Volkswagen speaks on e-cars as sales falls below expectation

 

MUNICH – German carmaker Volkswagen is hoping demand for electric vehicles will pick up after a recent weakening, and is focusing on its e-vehicle portfolio, brand manager Thomas Schäfer said ahead of the IAA Mobility trade fair.

“By 2027, we as a brand will be launching 11 new electric models on the market,” Schäfer told dpa. That is one more model than was previously announced in the plans up until 2026.

He promised an initial outlook at the motor show that is being held in Munich from September 4 to 10. Even though demand has cooled recently, VW is still sticking with its focus on electric cars, he said.

“We assume that the share of e-cars in Europe will increase significantly in the coming years,” said Schäfer, calling the recent dip an “interim low.”

The appetite for e-cars, especially in Germany, lost momentum at the start of the year due to the reduced purchase premium, inflation and, until recently, lengthy delivery times. That meant VW had to reduce production in Emden for a period of time.

Now, however, the situation has improved, said Schäfer. “Since May we have seen an upward trend in incoming orders again.”

Schäfer ruled out price cuts, though US e-car maker Tesla has slashed prices to boost demand. “We do not take part in price wars,” he said, ruling out buying market share as unsustainable.

Schäfer rejected criticism by some dealers that VW even raised the prices of some models on September 1, while rival Tesla recently lowered them.

“The prices of our e-cars were not increased on 1 September, but only those of some selected combustion models,” he said, adding this had no influence on ramping up e-cars.