The Volkswagen ID.Cross concept is on stage at a press conference prior to the launch of the International Motor Show (IAA Mobility). IAA Mobility 2025 will be held in Munich from September 9th to 14th, 2025.
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CEO of Volkswagen The German auto giant says it is pushing to strengthen the advantage of electric drives in Europe with its new lineup of compact, affordable electric vehicles.
This year, Volkswagen, the largest supplier of electric vehicles in both Germany and Europe, announced all the small electric IDs. I crossed a concept car over the weekend before it came on the market in the first half of next year.
This is Volkswagen’s fourth launch in a family of new electric models, following all IDs.2. GTI concept and ID. All 1.
“We have worked hard over the past few years to improve our software and improve battery delivery. This family will be the first place to introduce a unified cell concept from a battery perspective,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Bloom told CNBC’s Annette Weissbach on Monday.
“We are competitive and in Europe, we are far more of a market leader in our electrical capabilities, for example, with a market share of 28%. This family is another driving force to make this market share even bigger,” says Blume.
Volkswagen ID. The entrance price level for the Cross Concept car is approximately 25,000 euros ($29,316).
His comments come just before the kickoff of the IAA Mobility Car Show held in Munich. There, a struggling European carmaker is expected to face off against a new Chinese man.
Volkswagen shares have risen about 12.2% so far this year despite US tariff pressure on the European auto industry.
When asked about the robust competition brought by China’s EV rivals, Blume said she welcomed the challenge.
“For me, competition is very positive. It’s like sports. When you have good competitors, you have to get better. That’s something we’ve prepared for in the past few years in terms of improving ourselves,” Blume said.
“I’m not afraid of competition,” he added.
Customs tax burden
The European automotive sector now faces many challenges, ranging from rising production costs to US tariffs, to supply chain disruptions and regulatory pressures.
Ola Karenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group, recently said, “Our industry is experiencing heavy rain, hail, storms and snow.”
Volkswagen’s Blume welcomes the recent trade breakthrough between the US and the European Union, and is expected to lower car import duties to 15% from 27.5%.
But Blume said the new tariff rate will be a “burden” for the company.
