Future of Volkswagen Beetle and Scirocco uncertain

The Volkswagen Beetle and Scirocco coupé look unlikely to be continued after their current generations run out, it has been suggested.

At Volkswagen’s 2017 annual session, the subject of replacing models was discussed, during which the future of the Beetle – which is built on an old platform – and the Scirocco was raised.

Volkswagen brand board member Arno Antlitz responded, saying, “The Beetle and Scirocco are representatives of an emotional and appealing class of vehicles, but it [VW product planning] is not always about continuing cars from one generation to the next.”

The Beetle is one of the slowest-selling cars in VW's range, with just 5,774 units being sold across Europe in the first quarter of this year and a total of 25,127 in 2016. Less than half those numbers of Sciroccos were sold in the same time: 2,054 until the end of March 2017 and 10,752 in all of 2016. The two models’ combined 2016 sales were topped by those of the Golf in January 2017 alone.

Given that Volkswagen’s cost-cutting measures are spreading to its more central operations following a restructuring of the group’s motorsport activities, axing the slow-selling Beetle and Scirocco would make sense, despite the brand’s stated aim of offering products with more emotional appeal.

Antlitz said the upcoming ID electric models, as well as existing new models such as the Arteon luxury saloon, would fill the emotional void left by the departure of the Beetle and Scirocco.