To catch up, nine new cars will be released by 2027
Since the Dieselgate scandal, Volkswagen has struggled to maintain its once-dominant position in Europe. The rise of electric vehicles and increasing competition from Chinese automakers caught the company off guard, and its ID lineup of EVs has received mixed reviews. Acknowledging the need to “catch up,” VW has unveiled a recovery plan called Triple A: Accelerate, Attack, and Achieve.
By 2027, VW plans to release nine new vehicles, including two affordable EVs. The ID.2 is slated for a 2026 debut, followed by the recently teased ID.1 in 2027. Before these arrive, VW’s immediate focus is on launching the second-generation T-Roc, which it has identified as its final combustion-engine model. With the T-Roc nearly matching the Golf in popularity in Europe last year, VW is placing high hopes on its success.
At a recent employee meeting at the Wolfsburg plant, CEO Thomas Schäfer reassured workers that the facility has a promising future, even as production of the current Golf is set to move to Mexico in 2027. Wolfsburg will remain the production site for the fully electric Golf, which will use VW Group’s new Scalable Systems Platform (SSP). This ninth-generation Golf, developed in partnership with Rivian, will exclusively feature electric powertrains.
The e-Golf is expected to return later in the decade, alongside plans for an electric T-Roc, although neither is launching soon. These additions are part of VW’s “targeted” expansion strategy to better compete in a crowded market. By the time these EVs hit the road, competition will only have intensified—not just from Chinese automakers but also from European rivals.
For instance, Renault has been aggressively expanding its EV lineup. Its new Twingo will launch in 2026, a year before VW’s ID.1, targeting the €20,000 EV segment. The Renault 5 is already available, while VW’s €25,000 ID.2 is still a year away. Additionally, Renault is reviving the Renault 4 as an affordable electric crossover, further strengthening its position.
VW has also faced ongoing software issues, which have delayed several recent launches. Despite these setbacks, the company aims to become the “technologically leading brand in the volume segment” by the end of the decade. While VW has had its challenges, its size and resources give it the potential to regain momentum—if it can resolve its issues and execute its plans effectively.
