German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen plans to begin exporting vehicles from China to various regions including other Asian markets, South America, and the Middle East, reported Reuters, citing the company’s China chief.

This plan comes as car manufacturers in the Asian country are struggling with using unused manufacturing capacity.

At an event held ahead of the Shanghai auto show, Volkswagen member of the board for China Ralf Brandstaetter said: “It is fully clear that VW will not export to the US or Europe (from China) except for the Tavascan. But other markets are open like Asian markets, South America and the Middle East.

“They are open to products from China. We have competitive models and we are approaching doing export from China to these regions.”

In a bid to maintain and grow its market share in China, where foreign carmakers are facing stiff competition from local manufacturers, Volkswagen is developing a new vehicle platform.

This platform will cater to both battery-electric cars and electric vehicles (EVs) featuring range extenders.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

“You can’t predict what the share of each type of EV will be in 2030. We need to adapt our platforms to provide this flexibility,” Brandstaetter added.

He noted that key factors for success in the Chinese market include effective cost management, assisted driving capabilities, and flexibility in drivetrain technologies.

Volkswagen is set to showcase its first AI-powered, highly automated driving system (ADAS) at the Auto Shanghai event, scheduled from today to 2 May 2025.

This advanced self-learning system is specifically designed to handle the complexity of China’s traffic conditions.

Just Auto Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Auto Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving automotive industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now