From large to small: in 2020, a wide variety of vehicle types were retired. And it didn't just hit conventionally powered ones.
The 2020 auto year was exciting. The effects of the corona pandemic caused difficulties and caused many market launches to be delayed. The virus is not responsible for the end of many models this year.
The sale of e-cars is booming thanks to the innovation bonus. Their market share has risen to 12 percent this year. The supply is growing steadily, but as a result old carrots are also being sorted out. After Mitsubishi retired its i-MiEV two years ago, Citroen and Peugeot are following suit and sending C-Zero and Ion into retirement. The structurally identical triplets had their debut 10 years ago, and the vehicles, which are now getting on in years, could not keep up with the current offers due to their power (49 kW / 67 PS) or range (150 kilometers). You also have to create space for newer models like the Peugeot 208e and upcoming models like the Citroen Ami.
But it's not just small e-mobiles that are disappearing, a luxury vehicle has also been phased out. The hybrid sports car BMW i8 has been history since April. With its unusual design and a 262 kW / 356 PS plug-in hybrid drive, the 2014 + 2-seater, which has been available since 2, caused a sensation. It was to become the flagship of the BMW i sub-brand founded in 2010. Despite its high price (Coupé from 138.000 euros, Roadster from 155.000 euros), around 20.000 i8s have rolled off the production line in Leipzig in the past six years. It remains to be seen whether the e-speedster will eventually become a cult vehicle and line up next to the 507, M1 and Z8.
An icon of hybrid technology also got hit. After around two decades, Toyota took the hybrid pioneer Prius off the market in Germany in the summer. Only the optically independent PHEV variant with an externally rechargeable battery remains in the range. In terms of economy, no vehicle could hold a candle to the Prius that quickly, but its design took some getting used to. With increasing respectable hybrid competition also in-house, such as with RAV4, Corolla or Yaris, its popularity sank to the point of insignificance.
Also after 20 years the Lexus IS has to take its hat. The new, fourth generation of the mid-range model will no longer come onto the market not only in Germany, but throughout Europe. From the strong competitor to the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, the Japanese mutated over the years into a good sedan that was only available with a hybrid drive. After all: So far, Toyota has stuck to its luxury brand Lexus in Europe.
Infiniti fared differently this year. “Infiniti - who or what?”, Some will probably ask: The question is part of the problem of the luxury offshoot of Nissan. Although the brand, which started in Europe in 2008 against the premium competition for Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Porsche, was able to gain a certain degree of awareness at Sebastian Vettel's racing team at the beginning with a lively design, VIP service and Formula 1 involvement, but much more neither. Even the use of spruced-up offshoots from the Mercedes A-Class and GLA did not give the hoped-for sales and prestige boost. So the Japanese have now withdrawn from Europe and are concentrating on the USA and China.
Very few will notice the next farewell either. After 10 years of construction, the Bentley Mulsanne has had its day. The flagship of the luxury brand belonging to the VW group will not have a successor; the Flying Spur should take over this position.
The Mercedes X-Class also remains without a successor. The end of the pick-up came after only three years. The sales figures were wrong. The concept of making a workhorse - the platform comes from the cooperation partner Nissan - optically and technically prettier is not suspended. Compared to the Nissan Navara or the Renault Alaskan, which is also structurally identical, the X-Class appears much more elegant outside and inside. As the only model in the trio, the Mercedes also has an optional six-cylinder engine and permanent, not just switchable all-wheel drive. Craftsmen and traders did not appreciate this, however, the pick-up with the star was simply too expensive for that.
The Fiat Fullback, an almost real clone of the Mitsubishi L200, was not at all expensive. The Italian offshoot of the Japanese veteran lasted four years before it was retired. It was offered as a double cab (five-seater), extended cab (2 + 2-seater) and chassis. There was a choice between rear and all-wheel drive.
So far, the VW Amarok has not been an offshoot or clone, but an in-house development. The pick-up, available since 2010, was quite successful; nevertheless its production was stopped in the spring. He was threatened with hardship from two sides. The stricter emissions regulations from September would have made retrofitting the engines seem economically viable. After all, a model change is also pending for a pick-up from around 10 years of construction. Instead of having a successor on the four wheels, VW decided to offer a successor as part of the cooperation with Ford for commercial vehicles. That should be more Ford Ranger than VW Amarok. The end of production at the Hanover location also has strategic reasons. Among other things, battery-electric beneficial insects such as the ID. Buzz roll off the line.
Not particularly useful, but driving the sister models Toyota GT 86 and Subaru BRZ was fun. The 147 kW / 200 PS two-liter, four-cylinder boxer engine is sufficient for sporty driving pleasure. The 2 + 2-seater impresses with classic proportions such as a long bonnet, crisp rear and a low center of gravity. After nine years it's over now. If you want a sporty Toyota, you have to choose either the small Yaris GR (192 kW / 261 PS) or the GR Supra (250 kW / 340 PS). The elimination of the GT, however, leaves a gap in Subaru's offer. But who knows, maybe he'll come back. The second generation started in the USA at the end of 2020.
