The Volkswagen Arteon has been officially discontinued, with no 2024 model year planned. Production of the fastback sedan quietly ended in late 2023, a year earlier than initially projected. This decision comes as part of Volkswagen’s broader strategy to streamline its model lineup and focus on core, higher-profit vehicles.
Why Was the Volkswagen Arteon Discontinued?
In mid-2023, Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer announced a cost-saving plan aimed at improving earnings without impacting jobs or wages. A key element of this strategy involved discontinuing niche models, including the Arteon. Schäfer emphasized the company’s commitment to a smaller, more focused portfolio of core Volkswagen models to reduce complexity and boost profitability.
Initially, Volkswagen confirmed a 2024 Arteon release. However, by late August 2023, the Arteon was removed from the brand’s 2024 model year plans. The Arteon’s production facility in Emden, Germany, has since been retooled for electric vehicle production, specifically the ID.4 crossover and the ID.7 sedan.
2023 Volkswagen ArteonThe 2023 Volkswagen Arteon, the final model year.
The Volkswagen Arteon’s Replacement: The ID.7
The all-electric 2025 Volkswagen ID.7 sedan is poised to fill the gap left by the Arteon in Volkswagen’s shrinking sedan lineup. Production of the ID.7 will continue in Emden, Germany, unless market demand necessitates a North American production base.
A Brief History of the Volkswagen Arteon
The Volkswagen Arteon debuted in the US market in 2019 as a full-size sedan, eventually succeeding the mid-size Passat, which ended its production run in 2022. Although the Arteon’s distinctive fastback design and grand touring aspirations attracted attention, its limited rear-seat practicality and a price point around $45,000 made it a challenging sell compared to competitors like Audi sedans. The Arteon offered a 300-hp turbo-4 engine and ample cargo space thanks to its unique hatch design.
The Arteon Joins Other Discontinued Models
The Volkswagen Arteon is not alone in its departure. It joins a growing list of discontinued vehicles for the 2024 model year, including the Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Kia Stinger, and Nissan Maxima. These discontinuations reflect broader industry trends and shifting consumer preferences.
