It appears that Volkswagen is changing course regarding its hybrid powertrain policy. Under Bernd Pischetsrieder, VW's recently sacked CEO, the plan reportedly was to introduce hybrid versions of lower-end models such as the Golf and Jetta, but that has been deemed to expensive to be successful by the incoming regime. According to the German publication Automobilwoche, the automaker's first hybrid-powered vehicle will be the Touareg SUV.
Martin Winterkorn, the new head of VW, has declared the profit margins on economy hybrid models would be "far too low." A source from within the German automaker has claimed hybrid powerplants would cost an extra 2,000 euros ($2590.00) per vehicle, while diesel powerplants offer competitive performance at a reduced cost and with arguably the same or better mileage.
If in fact the report is correct and the Touareg does receive a hybrid heart, odds are the Touareg's distant cousin, the Porsche Cayenne, could get one as well. Previous reports have suggested that Cayenne is also in line for a hybrid offering.