VW Kills Scirocco, Again

Volkswagen AG will stop producing the sporty Scirocco coupe at the end of October.

The carmaker relaunched the Golf-based Scirocco in 2008 after a 16-year hiatus. But global demand for the nameplate totaled less than 13,000 units last year.

The original Scirocco (named for a Mediterranean wind) debuted as a hatchback in 1974 and quickly gained a cult following. The model was last sold in the U.S. in 1988.

Noting the Scirocco’s emotional appeal and halo effect within its lineup, VW had considered moving the coupe to the company’s MEB electrical architecture. Now that role will likely be filled by several new models, such as the Arteon luxury sedan, Atlas crossover/SUV and upcoming ID electric cars.