Volkswagen has officially ended the production of the up! city car in Europe. This marks the conclusion of an era, as it’s the last of the Volkswagen Group’s trio of city cars to bid adieu. Following the discontinuation of the Skoda Citigo in 2020 and the SEAT Mii about a year later, the up! has now joined them in the history books.
A 12-Year Run for the Iconic up!
The Volkswagen up! had an impressive 12-year run in production, making it one of the longest-serving cars in the German automotive conglomerate’s lineup. Its discontinuation follows the cessation of the GTI hot hatch variant by about 10 months. Notably, all three models in the New Small Family (NSF) lineup were offered as electric vehicles, and although direct replacements aren’t on the immediate horizon, the VW Group has promised a new generation of affordable EVs in the coming years.
Evolution Toward Electric Mobility
Volkswagen’s core brand is poised to introduce the ID.1, positioned as a smaller and more budget-friendly alternative to the previously previewed ID.2. This compact electric vehicle is part of Volkswagen’s strategic shift away from internal combustion engine (ICE) cars in Europe’s smallest segment. The Group’s commitment to this electric future extends even to B-segment cars, although earlier concerns about Euro 7 regulations have been somewhat mitigated.
Polo Takes the Helm as the Most Affordable Option
With the discontinuation of the up!, the Polo now assumes the role of Volkswagen’s most accessible offering in Europe. This transition signifies a momentous shift in the Group’s approach, as there are no plans for A-segment models with combustion engines due to the strong push toward electric vehicles.
Factory Transition for Future Models
The factory in Slovakia, where the up! was manufactured, is gearing up for new models. Notably, it will soon produce the wagon-only 2024 Volkswagen Passat. Furthermore, the Skoda Superb, available in both liftback and wagon body styles, will also be produced in Bratislava.
Electric Future for Europe
Looking ahead, Volkswagen has made a bold commitment to produce only electric vehicles in Europe starting in 2033. This signals a profound transformation in the automotive industry as it embraces an electrified future.
The discontinuation of the up! city car marks a pivotal moment in the Volkswagen Group’s journey toward electric mobility, and it reflects the evolving landscape of the European automotive market.
