Volkswagen is grappling with a naming quandary as it progresses towards a predominantly electric vehicle lineup, with the destiny of several cherished model nameplates hanging in the balance. The company’s transition towards battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) has sparked speculation about the future of its traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) models and the potential integration of historic names into its burgeoning electric portfolio.
Amidst these deliberations, Kai Grunitz, Volkswagen’s head of technical development, has emphasized the enduring significance of the Golf name, branding it as “the heart of our brand” and affirming its safeguarding. However, ambiguity surrounds the fate of other models, with Grunitz insinuating the necessity of rationalizing the lineup to accommodate the escalating demand for electric vehicles.
In the midst of conjecture, reports have surfaced regarding potential reassignments of model names within Volkswagen’s electric ecosystem. There’s speculation that the compact electric hatchback, the ID.2, could potentially inherit the esteemed Golf name, while the ID.3’s future remains shrouded in uncertainty. Moreover, discussions are underway concerning the potential rebranding of the ID.2 as the GTI, potentially reshaping Volkswagen’s performance lineup for the electric era.
With Volkswagen’s ambitious plans to introduce a broader range of electric vehicles by 2026, questions abound about potential overlaps and nomenclature within its lineup. Reports suggest the advent of new electric models, including a Tiguan-style compact SUV possibly christened as the ID.Tiguan, indicating a proclivity towards amalgamating the “ID” prefix with familiar model appellations.
See also: Volkswagen ID.3 Electric Vehicle Sales Skyrocket by 305% in China After Strategic Price Reduction
As Volkswagen gears up for the release of its electric Golf in 2028 and the broader industry undergoes a seismic shift towards electrification, the company faces pivotal decisions concerning brand identity and product differentiation. While details remain speculative, it’s evident that Volkswagen is actively assessing its naming strategy amidst the evolving automotive paradigm.
