Volkswagen has formally cancelled the long-delayed ID.7 electrical sedan in America, as an alternative specializing in promoting it in Europe and China.
The ID.7 is VW’s electrical mid-size sedan providing, at present obtainable (and promoting properly) in Europe and in addition in China.
Beforehand the ID.7 had been meant to launch in 2024 in North America, after launching in Europe in 2023. However when launch time got here shut, VW delayed the North American debut of the mannequin indefinitely final Might.
As lately as October, VW America’s boss Pablo Di Si (who has since moved on) stated that the ID.7 might nonetheless are available in 2025.
However now we all know that that indefinite delay is now totally particular: the mannequin has been canceled within the US and Canada.
The information was damaged yesterday by The Automotive Information, talking with a VW Canada consultant. We’ve since reached out to VW, who confirmed the information to us.
Automotive Information quoted a VW spokesperson saying the choice was made because of “the continuing difficult EV local weather.” Final 12 months in North America, EV gross sales grew by 9%, quicker than the general auto market which grew at 2.5%, suggesting that the market is in reality more difficult for non-EVs than EVs in the mean time. Additional, gasoline automobile gross sales have been in long run decline since 2017, whereas EV gross sales have risen drastically in that point interval.
That development was achieved with only a few obtainable sedan fashions as properly, with virtually each EV obtainable in America being an SUV-type. Including further mannequin availability might open up the market to extra patrons who need a right-sized car as an alternative of a land yacht.
However VW has been having a difficult time itself within the US. Till lately, it solely provided a single SUV mannequin, the ID.4, within the US. Whereas the ID.4 has introduced numerous upgrades lately, it’s additionally one of many few automobiles whose gross sales had been down in a rising market (which was true even earlier than the cease sale which has now been lifted after fixing a door deal with downside). Maybe VW might have benefitted from providing a car in a distinct format.
VW had beforehand blamed its delay of the ID.7 on “market situations.” It didn’t specify which market situations it was referring to, however we now have some suspicions.
Producers have a perception that Individuals solely need SUVs (or so they are saying – actually, that is at the very least partially pushed by emissions guidelines), and the ID.7 will not be one. Though VW at one level did attempt to painting it as one – once we first noticed the ID.7 it was within the guise of the “Area Vizzion” idea, and VW stated it “combines the aerodynamic qualities of a Gran Turismo with the beneficiant inside area of an SUV,” making an attempt to leverage Individuals’ supposed need just for land yachts by portraying a considerably extra wise wagon as one thing it’s not.
That stated, the automobile doubtless would have been higher-priced than the ID.4, as it’s in Europe. The most effective-selling electrical sedan within the US is the Tesla Mannequin 3, with few different choices outdoors of the luxurious market. The ID.7 might have provided an alternate for patrons who’re in search of one thing that isn’t related to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, however its doubtless excessive beginning worth may need restricted that attraction.
However whereas it is a disappointment for these of us ready for extra right-sized electrical automobiles, it doesn’t imply the tip for brand spanking new VW EVs within the US. Automotive Information quoted a VW spokesman as saying that “electrical automobiles proceed to be a core a part of Volkswagen’s long-term product technique, and new electrical fashions will proceed to be launched for this market.” So, keep tuned for extra.
Properly, if you happen to nonetheless need an electrical VW, there’s at all times the ID.4. To contact an area vendor and see if they’ve any VW ID.4s able to promote, be at liberty to use our hyperlink. You may as well attain out in regards to the ID.Buzz, if a unusual electrical minivan is extra your velocity.
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