Volkswagen is stopping production at two German electric car factories due to concerns about declining demand. Meanwhile, Chinese rival BYD is celebrating record sales in Europe. This raises the question of whether VW's problem is a result of outdated technology and poor value for money.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/51436037

Volkswagen is stopping production at two German electric car factories due to concerns about declining demand.

According to media reports, business with combustion engines continues to be strong. At the main plant in Wolfsburg, for example, special shifts are planned for almost every weekend until Christmas due to the allegedly strong demand for bestsellers such as the Golf, Tiguan and Tayron.

  • Rooskie91@discuss.onlineEnglish
    32·
    2 months ago

    That’s what happens when you resist innovation (electric cars) because industry demands you maintain legacy (fossil fuels).

    It’s not just about the environment now, it’s also about the economy.

  • Szewek@sopuli.xyzEnglish
    22·
    2 months ago

    Shut down and stop is a different thing…

    Also, Volkswagen EV sales increased nearly 50% in the first half of 2025 (see link below).

    https://cleantechnica.com/2025/07/10/volkswagen-ev-sales-surge-47-percent-in-2025/

    It is not good. Infrastructure is lacking in big parts of Europe. As a citizen, I would focus on that, rather than Chinese EVs (if they scare the industry, it is good though).

    And busses, trains, bikes. Too much cars in this comm.

    • B0rax@feddit.orgEnglish
      16·
      2 months ago

      Infrastructure does not only mean how many chargers there are. It also means how you can use those chargers. Why do I need 3 apps to have the best price? Why do I need a monthly contract with some company? Why is ad-hoc charging so fucking expensive? Why is no one regulating this?

      • BigShammy80@feddit.orgEnglish
        4·
        1 month ago

        100% this. It has to be like normal fueling. You have a price that you see and pay and thats it.

  • CanadaPlus@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
    17·
    2 months ago

    Oh no. Is this going to turn into solar panels all over again?

    You should reconsider putting up a tariff.

  • poVoq@slrpnk.netMEnglish
    12·
    2 months ago

    Declining demand for electric SUVs designed for and primarily sold in China and the US.

  • Goldholz @lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
    10·
    2 months ago

    The exploding chinese EVs that record everything for winnie the poo ping. That lock you inside for no reasons. Yeah no i pass.