It's neither problems nor the electric cars themselves that are causing Volkswagen to step on the brakes. According to the Germans themselves, it's due to a success that can't be followed.
Electric cars and their sales have been a hotly debated topic in the automotive industry for years, especially due to support schemes.
Volkswagen, one of the largest car manufacturers in the world, has recently experienced both success and challenges with electric cars. However, this is not due to government support.
Volkswagen had to stop selling its electric cars after just one week, as management was surprised by how popular the offer was.
Edison writes that.
The VW ID.3 sold out in a very short time, indicating that there is significant demand for electric cars when the price is at rock bottom.
The "Drive electric" campaign was a great success for Volkswagen. In just a few days, thousands of electric cars were sold on lease agreements. This shows that price plays a decisive role in the sale of electric cars.
The leasing price for the VW ID.3 was lower than for the VW Golf, making it attractive for many potential customers to lease an electric car.
The VW ID.3 Pro could be leased for approximately 2,100 Danish kroner. The more luxurious model ID.3 Pro S "Goal" with a 77 kWh battery could be leased for approximately 2,700 per month.
The offer was launched on January 27, but by February 6, all the leased cars were gone. Volkswagen had expected the campaign to last until February 10. But the Germans have been running for several days.
Volkswagen discontinued the leasing offer when they ran out of cars. At least the cars that were set aside for the campaign.
And even though all leased cars are now out, that doesn't mean Volkswagen has turned the tide towards the black on the bottom line. The brand is plagued by enormous debt, and by 2030, 35,000 jobs and several factories in Germany are to be cut.
Something the VW Group has never done before. This week, management had to admit that they have been sleeping through the night when it comes to electric cars. "We are behind," they said. Read more about it here.
In another part of the VW Group – namely at Porsche – they are also struggling with electric cars. But this is because customers are being lost. At the same time, the electric cars that have already been built are losing enormous sums. Therefore, the brand will now invest more money in the development of the combustion engine.
