Volkswagen unveils new concepts in Shanghai

A LONG way from Wolfsburg, Volkswagen used the Shanghai Motor Show to unveil three futuristic concepts that provide a taste of its next-generation models – as the automaker gears up to launch 30 new models in China by 2027.

According to Volkswagen brand chief executive Thomas Shafer, the German automaker’s aggressive focus on the Chinese market is part of a strategy that, if all goes well, will see it “remain in pole position among foreign automakers in China.”

“The three concept vehicles are the visible outcome of our ‘In China, for China’ strategy,” he added.

The three concept vehicles rolled out at the Volkswagen Group Night at the show, presented together with the brand’s Chinese joint venture partners, included the ID. AURA (FAW-Volkswagen), ID. ERA (SAIC Volkswagen) and ID. EVO (Volkswagen Anhui).

All three concepts build upon the ID. Code concept shown in Beijing last year, which showcased the brand’s future design language and technology focus.

In breaking down the models on show, Volkswagen offered limited details but did outline the intended customers for each.

Cue the confusing naming conventions and acronyms, as have become the norm in the automotive world…

The ID. ERA is a full-size SUV, offering three-row seating, powered by Volkswagen’s range extender system.

While slim on specifics, Volkswagen confirmed the system features a “fuel-powered” generator (presumably petrol) that charges the on-board battery, with an electric-only range of 300km and additional 700km using the generator – for a total range of around 1000km. 

The ID. EVO is another SUV, but this one will be powered by an 800-volt electric platform, positioned within Volkswagen’s ID. UNYX range.

This model is sleeker and appears to be smaller with no mention of a third row, compared to the aforementioned ERA, apparently targeting “young, lifestyle-conscious buyers” with its sharp styling.

Lastly, the ID. AURA is a notchback, offering a pleasant detour from the ubiquitous hatchback, which is the first concept to be based on the Compact Main Platform (CMP) with “zonal electronic architecture” designed specifically for the Chinese market.

The AURA will offer “AI-based high computing capacity” that Volkswagen explained will allow for highly automated driving.

It’s aimed at price-conscious customers, without skimping on tech, with a user experience that is likened to a smartphone – right down to the “humanoid assistant” that will allow control of various vehicle functions. 

According to Volkswagen, while still concepts, the vehicles provide a preview of its next generation “smart electric vehicles”, which will be rolled out across the next couple of years in the People’s Republic.

Of the 30 new models set to launch in China by 2027, Volkswagen confirmed 20 will be new energy vehicles (NEVs), with a mix of EVs, PHEVs, and range-extender EVs.

While 30 models might sound ambitious, given they’re only now being teased in concept form, Volkswagen appears to be chasing the break-neck pace that has become the norm for Chinese manufacturers.

“We picked up ‘China speed’ with our new development center in Hefei,” said Volkswagen China Technology Centre chief executive Thomas Ulbrich.

“Our goal is to develop our models within 34 months at most. We will launch the right models at the right speed and with the right partners.”

The overarching approach, Volkswagen outlined, is to offer cars for different “target groups”, each with unique design and technology philosophies.

As of yet, there has been no indication of whether the subsequent production versions of these concepts will make their way Down Under.