New Volkswagen Electric Models May Be Delayed
Volkswagen is actively showcasing new electric vehicles, such as the ID. Cross concept, and confirming the development of a fully electric Polo. However, behind the scenes, the situation is not so optimistic. According to reports, the company will delay the launch of at least two future models due to production problems, reduced demand, and financial pressures.
First Victims: ID. Roc and ID. Golf
The first model likely to be delayed is the ID. Roc. Although Volkswagen has not yet officially confirmed this information, this SUV was supposed to be the first car on the new SSP platform with a planned debut in the autumn of 2029. Anonymous sources informed the German publication Handelsblatt that the launch has been postponed to the summer of 2030. It is also reported that the release of the ID. Golf has been delayed until approximately 2030, despite previous plans to introduce it earlier.
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Financial Difficulties and Production Changes
Money, or rather the lack of it, is considered one of the main reasons for the schedule changes. Volkswagen is preparing an important Supervisory Board meeting to determine the workload of all its global plants and financial planning for the next five years. The company cut costs by 15 billion euros last year and plans even more cuts this year.
According to Handelsblatt, Volkswagen aims to invest billions in new platforms and plant modernization but must be cautious with available funds. One plan involved moving the production of the conventional Golf from Wolfsburg, Germany, to Mexico by 2027 to free up space for electric models on the SSP platform, such as the ID. Roc. However, this transition may also be delayed.
Overinvestment in Electric Vehicles
As a result, Wolfsburg may not see electric car production before 2028. Similarly, Volkswagen may postpone plans to move the production of the ID.3 and Cupra Born from Zwickau to Wolfsburg, which were initially planned for 2027.
According to a company insider, electric vehicle sales have not been as high as Volkswagen expected. “Although sales volumes are growing, our initial investments were geared towards significantly higher figures. We are completely over-invested,” a source told the German publication.
These delays could affect Volkswagen’s competitiveness in the world of electric vehicles, where other manufacturers are also stepping up their efforts. The company faces the need to balance innovation with financial stability, especially in a global economic uncertainty. Volkswagen may consider strategic partnerships or technological solutions to accelerate its electric initiatives without additional major expenses.