en.Wedoany.com Reported - German Volkswagen Group is evaluating the feasibility of introducing models developed in China to the European market and producing them at German factories, with economic studies already underway.
In May of this year, after Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume issued a statement, attention turned to the possibility of Volkswagen importing vehicles produced in China to Europe. The model initially discussed was the ID.Era 9X, currently produced in China in collaboration with SAIC. This model is larger than the Volkswagen Touareg and is priced at €45,000 ($51,000) in China, while the Touareg typically costs over €80,000 ($91,000) in Europe.
According to Handelsblatt, Volkswagen now leans toward importing another model not yet launched in China, indicating a shift in plans. This model is expected to be similar in size to the Touareg and will be built on Volkswagen's China Scalable Platform (CSP). Developed independently by Volkswagen, this platform does not share technology or components with SAIC, allowing the German brand full control over vehicle technology. To adapt to the European market, modifications to driver assistance systems, materials, and software will be required.
Tariffs are a key obstacle for Volkswagen importing vehicles from China. Currently, the Cupra Tavascan is produced in China and exported to Europe, but it benefits from tariff exemptions due to its reliance on European technology. Other models Volkswagen may import would find it difficult to receive similar treatment. The EU's countervailing tariffs on electric vehicles produced in China vary by manufacturer: SAIC faces 35%, BYD 17%, and Tesla slightly below 8%, all on top of the EU's standard import tariff.
Producing these models in Europe is a potential way to circumvent tariffs. Anonymous sources say Volkswagen's factory in Zwickau could be a candidate location, though nothing has been finalized. One appeal of producing Chinese models locally is improving capacity utilization at German plants. According to reports, employee representatives are open to evaluating more Chinese-developed models, provided they complement rather than replace existing factory commitments.
Not all executives agree with Blume's ideas. According to company insiders, Volkswagen CFO Arno Antlitz warned: "Do not brand vehicles from completely unrelated competitors in China with Volkswagen's quality image."
