German legacy automaker Volkswagen has just confirmed plans to only sell all-electric vehicle models in the Norwegian auto industry starting next year.
Announcement details
Local VW importer Møller Mobility Group announced during Volkswagen’s 75th Norwegian anniversary that the automaker will officially halt sales of internal combustion engine-powered models as early as 2024.
That said, Møller Mobility Group will complete all orders for VW traditional cars in Norway before the end of the year.
“It may seem strange to celebrate the milestone by removing model icons from our portfolio, but this has been an ambitious and important initiative over time. The goal has been to drive change that we believe is of critical importance.”
Ulf Tore Hekneby, Volkswagen Importer Harald A. Møller AS’ Managing Director
Managing Director Hekneby further encouraged customers to support the shift to e-mobility to contribute to establishing a more sustainable transportation sector.
“We encourage everyone to consider an electric car in their next car purchase. Switching to an electric car is a crucial step in reducing an individual’s carbon footprint and an important overall contribution to combating climate change.”
Ulf Tore Hekneby, Volkswagen Importer Harald A. Møller AS’ Managing Director
VW’s presence in the Norwegian auto market
Harald A. Møller AS claims to have already sold approximately 1.1 million VW cars in Norway since 1948. Of that total, EVs accounted for 102,000 units in just the past ten years.
This year to date, VW’s ID.4 electric car continues to defend its top second spot in the sales rankings regardless of drive type. It apparently registered a total of 5,832 units as of September.
Meanwhile, the VW ID.3 ranked 8th with sales of 2,615 units. However, Tesla’s Model Y continues to beat all other models with unprecedented sales of 19,575 units in the same period.
Norway’s EV uptake
According to Electrive, EVs already contribute over 80% of Norway’s overall new vehicle registrations. The rate will increase to 90% if we include plug-in hybrids‘ registration data.
It demonstrates a significant advancement toward the Norwegian Government’s target of 100% electrification by 2025.
Electrek also indicated that EV models now contribute over 20% of the country’s overall passenger vehicles. In September alone, plug-in vehicles accounted for 93% of all new car registrations in the country, InsideEVs reported.
Norwegians undoubtedly have substantial support for sustainable vehicles, causing ICE car sales to decline in recent years. That said, it is unsurprising that VW now aims to focus on EVs in Norway. In fact, its South Korean rival Hyundai already transitioned into an all-electric brand in the country as early as this year, well ahead of Volkswagen.
