Volkswagen Halts Production at Two German Factories Due to Slow EV Demand
The vehicle group Volkswagen is reducing volumes and introducing temporary production stops in two German factories, writes Bloomberg
Both factories manufacture only electric cars.
Make small, affordable EVs. Range is a non-issue.
Why don't they get this? I have no need for an SUV when I drive 10-20 km to work on nicely paved roads through small towns and/or cities. I also don't need 500km range for that. Let me buy a small city-friendly car, with 200km on a charge.
They've all been making bigger cars with 'luxury' features included by default so they can charge more per car for years now. They're focused on finding ever-better margins. Selling tons of cheap cars seem to be a far lower priority than selling a few expensive ones. And researching new designs and EVs in general cuts into profits.
Legacy auto doesn't have the factories to make inexpensive EVs. Neither did China but China fixed that.
First BYD factory in Europe to make consumer EVs will make one of their least expensive models by the end of the year.
Seriously, my 2016 leaf with a little less than 100 mile range is everything I need from an ev. It's a cage on wheels with enough range to get me everywhere I go. Although admittedly, I'd like to have 50 more miles as my commute is 30 miles, and occasionally I need to drive that distance twice a day. 60 to 70 miles is pulling it close with max 100 miles with no option to charge at work and my home charging situation is ...stupid.
they all but gave up on the regular joe market. they don't even want to try and compete with chinese ev makers
just you wait unitl the chinese ev makers also make better luxury cars
This is not limited to Volkswagen. China's BYD, the world's largest EV maker, slowed production at its China factories back in June, cancelled night shifts and production at some factories by at least a third of capacity, and suspended some plans to set up new production lines.
Slow EV demand = growth every quarter.
