Volkswagen’s US Electric Vehicle (EV) Sales Collapse 90% in a Quarter
Volkswagen sold 1,421 electric cars in the United States between July and September, marking a 90% drop compared to the same period last year. This significant decline is attributed to the cessation of ID.4 production and the halt of ID. Buzz imports.
In Europe, the narrative shifts: Battery electric cars captured 29% of new registrations in August, with Volkswagen witnessing a surge in demand for its electric vehicles. This has led to the company accepting more orders for electric cars than petrol and diesel models in Germany.
Global Market Dynamics:
- United States: The drop in US sales is partly due to Volkswagen selling remaining inventory on dealer lots, making it one of the steepest declines among electric car manufacturers. Production of the ID.4 ceased in Chattanooga in April to make way for the petrol Atlas, while ID. Buzz imports were stopped, leaving only 2025 models.
- China: Chinese brands have gained significant ground in Europe, capturing a record 10.9% market share in June. This is causing Volkswagen to lose its best-selling models, such as the Tiguan plug-in hybrid, which dropped from the top spot to fourth in a year.
Industry Calls for Action: Chief executive Oliver Blume has urged Brussels to take immediate action, emphasizing the need for protection against Chinese battery electric car imports, which currently face EU tariffs of up to 35% for plug-in hybrids.
Future Developments:
- The ID. Tiguan, set to arrive next year, will offer a front boot and more physical controls.
- The minivan, known as ID. Buzz, will also return in 2028 with a native North American Charging (NACS) port.
- Volkswagen's joint venture in China offers a plug-in hybrid saloon for approximately $17,175, a fraction of the cost of the ID. Buzz in the US.
By: Darius Popa, a technology enthusiast and intern at The Next Web.