While off-road SUVs are often synonymous with being gas guzzlers, the Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Active concept is anything but with a hybrid engine that will enable efficient adventures. Debuted at the North American International Auto Show, the Volkswagen Tiguan GTE is capable of going about 20 miles on just electricity before the gas engine would kick into gear.
The conceptual vehicle is set for a 2017 release and is capable of offering seven seats in total. What's interesting about the Volkswagen Tiguan GTE is that while other hybrid vehicles will use the gas engine to charge the battery, this off-road SUV is actually plugged in to charge. Full four-wheel drive capability and 148hp make the vehicle suitable for weekend adventures with friends.
What's Driving This Trend
- Hybrid Off-road Vehicles
- Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Car manufacturers can invest in the development of hybrid engines for off-road SUVs to provide eco-friendly options for adventure enthusiasts.
- Plug-in Hybrid Technology
- Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Car manufacturers can incorporate plug-in technology into hybrid vehicles to offer a more efficient charging option, reducing reliance on gas engines.
- Electric-only Adventures
- Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Companies can develop electric-only adventure tour options for consumers who want to explore the outdoors sustainably.
Who This Affects Most
- Automotive Industry
- Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Automotive manufacturers can capitalize on the demand for eco-friendly off-road vehicles by investing in the research and development of hybrid engines.
- Tourism Industry
- Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Tourism companies can create new sustainable adventure tour options to cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly travel experiences.
- Green Energy Industry
- Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Renewable energy companies can explore opportunities to supply electricity to hybrid and electric off-road vehicles to enable sustainable off-road adventures.
