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The rise in popularity of electric vehicles has sparked the return of iconic names such as the Renault 4 and 5, as well as Ford Capri, and Opel/Vauxhall have already announced the electric Manta. However Volkswagen does not plan to revive similar names, in particular Scirocco, as stated by the brand's CEO Thomas Schaefer.
When asked about the possible return of classic Volkswagen models as electric cars, Schaefer replied: "In order to be able to produce niche products, you need to maintain the balance of the main line. We have produced a lot of niche models in the past, and I do not rule out their return in the future, but right now it is not on the agenda."
Schaefer stressed that Volkswagen is now focused on creating a balanced model range for key markets. "Can we afford to experiment now? I don't think so. The main thing now is to create the perfect model range for the core markets," he added.
The Volkswagen CEO included the Scirocco and Touran among niche models. "Our core model range covers everything from small hatchbacks to large SUVs and station wagons. But niche models like the Scirocco or Touran have their place in our plans. Every year we analyze whether they are worth bringing back and whether there is sufficient demand for them," Schaefer explained.
If the Scirocco or any other iconic Volkswagen model is to return as an electric vehicle, it will have to live up to its original DNA. “The Scirocco is a very special model, but if it doesn’t reflect its original concept, we’d rather create something new with a new name,” Schaefer stressed.
Referring to Ford's decision to revive the Capri name for an electric crossover, Schaefer said: "It's a mistake to call something something it's not. We would never do that. If it's a GTI, it has to be a real GTI. If it's an R model, it has to be true to the R story."
At the same time, Volkswagen does not rule out the possibility of adding the “ID” label to existing models during their transition to electric powertrain - provided that these models are sufficiently iconic. In 2024, Schaefer told Auto Express that the company is considering the option of creating an ID.Golf, since the Golf name is iconic and Volkswagen is not going to give it up.
