Wolfsburg, Germany – In one of the most significant strategic shifts in its history, the automotive giant Volkswagen announced a new era for its product portfolio, uniting established names from decades past with the future of electric mobility. With this move, the company aims to facilitate its customers' transition to electric vehicles by offering them familiar and iconic names in an entirely new, electrified format.
The Symbolism of Change
At the core of the new strategy is the decision to carry over iconic models like the Polo, GTI, and T-Cross into the electric vehicle family, designated with the prefix ID. The first vehicle to mark this transition will be the long-awaited ID. Polo, which is scheduled to launch in 2026, the 50th anniversary of the original Polo. The model's conceptual prototype, previously known as the ID. 2all, gives a clear idea of the brand's vision.
Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, emphasizes the importance of this decision. "The names of our models are firmly rooted in people's minds. They symbolize a strong brand and embody characteristics like quality, timeless design, and modern technology accessible to all. That's why we are transferring our well-known names into the future. The ID. Polo is just the beginning," he stated, revealing the company's ambition to expand its electric portfolio with more established names.
Despite this change, Volkswagen assured that vehicles with conventional engines will continue to be produced under their current names. This parallel strategy aims to unite both worlds – that of internal combustion engines and that of electric mobility – thus ensuring a smooth and easy choice for consumers.
The Emotional Connection to the Past and Future
The new strategy is not just a rebranding; it's an emotional bridge between the past and the future. For decades, models like the Polo have become a symbol of quality, reliability, and accessibility. According to the company, they accompany people through key stages of their lives, building memories and stories.
Martin Sander, a member of the Volkswagen Board of Management responsible for Sales, Marketing, and After Sales, added: "Our cars often accompany people for many years – they shape memories and life stages. A model like the Polo shows how strong a name can be: it is a symbol of reliability, individuality, and history. This is precisely why we are once again giving our ID. models names that evoke emotions and are rooted in people's everyday lives. Electric mobility should be not only progressive but also accessible and personalized."
The new strategy will also include one of Volkswagen's strongest sports brands. "We are bringing one of our strongest brands – GTI – into the world of electric vehicles. In 2026, the ID. GTI Concept model will go into production as the ID. Polo GTI. It will offer exceptional dynamics and plenty of driving pleasure," Sander added.
World Premiere and a New Generation of Models
The first public appearance of the new ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI, although still camouflaged, will be at the IAA Mobility world exhibition in Munich, which will take place from September 8 to 14. One day earlier, on September 7, Volkswagen will present a concept car for an electric compact SUV – the new ID. CROSS Concept. Its production version, the ID. Cross, will be launched at the end of 2026 as the electric equivalent of the popular T-Cross model.
These premieres are a clear sign that Volkswagen is entering a new era focused on smaller and more affordable electric vehicles. This approach is a direct response to feedback from customers who are looking for higher quality, intelligent operating solutions, and an intuitive design that combines digital and physical controls.
With its new product range, Volkswagen aims to make electric driving more accessible than ever, expanding the ID. family, which started in 2018 with the ID.3 model. It currently includes various models, including
- ID.4
- ID.5
- ID. Buzz
- ID.7
- ID.7 Tourer