Staying still is moving backwards, some say. Volkswagen seems to agree with this, as it moves to implement a shorter five-year life cycle policy for its future core models, as opposed to the existing and (European) industry-standard seven-year cycle.
As such, a new mainstream model such as future iterations of the Golf or Passat will be replaced by an all-new version after just five years of its initial introduction. A mid-life facelift, meanwhile, will be carried out three years into the model’s now-shortened life.
“We will reduce the life cycle of our products to better align with customers’ buying habits. A five-year life cycle will cut two years off our current life cycle,” Auto Express quoted Volkswagen of America’s vice president for marketing and strategy, Joerg Sommer as saying.
A five-year life cycle programme is closer to a Japanese carmaker’s standard operating pattern, though Mazda is reported to move to a four-year life cycle schedule. First unveiled in July 2012, the still-fresh Mazda6 already has a mid-life facelift coming up soon – so it does appear as if the plan is moving ahead.
Now, is the world ready for full-model updates every four of five years? Tell us in the comments below.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments on VW's new five-year model life cycle highlight concerns about potential impacts on reliability, with some owners recounting frequent breakdowns and long service center wait times, particularly for DSG issues. Several commenters believe shorter cycles may accelerate depreciation and reduce resale value, leading to skepticism about maintaining long-term ownership. Others argue that rapid model turnover encourages innovation and competitiveness, noting that other brands like Proton and Perodua already have shorter life cycles. There’s a general concern that rushing new models might result in more teething problems and compromise quality, especially as some suggest VW might be rushing to avoid supporting older models with known issues. Overall, mixed feelings both support and oppose the strategy, emphasizing both potential benefits and drawbacks.