Since the Dieselgate scandal, Volkswagen has struggled to maintain its once-dominant position in Europe’s automotive market. The rise of electric vehicles and increased competition from China caught VW off guard, and the response to its ID lineup of EVs has been lukewarm. Acknowledging the need to “catch up,” Volkswagen has launched its Triple A plan—Accelerate, Attack, and Achieve—to reposition itself for future success.
Nine New Cars by 2027: VW’s Roadmap
Volkswagen is set to roll out nine new models by 2027, including two fully electric vehicles:
- ID.2 – arriving in 2026.
- ID.1 – teased recently and scheduled for 2027.
However, before these affordable EVs hit the market, VW will launch the second-generation T-Roc, which the company calls its final new combustion-engine model. This launch is crucial, as the T-Roc nearly matched the Golf’s popularity in Europe last year.
Wolfsburg’s Future and the Golf’s Big Move
During a meeting with employees, CEO Thomas Schäfer reassured staff that Wolfsburg still has a strong future, despite the surprising decision to move production of the current Golf to Mexico in 2027. Meanwhile, the fully electric Golf will remain in Wolfsburg, built on the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), developed in collaboration with Rivian. However, the return of the e-Golf won’t happen until later in the decade.
Volkswagen also confirmed plans for an electric T-Roc, but like the e-Golf, it won’t be arriving anytime soon. The company’s expansion strategy aims to be “targeted,” but with the EV competition intensifying, VW faces a tough road ahead.
Rivals Moving Faster: Renault’s Aggressive EV Push
While VW teases models years away from launch, competitors like Renault are already executing their EV strategies. Key rivalries include:
- Renault Twingo EV – launches in 2026, beating the ID.1 by a full year.
- Renault 5 EV – already available, while the ID.2 remains a year away.
- Renault 4 – set to return as an affordable electric crossover.
Software and Technology: VW’s Biggest Challenge
Software issues have plagued VW’s recent launches, tarnishing its reputation. However, Volkswagen aims to overcome past hurdles and become the “technologically leading brand in the volume segment” by the end of the decade.
Despite its struggles, Volkswagen remains a powerhouse in the automotive world. If it can resolve its technological and competitive setbacks, the Triple A strategy might just put VW back on top.
