Volkswagen’s plans for Malaysia – new SUV instead of Polo Mk6, electric ID. models subject to gov’t policy

Volkswagen’s plans for Malaysia – new SUV instead of Polo Mk6, electric ID. models subject to gov’t policy

Subsequent to the launch of the facelifted Arteon, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) invited us to a virtual press conference with managing director Erik Winter and other company personnel. In it, Winter explained in broad strokes the company’s plans for the future, including hints of upcoming models.

Firstly, the executive talked about the Arteon itself, the demand of which he said was very high. The decision to bring in the refreshed version in a higher spec (and price) was made to create “a distinction between the Passat lineup and the Arteon lineup,” he added.

Despite the previously close positioning of the two nameplates, Winter said the Arteon did not cannibalise sales of the Passat. “When we compared sales figures from the past and sales figures from the time when the Arteon was launched, we didn’t see any significant drop in the Passat,” he said. “I believe that the Arteon is an enrichment to the whole lineup and and boosted even further the image of the Passat.”

Then we got to the elephant in the room. Asked why the facelifted Arteon still did not offer autonomous emergency braking, Winter explained: “Getting those systems into the market comes with quite some research and development, testing as well as permissions. This is something we are working on and I definitely expect that one day, we will be able to launch this as well in Malaysia.”

Volkswagen’s plans for Malaysia – new SUV instead of Polo Mk6, electric ID. models subject to gov’t policy

Like all car companies here, VPCM was deeply affected by the tightened movement control order protocols currently in effect, as it also assembles vehicles locally. “Actually, the year started quite OK for us, the first couple of months were promising. Of course, we are now all affected by the different MCO statuses that we have, especially in the Klang Valley and our dealer partners in the Klang Valley.

“We have a couple of dealer partners which are slowly moving into Phase 2 of the National Recovery Programme, but our business, our factory in Pekan and the whole supply chain is still affected by the pandemic. That’s why, together with the Malaysian Automotive Association, we are requesting the government to allow us to operate again, because it’s a tough situation for all of us,” he said.

We then moved into the topic of future models. It’s been known for some time that VPCM is looking to relaunch the Golf this year, and when asked about the car, Winter said, “The Golf is the icon – Volkswagen is the Golf. We have had the Golf for many years in Malaysia with very big success.”

Volkswagen’s plans for Malaysia – new SUV instead of Polo Mk6, electric ID. models subject to gov’t policy

Recognising the fact that the Mk8 GTI has been spotted near Pekan – hinting of the possibility of a locally-assembled version coming to Malaysia – Winter reassured us that the hot hatch is indeed coming. “Let me put it this way – we are working very hard to get the car into the market. But again, due to the MCO, the pandemic, the chips shortage, we were facing some delays here.

“But we are progressing right now and I’m sure we will meet up soon again to discuss in more detail about this car. Hopefully not virtual,” he said with a smile.

As for the Golf’s smaller sibling, the Polo, Winter said that there are currently no plans to introduce the latest Mk6 car in Malaysia in the short term. “We are looking at other models which we are planning to bring in in the near future, but the Polo is not among them,” he added.

Volkswagen’s plans for Malaysia – new SUV instead of Polo Mk6, electric ID. models subject to gov’t policy

Exactly what type of models those are was teased later on, when Winter was asked if VPCM will be expanding its SUV lineup, currently consisting solely of the Tiguan Allspace. “We are always looking into expanding our model lineup in Malaysia,” he said. “SUVs are worldwide in high demand so we’re also looking into expanding our model lineup with more SUVs.”

This opens up a whole range of possibilities for the Malaysian market, which is seeing an unprecedented demand for more accessible entry-level SUVs. Currently, Volkswagen offers two models below the Tiguan in Europe, the T-Cross (also known as the Taigun in India) and T-Roc, while the B-segment Taigo is due to arrive there soon. The company also sells the Taos/Tharu in markets such as North America and China.

Of course, VPCM is also likely to launch the facelifted Tiguan Allspace in the near future, given that the recently-introduced seven-seater has been met with strong demand locally. Winter said that the car, which arrived at the same time as the pre-facelifted Arteon last year, is the company’s biggest seller, registering around 15 to 20% higher sales compared to the (now discontinued) five-seater Tiguan.

