A strategic offensive for the Chinese market: "In China, for China".
With 2 million vehicles sold in China for the German manufacturer, a fall of 9.2 % in 2024the German group needs to catch up BYD having produced twice as much. The answer? 30 new models by 2027of which 20 NEV (plug-in hybrids and 100 % electric vehicles), designed in 34 months compared with 50 previously thanks to the Hefei R&D centre.
We have moved up a gear in China with our new development centre in Hefei. Our aim is to reduce vehicle development times to a maximum of 34 months. We intend to launch the right models, at the right speed and with the right partners. The three concepts presented meet the technology requirements of Chinese customers, with an all-electric powertrain for the high-volume and large-format segments, and a concept with an electric range extender for the large-format segment.autonomy.
With the ID. AURA, ID. EVO and ID. ERAVolkswagen is thus confirming its strategy of adapting ultra-fast to a rapidly changing ecosystem. Designed locally, in close collaboration with its Chinese subsidiaries and partners, each concept aims to respond precisely to market expectations: a expressive designa digital connectivity state-of-the-art performance adapted to local infrastructures and a user experience designed for the new generation of Chinese drivers.
As a result, the three concepts ID. AURA, ID. EVO and ID. ERA embody a collaboration tripartite with FAW-Volkswagen, SAIC-Volkswagen and Volkswagen-Anhui joint ventures. This approach makes it possible to :
- controlling costs via local supply chains,
- integrate leading Chinese suppliers in batteries and software,
- and deploy a On-board AI trained on local driving data.
By opting for greater technological sovereignty in China, Volkswagen is securing both its industrial agility and its capacity for innovation in the face of increasingly competitive local giants.
That's right, Volkswagen capitalises on the maturity of the Chinese market in terms ofrecharging facilities (high-power terminals) and regulations (accelerated deployment of NEVs). The manufacturer is also banking on the future exportability of these innovations, such as the zonal electronic architecture of the ID. AURA's zonal electronic architecture, designed for permanent software updates.
With our 'In China, for China' strategy, we intend to exploit our full potential and demonstrate our capacity for innovation at local level.
ID. AURA, ID. EVO, ID. ERA: a closer look at three visions of the electric cars of the future
ID. AURA: electric elegance for long journeys
First model based on new CMP platform (Compact Main Platform), the ID. AURA embodies an ambitious vision of electric mobility developed specifically for the Chinese market. Thanks to its innovative zonal electronic architecturedesigned to meet local requirements, this concept targets the segment A with a dual objective: to offer a competitive price positioning without sacrificing technology.
Sound dynamic three-body design reflects a modern approach, while the sleek interior is inspired by theworld of smartphones. L'man-machine interface has been designed to maximiseintuitiveThis electric saloon will feature a touch-sensitive central console that can be fully customised according to the driver's preferences. In other words, this electric saloon would be a veritable rolling software platform.
Volkswagen has equipped the ID. AURA with cutting-edge technologies to transform the user experience.
- Level 2++ automated driving powered by high-performance artificial intelligence, it is capable of performing complex manoeuvres such as merging into heavy traffic or negotiating tight bends, reproducing fluid, natural driving behaviour.
- Humanoid voice assistant AI-controlled, it provides complete voice control of the vehicle and the infotainment system, using natural language to enhance the fluidity of interactions.
- OTA (Over The Air) updates Regular software upgrades guarantee continuous improvements in functionality, with no need for a workshop visit.
Worth noting By relying on local components and optimised production, Volkswagen aims to offer the ID. AURA at a competitive price against major rivals such as the Tesla Model 3.
Although its exact range has not yet been announced, estimates based on A-segment standards and the manufacturer's ambitions in terms of NEV suggest that it could be as long as a year. capacity of between 500 and 600 kilometres.
ID. EVO: the redesigned electric family saloon
The result of joint development with Volkswagen Anhuithe ID. EVO targets a young, urban and digital clientele through the brand ID.UNYX.
This Electric SUV is based on a 800 V platformcombining ultra-fast charging, architecture zonal electronics and an evolving digital ecosystem.
Designed to meet the expectations of an ultra-connected generation, ID. EVO incorporates a user experience worthy of the most demanding technological standards, including cloud and OTA services.
