Volkswagen ditches low end hybrids, Touareg gets the nod
Click on the image for a gallery of high-res images of the Volkswagen Touareg.
Truck Tend is reporting that Volkswagen has changed its plans to introduce a range of hybrid models including in its entry level vehicles. Apparently VW's recently ousted CEO was planning to introduce hybrid versions of relatively cheap models such as the Jetta and the Golf/Rabbit. The new head of VW, Martin Winterkorn, doesn't agree with the old strategy pointing out that high mileage diesel variants of these models already exist.
With hybrid powerplants apparently costing VW almost $2,600 extra per vehicle, its been decided that the Touareg luxury SUV can more easily absorb the additional cost and is a better candidate for improved fuel economy.
Currently the Touareg offers three engine options, a petrol V6 or V8 and a monstrous diesel V10. Fuel economy for the three is estimated by the EPA at 15 mpg city / 20 mpg highway for the V6, 14 mpg city / 18 mpg highway for the V8 and 17 mpg city / 23 mpg highway for the V10 TDI. Clearly the V10 TDI is the most desirable option, but you have to pay for all that torquey goodness - the V6 starts at $37,990 while the V10 TDI starts at $59,020 according to Volkswagen's website.
The higher cost of a Touareg means that offering a hybrid option on even the entry level model would add just 7 percent to the cost. In comparison, with the Jetta starting at $16,490, offering a hybrid option on the base model would add almost 16 percent to the cost.
Analysis: I'd love to see a hybrid Golf, especially a diesel-electric plug-in hybrid! But realistically, this updated plan for rolling out hybrid technology makes a lot of business sense for Volkswagen. Their diesel Golf for example already delivers fantastic fuel economy of 5.7 L per 100 km / 41.3 mpg (Australian rating) for a combined city/highway cycle. This way the people who can afford hybrid Touaregs also get to beta test the system for the rest of us!
Gallery: Volkswagen Touareg
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[Source: Truck Trend]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
TDIMeister 5:01AM (2/03/2007)
Well, from a strictly business case, it does make sense to introduce higher-cost technologies in the more expensive models to offset the cost.
Early into production costs will be particularly high and ramp-ups low. Availability will be supply rather than demand constrained.
A hybrid Touareg would be more beneficial on the whole for fuel consumption savings than a hybrid Jetta.
VW already has ethanol-fuelled cars for the Brazilian market and natural gas for others. VW should take the leadership and offer both to North America, in addition to more Diesels.
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66coronet 5:14PM (2/02/2007)
I miss Bernd Pischetsrieder all ready. So what if it adds $2600-$3000 to a jetta and golf/rabbit. They just do not take into account the tax relief and in town fuel savings. If VW went so far as making a plug in version for another $1000. I'm sure people would grab that version too. Especially those who only have to travel under 15mi a day. Then they only would have to add fuel only when they take trips on the highway or when it's cold and the heater takes all the power.
If it's a plug in, it would be a nice option if there would be an option to keep the interior of the vehicle 50deg to keep the windows from freezing when pluged in.
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66coronet 5:29PM (2/02/2007)
I see VW being like Chrysler / Dodge. Only offering the Touareg like dodge the durango.
It's nice that they offer a hybrid for those vehicles. But people who buy touareg's and durango's also need them to tow items. Camper trailer, boat, etc... plus haul the family there.
A rabbit/golf, jetta are commuter vehicles, (that can be hot rodded for a little fun too) that commuters would enjoy the lack of diesel smell when at a stop and in stop and go traffic. Then have diesel fuel economy when when actually moving at a steady rate. In town pollution would go down during gridlock times if VW would only offer hybrids to their jetta's and golf's/rabbit's. People would pay for the extra, just to not smell diesel fumes and here in the USA not pay for the high diesel or biodiesel fuel.
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