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Volkswagen is a altering model. The present sales mix has flipped to 83 percent SUVs in America. Future plans name for 55% of American gross sales to be electrical autos by 2030. Now we have seen earlier cullings of conventional VWs from the American lineup: the bottom Golf, the wagons and the Passat. However VW’s newest transfer hits like a intestine punch.
The Golf GTI and Golf R are dropping their handbook transmissions after the 2024 mannequin yr. Volkswagen confirmed the news in a press launch asserting a particular GTI 380 look and efficiency package deal that can come normal — with a corresponding worth enhance — on the ultimate 2024 mannequin yr Golf GTIs. VW mentioned future fashions would proceed to make use of the 7-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission.
ANDREW TRAHAN PHOTOGRAPHY LLC
Why is VW dropping the handbook on the GTI and Golf R? Emissions
The principle marketplace for the Golf lineup is Europe. Europe is introducing new and tightened Euro 7 emissions regulations in 2025. In accordance with a report from Autocar, the handbook Golf GTI emits 162 g/km of carbon vs. 160 g/km from the automated. And that distinction is significant sufficient for VW fleet emissions compliance.
However we might wager cost-cutting additionally performed a task
New management at VW reportedly wants to cut 10 billion euros in costs by 2026. Having one transmission in a automobile as a substitute of two is a good way to chop prices. And notably in that atmosphere, it is fairly potential that the take fee for handbook transmission Golf autos now not justified the event expenditure for the mid-cycle refresh due in 2025.
Does this imply VW will kill the Golf GTI and Golf R in America?
VW has not confirmed it’s killing the Golf lineup in America. And the official launch says the fashions will “carry ahead.” However we might not be stunned if the Golf’s ultimate demise in America occurs quickly.
Volkswagen already eradicated the bottom Golf from the American Mk8 technology attributable to poor gross sales. VW solely bought 8,423 Golf GTI and R autos in America final yr with new fashions within the showrooms (or at the least on-line) — making up 2.8% of VW’s gross sales. And dropping the handbook may ship a lot of these clients fleeing to the GTI and Golf R’s manual-offering rivals.
