Volkswagen’s chief of strategy has revealed the Wolfsburg-based brand plans to introduce its final combustion engine platform as early as 2026 as it accelerates its shift towards electric vehicles in the wake of the diesel-emissions scandal that first hit headlines in September 2015.
VW’s chief strategist, Michael Jost, made the comments during an automotive summit conference in Germany, according to Auto Express.
“The year 2026 will be the last product start on a combustion engine platform,” Jost reportedly said.
Of course, as the British publication points out, that’s about the expected launch date of the Golf 9, if the upcoming eighth-generation hatchback sticks around for the customary seven years.
Auto Express furthermore suggested this final platform could do duty for “at least” another ten years, giving Volkswagen more time to complete its planned switch to battery-electric vehicles.
Jost added Volkswagen was committed to taking “radical steps” to help halt global warming and would continue to adapt its petrol- and diesel-engined vehicles (likely through the use of hybrid systems) to meet ever-tightening environmental regulations.
