Grim news for Volkswagen drivers as popular model is killed in Australia
- Volkswagen Golf Wagon and Golf R are no longer sold in Australia
- But customers who have already ordered the brand can still get it
- It’s because the German car giant wants to double profits and cut costs
A popular Volkswagen model has been axed in Australia as the company cuts costs and focuses on SUVs and electric cars.
The Golf Wagon and Golf R station wagon models will no longer be sold Down Under from next year.
The automaker said those who have already placed an order for the vehicles will still get their cars, but new buyers will not be able to get one.
The Golf Wagon (pictured) has been phased out in Australia as the company cuts costs and focuses on SUVs and electric cars
The automaker said those who have already placed an order for the vehicles will still get their cars, but new buyers will not be able to get one
It comes as the German car giant wants to double its profits by reducing and discontinuing certain models, drive.com.au revealed.
“We will focus on a small number of – albeit genuine – core Volkswagen models. This will reduce complexity and generate higher profits,” VW Passenger Cars CEO Thomas Schäfer said in a statement.
Volkswagen announced in June that it would also slam the brakes on its Arteon saloons and wagons in a bid to reduce its “low-volume” stock – but did not detail when they will be phased out.
The automaker will now give more priority to SUVs for the local market, news.com.au said.
It has stepped up its new Volkswagen Tiguan to grace Aussie showrooms by the third quarter of 2024, AutoExpert unveiled in June.
The mid-sized SUV has ranked as the best-seller globally, competing with local favorites Toyota RAV4 and Australia’s Hyundai Tuscan.
VW will also release its first GTX electric performance car in Australia in early 2024.
But it still hasn’t ruled out dropping the electric ID.7 Shooting Brake car from its range, despite other cars being left out.
The Golf R (pictured) has been available in Australia since the MK 7 came out in 2015
Other wagon car brands scrapped in Australia include the Ford Focus, Holden Astra and Renault Meganes.
The only brands still available in the country are the Skoda Octavia, Subaru WRX Sportswagon and Peugeot 308 SW.
Aussies have been buying the VW Golf Wagons since 2010, when the company brought in the MK V wagon, and recently sold from $37,990.
The Golf R has been available since the MK 7 came out in 2015 and last year sold for $68,990 including on-road costs.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Volkswagen Australia for comment.