Editing Volkswagen (section)

==Product line==
{{Main|List of Volkswagen vehicles}}
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right;"
! colspan="3" style="text-align:center; background:#abcdef;" | Best-selling Volkswagen models in 2022<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Volkswagen Passenger Cars |url=https://annualreport2022.volkswagenag.com/divisions/volkswagen-passenger-cars.html |access-date=2023-03-30 |website=Volkswagen Group Annual Report 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
!Rank
!Model
!Production output
|-
!1
|[[Volkswagen Tiguan|Tiguan]]
|604,536
|-
!2
|[[Volkswagen Polo|Polo/Virtus/Taigo/Nivus]]
|448,043
|-
!3
|[[Volkswagen Passat|Passat/Magotan]]
|447,246
|-
!4
|[[Volkswagen Lavida|Lavida]]
|377,284
|-
!5
|[[Volkswagen T-Roc|T-Roc]]
|322,211
|-
!6
|[[Volkswagen T-Cross|T-Cross/Tacqua/Taigun]]
|315,036
|-
!7
|[[Volkswagen Golf|Golf]]
|300,090
|-
!8
|[[Volkswagen Jetta|Jetta/Sagitar]] 
|292,038
|-
!9
|[[Volkswagen Atlas|Atlas/Teramont]]
|217,771
|-
!10
|[[Volkswagen Taos|Tharu/Taos]]
|216,397
|}
The Volkswagen brand produces various models which consists of global products and regional products, specifically for large markets including Europe, China and Latin America. Volkswagen AG annual report in 2022 reported that the best-selling model under the Volkswagen brand globally was the [[Volkswagen Tiguan|Tiguan]], followed by the [[B-segment]] range of [[Volkswagen Polo|Polo]], [[Volkswagen Virtus|Virtus]], [[Volkswagen Taigo|Nivus and Taigo]], and [[Volkswagen Passat|Passat/Magotan]].<ref name=":1" />

=== Hatchbacks ===
Volkswagen has been one of the leading manufacturer in terms of hatchback production, which traditionally has been a popular segment in Europe.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The best selling cars in Europe in 2020 so far|url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/best-selling-cars-in-europe|access-date=12 September 2020|website=Autocar|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Barfield|first=Allison|date=17 June 2020|title=Why is the Volkswagen Golf so Popular?|url=https://www.motorbiscuit.com/why-is-the-volkswagen-golf-so-popular/|access-date=12 September 2020|website=MotorBiscuit|language=en-US}}</ref> The brand offered a range of hatchbacks from A-segment, [[B-segment]], and [[C-segment]]. The [[Volkswagen Golf|Golf]] traditionally has been the strongest selling vehicle for the brand in Europe, followed by the smaller [[Volkswagen Polo|Polo]] which apart from the European market also has a stronghold in emerging markets. Sales for the hatchback category has slowed down due to the rise of the SUV segment.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Almeida|first=Danillo|date=15 April 2020|title=Golf's sales decline shows how much the market is changing|url=https://medium.com/cardesignchronicles/volkswagen-golfs-sales-decline-signals-how-much-is-the-market-changing-67de94778d0b|access-date=12 September 2020|website=Medium|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ltd|first=Motionlab Marketing|date=14 March 2020|title=Global demand of sedans and hatchbacks drops in 2019|url=https://www.jato.com/global-demand-of-sedans-and-hatchbacks-drops-in-2019/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328232919/https://www.jato.com/global-demand-of-sedans-and-hatchbacks-drops-in-2019/|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 March 2020|access-date=12 September 2020|website=JATO}}</ref>

=== SUVs/crossovers ===
[[File:2018 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line TSi BlueMotion 4Motion 2.0 Front.jpg|alt=|thumb|The [[Volkswagen Tiguan]] has claimed the top spot in terms of sales figures within Volkswagen models.]]
The brand introduced its first crossover SUV in 2002 starting from the [[Volkswagen Touareg|Touareg]], a full-size luxury SUV. The brand SUV expansion continues with the release of Tiguan, a [[C-segment]] mainstream SUV in 2007. In the mid-2010s, the company decided to produce an SUV in every class of car that can justify one, which the brand called the "SUV offensive".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2 March 2016|title=Volkswagen SUVs: product onslaught begins at Geneva|url=https://www.motoringresearch.com/car-news/volkswagen-suv-offensive-product-onslaught-begins-at-geneva/|access-date=12 September 2020|website=Motoring Research|language=en-GB}}</ref> Between 2017 and 2020, the brand has aggressively expanded its SUV line-up by growing its number of models from 2 to 8 models, excluding its derivatives, ranging from [[B-segment]], [[C-segment]], and [[D-segment]] SUVs which include global models and regional models. Volkswagen also started producing derivatives of its SUV models with a rear sloping roof marketed as [[coupé]] SUV which had gained popularity in China, the largest single market for the brand.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Meet The New Tayron X, VW's Latest Coupe SUV Designed Specifically For China|url=https://www.carscoops.com/2020/02/meet-the-new-tayron-x-vws-latest-coupe-suv-designed-specifically-for-china/|access-date=12 September 2020|website=Carscoops|date=12 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=2021 Volkswagen Tiguan X coupe SUV revealed in pre-release images|url=https://www.caradvice.com.au/868571/2021-volkswagen-tiguan-x-coupe-suv-revealed-in-pre-release-images/|access-date=12 September 2020|website=CarAdvice|language=en}}</ref>

