The German magazine Automobilwoche reports that VW is currently developing a hybrid version of its popular Touareg SUV. Originally, the automaker had announced plans to start with car models like the Gold and Jetta. However, VW’s new head, Martin Winterkorn, in echoing Renault/Nissan head Carlos Ghosn, found hybrids too expensive. Thus, in order to maximize any return, VW is switching to the more lucrative SUV market.
Formal announcements by the company have not yet been released. Our take? It looks like continued public interest in gas prices, hybrids, and Toyota’s success with its Prius, are drawing automakers into “too expensive” hybrid march. Apparently no one wants to be last in the technological race.