The subsequent Porsche and Audi EVs could possibly be made within the US. Volkswagen is contemplating shifting Porsche and Audi EV manufacturing to the US after Trump threatened new tariffs on Europe, Mexico, Canada, and different main commerce companions. Right here’s how it will work.
Volkswagen mulls constructing Porsche EVs within the US
Volkswagen is already feeling the stress after international deliveries fell 2.3% in 2024 to simply over 9 million models. The VW Group, together with Audi and Porsche, delivered 744,800 EVs final 12 months, down 3.4% from 2023 (771,100).
Though Volkswagen delivered extra electrical automobiles in China (+8.3%), it was after a down 12 months in 2023 because it misplaced market share to EV leaders like BYD. The corporate mentioned that regardless of decrease EV deliveries in Europe, it “stays by far BEV market chief” with round 21% market share.
Within the US, gross sales of the only Volkswagen-brand EV, the ID.4, fell 55% final 12 months resulting from a recall and the rollout of an up to date mannequin. VW bought simply over 17,000 ID.4s within the US, in comparison with practically 37,800 in 2023.
The luxurious Porsche model didn’t fare a lot better, with Taycan gross sales slipping 20% year-over-year. Just like the ID.4, the Porsche Taycan acquired a big refresh this previous 12 months. Porsche additionally started delivering the electrical Macan in late 2024.
In keeping with a brand new report from Germany’s Handelsblatt, Volkswagen is contemplating increasing US manufacturing for Porsche and Audi EVs.
Sources near the matter advised the German newspaper that the group could arrange new manufacturing websites for the posh manufacturers.
All Porsche and Audi EVs are presently constructed outdoors the US, making them significantly uncovered to a rise in tariffs. The Audi Q5 is in-built Mexico, whereas Porsche EV fashions are produced in Europe.
The transfer comes after US President Donald Trump proposed a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada. Most lately, he threatened new tariffs in opposition to the European Union (EU), one other one of many US’s major commerce companions.
In keeping with insiders, Volkswagen’s almost definitely possibility is to increase its plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the place the ID.4 is constructed.
It may additionally produce Audi EVs at its upcoming plant in SC, designed for the rugged Scout model. The report suggests Audi may get a hardcore model for itself, however that will likely be after Scout launches in 2027.
Porsche will collaborate with Audi to provide bigger electrical SUVs within the US, possible the Cayenne EV or the bigger “K1” flagship mannequin. The brand new electrical SUVs will likely be based mostly on VW’s new SSP platform, which is able to substitute its present MEB.
Electrek’s Take
The recent tariff threats from Trump are the most recent headache the Volkswagen Group should cope with. It’s already dropping market share in key international markets like China as EV leaders like BYD proceed gaining momentum with lower-cost and sometimes extra superior autos.
Volkswagen is now contemplating promoting a number of German crops they plan to halt manufacturing at to Chinese language automakers.
After a number of delays, Volkswagen formally canceled the ID.7, its flagship sedan within the US. The mannequin will solely be bought in Europe and China.
With pure EV makers like Rivian and Lucid gaining momentum and a slate of latest electrical fashions from GM, Hyundai, Kia, Volvo, Jeep, Dodge, and several other others arriving, will Volkswagen be capable of preserve tempo within the US? Increasing native manufacturing could also be the best choice to even the taking part in area.
FTC: We use revenue incomes auto affiliate hyperlinks. Extra.
