The Volkswagen Jetta is on a list of approximately ten models that the Volkswagen Group may discontinue, according to a report by the German newspaper Bild. This measure is part of a strategic plan aimed at reducing the automaker's portfolio by up to 50% by the end of this decade, focusing investments on more profitable products.
This cut is part of a larger restructuring announced by the manufacturer, which also foresees the elimination of up to 100,000 jobs and a reduction in annual production capacity, dropping from about 10 million to 9 million vehicles. Although the company has not confirmed which models will be withdrawn, it stated that it will not comment on speculation regarding its product life cycle. According to information released by Bild, this rationalization could generate savings of up to 6.5 billion euros by 2031.
In the specific case of the Jetta, the possible exit of the mid-size sedan is associated with the decline of this segment, which has been replaced by SUVs in recent years. This scenario has already led to the withdrawal of the Passat from the American market. Sales figures show the contrast: in the second quarter, Volkswagen registered 15,949 Jettas sold in the US, while competitors such as Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla surpassed 130,000 units in the first half alone. Unlike VW, these two Japanese brands have already confirmed new generations for their sedans.
Other listed vehicles include the Taos, a mid-size SUV that also risks having no successor due to low demand, with sales falling by 43.9% in the United States in the second quarter. Furthermore, the optimization plan covers other group brands. At Porsche, the electric Taycan and the combustion Cayenne Coupe should not receive new versions, and the expected return of the 718 — Boxster and Cayman — with a gasoline engine is again threatened.
At Audi, the brand had already signaled the discontinuation of the compact models A1 and Q2. Now, the coupe SUVs Q5 Sportback and Q6 e-tron Sportback are also unofficially listed among those that may not have replacements. Porsche is expected to present its new approach, called Strategy 2035, at an event scheduled for October 7. However, until that date, the decisions remain internal information. The group's general directive is clear: in a portfolio that will be halved, strong sales performance is no longer the determining factor; what is becoming crucial is the profit margin.
According to data from ValuStrat, the volume of transactions for ready-to-move properties in Dubai increased by 46.8% compared to the previous month, marking the most significant monthly growth in the last three years.
In June, the decline in the residential market prices softened, as the ValuStrat Price Index slightly decreased to 220 points from 222.1 points recorded last month. This resulted in an overall price drop of 10% since February 28th. Nevertheless, the year-on-year growth remained relatively stable at 0.1%. The cost of villas decreased to 293.7 points, and the cost of apartments dropped to 169.1 points when compared to the January 2021 base set at 100.
In June, the leading developers were Azizi (with a 28.6% growth), Damac (7%), Binghatti (6.8%), Emaar (6.6%), Nakheel (3.8%), and Ellington (3.6%). Among the most sought-after locations for projects not yet occupied, there were Azizi Venice projects (26.1%), Dubailand Residence Complex (4.3%), Jumeirah Village Circle (4.1%), Jumeirah Islands (3.2%), and Majan (2.9%).
Registrations in the Oqood system, Dubai Real Estate Department's official system for registering unoccupied properties, grew by 32% month-over-month. Although these properties showed a 16% decrease year-on-year, they accounted for 75% of all housing sales. A total of 19 transactions for ready properties valued over 30 million dirhams were registered, including five deals exceeding 50 million dirhams. These premium-class deals were concentrated in the areas of Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills Estate, Emirates Hills, Al Barari, Jumeirah Islands, Downtown Dubai, and DIFC.
The villa and apartment segments in the emirate showed a slight monthly decrease: the cost of villas fell by 1.2%, and the cost of apartments by 0.6% in June. In the villa segment, the largest year-on-year increase was noted in Jumeirah Islands (17.9%), Emirates Hills (10.7%), The Meadows (10%), The Villa (7.8%), and Mira (5.7%). On the other hand, year-on-year growth slowed to 2%, with decreases of -5% in Mudon, -4% in Victory Heights, -3.2% in International City, and -2.8% in Dubai Hills Estate. None of the villa communities tracked by VPI showed monthly growth. On average, older freehold villa communities in Dubai are valued 188% higher than post-pandemic levels and 76% higher than the 2014 market peak.
The Apartment VPI decreased by 3% compared to the level one year ago. The largest year-on-year growth was recorded in DIFC (8.1%), followed by Dubai Sports City (6.6%), Dubai Silicon Oasis (6.4%), and Al Quoz Fourth (6%). Conversely, the sharpest annual declines were seen in Burj Khalifa (-16.7%), Jumeirah Beach Residence (-13%), and Town Square (-5.7%). International City Phase 2 was the only community to register a slight monthly increase. Overall, the prices of older freehold apartments remain 70% higher than post-pandemic levels but 8% lower than the previous market peak recorded in 2014.
