When Volkswagen Philippines announced the arrival of the T6.1 Multivan Kombi in June, it raised a few eyebrows due to the timing. Just a week prior to their announcement, Volkswagen just unveiled the all-new T7 Multivan.
On the surface, it seemed like Filipino buyers were getting the short end of the stick, but Volkswagen Philippines explains that there’s a reason for this.
Volkswagen Philippines’ Product Strategy and Planning Head Josh Altarejos says that the German automaker is globally refocusing their MPV strategy using three basic pillars: the ID.BUZZ which will be their all-electric offering, the all-new T7 Multivan which is now geared towards small families, and the current T6.1 Multivan which will be retained both for commercial and large family use.
Now, given the local target demographic of the Volkswagen Multivan Kombi, which are large families or executives who are most likely chauffeured during weekdays, it made sense for Volkswagen Philippines to bring in the T6.1 Multivan instead of the T7.
Aside from being underpinned by a more robust commercial vehicle platform (the T7 rides on the unibody MQB architecture), the newer Multivan lacks one feature that Filipinos love in their MPVs: a diesel engine. The front-wheel drive T7 is only offered with two turbocharged gasoline engines as well as a plug-in hybrid system and that is for a launch in 2022. Yes, a diesel option will be made available says Altarejos, but that’s only coming out for the European market in 2023, and about 2024 for global markets.
Since it’s still three years down the road, Volkswagen Philippines couldn’t wait; after all, there’s a steady market for large family MPVs here. If the return of the Multivan Kombi is successful (the buzz around the model has been very strong according to VW Philippines President Felipe Estrella), it’s a sure bet that they’ll consider bringing in more German made models including the T7 in the near future.
Check out the features of the 2021 Volkswagen Multivan Kombi here.
Funny how VW markets this as successor to the 60's Kombi. Styling is very basic and forgettable. They should've designed a more retro look. Its far from the iconic looks of the original Kombi.
ReplyDeleteand pricing at P3.65M? bet this will gather dust in the showrooms
ReplyDeleteBetter Buy Mercedes V Class Van. a much more luxurious and more value for money. Ayala's Volkswagen never learned to properly market its product. Another waste Investment. Same with T-Cross SUV, they fitted a anemic 1.5L Engine that can never outclass or even match the Power of some Chinese Subcompact SUV with Turbo Gas Engine.
ReplyDeleteThe PH market is getting the short end of the stick period. The PH market for VW is still a dumping ground for outdated models and that is how they see it.
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