In 2019, every fourth vehicle delivered by the Volkswagen brand today is an SUV, with its top contributor being the Tiguan. The brand plans to have over 30 SUV models on offer worldwide by 2025, contributing 50 per cent of its global sales.<ref>{{Cite web|title=SUV offensive: How we are strengthening the core business|url=https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com:443/en/stories/suv-offensive-how-we-are-strengthening-the-core-business-5680|access-date=12 September 2020|website=Volkswagen Newsroom|language=en|archive-date=23 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923095252/https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/stories/suv-offensive-how-we-are-strengthening-the-core-business-5680}}</ref> Volkswagen also expects SUVs to lead the ID. family, its future electric vehicle range of models.<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 August 2020|title=Volkswagen begins series production of ID.4, steps up electric offensive|url=https://auto.hindustantimes.com/auto/cars/volkswagen-steps-up-electric-offensive-series-production-of-id-4-suv-begins-41597914651483.html|access-date=12 September 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>

The SUV expansion has claimed casualties in the MPV segment, which saw the [[Volkswagen Sharan|Sharan]] mid-size MPV being phased out in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Panait|first=Mircea|date=27 March 2020|title=Another MPV Discontinued Because European Demand Shifts Towards Crossovers, SUVs|url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/another-mpv-discontinued-because-european-demand-shifts-towards-crossovers-suvs-142219.html|access-date=12 September 2020|website=autoevolution|language=en}}</ref>

=== Regional models ===

==== Chinese market ====
[[File:2020 SAIC-Volkswagen Lavida.jpg|alt=|thumb|The [[Volkswagen Lavida]] was the best-selling sedan in China.]]
Until 2022, Volkswagen was a market leader in [[China]], the [[Automotive industry in China|largest single automotive market in the world]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brooks |first=Glenn |date=2023-10-30 |title=BYD overtakes VW in China - what happens next? |url=https://www.just-auto.com/sectors/automotive/byd-becomes-chinas-number-one-brand/ |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=Just Auto |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2019, 3.16 million Volkswagen-branded vehicles were delivered in the country.<ref>{{Cite web|title=China region|url=https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com:443/en/china-region-3914|access-date=12 September 2020|website=Volkswagen Newsroom|language=en}}</ref> The importance of the market has justified a significant amount of China-specific models. Though Volkswagen was long a leader in the Chinese market, its market share has declined in the 2020s due to the rapid adoption of electric vehicles and increasing competition from Chinese brands. Its market share has fallen from 19% in 2019 to 14.5% in 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Waldersee |first=Victoria |date=22 April 2025 |title=VW Group pitches comeback in China with new models, in-house assisted driving |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/vw-group-pitches-comeback-china-with-new-models-in-house-assisted-driving-2025-04-22 |access-date=18 May 2025 |work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref>

[[Sedan (automobile)|Sedans]] are a favoured segment in China due to their spacious interiors and boot space. In 2019, the brand sold 1.6 million of them in China. In the compact [[notchback]] or sedan segment, the brand is represented by several China-only models which include the [[Volkswagen Jetta|Sagitar]], [[Volkswagen Lamando|Lamando]], [[Volkswagen Bora|Bora]], [[Volkswagen Santana|Santana]], [[Volkswagen Lavida|Lavida]], and its derivatives in other body styles,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Market overview: Compact notchback models are one of Volkswagen's key segments in China|url=https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com:443/en/press-releases/market-overview-compact-notchback-models-are-one-of-volkswagens-key-segments-in-china-5954|access-date=12 September 2020|website=Volkswagen Newsroom|language=en}}</ref> while the [[Mid-size car|mid-size sedan]] segment is represented by the [[Volkswagen Passat (NMS)|Passat]] and [[Volkswagen Magotan|Magotan]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=6 sedans that Volkswagen builds for China, where Jetta is its own brand|url=https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/industry-news/6-sedans-that-volkswagen-builds-for-china-where-jetta-is-its-own-brand-46682978|access-date=12 September 2020|website=www.iol.co.za|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|first1 = Sergiu | last1 = Tudose | title=Meet Volkswagen's Chinese Army of Four-Door Sedans|url=https://www.carscoops.com/2020/04/meet-volkswagens-chinese-army-of-four-door-sedans/|access-date=12 September 2020|website=Carscoops|date=9 April 2020}}</ref> The Lavida was the best-selling model in China of all manufacturers in 2019 with 491,000 units sold.<ref>{{Cite web|title=What makes China VW's 'most important market'? {{!}} Autovista Group|url=https://autovistagroup.com/news-and-insights/what-makes-china-vws-most-important-market|access-date=12 September 2020|website=autovistagroup.com|archive-date=9 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809023837/https://autovistagroup.com/news-and-insights/what-makes-china-vws-most-important-market}}</ref>

