Volkswagen records first net rise in electric car orders, reshapes production
Volkswagen announced that, for the first time, orders for pure-electric models have outpaced those for conventional engines, prompting a reallocation of factory shifts.
Volkswagen reported that electric-car orders have now exceeded those for internal-combustion vehicles, a first in the company’s history. As a result, factories that previously focused on gasoline and diesel models are cutting additional shifts, whereas the Emden plant will receive at least two new shifts for the ID. 7, and Zwickau is expected to see better utilisation thanks to rising EV demand. Martin Sander described the shift as a pivotal moment for the brand’s electrification strategy.
In Wolfsburg, reduced demand for conventional models has led to the postponement of extra shifts for the Golf, Tiguan and Tayron lines. Meanwhile, the group’s smaller EV concepts, including the ID. Polo, Cupra Raval, Skoda Epiq and ID.
Cross, have generated strong pre-order interest, though they will be built in Spain rather than Germany. The company also plans to move ICE Golf production to Mexico and may eventually centralise EV Golf and T-Roc output at its German hub.
Why it matters
The shift shows accelerating consumer demand for EVs, affecting jobs and factory strategies at a major automaker.
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