VW will also build a new electric SUV in Wolfsburg

VW’s main plant in Wolfsburg has been awarded the contract for an additional electric model from 2026. The vehicle is to be an electric SUV model the size of a Tiguan. The new electric model will bridge the gap until the future core model Trinity is ready for launch.

The planning of the Trinity was postponed due to problems in software development. Still, it is unclear whether the Trinity will be built at the principal plant or a new factory in the Warmenau district of Wolfsburg.

Main plant Wolfsburg

As part of the investment planning, which was initially postponed in autumn, the decision has now been made to locate the development and construction of an all-electric compact SUV in Wolfsburg. This is to be the size of today’s Tiguan and, based on the Group’s more advanced MEB+ modular system, a further evolution of the already widespread MEB platform (inside and outside the VW Group). In addition, Wolfsburg is also preparing for an overflow production of the ID.3 from Zwickau.

“From 2026, our key brand will have a new EV, and we, in Wolfsburg, will develop and build it,” says a joyful Daniela Cavallo, President of the VW works council, which had its general assembly on Thursday. “The production of Trinity has been postponed and will be started somewhat later,” she added.

Other MEB+ models in the pipeline

While not much information has been revealed about the upcoming electric SUV, it is not the only MEB+ model that VW has been looking to bring to market in the next few years: The ID.2 is currently rumored to be in the process of being turned into the ID. Golf for the mass market, to be released in 2025.

The German automobile manufacturer is also looking to release another compact electric SUV in the USA positioned under the ID.4. However, this is likely to be a very different vehicle, as it is being designed for the US market.

What all of the upcoming vehicles will look like is also under wraps, as VW replaced the head of their design unit just last month, with Andreas Mindt taking over after returning from Bentley. In addition, due to supply chain issues, the ongoing semiconductor shortage is also affecting the German car manufacturer, who has been delivering the recent ID vehicles without a heat pump.

Dependency on China

At the general assembly of the works council, CEO Oliver Blume and Chancellor Olaf Scholz were also present. To the Chancellor, Oliver Blume has reiterated that electrification remains a priority within the VW Group. He pointed out that 11% of the VWs sold worldwide were already electric in 2022.

He also warned Scholz about the competitiveness of the German car industry due to rising electricity prices. “One euro cent more per kWh represents 100 million euros extra in our battery factories,” he warned.

Oliver Blume was also in China last month, and he saw no alternative for the development of Volkswagen in this all-important market. Also, for VW, it’s the most important market in the world.

“This huge country is a technology motor for the entire car sector worldwide. It will also generate jobs in Germany,” he assured, in a clear response to recent criticism saying Germany was becoming too dependent on China, its number one commercial partner.