A new sub-brand from the Volkswagen Group is set to launch in China, catering to the growing electric vehicle market. While the prototype, known as the Cupra Tavascan, may appear familiar, it is actually the first model from this upcoming brand.
The German automaker plans to position this new brand as a more lifestyle-oriented company compared to the traditional VW brand. However, establishing an entirely new sub-brand would be costly, so VW has opted to sell rebranded Cupra vehicles instead.
The Tavascan, which was previously unveiled in full earlier this year, is still undergoing testing with its badges covered in tape. It will be produced by Volkswagen in the Chinese province of Anhui and exported to Europe, though it won’t be sold under the Cupra brand in China.
The yet unnamed sub-brand’s first model is expected to be identical to the Tavascan, both in terms of its design and the technology under the hood. It is based on the MEB platform and will be slightly larger than the VW ID.5 model.
In terms of power, the Tavascan offers two options for the European market: a single-motor RWD model with 281 horsepower, and a variant with two electric motors producing 335 horsepower. Both versions come with a 77-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, providing a range of up to 342 miles according to the WLTP cycle. Similar specifications are expected for the China-only model.
This strategic move by Volkswagen provides an opportunity to enter the Chinese electric vehicle market with a new brand, utilizing the proven technology of Cupra vehicles. With the growing demand for electric vehicles in China, VW aims to position itself as a prominent player in the market.
Sources: Automotive News
Definitions:
- Volkswagen Group: A German multinational automotive manufacturing company that is part of the broader Volkswagen AG.
- Cupra: A Spanish automotive brand specializing in high-performance electric and hybrid vehicles.
- Chinese market: The consumer market for vehicles and other goods and services in China.
- Electric vehicle (EV): A vehicle that is powered by one or more electric motors, using electrical energy stored in rechargeable batteries or another energy storage device.
- Volkswagen ID.5: A fully electric SUV produced by Volkswagen on their dedicated MEB platform.
- WLTP: Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure, a global standard for measuring vehicle emissions and fuel consumption.