VW and Audi May Continue Selling ICE Models in Europe After 2033 | Carscoops

      Porsche is reportedly contemplating the idea of reintroducing the ICE Macan in Europe.

      Initial plans had indicated that ICE models would be phased out early in the next decade, but this is now being reassessed.

      The shift to battery-electric vehicles in the industry has not occurred as swiftly as anticipated.

      Consequently, new VW Group products may undergo two facelifts and remain viable for nearly a decade.

      For some time, VW and Audi were expected to cease sales of combustion-powered models in Europe by 2033 as part of a larger industry transition to battery-electric vehicles. However, a recent report suggests that certain ICE models from the VW Group might be around longer than anticipated due to the slower-than-expected development of the EV market.

      While global EV sales reached unprecedented levels last year, growth in Europe has stalled. EVs that previously represented 14.6% of total new car sales in the region fell to 13.6% in 2024. This shift has reportedly led VW to reevaluate its plans for an EV-only lineup, which might mean popular models like the Golf, T-Roc, and Tiguan could receive facelifts in the 2030s.

      Many of the conglomerate's future decisions will depend on the broader industry landscape. If plans to eliminate combustion engines across Europe by 2035 are delayed, it would allow VW Group to extend the lifespan of several models.

      **Revised Plans**

      Sources who talked to Handelsblatt revealed that executives at VW and Audi no longer view 2033 as a feasible deadline for phasing out all ICEs due to concerns regarding EV growth rates in the industry. “Nobody would set the targets in stone like that again today,” said the publication’s sources.

      VW’s final planned generation of combustion engines will debut this year, potentially allowing for their complete phase-out after current ICE models complete their seven-to-eight-year production cycles. However, unconfirmed sources indicate that discussions are underway about providing these vehicles with second facelifts in the next decade, which could prolong their lifecycles by an additional two to three years.

      Audi is engaged in similar discussions. An insider noted, “Internally, we are currently working on ensuring that fixed dates, such as the introduction of new electric platforms and the end of combustion engine production, can be postponed if necessary.”

      Porsche is also reassessing its dedication to EVs. Although it has phased out the combustion-powered Macan in Europe in favor of the new EV model, there are considerations for reintroducing an ICE variant of the popular SUV. The luxury brand had aimed for 50% of its sales to come from electrified vehicles this year, but that goal now seems unlikely to be achieved.