A brand new, bigger VW electrical SUV will arrive within the US. Regardless of a number of automakers pulling again, Volkswagen says it’s sticking to its EV plans. In the meantime, the automaker could add hybrids because it seems to be to spice up gross sales within the US.
Volkswagen sticks to US electrical car plans
After delivering 37,789 electrical autos (solely the ID.4 for now) within the US final yr (+84.2% YOY), Volkswagen seems to be to speed up gross sales in 2024.
Based on registration information, VW was the eighth top-selling EV maker final yr, with 3.2% of the US market. Though gross sales are up, VW was nonetheless behind rivals Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Hyundai.
Rivals like Mercedes, Ford, and GM have pushed again EV targets, citing slowing than anticipated demand, however Volkswagen Group of America CEO Pablo Di Si says EV plans stay.
“We’re not questioning the long run,” Di Si informed Automotive Information throughout VW’s annual media convention. The feedback mirror these made by VW Group CEO Oliver Blume. Blume defined the group established a “stable basis” in 2023.
“With inspiring merchandise, a constant and clear give attention to implementation, we’re trying ahead to the 2024 monetary yr with confidence,” Blume mentioned.
VW expects to proceed to “develop profitably” in North America. CFO Arno Antilitz mentioned VW might see the very best progress in North America this yr, with rates of interest anticipated to come back again down.
The German automaker is strengthening its EV lineup with a longer-range ID.4 (see our evaluation) and two new all-electric fashions, together with the ID.7 and ID Buzz.
VW to launch new electrical SUV, could add PHEVs within the US
Di Si doesn’t see the brand new EVs driving big progress however calls them halo fashions. On the ID Buzz, Di Si mentioned, “Is it going to be a quantity driver like Atlas? In all probability not.” However VW doesn’t need it to be. It’s designed as a distinct segment product.
The model’s North American chief mentioned VW will proceed investing in SUVs. He confirmed VW will launch a big electrical SUV within the US that could possibly be the amount EV they’re on the lookout for.
Though Blume confirmed EVs had been “the long run, interval,” he added, “we’re versatile sufficient to adapt to adjustments in several markets.
Volkswagen doesn’t supply a PHEV (or any hybrid) within the US, however that would change. Di Si mentioned VW is taking an in depth have a look at it and appears to deal with it within the close to time period.
The model launched the Tiguan PHEV in Europe with as much as 62 miles of all-electric vary. “We now have the idea, we’re simply attempting to determine how, when, how you can homologate and how you can localize,” Di Si mentioned.
The chief didn’t affirm plans for a PHEV however did say new tech was not wanted. Di Si mentioned VW has the platform and tech. “You’ll be able to take that and adapt it to a different SUV if we need to.”
Volkswagen isn’t the one automaker seeking to lean extra into hybrids. Toyota, Ford, GM, and others have introduced comparable plans.
Porsche additionally confirmed it could follow its EV goal with plans to launch a number of new electrical fashions, together with the Macan EV and up to date Taycan. Blume mentioned the Macan EV already earned 10,000 orders, “and these clients haven’t even been capable of drive the automotive but.”
