Tag Archives: Volkswagen

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Volkswagen Surpasses Tesla in European EV Sales for First Half of 2025

In a major shake-up of the European electric vehicle (EV) landscape, Volkswagen has overtaken Tesla as the top-selling EV brand in the region during the first half of 2025, according to new data from Dataforce. The German automaker sold 133,465 electric cars across the EU, EFTA, and UK markets between January and June — a commanding 78% increase over the same period last year.

In contrast, Tesla’s European performance faltered significantly. The U.S. brand saw its EV sales drop by 33%, totaling just 107,878 units in the first six months of the year. That decline cost Tesla its crown as Europe’s EV king, as Volkswagen surged ahead with a lead of 24,587 units.

While Tesla still held onto two of the top spots for individual model sales — the Model Y and Model 3 — it was the only major manufacturer to register a year-over-year sales drop. Even a June resurgence, where Tesla led the monthly EV sales charts, wasn’t enough to close the gap created earlier in the year.

Legacy Brands Making Electric Strides

Volkswagen’s triumph as a brand, not as part of the larger Volkswagen Group, underscores the shifting momentum in Europe’s highly competitive EV market. The brand’s success was largely fueled by strong performances from its ID lineup, including the ID.4, ID.7, and ID.3 — all of which ranked among Europe’s five best-selling EVs for the first half of the year.

Other European manufacturers also posted strong growth. BMW took third place overall with 93,576 EVs sold, marking a 14% increase year-over-year. Škoda, benefiting from the runaway popularity of the new Elroq and refreshed Enyaq, achieved a staggering 146% increase in sales, moving 70,947 units and cementing its status as a rising force in the EV space.

Renault also posted a notable 58% gain, thanks largely to the buzz surrounding the retro-styled Renault 5.

Tesla’s Global Challenges Reflect in Europe

Tesla’s global operations have encountered headwinds in 2025, with CEO Elon Musk previously attributing early-year production delays to factory upgrades needed for the revamped Model Y. Despite promises of a demand rebound, the company’s European numbers have yet to reflect any meaningful recovery.

In June alone, Tesla sold 32,605 EVs in Europe — a 21% decline compared to the same month in 2024. Meanwhile, its competitors surged ahead: Volkswagen sales grew by 9%, BMW by 16%, Škoda by a remarkable 189%, and Renault by 22%.

A Growing Market, but Shifting Leaders

The overall European EV market remains on a robust growth trajectory, expanding by 24% year-over-year. In the first half of 2025, a total of 1,177,051 electric vehicles were sold, up from 944,858 in the same period in 2024.

However, the dynamics within the market are evolving rapidly. Tesla’s early-mover advantage is being steadily eroded by established automakers who are now hitting their stride in EV development and production.

With Volkswagen firmly in the lead and competitors gaining ground, the second half of 2025 is set to be a pivotal chapter in the race for EV dominance in Europe.

Source: Automotive News

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Volkswagen ID.3 Retains 91% Battery Capacity After 160,000 km Endurance Test

In a landmark assessment of long-term EV durability, Germany’s ADAC has completed a rigorous four-year endurance test of the Volkswagen ID.3 — and the results are a major win for the electric mobility movement. After covering more than 160,000 kilometres under demanding conditions, the ID.3 Pro S retained an impressive 91% of its original battery capacity, far exceeding expectations.

Tested at the ADAC’s Test and Technology Centre in Landsberg am Lech, the ID.3 Pro S — equipped with a 77 kWh battery — was subjected to an aggressive usage profile designed to accelerate battery wear. Over 40% of its charging sessions used DC fast chargers, and the vehicle was often left fully charged for days at a time, both conditions known to stress lithium-ion cells. Despite this, the ID.3’s battery degradation remained minimal.

Martin Sander, Volkswagen Board Member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales, commented on the results: “A high battery capacity of over 90 per cent after 160,000 kilometres confirms that our ID. models are also very attractive as used cars and continue to meet the requirements of our customers.”

Notably, this was the first endurance test conducted by the ADAC on a member of Volkswagen’s all-electric ID. family. Between test drives, engineers frequently inspected the car’s battery health, chassis, and software performance — areas that could show early signs of wear in EVs subjected to extreme usage.

Volkswagen’s commitment to over-the-air updates also played a pivotal role in the ID.3’s performance. Throughout the test, the vehicle received several software upgrades, including the Electric Vehicle Route Planner. This intelligent feature calculates the most efficient charging stops on long routes, considering traffic and energy usage forecasts. Other updates improved power consumption, especially during short trips and colder weather conditions — a critical factor for European buyers facing winter range anxiety.

