The MEB platform will bow out later this decade, to be replaced by a new architecture called SSP (scalable systems platform), on which all volume-selling Volkswagen Group models will be based.
Schäfer said that Volkswagen is “shedding old habits” in terms of its product line-up, focusing on core models in the future and “noticeably simplifying our model range and packages over the next ten years”.
Inevitably that will mean some well-known ICE models will be no more and there will be significantly fewer specification options.
Schäfer said: “In each segment we compete in, we want to live up to our Leading Volume motto: do less but get it right.”
He was talking as he marked 100 days in the CEO role, in which he said there are three key focuses: best brand, best team, best results.
Talking about the latter, Schäfer said, in what appeared to be a subtle dig to the previous management: “Admittedly, in the past, this was more a snare than an impetus. That’s finally over now. Volkswagen, Seat, Cupra, Skoda and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles: we’re leveraging the huge potential of the brand group volume to give us a competitive edge.”