The popularity of SUVs also gave birth to several SUV models built or reworked specifically for China, including the [[Volkswagen Tharu|Tharu]], [[Volkswagen Tayron|Tayron]], Tayron X, Tiguan X, and reworked versions of the [[Volkswagen T-Cross|T-Cross]] and [[Volkswagen T-Roc|T-Roc]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Volkswagen launches model offensive in China|url=https://www.volkswagenag.com/en/news/2019/04/Volkswagen_launches_model_offensive_in_China.html|access-date=12 September 2020|website=www.volkswagenag.com|archive-date=20 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620075100/https://www.volkswagenag.com/en/news/2019/04/Volkswagen_launches_model_offensive_in_China.html}}</ref> The brand also has a strong presence in the premium or luxury segment including the [[Volkswagen Phideon|Phideon]] and [[Volkswagen Viloran|Viloran]] as the models developed specifically for China.<ref>{{Cite web|title=VW Phideon GTE Is The Large Hybrid Sedan Only China Will Get|url=https://www.motor1.com/news/143088/vw-phideon-gte-debut/|access-date=12 September 2020|website=Motor1.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ramey|first=Jay|date=29 April 2020|title=The Volkswagen Viloran Is the MPV-Class Galleon That Will Pass Us by|url=https://www.autoweek.com/news/luxury/a32289726/the-volkswagen-viloran-what-is-it/|access-date=12 September 2020|website=Autoweek|language=en-US|archive-date=5 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805015131/https://www.autoweek.com/news/luxury/a32289726/the-volkswagen-viloran-what-is-it/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 26 July 2023 Volkswagen announced its investment of $700 million in Chinese EV maker [[XPeng]] for purchasing 4.99% stake of the company. The VW will collaborate with XPeng to develop two VW brand electric models for the mid-size segment in the Chinese market in 2026.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-07-26 |title=Volkswagen to expand China EV line-up with Xpeng, SAIC partnerships |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/volkswagen-expand-china-line-up-with-xpeng-saic-partnerships-2023-07-26/ |access-date=2023-07-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=More e-models for fast-growing e-mobility market in China: VW brand and Audi agree strategic cooperations with local automakers |url=https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/press-releases/more-e-models-for-fast-growing-e-mobility-market-in-china-vw-brand-and-audi-agree-strategic-cooperations-with-local-automakers-17495 |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=Volkswagen Newsroom |language=en |archive-date=26 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726162602/https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/press-releases/more-e-models-for-fast-growing-e-mobility-market-in-china-vw-brand-and-audi-agree-strategic-cooperations-with-local-automakers-17495 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==== Brazilian market ====
[[File:Brazilian Kombi pair.jpg|alt=|thumb|The [[Volkswagen Kombi]] was produced in Brazil from 1957 up to 2013.]]
The brand has a notable history in [[Brazil]]. Volkswagen's relationship with Brazil dates back to the early 1950s. In 1956, Volkswagen began by building a plant in [[São Bernardo do Campo]], near [[São Paulo]] as its first manufacturing plant outside Germany as a response to the Brazil's ban on the import of [[Built up export|completely assembled vehicles]] in 1950.<ref name="stray brazil">{{Cite web|title=A Stray Branch of Volkswagen Evolution Found in Brazil|url=https://dyler.com/posts/99/a-stray-branch-of-volkswagen-evolution-found-in-brazil|access-date=12 September 2020|website=dyler.com|language=en}}</ref> One year later, the plant started to produce the [[Volkswagen Type 2|Kombi]] model—370 cars at that time, with a 50 per cent local content component share. Of 81 million vehicles produced over six decades in Brazil, 23 million of it was built by Volkswagen, which was produced by four passenger car factories in the country. In 2018, Volkswagen accounted for close on 15 per cent of the Brazilian car market.<ref name="brazil comeback">{{Cite web|title=Great comeback in Brazil|url=https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/stories/great-comeback-in-brazil-4608|access-date=12 September 2020|website=Volkswagen Newsroom|language=en|archive-date=3 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903074408/https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/stories/great-comeback-in-brazil-4608}}</ref>

