The ID series, which Volkswagen produces at its Chinese joint
ventures with SAIC Motor and FAW Group, is the backbone of its EV ambitions in
China, the world's largest auto market.
The German automaker sold 70,625 of its ID electric vehicles
in China last year, missing its goal of selling 80,000 to 100,000 cars, with
production also affected by regional COVID-19 outbreaks in addition to
chip-related issues.
Volkswagen's China chief Stephan Wollenstein told a briefing
in Beijing that the automaker would still like to double its original plan but
that goal "is not currently secured by the semiconductor supplies that we
currently see."
He added, however, that he was "pretty positive that we
will see a doubling of actual sales." Volkswagen Group, which alongside
its own brand owns other marques such as Audi, Lamborghini and Porsche, sold
3.3 million cars in China last year, down 14 percent, Wollenstein said.
The company aims to boost that number by around 15 percent
or roughly 500,000 units this year, though he said this also depended on the
chip supply situation.
The shortage of chips, used in everything from brake sensors
to power steering to entertainment systems, has led automakers around the world
to cut or suspend production, pushing up both new and used vehicle prices amid
robust demand from consumers.
While China's EV market is seeing very strong growth, most
foreign automakers have lagged their Chinese counterparts in designing smart
cars that appeal.
The market is now dominated by Chinese brands, led by BYD
and Wuling — part of the GM group but a local marque. While Tesla ranks as
number three, it is the only foreign brand among the top 10.
“You don't see Volkswagen. Players like Volkswagen, GM and
Toyota have fallen far behind in China's smart EV race,” said Bill Russo, head
of consultancy Automobility in Shanghai.
Some 15 percent of all passenger cars purchased in China
last year through November were either battery electric cars or plug-in
electric hybrids, according to Russo. In November alone, electric car sales
accounted for 21 percent of China's overall passenger car sales. © Reuters
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