Volkswagen is a changing brand. The present sales mix has flipped to 83 percent SUVs in America. Future plans call for 55% of American sales to be electric vehicles by 2030. We have seen previous cullings of traditional VWs from the American lineup: the base Golf, the wagons and the Passat. But VW’s latest move hits like a gut punch.
The Golf GTI and Golf R are losing their manual transmissions after the 2024 model year. Volkswagen confirmed the news in a press release announcing a special GTI 380 appearance and performance package that will come standard — with a corresponding price increase — on the final 2024 model year Golf GTIs. VW said future models would continue to use the 7-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission.
ANDREW TRAHAN PHOTOGRAPHY LLCWhy is VW dropping the manual on the GTI and Golf R? Emissions
The main market for the Golf lineup is Europe. Europe is introducing new and tightened Euro 7 emissions regulations in 2025. According to a report from Autocar, the manual Golf GTI emits 162 g/km of carbon vs. 160 g/km from the automatic. And that difference is meaningful enough for VW fleet emissions compliance.
But we would bet cost-cutting also played a role
New leadership at VW reportedly wants to cut 10 billion euros in costs by 2026. Having one transmission in a car instead of two is a great way to cut costs. And particularly in that environment, it’s quite possible that the take rate for manual transmission Golf vehicles no longer justified the development expenditure for the mid-cycle refresh due in 2025.
Does this mean VW will kill the Golf GTI and Golf R in America?
VW has not confirmed it is killing the Golf lineup in America. And the official release says the models will “carry forward.” But we would not be surprised if the Golf’s final demise in America happens soon.
Volkswagen already eliminated the base Golf from the American Mk8 generation due to poor sales. VW only sold 8,423 Golf GTI and R vehicles in America last year with new models in the showrooms (or at least online) — making up 2.8% of VW’s sales. And dropping the manual could send many of those customers fleeing to the GTI and Golf R’s manual-offering rivals.
