Skip advert
Advertisement

“The quality of future VWs will be key in the brand’s battle against Chinese rivals”

Volkswagen is stepping up its speed of development to combat the threat from China, but editor-in-chief Steve Fowler thinks the brand can’t afford to cut corners on quality again

Opinion - VW ID GTI concept

The car makers who bothered to show up at the Munich Motor Show fell into three camps: first, there were the German brands that had to be there; then there was Renault – boss Luca de Meo previously told me he made the decision in the hope the German brands would come to the following Paris show.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Finally, there were the Chinese brands, eager to reveal their European plans at a major motor show, with at least two of them – Leapmotor and Seres – confirming to Auto Express that they’re coming to the UK.

The impact the Chinese are having on western brands is huge – not only in terms of the threat to their sales numbers, but also how they do business. Especially when it comes to the speed of development – an approach that clearly hasn’t gone unnoticed at Volkswagen HQ.

It’s something I brought up with Kai Grünitz, VW’s Head of Technical Development. “Usually we have a 54-month development process,” he told us. “And the Chinese competitors do it in 38 to 32 months.

“We decided on three pilot projects with a development process of about 36 months – one of them is the ID. 2. We started in late December with the first sketches and it’ll come to the road late in 2025 or early in 2026.”

The new processes don’t come without risks, though. “It’s doable,” says Grünitz, “But you have to go a little bit more into risk because usually we define a new process standard. We try to develop new simulation tools and after checking simulations with the real world, we go on.”

This new, more honest and, frankly, more likeable VW is open to learning from its mistakes, too. As Grünitz admitted, some recent models haven’t been up to scratch – and they’re quick to fix that. VW is now, apparently, a ‘love brand’ that’s more in touch with its customers. But it’s the quality of product, too, that’ll be key in the battle against a growing number of increasingly impressive Chinese rivals.

Do you agree with Steve? Let us know in the comments section below...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Steve Fowler has previously edited Auto Express, Carbuyer, DrivingElectric, What Car?, Autocar and What Hi-Fi? and has been writing about cars for the best part of 30 years. 

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
13 Jun 2025
New Volkswagen ID.2 to keep concept car looks
VW ID2 spy shots - front 3/4

New Volkswagen ID.2 to keep concept car looks

The crucial new Volkswagen ID.2All, or ID.Polo, has finally been spotted up close at VW’s design centre
News
11 Jun 2025
Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs
Best electric car deals - header image

Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs

Making the switch to an EV? These car brands have an offer (or two) for you
Best cars & vans
29 May 2025
New Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 Black Editions turn family SUVs to the dark side
VW ID.5 Black Edition - front 3/4

New Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 Black Editions turn family SUVs to the dark side

Black Edition trim will be available on the two electric SUVs from 29 May
News
27 May 2025

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular
Kia Sportage - side panning

Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular

The Kia Sportage has earned its popularity over the years and deals like our Car Deal of the Day for June 14 won’t do it any harm at all.
News
14 Jun 2025
New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer
Volvo EM90 - front

New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer

Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it’s for China only
Road tests
16 Jun 2025