- VW cuts EV production at German plants as demand falls short of forecasts.
- It has also pushed back the launch of the new ID.Roc and ID.Golf to 2030.
- Sales growth of electric vehicles in Europe have not met VW’s expectations.
A softening in the growth of electric vehicle sales has prompted numerous car manufacturers to reconsider their launch schedules and product mix. Just last week, Porsche announced it would add combustion engines to the new 718 series and K1 models, and now Volkswagen has confirmed that it will scale back production at two of its German plants.
Read: VW’s EV Plans Hit A Wall As Two Key Models Reportedly Pushed Back
The first step will affect VW’s Emden factory, home to the ID.4 and ID.7. This site is set to be taken offline for several days, although the exact timing of the shutdown has yet to be decided, reports Bloomberg.
Slowing Production Lines
In addition, a company spokesperson has confirmed that production of the Audi Q4 e-tron will be halted for a week starting October 6 due to weak demand. The Q4 e-tron does have its strengths, as we found during an extended test, but it struggles on value and feels unconvincing in areas that matter, particularly inside the cabin. With strong competition from China offering sharper pricing and quality, its muted reception is perhaps less than surprising.
While VW’s overall electric vehicle sales have been increasing in Europe, the pace of the growth has not matched expectations.
Other EV Delays
Word of these production cuts comes less than two weeks after it was reported that VW is delaying two of its most important new EVs. One of these new models, known as the ID. Roc, will be based on the company’s new SSP platform and was set to hit the market in the fall of 2029. However, it’s now believed to have been pushed back to the summer of 2030. The long-anticipated ID. Golf has also been moved back, with its arrival expected around the same time.
The setbacks aren’t solely due to softening demand. Limited resources are also playing a role, as Volkswagen pursues aggressive cost savings. In 2024 alone, the company trimmed €15 billion, or about $17.5 billion, from its budget.
Lead image Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink
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