Iconic Models Will Return To EV Ranks, VW: Tiguan And Golf Can Enter, Beeple Not

JAKARTA - Currently, well-known automotive companies are preparing their newest EV model to switch to the future electrification segment. Several manufacturers will even launch the latest EVs using the iconic model name.

One brand that will revive its iconic model name is Volkswagen (VW). VW boss Thomas Schaefer has confirmed that names like Golf and Tiguan are likely to be present as EV vehicles in the future.

Schaefer menyatakan bahwa saat ini mereka memiliki banyak opsi nama untuk kendaraan listrik terbaru mereka. Namun, ia menekankan bahwa pilihan harus dipertimbangkan dengan pengati agar model dan nama memiliki identitas yang jelas.

"We have many names in our history, but there are only a few that are truly iconic and known globally," Schaefer said as quoted by Autocar, Monday, June 26.

However, not all iconic names from VW will be an option as the latest model to use electric power. One of them is Beeple, the longest vehicle ever produced by a German manufacturer.

Schaefer mengungkapkan bahwa ia tidak dapat memastikan apakah nama "Beetle" akan digunakan kembali untuk model EV terbaru milik VW. Menurutnya, kendaraan ini sudah memiliki waktu dan masa kejayaannya sendiri sehingga sulit untuk menghidupkan nama tersebut.

"I can't give 100 percent certainty. However, from my current position, I will not consider using the name," said Schaefer.

Apart from Beeple, Schaefer also revealed that VW will not consider using Scirocco's name as a future EV model, for almost the same reason.

"We are proud of our legacy, and there is nothing wrong with that. When we look back, there are many things we can be proud of. However, that legacy is not the only one that defines us," said Schaefer.

Volkswagen Beeple is one of the largest works Volkswagen has ever produced. The car was introduced in 1938 and designed by Porsche founder Ferdinand Porsche. Beeple comes as a vehicle with a rear engine and a mini size.

After achieving success, VW made an update by launching "New Beeple" in 1997. Despite appearing more modern, this car retains a distinctive shape like a "codok".

Then, in 2011, VW made another change by launching the "Beetle A5" model. Unlike the previous two models, Beeple A5 has a longer dimension and width. In fact, it is almost similar to the usual hatchback car.

Despite having updated designs, lights, and dimensions, Beeple A5 was only produced until 2019 and VW did not resume production after that.