VW Declares “The Chinese Are Chanceless” in Bold EV Push
SHANGHAI – Volkswagen is mounting a defiant response to the influx of Chinese automotive brands, asserting its confidence in overtaking competitors despite a challenging market entry. At the recent automotive fair, VW executives reportedly dismissed the long-term viability of many emerging Chinese automakers, predicting a meaningful shakeout within the decade.
The comments reflect a growing tension as established global manufacturers face increasing pressure from a wave of new Chinese EV companies. While many consumers remain hesitant to embrace unfamiliar brands, Volkswagen aims to leverage its established reputation for quality and safety to regain market share. The company showcased its ID.Polo alongside masked prototypes, signaling an aggressive strategy to compete directly with Chinese rivals-a move that could reshape the global automotive landscape.
“I who have some control over Chinese brands get confused anyway. Why would I want to buy a GAC or Changan or whatever it is indeed,” one VW representative stated, highlighting the difficulty in building consumer trust for brands lacking a pre-existing relationship with buyers. “We humans like what is familiar, we want to buy something that feels safe. And dose it feel safe to buy something you have no idea?”
The sentiment underscores a belief that the current surge in ultra-low-cost Chinese vehicles is unsustainable. The executive predicted that numerous brands will fail to survive the next ten years, suggesting a coming consolidation within the industry.
Maths Nilsson is the author of this article.
