After the announcement that the latest Audi model with a combustion engine is due to be launched in 2026, we have now learned that the Volkswagen will stop selling internal combustion engine cars in Europe in 2035.
The decision was announced by Klaus Zellmer, member of the sales and marketing board of the German construction company, in an interview with the German newspaper “Münchner Merkur”.
“In Europe, we are going to leave the combustion vehicle business between 2033 and 2035. In China and the United States it will be a little later,” said Klaus Zellmer.
For the executive of the German brand, a volume brand such as Volkswagen must “adapt to the different speeds of transformation in different regions”.
Klaus Zellmer, member of the Volkswagen sales and marketing boardCompetitors who sell vehicles mostly in Europe are less complex in the transformation due to clear political requirements. We will continue to consistently advance our ambitious electrical offensive, but we want to be aligned with our customers' needs.
Zellmer therefore recognizes the importance of combustion engines for “a few more years”, and Volkswagen will continue to invest in optimizing current powertrains, including Diesels, even if these represent an extra challenge.
“In view of the possible introduction of the EU7 standard, Diesel is certainly a special challenge. But there are driving profiles that still demand a lot of this type of technology, especially for drivers who drive a lot of kilometers”, revealed Zellmer.
In addition to this ambitious goal, Volkswagen estimates that in 2030 electric cars will already account for 70% of its sales and sets the year 2050 as a goal to completely close the sale of cars with combustion engines worldwide.