Residents of Abu Dhabi will soon have the option to break down annual rent into monthly payments instead of providing one or more post-dated cheques, thanks to the launch of a new digital payment platform supported by the emirate's real estate authorities.
Advanced Real Estate Services (ADRES), which collaborates with the technology company UAE PropTech Keyper, announced that pilot projects have already begun with three of the largest landlords and property managers in Abu Dhabi. The first residents and landlords are expected to be connected to the system in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The service, named Rent Now, Pay Monthly (RNPM), has the support of the Abu Dhabi real estate authorities and aligns with the emirate's goal of fully digitizing rental payments while offering residents who meet the requirements the option to spread the annual rent over months.
Under this model, tenants will make monthly payments using a debit or credit card through the platform, while landlords will continue to receive income according to the lease agreement terms. ADRES clarified that this is a payment facilitation model, not a credit service, so it does not fall under the scope of the UAE Central Bank's Debt Burden Ratio (DBR).
A service fee ranging from 4.75% to 12% of the annual rent will be applied, with the amount depending on factors such as the initial payment terms and tenant eligibility.
Real estate specialists believe that this initiative could increase rental affordability, especially for young professionals and newcomers in Abu Dhabi who often find it difficult to make large upfront payments. Simriddhi Singh from Scope Hauser Real Estate noted that the concept is likely to be more beneficial to tenants than to landlords, but she believes owners will adopt it if the payments remain reliable.
She added that this model could be particularly useful for residents working on project contracts or those who prefer not to tie up large sums of money in advance. Abdulrahman Ibrahim Abu Faraj, CEO of Scope Hauser Real Estate, stated that the platform can significantly expand the pool of potential tenants by removing one of the biggest barriers to renting.
He emphasized that many tenants do not have large amounts of cash available. For example, if an apartment rents for 100,000 dirhams, and the landlord only accepts two payments, the tenant will need 50,000 dirhams upfront. This sometimes forces people to look for cheaper housing or landlords offering more flexible payment terms.
Abu Faraj noted that the system could be particularly attractive to young professionals looking to rent in prestigious areas like Saadiyat Island, where annual rent often exceeds 150,000 dirhams, as well as to expats moving to the capital who may not yet have immediate access to their savings.
Despite welcoming the initiative, brokers stated that more details are needed before implementing the system. Abu Faraj highlighted one key question: how disputes will be resolved if tenants stop making monthly payments after landlords have already received the agreed rental amount.
He suggested that an escrow-like mechanism would be necessary to protect both parties. He added that the process is not yet fully clear, but they have seen successful operation of similar systems in other countries. He also advised that the platform should integrate with existing Abu Dhabi real estate systems for proper record-keeping of rentals and resolving any future disagreements.
The cost of the service may also influence its adoption. While Singh believes a commission of around 4.75% is unlikely to deter many tenants, Abu Faraj warned that fees approaching 12% could make this option less appealing. He commented: 'If someone pays 100,000 dirhams in rent, it effectively becomes 112,000 dirhams.' He concluded that at a higher commission rate, it would definitely deter some people, but he believes many tenants would still agree to a moderate payment in exchange for improved cash flow and the ability to avoid large upfront rental payments.
In the Olhar Digital News broadcast from Monday, July 14th, various technological and economic events were presented.
SpaceX launched 29 additional satellites for its Starlink constellation into low Earth orbit. This launch took place on Tuesday (the 14th) using a Falcon 9 rocket from Florida, marking another step in expanding the company's satellite internet network.
The National Council for Energy Policy (CNPE) approved an increase in the mandatory percentage of pure ethanol in gasoline from 30% to 32%. This measure aims to reduce dependence on imported fuels amid international instability. Experts warn that older vehicles may face increased wear and higher fuel consumption.
Embraer introduced the Phenom 300EV aircraft, which is equipped with advanced technologies to enhance flight safety. A key feature of the model is a system capable of taking control of the aircraft and executing a fully automated landing if the pilot becomes incapacitated. This makes the model one of the most modern business jets on the market.
A lawsuit filed by former Meta employees has once again raised the issue of using artificial intelligence in employment decisions. The plaintiffs claim that AI-based tools influenced a round of layoffs, disproportionately affecting workers with disabilities or those on sick leave. Meta denies these allegations, stating that decisions were made by management; however, this case raises new questions about the boundaries of AI application in the corporate environment.
