Volkswagen to Cease Touareg Supply in China: What You Need to Know
Summary
- Volkswagen plans to halt the supply of its flagship SUV, the Touareg, in the Chinese market starting in November.
- The decision comes as the model’s sales decline and it nears the end of its product cycle.
- The Touareg is set to re-emerge as a fully electric SUV, named the "ID.Touareg," by 2029.
Volkswagen has announced its decision to discontinue the supply of the Touareg model in the Chinese market effective November. This move reflects the SUV’s declining sales and evolving market dynamics.
The Volkswagen Touareg: A Brief History
Launched in 2002, the Volkswagen Touareg was developed concurrently with other luxury SUVs such as the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7. This flagship model has undergone three significant iterations, with the current generation sharing its MLB Evo platform with dignitaries like the Audi Q8 and Bentley Bentayga. Despite its high-status lineage, the Touareg has struggled to maintain its foothold in an increasingly competitive market.
Performance and Popularity
Equipped with a robust up to 12-cylinder engine, the Touareg boasts impressive acceleration capabilities, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds. At its peak, the model enjoyed tremendous popularity in China, with prices soaring to 1.58 million yuan and monthly sales exceeding 10,000 units. However, recent data shows a stark contrast, with only 6,543 units sold last year and monthly sales dwindling to around 300 in 2023.
Reasons Behind Discontinuation
Insiders reveal that the Touareg has entered the twilight of its product lifecycle. The slow pace of its facelift iterations, coupled with diminishing performance capabilities, has rendered it less competitive against newer offerings from both domestic and international brands. With the decision to suspend supplies, Volkswagen aims to face the challenging economic landscape responsibly.
After-Sales Support for Touareg Owners
Even with the cessation of supply, Volkswagen plans to retain after-sales support for Touareg customers in China. This will ensure that current owners can still access necessary services and parts, even after the model is no longer available for sale.
Future Prospects: The ID.Touareg
Looking ahead, the current Touareg model is slated for production discontinuation by 2026, with plans for its revival as an all-electric SUV, dubbed the "ID.Touareg," anticipated by 2029. According to reports from the German media outlet Automobilwoche, this new electric model will be the first Volkswagen vehicle built on the new SSP platform. Originally, models like the ID. Roc and ID. Golf were supposed to debut on this platform, but their launch has been postponed until 2030 due to production cost challenges and logistical adjustments.
Conclusion
Volkswagen’s decision to pause Touareg production in China is a significant move that showcases the brand’s response to shifting consumer preferences and market pressures. As it transitions towards a fully electric future with the upcoming ID.Touareg, Volkswagen aims to align itself with the global shift towards sustainability.
With the automotive landscape undergoing rapid transformation, the discontinuation of the Touareg serves as a strategic pivot, allowing Volkswagen to focus on more viable offerings in an ever-evolving marketplace.
