Volkswagen is keeping to its plans to launch 25 electric vehicle models in North America across its group brands by 2030 but is ready to adjust as the market shifts, Pablo Di Si, head of the automaker’s North American business, told Reuters.
“When I look at the data from January, the (EV) segment continues to grow,” Di Si said in an interview ahead of the Chicago Auto Show.
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Electric vehicles accounted for 8.5% of North American vehicle sales in January, up from just under 8% last year, he said.
However, Reuters reported, Di Si said the pace of growth was slowing and more investment in charging infrastructure and continued government support would be needed to expand EV sales in “middle America”.
The news agency noted General Motors and Ford, among other automakers, had slowed investments in electric vehicles in response to slowing demand growth.
More VW EVs are destined for the US. The ID.Buzz electric minibus and ID.7 sedan are scheduled for launch in the US market later this year but would not deliver high sales volume, Di Si told the news agency.
SUVs are the highest volume segment in the US market, Reuters noted, and VW is developing midsize and larger electric SUVs to push sales toward a goal of capturing 10% of the US market across all the group’s brands by 2030.
“We have them approved,” Di Si said.
The group North American EV range would also expand in 2026 to include US made SUVs sold under the revived Scout brand.
Reuters said US sales of the ID.4 launched in 2022 reached 37,789 vehicles last year behind Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3, GM’s Chevrolet Bolt and Ford’s Mustang Mach-E and just ahead of Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 EV.
Di Si told Reuters VW would take advantage of revamped versions of the ID.4 with longer driving range, improved infotainment software and eligibility for US$7,500 in US tax credits.
