The second benefit is a chance to offer some of its cutting-edge models in Europe, covering more segments without doubling up on R&D across regions. However, VW leadership are aware of the optics, especially as rumours continue to swirl about cutting European production to a point where plant closures might be inevitable.
Building Chinese VWs in Europe
Which is where part two of this idea comes into play as Blume also confirmed there’s scope to build these Chinese-engineered models in European factories to help keep the lights switched on.
Blume was bullish about the way VW goes about this, telling us: “First export, then check the response in the market. But we would carefully plan which segments we’d enter, which could then open up the opportunity to build any of these models in those plants.”
As such, there’s little chance that any of VW’s small to medium sized models offered in the Chinese market would be sold here, instead it’ll be larger and more profitable lines such as the popular ID.Era 7X. This new model has already been considered a hit in the Chinese market, shooting right to the top of the popular full-sized range-extender SUV class.
It would also make sense for European consumption as these range-extender style vehicles could meet the demand for models with an internal combustion engine before an ICE ban comes into force.
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