volkswagen, vw golf r, vw id.3, vw id.4, vw electric cars in south africa – the latest

In 2021, VW South Africa (VWSA) said that the ID.4 electric crossover would go on sale in the country before the end of 2022, in line with the manufacturer’s electric roadmap.

The year came and went, and no new VW electric vehicles (EV) entered our showrooms.

In January 2023, we reached out to VW to ask why its EVs are not yet on local roads and what its new roadmap now looks like. The company said it is “still busy with the finalisation of [its] EV strategy” and could therefore not provide comment on the specifics.

However, in September 2022, VW did confirm to TopAuto that it does “not have EVs coming to South Africa next year” – i.e. the year we are in now.

As such, fans of the brand with their eye on an ID. EV will have to wait until at least 2024 before they can get their hands on one, possibly later.

volkswagen, vw golf r, vw id.3, vw id.4, vw electric cars in south africa – the latest

VW ID.4

Why the wait?

VW did not reveal why it’s been such a long wait to launch its EVs, but judging from other VW vehicles whose introductions were postponed for a lengthy time, we could take a few semi-educated guesses.

If it was only up to VW, the manufacturer would probably have sold EVs in South Africa well over a year ago and not looked back as the ID. cars would likely have been among the most affordable in the segment.

However, as we’ve come to realise in the age of Covid-19, the world of vehicle production is highly interconnected and one hiccup in a small part of the supply chain could have a ripple effect that throws everything out of equilibrium.

In 2020 it was no mere hiccup, it was a global shortage of semiconductors, the mass shutdown of factories, and shipping issues of which the world has rarely seen before.

The aftermath of these events is still being felt through the industry today, even causing tried-and-trusted models like the iconic Golf 8 R to be delayed for well over 12 months, and they undoubtedly also had an impact on the EV timeline as these autos are more semiconductor-intensive than their internal-combustion (ICE) counterparts.

volkswagen, vw golf r, vw id.3, vw id.4, vw electric cars in south africa – the latest

VW Golf 8 R

Moreover, manufacturers tend to make plans for a specific country far in advance and then adapt that plan as market conditions in that market play out.

In South Africa, in particular, the lust for EVs in 2023 is not where it was expected to be at this point, owing to factors such as substantial starting prices, limited selection, lacking infrastructure, and, to a lesser degree, the energy crisis known as load-shedding.

New-energy autos and their related components are also taxed 7% higher in the country than ICEs.

Surely, the combination of these factors has negatively impacted the attractiveness for manufacturers to bring somewhat-experimental products to our roads before being certain that they will succeed.

volkswagen, vw golf r, vw id.3, vw id.4, vw electric cars in south africa – the latest

TopAuto poll from January 2023

Last year, VWSA’s new managing director and group chair, Martina Biene, said the company needs a “critical base” of customers to justify bringing a new model into a specific region, which constitutes between 50,000 to 60,000 projected sales per annum.

Considering the immensely-popular Polo reported 15,697 sales throughout 2022, this making it one of the best-selling vehicles in the country, it’s highly unlikely that an all-new EV would have surpassed three times that.

As with every other EV maker, VW’s ID. cars have also seen their fair share of issues with things such as the batteries and software, and the manufacturer could be ironing out these creases on home soil before shipping the vehicles to far-away international markets such as South Africa where performing recalls could be much trickier and more expensive.

volkswagen, vw golf r, vw id.3, vw id.4, vw electric cars in south africa – the latest

VW ID.5

What could be coming?

VW has been thinning out its hatchback offerings in South Africa in recent years in reaction to car buyers’ propensity to choose crossovers and SUVs, therefore, a likely culprit for an EV launch remains the ID.4 as its body shape fits the bill of what is currently the hottest segment in the country.

Complementing this claim is the fact that the company had initially planned to introduce the ID.3 electric hatchback, but confirmed in 2021 that it “will no longer be bringing the ID.3, but the ID.4.”

volkswagen, vw golf r, vw id.3, vw id.4, vw electric cars in south africa – the latest

VW ID.3

Another likely candidate for a domestic introduction could be an electric Tiguan, given the popularity and familiarity of the badge in South Africa.

We have personally seen prototype Tiguans with “Elektrofahrzeug” stickers on the doors – which translates from German to “electric vehicle” – being tested on Gauteng roads, with the ID. variant expected to see the light of day in 2026, in line with VW’s plan to introduce ten new electric cars to the global market by this time.

Considering the current petrol model underwent a facelift in mid-2021, it hints at the possibility that the battery-electric variant could form part of the next-generation Tiguan family when it is introduced.

volkswagen, vw golf r, vw id.3, vw id.4, vw electric cars in south africa – the latest

VW Tiguan R

While hatchbacks have lost some of their shine in recent years, they still have a huge market share and are not going away any time soon, especially in the budget category.

