Volkswagen’s CEO on Its New EV Push | DW News

Why It Matters

Volkswagen’s aggressive EV rollout and cost‑reduction program aim to cement its European leadership and restore profitability, while its global expansion challenges competitors across multiple markets.

Key Takeaways

• Volkswagen launches four new EV models on a single platform in Spain.
• CEO Oliver Blume calls production start an “offensive” after three tough years.
• VW targets over €1 billion cost cuts to improve break‑even margins.
• Europe remains VW’s core, holding 27% EV share and 25% overall.
• Plans include US plant, Rivian tie‑up, and exports to emerging markets.

Summary

Volkswagen’s chief Oliver Blume announced the start of production for four new electric‑vehicle models – the ID Polo, Kooper, Roval and Skodora Epic – all built on a common platform at its Martell, Spain plant. The rollout is framed as an “offensive” move to reverse three years of headlines about China setbacks, tariffs and cost‑cutting.

The new models, together with the ID Cross, are part of a €10 billion investment in Spain and a broader strategy to lower the group’s cost base by more than €1 billion, aiming for a sturdier break‑even point. Blume highlighted that VW now commands a 27% EV share and a 25% overall market share in Europe, the strongest position in its history, while also noting a 20%+ share in China’s combustion‑engine segment.

Blume described the day as “emotional” and emphasized that the company has delivered on promises made three years ago, from design and software upgrades to battery‑technology platforms. He also outlined expansion plans: a new U.S. plant in South Carolina, a partnership with Rivian, and export ambitions to Southeast Asia, Australia, India and Africa.

The announcement signals VW’s turnaround, positioning it as a volume‑scale EV leader capable of offering sub‑€25,000 models. By tightening costs and expanding globally, the group aims to defend its European dominance while recapturing growth in China and tapping emerging markets, putting pressure on rivals still struggling with profitability and scale.

Original Description

Recent years have brought a string of bad headlines for Volkswagen: Problems in China, cost-cutting, tariffs. Finally some good news – the company says it's on the offensive again. Volkswagen is releasing new EV-models in Europe and China, entering into what CEO Oliver Blume calls the next phase of the company’s transformation. Blume spoke with Deutsche Welle about the cost challenges the company still faces, its discussions on investing in the US and whether the future of production for the German company is in more cost-effective countries like Spain.

Chapters

0:00 - Significance for Volkswagen of new EV production

1:32 - Is this a turnaround year?

3:27 - Are countries like Spain the future of this German company?

4:56 - Can VW grow it's market share to makeup for China?

6:25 - The latest on VW investment plans in the US

7:44 - Why did VW need so long to reach this scale with EVs?

#dwbusiness #volkswagen #electricvehicle

For more news go to: http://www.dw.com/en/

Follow DW on social media:

►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwnews

►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dwnews

►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deutschewellenews/

►Twitter: https://twitter.com/dwnews

Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie: https://www.youtube.com/dwdeutsch

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/deutschewelleenglish?sub_confirmation=1