Volkswagen recently axed the slow-selling Eos, and a new report finds that the Wolfsburg-based automaker will deep-six several additional models before the end of the decade.
The first model to get the axe will reportedly be the three-door version of the Polo, a subcompact hatchback sold in Europe and in a number of other markets around the globe. The Polo is one of the best-selling vehicles on the Old Continent but three-door economy hatchbacks have been steadily declining in popularity over the past few years. Rival Renault has already dropped the three-door version of the Polo-fighting Clio, and its third-generation Twingo city car recently went five-door-only for the first time in the nameplate’s long history.
The first model to get the axe will reportedly be the three-door version of the Polo, a subcompact hatchback sold in Europe and in a number of other markets around the globe. The Polo is one of the best-selling vehicles on the Old Continent but three-door economy hatchbacks have been steadily declining in popularity over the past few years. Rival Renault has already dropped the three-door version of the Polo-fighting Clio, and its third-generation Twingo city car recently went five-door-only for the first time in the nameplate’s long history.
Insiders believe that dropping the three-door Polo could allow Volkswagen to save up to 200 million euros ($217 million) in the long run by reducing the amount of parts that it needs to build.
The three-door version of the Golf is said to be safe for now, but German newspaper Spiegel reports that Volkswagen could axe the retro-inspired Beetle at the end of the current generation’s life cycle.
Additional details were not provided and Volkswagen has not commented on the report. Only time will tell if the three-door Polo and the Beetle will live on.
Photos by Mark Elias.
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