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 effectively) in Europe and likewise in China.
Beforehand the ID.7 had been supposed 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 Could.
As not too long ago as October, VW America’s boss Pablo Di Si (who has since moved on) stated that the ID.7 might nonetheless are available 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 on account 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 actually more difficult for non-EVs than EVs in the meanwhile. Additional, fuel automobile gross sales have been in long run decline since 2017, whereas EV gross sales have risen drastically in that point interval.
That progress was achieved with only a few obtainable sedan fashions as effectively, with nearly each EV obtainable in America being an SUV-type. Including further mannequin availability might open up the market to extra patrons who desire a right-sized automobile as an alternative of a land yacht.
However VW has been having a difficult time itself within the US. Till not too long ago, it solely provided a single SUV mannequin, the ID.4, within the US. Whereas the ID.4 has introduced numerous upgrades not too long ago, it’s additionally one of many few autos whose gross sales have 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 drawback). Maybe VW might have benefitted from providing a automobile in a unique 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 have now some suspicions.
Producers have a perception that People solely need SUVs (or so they are saying – actually, that is no less than partially pushed by emissions guidelines), and the ID.7 isn’t one. Though VW at one level did attempt to painting it as one – after we first noticed the ID.7 it was within the guise of the “House 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 People’ supposed want just for land yachts by portraying a considerably extra smart wagon as one thing it’s not.
That stated, the automobile possible would have been higher-priced than the ID.4, as it’s in Europe. The very best-selling electrical sedan within the US is the Tesla Mannequin 3, with few different choices outdoors of the posh market. The ID.7 might have provided an alternate for patrons who’re on the lookout for one thing that isn’t related to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, however its possible excessive beginning worth might need restricted that attraction.
However whereas it is a disappointment for these of us ready for extra right-sized electrical autos, 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 autos 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.
Nicely, in case you nonetheless need an electrical VW, there’s all the time the ID.4. To contact a neighborhood 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 concerning the ID.Buzz, if a unusual electrical minivan is extra your pace.
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