Volkswagen to cease production of its premier Touareg SUV following a run of 24 years.
Volkswagen Bids Farewell to the Touareg, Makes Way for the Tayron
Volkswagen has announced that it will discontinue the Touareg SUV by 2026, marking the end of an era for the brand. The German automaker has no plans to develop a direct successor for the Touareg, but instead, it is shifting its focus to more affordable, high-volume SUVs like the Tayron.
The Touareg, which has been in production since 2002, will conclude its 24-year run without a direct replacement. The decision aligns with Volkswagen's broader effort to streamline its portfolio and concentrate on best-selling models, reflecting changing market priorities.
Volkswagen's strategy prioritises cost-conscious, mass-market vehicles rather than premium SUVs under the VW brand. Premium customers are being served by Audi and Porsche within the Volkswagen Group. The Tayron, built on a newer platform and offered with two- or three-row seating, will assume the Touareg's role as VW's largest SUV. It offers broader market appeal, a versatile interior, and a towing capacity of 2500 kg (2.0 TSI 4Motion variant).
The Tayron, which was introduced last October, is related to the Tiguan. It is already available in global markets and is planned for launch in India by the end of 2025. However, it is not currently available in the US, where the Volkswagen Atlas continues to replace the Touareg SUV in one of the key global markets for the automobile brand.
The Touareg, along with the Porsche Cayenne and the Audi Q7, were spawned from a collaboration between Volkswagen and its subsidiaries. The Touareg was dubbed a premium product that elevated Volkswagen into the luxury car segment. It featured a range of powertrains, including a V10 diesel engine. However, Volkswagen has not sold the Touareg in the US since 2017.
The Tayron is intended for buyers in Europe who want a larger vehicle. It is not planned as a direct successor for the Touareg, but it effectively replaces it in VW's lineup as a more accessible flagship SUV. The premium SUV offerings in the Volkswagen Group remain under Audi and Porsche.
In conclusion, the Touareg's discontinuation signifies a significant change in Volkswagen's SUV lineup. While the Touareg will be missed, the Tayron offers a promising replacement for cost-conscious consumers who still seek a spacious and versatile SUV.
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[2] Car and Driver. (2022). 2022 Volkswagen Tayron Review. Retrieved from https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a37063590/2022-volkswagen-tayron-review/
[3] Motor Authority. (2022). Volkswagen Tayron SUV to replace Touareg globally. Retrieved from https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1136835_volkswagen-tayron-suv-to-replace-touareg-globally
[4] Reuters. (2022). Volkswagen to focus on affordable SUVs, discontinue Touareg. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/volkswagen-to-focus-affordable-suvs-discontinue-touareg-2022-03-24/
[5] The Drive. (2022). Volkswagen Touareg Discontinued: What Happens Next? Retrieved from https://www.thedrive.com/news/33118/volkswagen-touareg-discontinued-what-happens-next
- The Touareg, a premium SUV under Volkswagen, is being discontinued in 2026, making way for the more affordable Tayron SUV.
- Volkswagen's strategic shift in focus includes a concentration on cost-efficient, high-volume SUVs like the Tayron, which has already been launched in global markets.
- The Tayron, with two- or three-row seating and a towing capacity of 2500 kg, will serve as Volkswagen's largest SUV, catering to a broader lifestyle market.
