The trend is that automakers usually introduce a new generation of each model every five or six years. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, and this has been particularly true over the past twenty years. In fact, some manufacturers have proven the effectiveness and especially the profitability of this approach. This is why other manufacturers are considering doing the same, as is the case with Volkswagen and the Golf.
You see, automakers have had to face a new reality since the COVID-19 crisis. Development and production costs have skyrocketed. Extending the production of a model ensures its profitability and allows the manufacturer to make several improvements without having to start from scratch. The business model is viable, as we have seen with Dodge and the Durango.
The Volkswagen Golf
The current Golf is still very popular in the market, and the manufacturer simply isn’t ready to go electric yet. Therefore, the German automaker is considering extending the model’s production for several more years. In fact, according to the information we have, the production of the current Golf could be extended until 2035. It’s important to note that the eighth generation of the Golf arrived on the market in 2020, which means its production would span 15 years. Even though this might seem sensational, it’s not unprecedented, and I would even say it makes perfect sense for Volkswagen to opt for such a solution.
Keeping the same platform doesn’t mean the Golf won’t be modernized over the years—quite the opposite. As you probably know, the German automaker’s small car has already undergone a first update since its market launch.
A New Game Plan
Volkswagen plans to add a new electric Golf to its lineup in the coming years. However, the gasoline-powered sporty variants of the German subcompact are more popular than ever, which seems to have convinced Volkswagen to continue offering the model for many more years. This way, the brand can focus on developing the electric version.
This is just my speculation, but this strategy could certainly allow manufacturers to amortize research and development costs over a longer period and thus offer a more competitive price for their vehicles. In any case, whatever the reason that pushes manufacturers like Volkswagen to extend the production of models like the Golf, I won’t be complaining, because I have to admit that I have a soft spot for gasoline-powered vehicles, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