This brings together a range ofconnected applications by subscription (streaming, intelligent recharging, enhanced navigation) and over-the-air updates guaranteeing an always up-to-date experience.
Like the ID. AURA, Volkswagen is also equipping the ID. EVO with a level 2++ automated driving system, integrated from 2026 :
- Autonomous overruns and insertions Thanks to artificial intelligence trained on Chinese traffic data, ID. EVO is capable of performing complex manoeuvres without driver intervention.
- New-generation sensors Redundancy is provided by a combination of high-definition cameras, 4D radar and lidar, offering 360° perception even in difficult weather conditions.
All in all, ID. EVO is positioned as a serious competitor to the Tesla Model Y and Nio EL7. Sound fluid designhis modular interior with folding seats electrically, as well as its functionalities geared to local use (restaurant recommendations, kiosk reservations) make it a perfectly calibrated response to the expectations of the Chinese market.
ID. ERA: the hybrid SUV for the new generation
Developed in partnership with SAIC Volkswagenthe ID. ERA offers a unique response to the specific challenges of the Chinese market: combining electrification and extended range to reassure families on long journeys.
Large family SUV with three rows of seatsIt is part of a pragmatic strategy to tackle the problem of charging infrastructure, which is still unevenly distributed across the country.
The ID. ERA is based on a hybrid system that combines pure electric propulsion with a range-extender:
- 300 km all-electric thanks to a battery high voltage, the ID. ERA provides emission-free daily travel, perfectly suited to urban and suburban environments.
- 700 km more A compact petrol generator recharges the battery while driving, extending the total range to around 1,000 kilometres.
The design of ID. ERA is practical without sacrificing elegance:
- Clean lines and a flexible cabin Its parallelepiped shape maximises interior space, with a boot of over 600 litres and electrically folding seats for optimum flexibility.
- Intuitive touch interface The cabin features a large 15.6-inch central screen and a customisable digital instrument panel, to meet the connected needs of Chinese users.
In terms of assisted driving, the ID. ERA also incorporates a level 2++ automated systemwhich is capable of autonomously managing traffic mergers and adapting driving to road conditions.
Positioned as a modern alternative to ID.6 X and ID.6 CrozzID. ERA aims to set itself apart by eliminating the anxiety associated with autonomy. Although its price has not yet been officially announced, all the indications are that it will be competitive with leading models such as the BYD Tang or Nio ES8offering attractive value for money.
Finally, in addition to its autonomy, the ID. ERA anticipates future trends:
- Future compatibility with e-fuels the thermal extender could be adapted to synthetic fuels, depending on how local regulations evolve.
- Software scalability Its electronic architecture enables OTA updates, guaranteeing continuous optimisation of performance and energy efficiency.
ID. AURA, ID. EVO, ID. ERA: summary table of the characteristics of these 3 electric concept cars
| Model | Platform | Estimated autonomy | Key equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| ID. AURA | CMP (Compact Main Platform) | 500-600 km | AI voice assistant, OTA, customisable touch cockpit |
| ID. EVO | 800 V platform | 550-600 km (CLTC cycle) | Cloud services, OTA, advanced 4D/lidar sensors |
| ID. ERA | Hybrid electric system + petrol extender (SAIC VW) | 1,000 km (300 km electric + 700 km via generator) | Modular cabin, OTA, future compatibility with e-fuels |
Conclusion
With the ID. AURA, ID. EVO and ID. ERAVolkswagen is demonstrating its the ability to adapt to a Chinese market that has become a driving force for automotive innovation. By capitalising on local platforms, cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships, the German manufacturer lays the foundations for a new electric erafaster, more connected and more local than ever before.
This trilogy of concepts reflects a a clear-sighted, proactive approach The aim is to understand the specific needs of the market, offer targeted technological solutions and be part of a dynamic of continuous development, both in terms of the vehicles themselves and the associated digital services.
Whether through a intelligent compact saloona Highly digitised family SUV or a long-haul hybrid modelVolkswagen has a clear ambition: to win back the hearts of Chinese motorists over the long term and eventually influence its global ranges.
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