The importance of the Brazilian market gave birth to several models developed and manufactured by [[Volkswagen do Brasil]], which include the [[Volkswagen Fox|Fox]], [[Volkswagen Gol|Gol]], [[Volkswagen Nivus|Nivus]], [[Volkswagen Gol#Saveiro|Saveiro]], [[Volkswagen Virtus|Virtus]] and [[Volkswagen Gol#Voyage|Voyage]]. These models are also typically exported throughout Latin America. Historical vehicles built for the market include the [[Volkswagen Brasília|Brasília]], [[Volkswagen SP2|SP1 & SP2]], [[Volkswagen Type 3#Brazilian Type 3|1500/Variant/Variant II]], [[Volkswagen Karmann Ghia#Karmann Ghia TC|Karmann Ghia TC]], [[Volkswagen Parati|Parati]] and [[Volkswagen Suran|Suran]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Redzepovic|first=Alen|date=3 December 2019|title=Meet the amazing Volkswagens from Brazil|url=https://drivetribe.com/p/meet-the-amazing-volkswagens-from-LARUCaQVQN6UaLOTKppz5A|access-date=12 September 2020|website=DriveTribe|language=en|archive-date=7 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807035554/https://drivetribe.com/p/meet-the-amazing-volkswagens-from-LARUCaQVQN6UaLOTKppz5A}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=22 May 2018|title=Volkswagen Models You Never Knew Existed|url=https://carbuzz.com/features/10-volkswagen-models-you-never-knew-existed|access-date=12 September 2020|website=CarBuzz|language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Here are the best parallel-dimension VW models built in Brazil|url=https://www.carsguide.com.au/oversteer/here-are-the-best-parallel-dimension-vw-models-built-in-brazil-70281|access-date=12 September 2020|website=CarsGuide|language=en}}</ref> The Gol, first launched in 1980, was the best-selling car in the country for 27 consecutive years, up until 2013.<ref name="stray brazil"/><ref name="brazil comeback" />{{clear}}

=== Environment-friendly vehicles ===

====Pure ethanol vehicles====
[[File:Bundesarchiv B 145 Bild-F053242-0034, Hannover, Messe.jpg|thumb|right| VW pure [[ethanol fuel|ethanol]] prototype car developed by [[Volkswagen do Brasil]] in 1978]]

[[Volkswagen do Brasil]] produced and sold pure ethanol-powered ([[Common ethanol fuel mixtures#E100|E100 only]]) vehicles in Brazil, and production was discontinued only after they were supplanted by more modern [[flexible-fuel vehicle|Flex Fuel]] technology. As a response to the [[1973 oil crisis]], the Brazilian government began promoting bioethanol as a fuel, and the [[Pro-Álcool|National Alcohol Program]] -''Pró-Álcool''- ({{langx|pt|Programa Nacional do Álcool}}) was launched in 1975.<ref name="Bastos">{{cite web|url=http://www.energytribune.com/articles.cfm?aid=534 |author=Milton Briquet Bastos |title=Brazil's Ethanol Program – An Insider's View |work=Energy Tribune |date=20 June 2007 |access-date=14 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710193215/http://www.energytribune.com/articles.cfm?aid=534 |archive-date=10 July 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Veja1979" /><ref name="SeatleT" /> Compelled by the [[1979 energy crisis]], and after development and testing with government fleets by the [[Brazilian General Command for Aerospace Technology|CTA]] at [[São José dos Campos]], and further testing of several prototypes developed by the four local carmakers, including Volkswagen do Brasil, pure ethanol vehicles were launched in the Brazilian market.<ref name="Bastos" /><ref name="Veja1979">{{cite web |url=http://veja.abril.com.br/idade/exclusivo/petroleo/130679.html |title=O petróleo da cana |author=Revista Veja |publisher=[[Editora Abril]] |date=13 June 1979 |access-date=29 November 2008 |language=pt |author-link=Revista Veja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006165850/http://veja.abril.com.br/idade/exclusivo/petroleo/130679.html |archive-date=6 October 2008 }}</ref> Petrol engines were modified to support [[hydrous]] ethanol characteristics and changes included [[compression ratio]], amount of fuel injected, replacement of materials that would get corroded by contact with ethanol, use of colder [[spark plugs]] suitable for dissipating heat due to higher flame temperatures, and an auxiliary cold-start system that injects petrol from a small tank in the engine compartment to help starting when cold. Within six years, around 75% of all Brazilian passenger cars were manufactured with ethanol engines.<ref name="Bastos" /><ref name="Lemos">{{cite web | url=http://www.icis.com/Articles/2007/02/12/4500680/the-brazilian-ethanol-model.html | author=William Lemos | title=The Brazilian ethanol model | publisher=ICIS news | date=5 February 2007 | access-date=14 August 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081009164617/http://www.icis.com/Articles/2007/02/12/4500680/the-brazilian-ethanol-model.html | archive-date=9 October 2008 | url-status=live }}</ref>

Production and sales of pure ethanol vehicles tumbled beginning in 1987 owing to several factors, including a sharp decline in petrol prices as a result of the [[1980s oil glut]], and high sugar prices in the world market, shifting sugarcane ethanol production from fuel to sugar. By mid-1989, a shortage of ethanol fuel supply in the local market left thousands of vehicles in line at petrol stations or out of fuel in their garages, forcing consumers to abandon ethanol vehicles.<ref name="SeatleT">{{cite web|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002339093_brazilfuel17.html |work=The Seattle Times |title=Brazil's ethanol effort helping lead to oil self-sufficiency |author=Marla Dickerson |date=17 June 2005 |access-date=29 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227203948/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002339093_brazilfuel17.html |archive-date=27 December 2008 }}</ref><ref name="Veja1989">{{cite web|url=http://veja.abril.com.br/arquivo_veja/capa_24051989.shtml |title=Um sonho corroído |author=Revista Veja |publisher=[[Editora Abril]] |date=24 May 1989 |access-date=29 November 2008 |language=pt |author-link=Revista Veja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090208192704/http://veja.abril.com.br/arquivo_veja/capa_24051989.shtml |archive-date=8 February 2009 }}</ref>

====Flexible-fuel vehicles====
[[File:Brazilian 2003 VW Gol 1.6 Total Flex.jpg|thumb|right|Volkswagen Gol Total Flex]]

The 2003 [[Volkswagen Gol|VW Gol 1.6 Total Flex]] was the first full flexible-fuel vehicle launched in Brazil, capable of running on any blend of petrol and [[Common ethanol fuel mixtures#E100|E100]]. In March of that year, on its fiftieth anniversary, [[Volkswagen do Brasil]] launched in the local market the [[Volkswagen Gol|Gol]] 1.6 Total Flex, the first Brazilian commercial [[flexible fuel vehicle]] capable of running on any mix of [[E20 fuel|E20-E25]] petrol and up to 100% [[hydrous]] ethanol fuel ([[Common ethanol fuel mixtures#E100|E100]]).<ref name="SusEthanol">{{Cite book|author1=Goettemoeller, Jeffrey |author2=Adrian Goettemoeller | title = Sustainable Ethanol: Biofuels, Biorefineries, Cellulosic Biomass, Flex-Fuel Vehicles, and Sustainable Farming for Energy Independence | year = 2007| publisher=Prairie Oak Publishing, Maryville, Missouri |pages=56–61 | isbn=978-0-9786293-0-4}}</ref><ref name="autonews.com">{{cite news |url=http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060323/REUTERS/60323043/1111 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213023830/http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20060323%2FREUTERS%2F60323043%2F1111 |archive-date=13 February 2009 |title=Volkswagen to stop making gas-only cars for Brazil |newspaper=Automotive News |date=23 March 2006 |access-date=18 October 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vwbr.com.br/VWBrasil/Historia/A-nova-Volkswagen.aspx |title=A Nova Volkswagen |publisher=Volkswagen do Brasil |access-date=18 October 2008 |language=pt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915184129/http://www.vwbr.com.br/VWBrasil/Historia/A-nova-Volkswagen.aspx <!--Added by H3llBot--> |archive-date=15 September 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.parana-online.com.br/canal/automoveis/news/170341/ |title=Volkswagen lança Golf Total Flex 1.6 |publisher=ParanaOnline |date=30 March 2006 |access-date=18 October 2008 |language=pt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522121038/http://www.parana-online.com.br/canal/automoveis/news/170341/ |archive-date=22 May 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> After the pure ethanol fiasco, consumer confidence in ethanol-powered vehicles was restored, allowing the rapid adoption of the flex technology. This was facilitated by the fuel distribution infrastructure already in place throughout Brazil, with more than 30 thousand fueling stations, a heritage of the ''Pró-Álcool'' program<ref name="BRgas08">{{cite web|url=http://www.gazeta.com.br/GZM_News.aspx?Parms=2108086,604,1 |title=Margem estreita não intimida pequenas |publisher=Gazeta Mercantil |author=Roberta Scrivano |date=7 October 2008 |access-date=26 November 2008 |language=pt }}{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Owing to the success and rapid consumer acceptance of the flex-fuel versions, by 2005 VW had sold 293,523 flex-fuel cars and light-duty trucks, and only 53,074 petrol-only automobiles,<ref name="ANFAVEA05">{{cite web|url=http://www.anfavea.com.br/tabelas2005/autoveiculos/tabela08_vendas.pdf|title=Tabela 08 – Vendas Atacado Mercado Interno por Tipo e Empresa – Combustível Flex Fuel – 2005|publisher=ANFAVEA – Associação Nacional dos Fabricantes de Veículos Automotores (Brazil)|access-date=16 April 2009|language=pt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120082957/http://www.anfavea.com.br/tabelas2005/autoveiculos/tabela08_vendas.pdf|archive-date=20 November 2008}} ''See Table 08 for flex-fuel sales and Table 07 for gasoline sales''.</ref> jumping to 525,838 flex-fuel vehicles and only 13,572 petrol-only cars and 248 petrol-only light trucks in 2007,<ref name="ANFAVEA07">{{cite web|url=http://www.anfavea.com.br/tabelas2007/autoveiculos/tabela08_vendas.pdf|title=Tabela 08 – Vendas Atacado Mercado Interno por Tipo e Empresa – Combustível Flex Fuel – 2007|publisher=ANFAVEA – Associação Nacional dos Fabricantes de Veículos Automotores (Brazil)|access-date=16 April 2009|language=pt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120041043/http://www.anfavea.com.br/tabelas2007/autoveiculos/tabela08_vendas.pdf|archive-date=20 November 2008}} ''See Table 08 for flex-fuel sales and Table 07 for gasoline sales''.</ref> and reaching new car sales of 564,959 flex-fuel vehicles in 2008, representing 96% of all new cars and light-duty trucks sold in that year.<ref name="ANFAVEA08">{{cite web|url=http://www.anfavea.com.br/tabelas2008/autoveiculos/tabela08_vendas.pdf|title=Tabela 08 – Vendas Atacado Mercado Interno por Tipo e Empresa – Combustível Flex Fuel – 2008|publisher=ANFAVEA – Associação Nacional dos Fabricantes de Veículos Automotores (Brazil)|access-date=16 April 2009|language=pt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706150754/http://www.anfavea.com.br/tabelas2008/autoveiculos/tabela08_vendas.pdf|archive-date=6 July 2011|url-status=live}} ''See Table 08''.</ref> VW do Brasil stopped manufacturing petrol-only vehicles models for the local market in 2006,<ref name="autonews.com" /> and all of the remaining petrol-only Volkswagen models sold in Brazil are imported. The flex-fuel models currently produced for the local market are the Gol, Fox, CrossFox, Parati, Polo Hatch, Polo Sedan, Saveiro, Golf, and Kombi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.norpave.com.br/site/index.php?modulo=detalhe_noticia&id=24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328224058/https://www.norpave.com.br/site/index.php?modulo=detalhe_noticia&id=24 |archive-date=28 March 2022 |title=VW completa 55 anos como maior montadora do País |publisher=Norpave VW |date=25 March 2008 |access-date=18 April 2009 |language=pt}}</ref> By March 2009, Volkswagen do Brasil had attained the milestone mark of two million flex-fuel vehicles produced since 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://autobrasil.wordpress.com/2009/03/25/vw-dois-milhoes-de-carros-flex/|title=VW: dois milhões de carros flex|publisher=Auto Brasil|date=25 March 2009|access-date=19 April 2009|language=pt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090329062920/http://autobrasil.wordpress.com/2009/03/25/vw-dois-milhoes-de-carros-flex/|archive-date=29 March 2009|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.noticiasautomotivas.com.br/volkswagen-atinge-2-milhoes-de-carros-flex-produzidos-no-brasil/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120906165905/http://www.noticiasautomotivas.com.br/volkswagen-atinge-2-milhoes-de-carros-flex-produzidos-no-brasil/ |archive-date=6 September 2012 |title=Volkswagen atinge 2 milhões de carros Flex produzidos no Brasil |publisher=Noticias Automotivas |date=24 March 2009 |access-date=18 April 2009 |language=pt }}</ref>

====Hybrid vehicles====
[[File:VW Jetta Hybrid WAS 2012 0710.JPG|thumb|The Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid gets {{Convert|48|mpgus|km/L|1|abbr=on}} on highway.]]

Volkswagen and [[Sanyo]] have teamed up to develop a battery system for [[hybrid electric vehicle|hybrid cars]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/02/03/209275.html |title=Volkswagen and Sanyo Team Up To Develop Hybrid Battery Systems |publisher=Theautochannel.com |access-date=27 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100912073859/http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/02/03/209275.html |archive-date=12 September 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> Volkswagen head [[Martin Winterkorn]] has confirmed the company plans to build compact hybrid electric vehicles. He has stated "There will definitely be compact hybrid models, such as [[Volkswagen Polo|Polo]] and [[Volkswagen Golf|Golf]], and without any great delay", with petrol and [[diesel engine|diesel]] power. For example, the Golf is the ideal model to go hybrid, as the Golf 1.4 TSI was recently awarded the "Auto Environment Certificate" by the Oko-Trend Institute for Environmental Research, and was considered one of the most environmentally friendly vehicles of 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.green-hybrid-cars.com/volkswagen-hybrid.html |title="Volkswagen Hybrid: Runaway Winner". Eco-Friendly Hybrid Cars, 2 May 2008 |publisher=Green-hybrid-cars.com |access-date=27 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306063534/http://green-hybrid-cars.com/volkswagen-hybrid.html |archive-date=6 March 2009 }}</ref> Also underway at Volkswagen's [[Braunschweig]] [[Research and development|R&D]] facilities in Northern Germany is a hybrid version of the next-generation [[Volkswagen Touareg|Touareg]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=119559 |title=Compact Hybrid Coming From Volkswagen |publisher=Edmunds.com |date=22 January 2009 |access-date=27 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217073817/http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId%3D119559 |archive-date=17 February 2009 }}</ref>

