Volkswagen Delays Launch of ID.4 Model from Trinity EV Project to Early 2030s
Volkswagen has recently announced that it will be pushing back the launch of its new ID.4 model from the Trinity EV project to the early 2030s. This delay is part of a larger reshuffling of plans for the project, as the German automaker looks to address software problems within its Cariad subsidiary. The Trinity project was initially spearheaded by former CEO Herbert Diess and aimed to unite the group’s electric vehicle (EV) platforms under the new SSP platform.
Originally scheduled for release in 2026, the Trinity project has faced setbacks due to software issues. As a result, Volkswagen has decided to introduce a new version of its existing MEB platform to fill the gap. This revised plan will see another ID.4 release in 2026, while the launch of the larger car on the SSP platform will be pushed back to the early 2030s.
The decision to delay the release of the ID.4 and SUV models comes after executives within Volkswagen reasoned that there is currently no pressing need to introduce another larger car on the SSP platform. This strategic shift allows the automaker to prioritize other projects and address the challenges at hand. However, it is important to note that an electric Golf compact car on the SSP platform is still slated for release later this decade.
German business paper Handelsblatt suggested that weak demand for electric cars and the need to cut costs were factors contributing to the delay. While this report has not been independently verified, it highlights some of the challenges facing Volkswagen in the EV market.
Volkswagen’s spokesperson declined to comment on the internal plans, but it is clear that the company is making efforts to streamline its production network and transition to electric vehicles. The Trinity project, among others, was initiated by Diess and has since been reshaped by his successor, Oliver Blume. Blume’s goal is to reduce production capacity and implement significant cost cuts to revive margins, as announced at the company’s recent results conference.
In conclusion, Volkswagen’s decision to delay the launch of the ID.4 model from the Trinity EV project reflects the challenges faced in addressing software problems within the Cariad subsidiary. While this may be disappointing to some, it is clear that Volkswagen is committed to streamlining its operations and making the necessary adjustments to thrive in the transition to electric vehicles. The company’s prioritization of other projects and cost-cutting measures are essential for long-term success in the competitive EV market.