Volkswagen’s plans for Malaysia – new SUV instead of Polo Mk6, electric ID. models subject to gov’t policy

The industry’s rapid electrification is also a hot topic globally, but Winter stressed that while Volkswagen has a strong presence in the electric car market with the ID. lineup, its introduction here will depend greatly on government incentives. “We in Malaysia are following the development of e-mobility and we are welcoming a government roadmap when it comes to e-mobility. Then we will definitely jump on this boat.

“But to answer the question if there is a concrete plan right now to bring in, for example, the ID. family, it’s not yet there because we are very much dependent on a roadmap on incentives to make it really attractive for customers not only to buy the car but also to be able to drive the car. You need to have an infrastructure to charge the car from time to time,” he said.

Make no mistake, however, VPCM is keen on bringing the range into Malaysia – a fact Winter made very clear during the press conference. “I drove the ID.4 myself recently and it’s really an amazing car with a very long range,” he said.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Captain on Jul 16, 2021 at 9:17 pm

    There is already incentives in place for ev in Malaysia. Just no support for early adoptive techs and extremely marked up price for ev when battery price is falling. Why cheap chinese ev cars cannot enter Malaysia? We got best politicians full stop.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 3
    • Avenger on Jul 17, 2021 at 12:43 am

      VW nih pon satu. How can you depend on a failed incompetent Govt with best politician to use their brain. If they ekceli ever got one.. Wkwkwkwkwk hancur koyak abess

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 5
      • Celup King on Jul 18, 2021 at 10:46 am

        Failed incompetent Govt or failed incompetent brand? It wasnt Govt that is unreliable, have poor track record, and no RV

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
    • Contradiction on Jul 17, 2021 at 1:13 am

      Best politicians or best market in world so concerned on RV that many just gave up coming?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Operation temperature of a battery is around 40°C, not more…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • VW should improve material quality first.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
  • tricycle on Jul 17, 2021 at 6:47 am

    One good thing about VW marketing/sales in Malaysia is almost every showroom that I went into. They offered to test drive their car. Sometimes I have to decline, because I don’t want to give empty hope to the salespersons.

    Keep up bringing the good model here VW and please really improve you after sales service. By the way since the Golf MK6 1.4 dry clutch gearbox issue, not much big issues came up. Keep up the good work. Looking and hoping for Tiguan R CKD in Malaysia.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • JOACHIM on Jul 17, 2021 at 8:39 am

    I hope nobody stupid enough to confuse between VPCM and DRB Hicom.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Motherboard 1 on Jul 17, 2021 at 9:05 am

    Subject to our Govt policy?

    How la?…..they u-turn everyday.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Tiguan when on Jul 17, 2021 at 10:23 am

    Still waiting for the facelifted tiguan. Please dont leave out the damn safety features and skip the sunroof.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
  • VW has given up sub RM100k cars in Msia..
    Can’t beat the national and Japanese rival..
    Now is either SUVs or highend sedan/hatch..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Monana on Jul 17, 2021 at 11:12 am

    You have to think to put autonomous emergency braking in the VW cars for Malaysian market? Wow, I pity the people who will buy the VW cars in future. VW’s technology in active safety driving is among the best. But …. Hmmmm, third world rite, Winter?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • Hankyu Jaya on Jul 18, 2021 at 11:02 am

      He answered that question already. Not that they dont want to, but awaiting certificiation from the authorities because of the complex nature of their AEB system. They plan to add that to their models once they have received approval.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Aiman on Jul 17, 2021 at 11:33 am

    Bring the T-Roc

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Bieight on Jul 17, 2021 at 8:49 pm

    Should bring in the vw touareg R which is a phev and sell for around 300k

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Parvej aalam on Jul 17, 2021 at 9:41 pm

    White Volkswagen vento

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • I need new POLO GTI please!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Kwang Lee on Jul 18, 2021 at 7:18 pm

    thye need to bring in the T-roc or the new jetta..those can definitely sell

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • VWVans on Jul 23, 2021 at 1:15 am

    Please bring in the T6 or T7 Multivan/Caravelle. Much more practical than the Alphard or Vellfire and even V-Class.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
 

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