VW intends all future models to have the hybrid option. "Future VW models will fundamentally also be constructed with hybrid concepts," VW head of development Ulrich Hackenberg told ''Automobilwoche'' in an interview. Hackenberg mentioned that the car based on the [[Volkswagen up!|Up!]] concept seen at [[Frankfurt Motor Show]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=122568 |title=2007 Frankfurt Auto Show: Volkswagen Up! |publisher=Edmunds.com |date=11 September 2007 |access-date=27 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301021345/http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId%3D122568 |archive-date=1 March 2009 }}</ref> as well as all future models, could be offered with either full or partial hybrid options. The rear-engine up! will go into production in 2011. Nothing has been said about [[plug-in hybrid]] options.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.egmcartech.com/2007/09/24/report-all-volkswagen-models-to-have-hybrid-option/ |title=Report: All Volkswagen models to have hybrid option |publisher=eGMCarTech |date=24 September 2007 |access-date=27 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429001822/http://www.egmcartech.com/2007/09/24/report-all-volkswagen-models-to-have-hybrid-option/ |archive-date=29 April 2011 }}</ref>

Volkswagen announced at the [[Geneva Motor Show#010|2010 Geneva Motor Show]] the launch of the 2012 [[Volkswagen Touareg#Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid (2009)|Touareg Hybrid]], scheduled for 2011.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/05/geneva-auto-show-2011-vw-touareg-and-2012-touareg-hybrid/?scp=1&sq=2011%20Volkswagen%20Touareg%20Hybrid&st=cse|title=Geneva Auto Show: 2011 VW Touareg and 2012 Touareg Hybrid|author=Nick Kurczewski|work=The New York Times|date=5 March 2010|access-date=26 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720075803/http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/05/geneva-auto-show-2011-vw-touareg-and-2012-touareg-hybrid/?scp=1&sq=2011%20Volkswagen%20Touareg%20Hybrid&st=cse|archive-date=20 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/1003_2011_volkswagen_touareg_hybrid_drive/index.html|title=First Drive: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg|author=Scott Evans|magazine=[[Motor Trend]]|date=March 2010|access-date=26 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100322191600/http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/1003_2011_volkswagen_touareg_hybrid_drive/index.html|archive-date=22 March 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> VW also announced plans to introduce [[diesel fuel|diesel]]-electric hybrid versions of its most popular models in 2012, beginning with the new [[Volkswagen Jetta|Jetta]], followed by the [[Volkswagen Golf|Golf Hybrid]] in 2013 together with hybrid versions of the [[Volkswagen Polo|Passat]].<ref name=Parkers>{{cite web|url=http://www.parkers.co.uk/News/News/VW-hybridelectric-cars/ |title=VW to launch hybrid Jetta in 2012 |publisher=Parker's |access-date=26 March 2010 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130114061853/http://www.parkers.co.uk/News/News/VW-hybridelectric-cars/ |archive-date=14 January 2013 }}</ref><ref name=AECs>{{cite web|url=http://www.allcarselectric.com/blog/1043442_vw-to-focus-on-several-electric-and-hybrid-vehicle-launches-including-golf-jetta-passat-and-more |title=VW To Focus on Several Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Launches Including Golf, Jetta, Passat and More |author=Motor Authority|publisher=All Cars Electric|date=17 March 2010|access-date=26 March 2010}}</ref> In 2012, the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid set the world record to become the fastest hybrid car at {{convert|187|mph|abbr=on}}.

====Plug-in electric vehicles====

In November 2009, Volkswagen announced it has hired Karl-Thomas Neumann as its group chief officer for [[electric traction]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rumors.automobilemag.com/6605889/news/volkswagen-hires-new-electric-vehicle-chief/index.html |title=Volkswagen Hires New Electric Vehicle Chief – Automotive News & Car Rumors at Automobile Magazine |publisher=Rumors.automobilemag.com |date=12 November 2009 |access-date=22 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114153307/http://rumors.automobilemag.com/6605889/news/volkswagen-hires-new-electric-vehicle-chief/index.html |archive-date=14 January 2010 }}</ref> VW's Chief of research, Jürgen Leohold, said in 2010 the company has concluded [[fuel-cell vehicle|hydrogen fuel-cell cars]] are not a viable option.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.calcars.org/calcars-news/876.html |title=Audi's PHEV Concept; Volkswagen Research Chief Criticizes Fuel Cells |publisher=Calcars.org |access-date=27 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100919130451/http://calcars.org/calcars-news/876.html |archive-date=19 September 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/Volkswagen-Concepts/229005/ |title=Fuel cell cars won't save the world |work=Autocar |date=6 November 2007 |access-date=27 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206050703/http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/Volkswagen-Concepts/229005/ |archive-date=6 December 2010 }}</ref>

[[File:Black VW Golf GTE charging fl, Amsterdam (20150224 102438).jpg|thumb|[[Volkswagen Golf GTE]] [[plug-in hybrid]] charging]]

