In a recent interview Diess told Autocar, "I think with the three [GTI models] we have now, we are set".
Above: The recently revealed Up GTI Concept.
He outlined the company's thinking on the matter: "GTI for us is the hot hatch: a sporty car, classless, with potential for everyday use and accessible for many. It should be this car — a hot hatch."
That said, Volkswagen has other performance sub-brands on hand for models that aren't named Up, Polo or Golf.
For the upcoming T-Roc crossover, which will slot in underneath the Tiguan, Diess hinted at a performance variant, possibly using the R badge.
When asked if a performance version of the upcoming ID electric hatchback was on the cards, Volkswagen's boss indicated such a variant is not currently part of the company's thinking.
Instead, Volkswagen may expand its range of sporty GTE plug-in hybrid models. The company has pivoted towards electric and hybrid vehicles in the wake of the Dieselgate emissions cheating scandal, providing ample ground for a potential GTE expansion to flourish.
MORE: Up news, reviews, videos and comparisons
MORE: Polo news, reviews, videos and comparisons
MORE: Golf news, reviews, videos and comparisons
MORE: Everything Volkswagen
