For four decades, Volkswagen has ceased to manufacture its iconic Polo models on European soil. Volkswagen has terminated production of the Polo in Europe, redirecting its focus towards developing a range of smaller, more affordably priced electric vehicles.
Volkswagen’s iconic Polo model has bid farewell to European production lines after a remarkable four-decade run.
The Volkswagen Group assembles Polo models at its manufacturing facility in Puebla, Mexico, commencing production in 1975 and not Pamplona, Spain. More than 8.4 million Volkswagen Polos have rolled off the production lines at the Pamplona plant, making it one of Europe’s most popular and best-selling vehicles.
As of the latest data available through August 2024, Volkswagen’s Polo ranked as Europe’s eighth best-selling compact car, with a total of more than 90,100 units sold during that period.
Notwithstanding Volkswagen’s plans to debut a series of compact, more affordable electric vehicles (EVs), these models will be manufactured at its existing facilities. The Pamplona plant is set to begin manufacturing two compact electric SUV models by 2026.
The brand’s inaugural electric SUVs will rely on a refined version of Volkswagen’s modular electrification platform (MEB), already supporting its current ID lineup, including the ID.4.
We got our first glimpse of the compact SUV last year following Volkswagen’s unveiling of the ID.4 all-electric concept. The ID.2all will nestle under the ID.3, boasting a starting price point of less than €24,999 ($27,400) when it debuts.
More affordable electric vehicles on the horizon?
According to CEO Thomas Shafer, the ID.2all concept “maps out where we need to take the brand.” The electric SUV is anticipated to boast a WLTP-estimated driving range of up to 279 miles (450 km).
Volkswagen seamlessly merged iconic design elements from its legendary models, such as the Golf and Beetle, with modern enhancements to spearhead its electric journey in the new era.
As production-ready designs for the ID.2 near completion, Head Designer Andreas Mindt asserts that the final product has exceeded expectations, boasting a level of refinement that surpasses initial concepts unveiled last year. Minting a bold statement, Volkswagen’s CEO, Herbert Diess, claimed that their affordable electric SUV provides a glimpse into the company’s fresh design philosophy.
Upon its inaugural unveiling last December, Mindt proclaimed, “The future of Volkswagen interiors has officially arrived.”
The Volkswagen ID.2 is expected to boast a spacious interior, featuring up to 47 cubic feet (1,330 liters) of cargo capacity. It’s rare to find ample storage space within a compact car.
The standout interior feature is a cutting-edge rotary knob that enables drivers to seamlessly switch between distinct settings inspired by the iconic Golf and Beetle models. By adjusting the knob, users can toggle between two distinct modes: “Traditional”, which draws inspiration from the iconic Beetle era, and “Classic”, which transportatively recreates the spirit of the Golf period.
Last month, Volkswagen’s budget-friendly electric vehicle was spotted on its first public outing ahead of its highly anticipated launch.
Volkswagen has also previewed a slightly larger ID.2 Allroad SUV model, expected to hit the market shortly after its ID.2 counterpart debuts in 2026.
Although Volkswagen ceased production of the Polo model in Europe, the vehicle will still be available in the region. Notwithstanding, manufacturing operations have been relocated to their Kariega, South Africa facility. Volkswagen has announced plans to continue manufacturing its T-Cross and Taigo models in Spain, according to official confirmation from the company.
