Volkswagen will build compact hybrids

Recent news stories claimed Volkswagen was turning away from building compact hybrid cars. Instead, they would focus on a hybrid Touareg. But Martin Winterkorn has rejected those news stories, claiming

"There will definitely be compact hybrid models, such as Polo and Golf, and without any great delay," he told Inside Line sources over the weekend.

So, there will be a hybrid Golf and Jetta coming sometime in the future from Volkswagen. But the first versions will be mild, with electric motors capable of assisting the gas engine, but not capable of powering the car by itself.

There will also be a full hybrid Touareg in 2010(?).