ID.6 accelerates Volkswagen’s e-offensive in China

China plays an essential role in the transformation towards the electrification and digitisation of the automotive industry worldwide, and in the achievement of Volkswagen’s core goals. We speak to Olaf Gutowski, Vice President Sales, Marketing and After-Sales of the Volkswagen China Passenger Cars Brand to analyse why, and what role the ID.6 will play in this.

E-offensive in China continues to gain momentum: World premiere of the ID.6

ID.6 CROZZ by FAW and ID.6 X by SVW

A desire for roomy interiors, safety and comfort, coupled with a high level of interest in technology and connectivity – China is a market like no other. By 2023, Volkswagen will have launched a total of eight ID. models in China. The world premiere of the ID.6 in China sees Volkswagen continue to pursue its regionalisation strategy. The brand is already laying the foundation for at least 50 percent of Volkswagen cars sold in China to be electric by 2030.

The ID.6 is another important element in the corporation’s efforts to become the most sought-after brand for sustainable mobility in China as well. It is based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) and will be launched in two versions (SAIC VOLKSWAGEN ID.6 X and FAW-Volkswagen ID.6 CROZZ). With room for six or seven passengers, depending on the model, it is the largest ID. model to date and sets new standards in terms of space, functionality, design and, in particular, user experience. The car is thus tailored specifically to the needs and wishes of Chinese customers.

Three questions for Olaf Gutowksi

China plays an essential role in the transformation towards electrification and digitization of the automotive industry worldwide, and in the achievement of Volkswagen’s core goals. We speak with Olaf Gutowksi, Vice President Sales, Marketing and After Sales of the Volkswagen China Passenger Cars Brand to analyze why and what role the ID.6 will play in this.

"Volkswagen aims to become the No. 1 NEV brand in the market."

Olaf Gutowksi, Vice President Sales, Marketing and After Sales of the Volkswagen China Passenger Cars

Mr Gutowski, first of all, what distinguishes the Chinese and European markets for car manufacturers?

China is a rapidly-evolving market and Chinese customers are open to new technology. Rising Chinese brands, such as NIO and Xpeng, are also making competition more fierce, especially when it comes to new energy vehicles (NEVs) and intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs). As a result, one difference in our ID. models in China is that they will have a high level of computing power and a robust software platform in order to provide customers with the necessary digital and connectivity services. For instance, Chinese ID.6 customers can check for updates on air quality or traffic violation tickets. These are just two examples of how we tailor our ID. models to the needs of the Chinese market.

We plan to launch eight ID. models in China by 2023, further accelerating our e-mobility offensive as Volkswagen aims to become the No. 1 NEV brand on the market. By 2030, we are aiming for at least 50 percent of Volkswagen sales in China to be electric vehicles.

Interieur

How important is the ID.6 to the Chinese market?

In order to reach these goals, the ID.6 will be our flagship ID. SUV in China, being the first ID. model developed specifically for the Chinese market. Chinese customers tend to prefer the SUV body style, thanks to its functionality, elevated seating position and comfort – which is precisely why we tailor-made the ID.6 in two stunning versions, in collaboration with our joint ventures, resulting in SAIC VOLKSWAGEN’s ID.6 X and FAW-Volkswagen’s ID.6 CROZZ. Both versions feature a wheelbase of 2,965 mm, creating a roomy interior space for three rows of seats, offering flexible 6- or 7-seater layouts to meet different customer demands.

We started delivery of our two ID.4 models at the end of March, with the two ID.6 to join them as our third and fourth ID. SUV models in China, thereby offering our customers more choice to embrace Volkswagen’s fully electric products.

Why is a targeted regional strategy critical to success?

Different markets have different consumer preferences, road conditions and competitive landscapes, so it is critical to have a targeted regional strategy to better adapt to the specific market situation. China is one of the most important markets globally for Volkswagen, and will continue to play an essential role in the future success of our transformation to electrification and digitisation. We see the ID.6 as the next building block for Volkswagen to also become the leading brand for sustainable mobility in China, as we are for ICE vehicles.