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VW Tiguan Hybrid & Atlas Hybrid will be released in the U.S.: report. Update: Photographs and first-hand observations included. The report is also updated with recent comments from officials and media reports. After discontinuing the Jetta Hybrid in 2016, Volkswagen has stayed out of the U.S. hybrid market. Now, as EV sales face a period of uncertainty and American buyers show an increasing appetite for hybrid cars, the company is reconsidering its strategy. In a few years, a VW Tiguan Hybrid and a VW Atlas Hybrid will be available at U.S. dealers. Volkswagen intends to launch new hybrid cars in North America as soon as possible, global CEO Thomas Schäfer told journalists at the 2024 LA Auto Show, as per an Edmunds report dated November 21, 2024. The company wants to initially offer a hybrid powertrain in two of its most popular SUVs, the Tiguan and Atlas. VW Tiguan Hybrid for the U.S. Without divulging the type of hybrid technology, Schäfer said that launching a Tiguan Hybrid in the U.S. is "part of the plan." The new Tiguan arriving in the U.S. in 2025 is adapted from the second-generation Tayron for Europe. There, it comes with both mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems. However, it looks like neither of these systems is being considered for the United States. Dr Kjell Gruner, President & CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, is reported by Automotive News as preferring full-hybrids for this market for cost and weight reasons. This is a system comparable to what's found in the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 hybrid, and cannot be charged externally. Volkswagen has announced its next-generation full-hybrid system, which will debut in the VW T-Roc next year in Europe. It uses a 1.5-litre system that generates 100 kW (134 hp) and 125 kW (168 hp) depending on the configuration, with a front-wheel drive layout. It is likely that Volkswagen is eyeing this full-hybrid system for the U.S. market Tiguan. VW Atlas Hybrid for the U.S. As for the type of powertrain for the Atlas Hybrid, Top Electric SUV is expecting a similar full-hybrid system, but it would have to be powerful and torquey to suit the demands of this segment. Volkswagen doesn't have a hybrid powertrain in its current arsenal for the Atlas's size class, so it may have to develop one. Scout Motors is working on an EREV powertrain for the Terra and Traveler models, with the first units scheduled for 2027. The system reportedly uses a four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine and an LFP battery pack, where the engine solely charges the battery. Top Electric SUV'd imagine that the VW Group has this option as well for the future Atlas. Release date. Automotive News has projected the launch of the Tiguan Hybrid in the U.S. during its mid-cycle refresh, which Top Electric SUV expect sometime in 2028. As for the Atlas Hybrid, the publication is projecting the end of the decade for its rollout, based on the next-gen model which is expected to launch with a regular gas engine in 2026. International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.

Scout Motors showcases near-production designs for Traveler and Terra. The vehicles will be on display from November 21 to 30 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. * Scout Motors returned to the Los Angeles Auto Show for the first time in more than 45 years with refreshed Traveler and Terra concept vehicles. * Both models now feature updated designs, new accessories and dual powertrain options, including electric and extended-range variants. * Pre-production begins in 2026 in South Carolina, with pricing expected to start under $60,000 and customer deliveries targeted for 2027. Scout Motors returned to the Los Angeles Auto Show for the first time in more than 45 years and debuted updated versions of its Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra truck. The redesigned concept vehicles will be on display from November 21 to 30 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, marking a major milestone as the revived brand moves closer to production in 2027. The Traveler and Terra have been refreshed to show how each vehicle serves different customer needs. Both models are built for work and recreation and are engineered for drivers who split their time between city streets, highways and off-road terrain. The company highlighted that the concepts demonstrate the brand's move toward offering both full-electric and range-extended powertrains, with projected ranges of up to 350 miles for fully electric models and more than 500 miles for extended-range variants. For the 2025 show, the Traveler SUV features updated exterior and interior finishes, including Pacific Mist paint, Brick Red leather, and denim-inspired accents. It also adds a black Cabana Top for open-air driving, 35-inch tires, and new accessories such as raised roof rails and a concept storage box designed for outdoor recreation. The Scout Terra truck has been updated for heavier-duty work. It carries Silo Green paint, 37-inch tires on 18-inch Clutch wheels, off-road steps, a bull bar with tow hooks, a roof basket with integrated lighting, and a cargo management system. Inside, the model introduces a burlap-inspired headliner paired with Terracotta leather accents across high-contact areas. The final production designs remain close to the original concepts, with only subtle refinements to improve manufacturing efficiency. Pre-production is scheduled to begin in 2026 in South Carolina, with initial customer deliveries targeted for 2027. Entry pricing for both the Traveler and Terra is expected to start under $60,000.

