Volkswagen to halve model range by 2035 through natural ICE phase-out and brand realignment
By Eve
Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer told the Paris motor show the VW Group will cut its model portfolio by around half by 2035, primarily through the natural elimination of combustion variants as Europe's 2035 ICE ban takes effect. Rather than systematic axing, the reduction stems from avoiding duplicate ICE and electric models (such as Polo and ID Polo) and reorganising the Core group brands (Volkswagen, Skoda, Cupra) into synergy groups focused on the most profitable products. The streamlined 2035 portfolio has already been mapped across brand and vehicle size segments.
Why it matters
A leaner OEM line-up concentrating on fewer, higher volume electric platforms could consolidate charging infrastructure demand around specific vehicle architectures, influencing CPO site planning and hardware procurement. The shift also signals tighter brand collaboration, potentially standardising charging requirements and simplifying fleet operator decisions in the 2030s.
Source
- Original title
- “Volkswagen to gradually halve line-up through 'natural transition'”
- Published
- 14 October 2026
In this story
- Topic
- Electric Vehicles
- Place
- Global
- Tag
- Volkswagen
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