"VW ID.1" e-car for 20,000 euros: VW boss Blume wants to speed up development
VW boss Blume promises "Europe Speed" in the development of the €20,000 electric car. It should be ready and appear sooner than planned in 2027.
VW ID.2all als GTI Concept
(Image: VW)
- dpa
Volkswagen wants to significantly increase the pace of development for its entry-level electric model planned for 2027. "The €20,000 VW will set standards in terms of design, quality, equipment and technology at an attractive price," said Group CEO Oliver Blume at the online Annual General Meeting in Wolfsburg on Wednesday. "And we are also demonstrating that Volkswagen is able to develop quickly. Efficiently and effectively – with Europe Speed." At 36 months, the development time is significantly shorter than for previous models.
Working title "VW ID.1"
Yesterday, the Group Board of Management gave the green light for the model with the working title "VW ID.1". The Wolfsburg-based company plans to use it to round off its electric range at the lower end and move into the entry-level electric segment. "We are thus keeping our promise to offer affordable mobility for generations," said Blume. "The car is an expression of our brand identity: a genuine Volkswagen. From Europe and for Europe."
Volkswagen has not yet decided where exactly in Europe the car will be built. However, Blume added that Germany would not be considered. VW had already outsourced the VW ID.2all planned for 2026 for 25,000 euros to the Group subsidiary Seat in Spain for cost reasons.
Politics should offer planning security
"We see electric mobility as the future of the automotive industry," emphasized Blume. "The focus of our investments is geared towards this." Blume called for more support from politicians for the electric course. "It is important that the ramp-up of e-mobility is supported from all sides. Politicians also need to take a clear stance: a clear commitment to e-mobility, realism regarding CO₂ targets, planning security for the industry in terms of legislation." Voices have recently been raised in the EU calling for a move away from the target of switching completely to e-cars by 2035.
Unlike last year, when Blume welcomed his shareholders in an exhibition hall in Berlin, this time the meeting will take place online again. Shareholder representatives criticized the decision. A year ago, climate and human rights activists had severely disrupted the Annual General Meeting. Volkswagen justifies the return to the digital format with cost savings.
(mki)