September 23, 2024, Madrid-According to Automotive News Europe, Volkswagen Group has ceased production of the Polo small car at its Pamplona plant in Spain and plans to shift to producing affordable pure electric small SUVs. While the Pamplona plant will stop making the Polo, Volkswagen will continue selling the model produced at its Kariega plant in South Africa.
Since starting production in 1984, the Pamplona plant has manufactured a total of 8.4 million Polo vehicles. According to Volkswagen’s plans, the factory will launch two new electric SUVs in 2026: the ID.2all SUV from the Volkswagen brand and the Epiq from the Skoda brand, with an expected starting price of €25,000. These new models will be built on an adjusted front-wheel-drive version of the MEB platform to allow for pricing closer to that of internal combustion engine vehicles.
Additionally, a small electric hatchback based on the same platform will be produced at Volkswagen’s Martorell plant in Spain. The Pamplona factory will also continue to manufacture gasoline versions of the T-Cross and Taigo models.
In recent years, as consumer preferences have shifted toward smaller SUVs like the T-Roc and T-Cross, Polo’s sales in Europe have significantly declined. In the first eight months of this year, Polo sales in Europe totaled 90,107 units, down to about half of its figures from a decade ago, making it the eighth best-selling small car in Europe.
Volkswagen stated that the decision to stop producing the Polo is due to changes in global market demand and a strategic shift within the company. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, production of traditional gasoline cars faces significant pressure. Volkswagen is committed to refocusing resources on the research and production of electric vehicles.
Workers expressed shock at the news, with many concerned about job security. Labor unions have called on Volkswagen to provide support and retraining for affected employees. The company has stated it will engage in dialogue with local government and unions to find solutions to mitigate the impact of this change and will continue to invest in Spain.
As the automotive industry increasingly shifts toward electrification, Volkswagen’s move is undoubtedly a response to market changes, reflecting the necessary adjustments made by manufacturers in the face of emerging market demands.
https://superpdr.com/