A new report that was posted and quickly removed on Monday afternoon revealed Volkswagen’s plans to change the name of its American brand to Voltswagen. The German automaker’s new name is clearly an ode to its dedication and multi-million dollar investments into becoming one of the worlds leading EV manufacturer.
The name change was apparently originally slated to be announced towards the end of April. However, will the simple click of a button, the press release regarding the change was published early Monday afternoon and spotted by global news outlet CNBC. The press release was quickly taken down, but as we all know the internet is forever. With April fool’s day just days away, some speculated that it was a big prank, however, the automaker doubled down saying the name chain is actually happening.
The announcement was later confirmed when it was officially published Tuesday morning. The larger Volkswagen Group will continue using the Volkswagen name for its American division.
The automaker did not disclose how the new name will be incorporated in upcoming electric and gas-powered vehicles for that matter. Scott Keogh, president and CEO of Voltswagen of America, said about the change: “We might be changing out our K for a T, but what we aren’t changing is this brand’s commitment to making best-in-class vehicles for drivers and people everywhere.”
Keogh added: “The idea of a ‘people’s car’ is the very fabric of our being. We have said, from the beginning of our shift to an electric future, that we will build EVs for the millions, not just millionaires. This name change signifies a nod to our past as the peoples’ car and our firm belief that our future is in being the peoples’ electric car.”
A huge move by the German automaker that will bring even more attention after the automaker hosted its own “Power Day” last month. An event focused on shedding more light to VW’s plans of electrification and the technology it is working on. The event hosted by Volkswagen was much like that seen from Tesla and its “Battery Day” event last year. Volkswagen CEO, Herbert Diess even ventured into the wild world of Twitter, throwing a couple playful jabs at Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Volkswagen currently only offers one fully electric vehicle in the United States, the ID.4 SUV. However, with its recent investment into the development of electric vehicles and the technology that goes along with them, that should change soon. As for the name change, it will officially take effect May 2021.