The end of an era: VW Touran leaves the streets of Wolfsburg!

The end of an era: VW Touran leaves the streets of Wolfsburg!

The VW Touran, a familiar sight on the streets of Wolfsburg, is at the end of its journey. Volkswagen has officially confirmed that production of the popular family van will end in April 2026, marking the end of an era. For many in the region, the Touran was not just a car, but a symbol of success and a pillar of the local economy. According to WAZ Online [WAZ Online], current demand for the Touran has fallen sharply, with only around 20,000 units produced this year, while in its best years over 180,000 vehicles were manufactured per year.

The Touran was never alone; he was part of the ambitious “5000 by 5000” project that was launched at the turn of the millennium. The idea was simple: employ 5,000 unemployed people and give them the opportunity to gain a foothold in automobile production. At a time when unemployment in Germany was around 10 percent, Wolfsburg experienced a renaissance in the labor market with the project. Production started in 2001 at Auto 5000 GmbH, which is part of Volkswagen AG, and the first 120 employees were hired to undergo the necessary qualification. “The project showed us that with courage and innovative concepts we can make a difference even in difficult times,” says Bernd Osterloh, who was chairman of the works council from 2005 to 2021 and played a crucial role. Daniela Cavallo, another key figure who has been on the works council since 2002, emphasizes the importance of such projects for the region.

Successful concept

The “5000 by 5000” project was not only a labor market policy measure, but also a success story for Volkswagen. At its peak, there were up to 4,000 employees at Auto 5000. These employees were not only part of the Touran construction, but also received comprehensive training in areas such as IT, control technology and communication. New technologies, such as an improved coating process and modern laser welding technology, have been introduced to remain competitive. Five to six vehicles left the production halls every day until established production reached almost 800 to 1000 cars per day [Auto Bild].

With the Touran as the flagship, the focus was on flexible and cost-efficient production. Almost 2.3 million units have been manufactured at the main plant since 2002, making the vehicle a success story in the region. Even if production is now coming to an end, the question remains: What will happen to the workforce and skills of the former Touran employees? It remains to be seen how VW will continue to support the region.

A look into the future

The decision to end production of the Touran is part of a larger change within the company. CEO Oliver Blume emphasized that the model ranges must continue to develop and that new, modern vehicles should come into focus. The time when the Touran dominated the roads is over, but its legacy remains. The past few years have shown how important the Touran was for Wolfsburg, more than just a simple car.

The transition from Touran production to new vehicles will be crucial for Volkswagen AG to remain competitive in the market. The city of Wolfsburg will have to adapt to changes and new opportunities emerging, while preserving the memory of the Touran and its importance to the local community.