{{As of|2016|05}} The [[Volkswagen Group]] offers retail customers nine [[plug-in electric car]]s, of which three are [[all-electric car]]s: the [[Volkswagen e-Up!]], [[Volkswagen e-Golf|e-Golf]] and [[Audi R8 e-tron]], and six are [[plug-in hybrid]]s: the [[Volkswagen Golf GTE]], [[Volkswagen Passat GTE|Passat GTE]], [[Audi A3 Sportback e-tron]], [[Audi Q7 e-tron|Q7 e-tron quattro]], [[Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid]] and [[Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid|Cayenne S E-Hybrid]].<ref name=VWPEVs>{{cite news | url=http://www.autonews.com/article/20160529/OEM05/305309985/vw-goal:-1-million-electrified-vehicles-by-2025 | title=VW goal: 1 million electrified vehicles by 2025 | first=Christiaan | last= Hetzner | work=[[Automotive News]] | date=29 May 2016 | access-date=29 May 2016}}</ref> Also, two limited-production plug-in hybrids were manufactured beginning in 2013, the [[Volkswagen XL1]] (250 units) and the [[Porsche 918 Spyder]] (918 units).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.automobilwoche.de/article/20131009/NACHRICHTEN/131009943/vergabe-der-kleinstserie-vw-lenkt-xl-1-fans-auf-zielgerade|title=Vergabe der Kleinstserie: VW lenkt XL-1-Fans auf Zielgerade|language=de|trans-title=Allocation of micro series: VW XL1 draws fans to finish line|author=Henning Kroghhkrogh|work=Automobilwoche|date=9 October 2013|access-date=26 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029185025/http://www.automobilwoche.de/article/20131009/NACHRICHTEN/131009943/vergabe-der-kleinstserie-vw-lenkt-xl-1-fans-auf-zielgerade|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/2014-porsche-918-spyder-deep-dive-review/ |title=2014 Porsche 918 Spyder |author=Michael Harley |publisher=[[Autoblog.com]] |date=1 October 2012 |access-date=14 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005115349/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/2014-porsche-918-spyder-deep-dive-review/ |archive-date=5 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Total cumulative sales of all Volkswagen brand [[electric vehicle|electrified cars]] since the start of their respective production is expected to reach about 103,000 by the end of 2016.<ref name=VWPEVs/> The [[Volkswagen ID.4]] was launched in the U.S. in September 2020.

In order to comply with increasingly strict [[Greenhouse gas emissions|carbon dioxide emission]] limits in major markets, the VW Group expects to sell about one million all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles a year worldwide by 2025. The Group plans to expand its plug-in range with 20 new pure electric and plug-in hybrid cars, including two cars to compete with [[Tesla, Inc.]], the [[Porsche Mission E]] all-electric car and the [[Audi e-tron (2018)|Audi e-tron]] quattro, which is expected to become the brand's first mass-production electric vehicle. According to Thomas Ulbrich, VW brand production chief, the carmaker has the capacity to build as many as 75,000 battery-electric and plug-in hybrids a year if demand rises. Volkswagen announced in October 2015 that "it will develop a modular architecture for battery-electric cars, called the [[Volkswagen Group MEB platform|MEB]]. The standardised system will be designed for all body structures and vehicle types and will allow the company to build emotionally appealing EVs with a range of up to {{convert|310|mi|abbr=on}}."<ref name=VWPEVs/> In June 2016, VW launched a program to develop 30 all-electric cars in 10 years and sell 2–3&nbsp;million electric cars per year by 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.volkswagenag.com/content/vwcorp/info_center/en/news/2016/06/2025.html |title=News|access-date=20 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621062535/http://www.volkswagenag.com/content/vwcorp/info_center/en/news/2016/06/2025.html |archive-date=21 June 2016 }}</ref> Due to lower manpower requirements for electric motors than for piston engines, VW expects a gradual workforce reduction as the number of electric cars increase.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-jobs-idUSKCN12S1QP|title=VW HR chief says expects five-digit number of job cuts: FAZ|date=29 October 2016|work=Reuters|access-date=1 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101191653/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-jobs-idUSKCN12S1QP|archive-date=1 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/neue-mobilitaet/vw-personalchef-elektromobilitaet-wird-zehntausende-jobs-kosten-14502483.html|title=VW-Personalchef: Elektromobilität wird Zehntausende Jobs kosten|date=28 October 2016|work=Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung|access-date=1 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031214937/https://www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/neue-mobilitaet/vw-personalchef-elektromobilitaet-wird-zehntausende-jobs-kosten-14502483.html|archive-date=31 October 2016|url-status=live|last1=Germis|first1=Carsten}}</ref> VW considers battery factory ownership as too expensive.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/neue-mobilitaet/osterloh-besteht-auf-bau-einer-batteriefabrik-14486729.html|title=Osterloh besteht auf Bau einer Batteriefabrik|date=18 October 2016|work=Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung|access-date=1 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103235035/https://www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/neue-mobilitaet/osterloh-besteht-auf-bau-einer-batteriefabrik-14486729.html|archive-date=3 November 2016|url-status=live|last1=Germis|first1=Carsten}}</ref>

=== Flying vehicles ===
In February 2021, Volkswagen issued a statement that "vertical mobility" could be the next step after self-driving technology. It announced that the company is exploring the feasibility of flying vehicles in [[China]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/02/09/business/volkswagen-flying-vehicles/index.html|title=Volkswagen is exploring flying vehicles in China|date=9 February 2021 }}</ref>