place somewhat later, as before.

In addition, VW wants to launch ten new electric car models by 2026 alone. The portfolio of new models will cover the entire range from "entry-level e-cars with a target price of less than 25,000 euros to the ID.Buzz and the new flagship ID.Aero" in order to be able to offer customers in every segment. The ID.3, one of the most popular models from Wolfsburg, will soon be available in an SUV version.

Schäfer also announced a reorganisation of production to increase cost efficiency: "In future, we will concentrate on our core models and noticeably simplify our model range and packaging over the next ten years," said the VW boss. The previous model diversity, which was already criticised by Schäfer's predecessor Herbert Diess, is considered an unnecessary cost driver. "Do less, do it right," Schäfer said. VW's focus is to be directed more strongly towards profitable model series.

The main VW brand is to take the lead in increasing the profitability of the volume group, which has been headed by Schäfer since the summer and consists of Volkswagen passenger cars as well as the other brands Skoda from the Czech Republic, the Spanish duo Seat and Cupra and the VW Transporters. The medium-term goal of the volume group is a return of 8 percent.