Beyond the battery, the ID.3’s mechanical integrity also stood strong. ADAC engineers reported that the chassis, axles, and steering remained in solid condition, with no major faults or weaknesses despite the high mileage.

For consumers still wary of the longevity of electric vehicles, the ID.3’s performance is a reassuring data point. Volkswagen backs the battery of every ID.3 with a guarantee of at least 70% capacity after eight years or 160,000 kilometres — a threshold the tested vehicle surpassed with ease.

ADAC’s recommendation is clear: keep your software up to date to enjoy the full potential of your EV. And if you’re in the market for a used electric car, the ID.3 might just be one of the most reliable choices out there.

Source: Volkswagen

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2026 Volkswagen ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE: A Bold Fusion of Heritage and High Performance

Volkswagen has taken a bold step forward in blending nostalgia with innovation, officially unveiling the production version of the ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE—a high-performance EV that draws inspiration from a cult classic while delivering modern-day driving thrills. Originally showcased as a concept at the 2024 ID. Treffen in Locarno, the overwhelming enthusiasm from fans prompted VW to greenlight the car for series production.

“The response to last year’s show car was overwhelming,” said Martin Sander, Member of the Volkswagen Board of Management responsible for Sales, Marketing and After Sales. “Many Volkswagen fans expressed a strong desire to see this car enter series production, and we were only too happy to make that wish a reality.”

The ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE is more than just a homage to the iconic Golf II Fire and Ice—it’s a fully realized, forward-looking EV with serious performance credentials.

Electric Muscle: Two Flavors of Performance

Available in two output variants, the FIRE+ICE model offers 210 kW (286 PS) and a more aggressive 240 kW (326 PS), both delivering an impressive 545 Nm of torque. The flagship 326 PS version rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds, with top speed electronically limited at 200 km/h—well beyond what most daily EVs offer.

Under the floor sits a 79 kWh lithium-ion battery (net), capable of charging at up to 185 kW at DC fast chargers. That translates to a 10–80% top-up in just 26 minutes, while offering a WLTP range of up to 591 km, placing the ID.3 GTX among the longest-range compact EVs in its class.

For dynamics, Volkswagen equips the 326 PS version with adaptive DCC sport chassis control as standard, while the 286 PS version gets the same setup as an optional extra. Both variants benefit from a standard sports suspension, further underlining the car’s performance focus.

Fire Meets Ice: Design That Speaks in Dualities

The FIRE+ICE badge is more than symbolic—it defines the car’s design identity inside and out. The Ultra Violet Metallic paintwork pays homage to the legendary hue once seen on the Golf II Fire and Ice, while the Flaming Red anodised roof strip and C-pillar FIRE+ICE geometric decal add bold contrast.

Another eye-catching feature: the 20-inch Locarno wheels with red GTX centre caps and high-sheen finishes. Tinted LED tail lights and door-projected fire and ice graphics give the car a dramatic flair both day and night.

Inside, the dual-theme continues. The driver’s side glows in “On Fire Red,” while the passenger’s side cools in “Keep Cool Blue.” Quilted seats, styled after down jackets, feature zippers and FIRE+ICE logos—an unmistakable nod to fashion-forward design.

Collaborating with Style: BOGNER’s Signature Returns

Volkswagen’s long-dormant partnership with premium sportswear brand BOGNER has been reignited with this special edition. Daniel Hiendlmeier, BOGNER’s Managing Director, expressed pride in the renewed collaboration:

“What started as a show car has become a market-ready vehicle that will excite both fans of the iconic Golf II Fire and Ice and a new generation.”

Drawing inspiration from BOGNER’s FIRE+ICE collections, the design teams worked closely to bring high fashion into the EV space, creating a truly one-of-a-kind interior and exterior aesthetic.

Premium Tech, Standard

Volkswagen has bundled a host of top-tier features into the FIRE+ICE edition as standard:

  • Interior Plus Package: Includes premium sport seats with electric massage, AR Head-Up Display, and a Harman Kardon sound system.
  • Convenience Package: Adds 2-zone Climatronic climate control and integrated navigation.
  • Assistance Package: Offers Park Assist Plus, rearview camera, Keyless Access, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

Additionally, the 240 kW version can be specced with 235-width performance tyres for even greater grip.

Legacy Meets the Electric Future

The ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE is more than a marketing exercise—it’s a signal of Volkswagen’s commitment to emotionally charged, enthusiast-focused EVs. With its blend of retro-inspired style, cutting-edge performance, and premium detailing, this limited-edition model shows that electric mobility doesn’t have to come at the cost of character.

As Volkswagen continues its push toward electrification, the ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE proves there’s still room for passion and play in the era of plug-in power.

Source: Volkswagen