It’s still hard to believe.
UPDATE: VW has reversed its decision to change its name from Voltswagen. The automaker said in a tweet that the whole thing was an April Fool’s joke. ”
This confirms yesterday’s rumor that Voltswagen has become the official name of Volkswagen America. Officially, the switch will take place in May 2021.
Scott Keogh (president and CEO of Voltswagen of America), stated in an official announcement that “we might be replacing our K with a T, however, what we aren’t changing is this brand’s commitment to making best–in-class cars for drivers and people all over the world.” The idea of a “people’s car” is woven into our very fabric. Since the beginning of our transition to an electric future, we have stated that we will make EVs not only for millionaires but also for millions. The name change is a nod towards our past as the people’s car and our firm belief in our future being the people’s electric car.
VW will distinguish between its combustion-powered and electric vehicles. EVs will sport a Voltswagen exterior badge. ICE models will still wear the VW emblem.
Voltswagen’s branding will be available immediately on the website, in advertising and on social media. The new name will be displayed on signage at dealerships and properties of the automaker.
“Voltswagen’s tone will be consistent between brand communications for the growing electric fleet and our gas cars. You will witness the brand’s transition over the next few months,” Kimberley Gardiner, Senior Vice President of Voltswagen of America Brand Marketing said.
This seems odd for a company that has only one EV in its fleet, but it’s not a joke. An anonymous source from VW stated that the name change would be permanent in an earlier statement to USA Today.
The ID.4 EV is currently the only one available from VW in the US, but the company has big plans. It aims to sell a million EVs globally by 2025. The business plans to launch more than 70 electric products across all brands within the group by 2029.