Europe’s largest car manufacturer Volkswagen is launching a new electric brand for China. Under the new sub-brand ID. Unyx’s first car is scheduled to come onto the market in the summer, a spokesman said on the occasion of the world premiere of the first model in Anhui, where it is produced. Four more are to follow by 2026. With this, VW wants to make up ground, especially in the electromobility sector that is booming in China. So far, local challengers like BYD have set the tone here. “Electric models like the new ID. Unyx are the key to attracting young, lifestyle-oriented target groups,” said VW China brand boss Stefan Mecha. According to a spokesman, the sub-brand will be located above the core VW brand and will also have its own dealer network with 40 sales rooms in 20 cities.Sister model of the Cupra TavascanThe first model of the new brand largely corresponds to the Cupra Tavascan, which is produced in the same factory and in to come to Europe in the fall. The ID. However, Unyx has a completely redesigned interior. The Cupra Tavascan is the first and only model in the group to be built in China and exported to Europe. The Cupra is not offered in China itself.
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VW has so far found it difficult to meet Chinese tastes with its electric models. Buyers there are demanding more software and networking in the car, including social media options. In addition, price competition has developed with low-cost manufacturers from the People’s Republic in the rapidly growing electric car market. BYD overtakes VW In 2023, VW had to hand over its position as market leader in the country, which it held for decades, to local challenger BYD, which sold more cars with electric models alone than VW overall. While the Wolfsburg-based company is further ahead when it comes to combustion engines, they only play a minor role when it comes to electric cars. Of the 1.345 million vehicles of all Group brands delivered in China in the first half of the year, only a good 90,000 had an electric drive. The Group therefore wants to increase development in China in the future in order to better meet the tastes of customers there. Last year, VW entered into a cooperation with the Chinese car manufacturer Xpeng. Together with the partner, two electric mid-range cars are to be created for China, which will come onto the market in 2026. Whether they will then also be available under the sub-brand ID. When asked, VW left Unyx open.
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