In the Volkswagen universe, 2019 has been a year of reflection. The iconic Beetle ceased production and the company’s Nazi past was brought back into the spotlight, and then quickly shoved to the side again.
As for 2020, COO Ralf Brandstätter said in a press release this week of the automaker, “We are at the beginning of a new era.” Sure, that’s a phrase you hear from countless executives around this time every December, but VW really means it. This coming year, the company will be launching 34 new models around the world, including eight hybrid or all-electric vehicles and 12 SUVs.
No, that’s not a typo: 34 new models. In an age of big promises tied to the uncertain global automotive industry, Volkswagen has been even more daring than most — this press release also cites a roughly $21 billion investment in “future technologies” from now until 2024 — and here they’re actually following through.
Unfortunately, not all of these models will be making appearances Stateside. For example, the all-electric ID.3 hatchback is going on sale this summer, but not in the U.S. However, the company’s first electric SUV, currently known as the ID.Next, will most certainly be coming our way, though a date hasn’t been set beyond “soon after” the ID.3 launch.
While Volkswagen is touting its zero-emissions offerings as “the biggest electric offensive in the automotive industry,” they are not giving up on good ol’ gas-powered SUVs. After all, the company achieved record profits on the lunkers this year. So expect to see some of the 12 promised models in the U.S. as well.
If you’re a Volkswagen fan, 2020 is going to be a good year. We’ll hold out until 2022 for the electric van, though.
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