Volkswagen to kick off electrification journey in India later this year with ID.4 launch

Volkswagen ID.4

German automaker Volkswagen has unveiled the maiden electric vehicle (EV) in India, the Volkswagen ID.4, which is expected to be launched in the fourth quarter of the calendar year (CY) 2024.

The Volkswagen ID.4 will be brought into the Indian market as a completely built-up (CBU) model and will be initially available in a single configuration.

Globally, the Volkswagen ID.4 gets multiple powertrain options, including single-motor rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive, in the international markets. The EV has a claimed range of up to 480km on a single full charge.

The company expects the Indian passenger vehicles market to grow 5-7% this year while it is targeting 10-15% growth for itself.

"Our first step to the electrification journey in India begins with the ID.4...," executive director sales international operations, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Michael Mayer said at the Volkswagen annual brand conference.

He said the ID.4 is being brought in as part of the company's global efforts of mass electrification.

At present, the German carmaker offers Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) models like the Virtus mid-size sedan, Taigun mid-size SUV and the Tiguan premium SUV in India.

Globally, VW is leading in the electrification journey, Mayer said, adding, as part of the company's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement 2030, it is continuing efforts in various spheres, including the development of charging infrastructure that's key to acceptance of EVs, recycling of
batteries, digitalisation and connectivity solutions.

The company is offering different products from ID.2 to ID. Buzz globally targeting several segments of customers, Mayer said, adding that globally, VW's electric vehicle (EV) sales grew 21% at around 4 lakh units in 2023.

One of the brand’s most popular EVs in the global market, the ID.4 is offered in multiple trims worldwide and sits below the ID.3 hatchback in the brand’s global portfolio. The car will be Volkswagen’s first BEV to be offered for sale in India. Volkswagen previously showcased the ID.4 GTX in India at their annual brand conference in 2023.

"This is not the end of the story. It is our goal to take this success to other markets," Mayer said.

However, he added, "This would be a phased approach, wherein we will strengthen our current portfolio on the basis of brand positioning for the market." "India, needless to say, continues to be a key market for Volkswagen. India is a 4 million car market now and is expected to grow 5-7% this year," he asserted.

The Indian automotive industry is now ranked third in the world even surpassing Japan, Mayer said, adding, "Who would have thought it ten years back?" He said VW is committed to the Indian market and the company will continue to introduce its premium products over the next few years.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars India brand director Ashish Gupta said the company's sales grew 8% in 2023.

The company had sold around 44,000 units. "Our target this year in 2024 is to increase it by 10-15%," he added.

The company will continue to expand its sales and service network to tap opportunities coming from Tier II and Tier III cities.

He said the company is targeting to have a presence in 170 cities with 230 sales and pre-owned car touch points along with 150 service centres in 2024.

Last year, it had set up 45 sales and service touch points, he said, adding that at present, the company has 193 sales and pre-owned car sales touch points and 145 service centres in 145 cities.

(With inputs from Reuters)