Tag Archives: Volkswagen

News

Chinese Gotion is building a battery factory in Europe

September 19, 2023 Francis Mitterrand

After the Chinese manufacturers of electric cars seriously set out to conquer the European market, another company is expanding its operations in Europe. In cooperation with the Slovakian startup Inobat, the Chinese Gotion is building a battery factory that will start operating in 2026.

The executive director of Inobat, Marian Bocek, said that the construction of the plant will start next year and will last for two years. The start of battery production is expected in 2026, from when a gradual increase in production can also be expected. Gotion and Inobat are currently looking for a location for the factory, and several European countries are among the options.

VW, which is the largest shareholder of Gotion, will benefit the most from this project. VW has an exclusive contract with Gotion to supply EV batteries outside of China. Gotion is also building a $2.36 billion battery plant in Michigan and a $2 billion plant in Illinois.

Europe’s efforts to build its own electric vehicle battery industry and reduce reliance on dominant Asian battery manufacturers are obvious and reasonable. Last month, Swedish lithium-ion battery maker Northvolt – whose customers include VW and Volvo – told Reuters it had raised $1.2 billion from investors. At the same time, French battery startup Verkor announced that it has secured more than 2 billion euros in funding for the construction of a gigafactory in Dunkirk.

Source: Reuters

News

VW ID.X Performance Concept

September 12, 2023 Francis Mitterrand

Having recently unveiled the first all-electric GTI, the VW ID. GTI concept, Volkswagen has launched another car on the market and it is the ID.X Performance concept.

Although visually reminiscent of the ID.7 sedan, on which it is based, the ID.X Performance concept differs in many ways. The front part has a large black grill, large air vents in both corners and a carbon splitter with a red line in GTI style. There are also plastic protection on the wheel arches, rear spoiler mounted on the tailgate, side skirts, rear carbon diffuser. It is mounted on 20-inch sports rims with special racing tires.

The ID.X Performance is built on the MEB platform used by most new Volkswagen electric cars. It is powered by two electric motors with a total power of 550 hp (405 kW). It is 60 mm lower than the standard ID.7 model, and supports DC charging with a capacity of 200 kW.

Whether this concept will ever enter production, there is no information from Volkswagen.

Source: Volkswagen

Gallery:

2025 VW ID. GTI Concept

September 7, 2023 Francis Mitterrand

In 1974, Volkswagen started production of one of its most popular cars, the VW Golf, and two years later, the popular GTI version arrived on the market. Since then, eight generations of this model have been introduced with different powertrain options. 47 years later, Volkswagen unveiled its first all-electric GTI, the VW ID. GTI Concept.

“We have realigned Volkswagen over the course of recent months. Our actions are always focused on the question of what customers expect from us. The complete range of our new orientation will be visible for the first time at the IAA Mobility. Volkswagen is delivering what customers want: whether electric, combustion engine or hybrid vehicles – all our new models impress with enjoyable efficiency, intuitive operation and high quality that is evident in all areas. In this way, we are meeting our promise of once more focusing completely on customer needs,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.

With a length of 4.10 m, a width of 1.84 m and a height of 1.50 m, the new GTI is close in dimensions to the VW Polo. A modern muscular but not aggressive design, by Andreas Mindt, brings the DNA of previous generations into the new electric era. An almost closed front grill and IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights adorn the front of the car. Additional equipment includes a sporty GTI bumper, GTI roof spoiler, GTI tail light clusters and a rear diffuser. It will be mounted on 20″ wheels wrapped in 245/35 R20 tires.

Inside, futuristic design, 10.9 inch display in front of the driver, centrally located 12.9 inch touch screen, augmented reality head-up display that shows the data spectrum on the windshield, multifunctional steering wheel with GTI button that switches the background lighting and all displays to the color GTI Red Turbo, and many other technological solutions are part of this vehicle of the future.

Volkswagen is currently silent when it comes to the car’s powertrain, which should hit the market in 2025. However, if we go back in time, the first rumors about this car said that it could have 230 hp (), which would be quite good. Whether that will happen remains to be seen.