Charlotte lands another 520 jobs and HQ. And 125 more jobs go to the suburbs. A subsidiary of Maersk, a Denmark-based shipping and logistics company, is moving its headquarters to Charlotte, promising 520 jobs in a $16-million expansion. This is the second big jobs announcement for Charlotte in the past week. Scout Motors said last week it was moving its headquarters to Charlotte and bringing with it over 1,200 high-paying jobs in a $207 million investment. Also on Tuesday on the jobs front, the state said Charlotte-based Paragon Site Solutions plans to bring 125 jobs to Gastonia for a new concrete plant. As for Maersk, Charlotte will now be its North American headquarters, Gov. Josh Stein announced. Maersk's U.S. headquarters is currently in northern New Jersey, near New York City. Maersk is a major global shipping and logistics company that moves products around the world. It has about 100,000 employees in over 130 countries, including around 670 in Mecklenburg County. The two finalists for the expansion were Charlotte and Atlanta. Maersk said labor market, transportation infrastructure, the overall business climate, and economic incentives went into its choice of Charlotte. The company plans to hire positions in areas of logistics and supply, finance, legal, customer experience, human resources, business support and operations. Several roles will not require a college degree. "I'm proud to welcome Maersk to the growing list of global companies that call Charlotte home," said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. Stein said Maersk's decision for Charlotte speaks to the state's reputation as top destination for global business. Maersk expands Charlotte operations, adds HQ. Charlotte has been an important part of the company's story for more than two decades, according to Charles van der Steene, president of Maersk's North America Region. The company bought its current space in South Charlotte in 2006. Maersk's new headquarters in Charlotte will have corporate functions such as finance, human resources, strategy and technology. "The city's strong infrastructure and talented workforce have helped drive our growth over the years," he said in a news release. About the NC deal to land Maersk. Maersk Agency USA is the recipient of the job development investment grant North Carolina awarded during an Economic Investment Committee meeting Tuesday. The company committed to add 520 jobs to its Charlotte headquarters by the end of 2028 at an average salary of at least $100,963. Maersk will add to its current Charlotte-based workforce over the next several years, ultimately bringing its Charlotte workforce to more than 1,300, Stein's office said. Using a formula with new tax revenues generated by the new jobs and capital investment, the grant has potential reimbursement to the company up to $7.9 million over 12 years. And the projected return on investment of public money is 67%. This means for every dollar of potential cost to the state, North Carolina is receiving $1.67 in state revenue. Company brings 125 jobs to Gastonia in $102M deal. FIT Precast, an industrial concrete product manufacturer, is investing $102 million to build its new headquarters and concrete pipe production facility in Gastonia, Stein's office announced Tuesday. Paragon Site Solutions is listed as the guarantor of the state incentive. The new company will produce precast concrete and piping products for stormwater management, transportation, and utility construction for infrastructure-related projects. FIT Precast will build a 154,000-square-foot facility for administrative and manufacturing operations on a 72-acre site off South US- 21, according to the Gaston County Economic Development Commission. The facility will be annexed into the city of Gastonia. "This project is another example of Gastonia's continued momentum in attracting advanced manufacturing and high-quality jobs," said Mayor Richard Franks. Local incentives being offered from Gaston County and Gastonia combined total nearly $1.9 million. The company also looked at other sites in the state, Tennessee and South Carolina before landing on Gastonia. FIT Precast's parent company Paragon, would have to retain 420 employees in Charlotte. FIT Precast President Matt Goreski said demand for American-made infrastructure has never been greater. Goreski added that the Gaston County EDC and the state went above and beyond to secure the project, and he expressed thanks for FIT Precast's new home. The prototype plant is expected to create jobs with salaries averaging $102,168, significantly exceeding the Gaston County average of $52,180. FIT Precast also landed a JDIG approved by the state on Tuesday. Using a formula based on new tax revenues generated by the new jobs and capital investment, the grant could potentially reimburse the company up to $2.3 million over 12 years. This story was originally published November 18, 2025 at 10:56 AM.