The Volkswagen Group is reportedly planning to eliminate at least ten models as part of a broader cost-cutting initiative.
According to a report from Bild, several slow-selling vehicles across the group's brands could be discontinued.
>>> US Launches Airstrikes on Iran, Imposes Maritime Blockade and Tariff
Volkswagen Brand Cuts
Among the models potentially facing the axe are the Volkswagen Jetta and Taos.
The Jetta's demise would not be surprising, as sedan sales have declined in favor of crossovers.
In the first half of the year, Volkswagen sold only 15,949 Jettas in the United States, a fraction of competitors like the Honda Civic (132,440 units) and Toyota Corolla (131,403 units).
The Taos, Volkswagen's entry-level crossover, fared even worse with just 7,794 units sold, a 43.9% drop year-over-year.
Bild also suggests the Škoda Fabia is living on borrowed time, despite selling 119,139 units last year.
The Cupra Raval, which debuted only a few months ago, is also rumored to be a one-generation model.
>>> Cinephiles Travel Across Oceans for Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey
Audi and Porsche Cuts
On the luxury side, Audi could kill off the Q5 Sportback and Q6 E-tron Sportback, as crossover coupes are less popular than traditional SUVs.
Porsche may drop the gas-powered Cayenne Coupe and potentially cancel plans for internal combustion versions of the 718 Boxster and Cayman.
The Porsche Taycan could also be discontinued after sales dropped 22% last year to 16,339 units, with the company citing a slowdown in EV adoption.
Bild estimates that axing these models could save the Volkswagen Group up to €6.5 billion ($7.4 billion) by 2031.
However, the list is preliminary, and additional models like the Audi e-tron GT may also be at risk.
>>> First Chinese EVs in Canada Are $159,000 Lotus SUVs, Not Budget Cars
Volkswagen's Product Communications Director Stefan Voswinkel declined to comment, telling Motor1, "We do not comment on speculation regarding future models or decisions regarding the product cycle plan."
