Volkswagen has confirmed plans to introduce hybrid variants of its popular Tiguan SUV and Atlas crossover. However, don’t expect these eco-friendly options to hit the market anytime soon.

At the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show, the major automotive manufacturer noticeably omitted its hybrid model from the lineup on Wednesday.

At a recent roundtable discussion with novice automotive journalists and other media outlets, Thomas Schäfer, the CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, remarked that. However it will be years.

Schäfer famous that VW’s U.S. Retailers are adapting to shifting consumer preferences by rapidly introducing hybrid options into their lineups. Initially, the automaker didn’t have hybrids in its product roadmap due to forecasts suggesting a faster-than-expected adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which has created an opportunity for quick growth.

The automaker isn’t ruling out an electric variant for the US market. Without a clear strategy in place, Volkswagen’s North America chief has emphasized that the direction on laws and fleet emissions standards will ultimately determine the optimal blend of hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.

If we were to introduce a hybrid powertrain in the Atlas, absolutely.

According to Schäfer, the focus will “most likely” center on developing a single, high-quality plug-in rather than attempting to create multiple products simultaneously, prioritizing stability and ensuring a seamless match between their offerings. The team is still figuring out when to bring this element into play. Until a next-generation Atlas model materializes, potentially years away. The Atlas rocket has undergone three significant updates: its initial launch in 2018, a refresh in 2021, and another revamp scheduled for 2024.

Former Volkswagen Group of America CEO, Pablo Di Si, had been a driving force behind the push to bring hybrid vehicles to the US market. Market lineup—which initially seemed like a manageable task given Volkswagen’s extensive portfolio of hybrids available across various international markets. Despite this initial momentum, progress was slow to materialize.

Unlike its iconic counterpart, the Atlas, the Tiguan is designed as a global product, catering to diverse markets and preferences. The Volkswagen Tiguan, currently the brand’s top-selling model in the United States, has been available globally in various markets as both a conventional hybrid and plug-in hybrid variant.

Will alternative-fuel options for the Tiguan remain speculative until a mid-cycle refresh, potentially several years away? The all-new third-generation 2025 Tigoun has been unveiled, with a release date set for early summer.

The pint-sized Taos model fits seamlessly within the VW SUV lineup and has just undergone a revitalization for its 2025 iteration. Feedback from company executives has unequivocally stated that the ID.4 will likely follow the Tiguan and Atlas models in receiving a potential hybrid variant, should such a development occur.