If any automaker is discovering the brilliant aspect of the electrical car slowdown — exterior of the Japanese, who’ve been skeptical because the starting — it is likely to be the Volkswagen Group. That is as a result of Cariad, the group’s software program division, remains to be puzzling its approach via code that will not do what’s required. German outlet Supervisor Magazin (hat tip to Carscoops) has adopted VW’s programming travails for 5 years now, when software program points perturbed the launches of the Mk8 Golf and ID.3. The Scalable Programs Platform (SSP) succeeding VW’s MEB platform was meant to hit roads in 2024; software program delays have pushed it out previous 2026, a ultimate date nonetheless unsure. Group CEO Oliver Blume mentioned a yr in the past that every little thing was again on observe, telling traders that Audi, the VW Group model meant to be first off the road with an SSP-based providing, would launch its automobile on time in 2026. Two months later, German experiences mentioned the SSP was in arrears once more (or nonetheless), and Audi, bored with ready, had begun speaking to Chinese language automakers about shopping for an EV platform. Now it is trying like 2027 or 2028 would be the yr for Audi’s SSP car.
In the meantime, on the Volkswagen model, Supervisor Magazin (translated) and Handelsblatt (translated) each write that the coding issues have pushed again next-generation fashions like the electrical Golf and the ID.four to 2029 on the earliest. That is not less than 15 months delayed. The ID.four will probably be 9 years outdated at that time. The market’s so arduous to learn that who is aware of what the impact on the SUV will probably be. Nonetheless, with opponents rolling out new fashions, even at a slower tempo, one suspects an ageing ID.four will endure. U.S. sellers moved 12,380 models within the first half of this yr, down 15% on 2023, going the improper approach in comparison with 11.3% progress in EV gross sales within the first half of this yr.
Moreover, delaying the opening salvo of autos pushes different launches again, since VW would not wish to roll out too many merchandise without delay — a proviso that assumes every little thing will get on observe quickly. The launch of a big electrical Volkswagen SUV referred to as T-Sport is claimed to have been moved from 2028 to 2031.
Porsche may have choices to make as nicely, the model’s seven-seat electrical SUV codenamed K1 constructed on the SSP, already out testing and due in 2027.
For the VW Group, none of this information is good. For the VW model, the EV gross sales slowdown limits the injury, in addition to provides the automaker time to make more cash off the MEB platform, which is due for a refresh into MEB+ spec for 2026.