Volkswagen, a key player in the electric vehicle (EV) market, is encountering difficulties as demand for its electric models wanes. Despite a 45% increase in EV deliveries, with 531,500 vehicles sold from January to September compared to the previous year, the current situation reveals a different story. EV orders in Europe have dropped by 50%, falling from 300,000 orders last year to a mere 150,000 this year.
To address this decline, Volkswagen has taken several measures. The automaker recently announced the reduction of temporary jobs at its Zwickau plant in Germany, which serves as its largest EV production site in Europe. Moreover, in a surprising move, Volkswagen is planning to end the production of ID.3, one of its popular electric models, at its Dresden plant. This decision is attributed to various factors, including falling demand, rising inflation, and the termination of subsidies.
In a latest report, Volkswagen’s situation worsened further. The automaker is now reducing the number of shifts at its Zwickau facility. It will operate with only two shifts in Hall 5 instead of the previous three. This move aims to ensure the continued productivity and future viability of the site.
Volkswagen’s EV production has also faced obstacles due to a lack of electric motors, causing a production halt at Zwickau. While this initially impacted models such as ID.4, ID.5, and Audi Q4 e-tron, the ID.3 and Cupra Born were spared from the interruption. However, the slowing demand for Volkswagen EVs has led to the non-renewal of numerous temporary employee contracts.
As Europe represents Volkswagen’s largest EV market, accounting for 64% of total electric models sold, the 50% decrease in orders is cause for concern. The automaker faces fierce competition from Tesla, particularly with the success of its Model Y. Additionally, Volkswagen has postponed its plans for a fourth EV battery plant due to market conditions and the slow growth of the electric vehicle market in Europe.
With key market players like Tesla and BYD aggressively cutting prices, Volkswagen must find innovative strategies to stay ahead in the highly competitive EV market.