In recent years, The Blue Oval has revived a number of model names from its past, including the Ford Maverick, Ford Capri, and the Explorer – in the latter’s case, for a new all-electric crossover in Europe that doesn’t share anything else with its American counterpart. Ford also filed to trademark Capri, Cortina, Escort, Granada, and Orion in Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union back in 2021. However, such moves haven’t always gone over well with fans, and it seems as if one Ford partner and rival, Volkswagen (VW), isn’t so keen to revive old names.
According to Autocar, VW has no interest in bringing back old model names – at least, unless a new version can stay true to the spirt of the original. “The Scirocco is a very special model. I can name a few others, but if it doesn’t reflect the DNA of the original car in a really strong sense, then [we would] rather give it a new name and do something else,” said VW CEO Thomas Schäfer. “See, by the feedback of the consumer, it’s a mistake,” he said of the Capri, specifically. “If you call something what it is not, be very careful. Say, if it’s a GTI, it better be a GTI. It’s our model. It’s got to be true to the genes.”
Schäfer specifically mentioned the Scirroco name, which has been dormant since that sporty hatchback was discontinued in 2017, noting that it would never come back as a crossover/SUV, which was the case with the Capri, a nameplate previously used on a sporty coupe.
Last year, rumors surfaced that VW was considering bringing back the Scirroco as a sports car, but with all-electric power – albeit, also retro exterior styling influenced by the original model from the 1970s. It’s unclear if or when VW still plans on doing that, particularly since Schäfer also noted that the automaker isn’t currently focused on niche, lower-volume models as it continues to battle financial woes across the globe.
Comments
VW point of view is the correct one. The Mach-e, the Capri, the Puma or the Maverick are atrocities that have nothing to do against its originals.
Don’t forget that awful Mustang Mach 4 sedan Ford wants to bring out.
Agree. Talk about a useless sedan.
They actually want to build a sedan? That’s a surprise if it’s for North America.
Just because your family name is on the vehicle, doesn’t mean you’re the most qualified to run the business…
Absolutely. I’ve said for years that the Ford Family shouldn’t be involved day-to-day. I’ve no doubt that Bill pushes Jim in certain ridiculous directions, Jim’s racing obsession aside.
But VW certainly blew it with this one. It’s atrocious.
Yes, the front fascia is atrocious. As an EV, VW could have done better by simply using the fascia of the original.
If VW really wants to sell quantity vehicles they need to make the new Bus with a gas engine. It would sell like hot cakes. I’ve heard this from lots of people that love it but wouldn’t buy electric!!!!.
Amazed VW never revisited the Karmann Ghia.