As such, VW could be considering launching the new ID. 2all in our market, too, which was recently unveiled as a concept vehicle.

The electric hatch is “as spacious as a Golf, as affordable as a Polo,” said VW, and it’s scheduled to start production in 2025 at a starting price of “less than 25,000 Euros” – roughly R490,000 at today’s exchange rates – which makes it cheaper than the current-generation Polo GTI.

volkswagen, vw golf r, vw id.3, vw id.4, vw electric cars in south africa – the latest

VW ID. Buzz

In November 2022, Mark Handley head of VWSA commercial vehicles said his department is also looking at potentially getting into the electric arena after the Amarok’s introduction.

He said the recently-unveiled ID. Buzz battery-powered minivan is one of the vehicles that are in the commercial department’s crosshairs but, unfortunately, there is “no timeline for the ID. Buzz in South Africa, yet.”

It must be noted that VWSA has not yet confirmed any details of its domestic EV strategy and the above information remains speculative until the official announcements are made in due course.

Keyword: VW electric cars in South Africa – The latest

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

VW “very worried” about future of South African factory

Thomas Schaefer, head of the VW global passenger car brand, said he is “very worried” about the future of the automaker’s South African operations. VW has been in the country for nearly 80 years, producing models such as the iconic VW Polo across four generations for export to over ...

View more: VW “very worried” about future of South African factory

Volkswagen Confirms New Entry-Level, China-Specific EV Platform

It will be used on four new models, with a starting price of less than $20,000.

View more: Volkswagen Confirms New Entry-Level, China-Specific EV Platform

Volkswagen to launch $20,000 EVs on a new platform in China, its most important market

Volkswagen plans to launch a new entry-level EV platform in China to keep pace with Tesla and BYD. The automaker will introduce EVs starting at around $20,000 (140,000 yuan) to win back buyers in its most important market. Competition in the world’s largest EV market is intensifying as price ...

View more: Volkswagen to launch $20,000 EVs on a new platform in China, its most important market

Volkswagen to launch China-specific entry level electric platform

HEFEI, China/BERLIN Nov 24 (Reuters) – Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) said on Friday it will develop a new platform for entry-level electric vehicles in China and use more local components to lower costs, as the German company seeks to regain lost ground in the world's biggest auto market. The new architecture, ...

View more: Volkswagen to launch China-specific entry level electric platform

How much is my Volkswagen Golf worth?

Determining the value of your used car before you sell it will help you get the most out of the transaction. Find out how you can get an accurate valuation on a Volkswagen Golf and what factors influence its value. How do I find out how much my used car ...

View more: How much is my Volkswagen Golf worth?

The best bakkies in the world are both built in South Africa

The South African-made sixth-generation Ford Ranger and second-generation VW Amarok have been voted as the joint winners of the International Pick-up Awards (IPUA). While both bakkies have won the accolade two times before – the Ranger in 2013 and 2020, and the Amarok in 2011 and 2018 – this ...

View more: The best bakkies in the world are both built in South Africa

Volkswagen South Africa and DHL join forces to showcase the all-electric ID. Buzz in SA

DHL and VWSA join forces NewsBy: Ian McLaren As part of VWSA’s plans to introduce a host of all-electric ID. products into South Africa in the coming years, the brand has joined forces with world-renowned logistics company DHL to showcase the characterful ID. Buzz. DHL and VWSA join forces ...

View more: Volkswagen South Africa and DHL join forces to showcase the all-electric ID. Buzz in SA

Volkswagen becomes the latest automaker to hike wages for U.S. factory workers

Companies Volkswagen AG Honda Motor Co Ltd Hyundai Motor Co Nov 22 (Reuters) – Volkswagen (VOWG.DE) said on Wednesday that it would hike salaries for production workers at its Tennessee-based Chattanooga assembly plant by 11%, weeks after the United Auto Workers union won significant pay and benefit hikes from ...

View more: Volkswagen becomes the latest automaker to hike wages for U.S. factory workers

Volkswagen opens ID.7 Vizzion electric sedan pre-orders in China starting at $33K

Volkswagen is getting closer to cell-to-pack (C2P) EV batteries

What is the Volkswagen Golf top speed?

Volkswagen begins operating first wholly owned battery pack plant in China - local govt

Volkswagen Virtus Sound Edition launched at Rs 15.52 lakh

Volkswagen Taigun Sound Edition launched at Rs 16.33 lakh

Volkswagen's APP550 Electric Motor Bottleneck Spreads In Europe

Can a Volkswagen Polo Vivo tow?

Supply problems set to hit Volkswagen's Skoda unit - Handelsblatt

Volkswagen's Largest EV Plant Slows Down Again Due To Weak Demand

All 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 EVs In U.S. Recalled Because Sunshade May Be Flammable

Volkswagen ID.7 2023 review: Sleek Tesla Model S rival is the perfect SUV antidote

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel