Volkswagen cuts Jetta from its line-up

The Volkswagen Jetta will soon be no more – in Australia, at least.

The German manufacturer’s local arm has confirmed it will not take the replacement to the Golf-based sedan in Australia as it is only being built in left-hand drive. Rumours are circulating that the seventh-generation Jetta will be shown at next month's Detroit motor show where, fittingly, it will be revealed with a heavy American bent.

According to Volkswagen Australia spokesman Paul Pottinger, the Jetta is currently in run-out mode across the national network of dealers, and will cease to exist locally thereafter.

“The Jetta is no longer being made in right-hand drive, I understand that car is being purely made for North America,” Pottinger told motoring.com.au.

“The car is well into runout in Australia."

Pottinger pointed to Australia’s increasing lean towards SUVs when asked why the Jetta wouldn’t be replaced locally.

“It’s a 51 per cent-plus SUV market share in Australia, and global demand is also shying away from traditional passenger car. The market tells its own story,” he said.

The sales figures tend to agree. Volkswagen has shifted just 1026 Jettas this year, a 43 per cent decline on 2016.