Volkswagen and Jetta will launch 11 new cars

Volkswagen and Jetta, two major carmakers, have announced plans to launch 11 new vehicle models in 2026. These cars will be made specifically for the Chinese market. Out of the 11 models, six will be electric vehicles (EVs) and two will be plug-in hybrids. The remaining three include two extended-range vehicles and one gasoline-powered car. The first Jetta-branded EV will hit the market in 2026 as the company seeks to gain back market share in China. Volkswagen has faced a 9.5% drop in sales in China, where competition is intensifying. Economic challenges are also making it harder for consumers to spend. Ralf Brandstaetter, head of Volkswagen in China, said the new technology will help the company respond quickly to customer needs and market changes. Volkswagen is focusing on technology as part of its strategy in China. The company is partnering with Xpeng Inc. to improve software and fast charging solutions. Volkswagen aims to sell 4 million vehicles in China each year by 2030 and plans to release about 40 new models from 2025 to 2027, with over half being EVs. China remains the leader in the EV market. Experts believe local manufacturers are producing affordable cars quickly, making it harder for foreign companies like Volkswagen. The expert noted that cars like the MG5 are available for less than £20,000, making them very competitive. Quentin Wilson from Fair Charge has suggested that Volkswagen's upcoming model could outperform Chinese EVs. Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer emphasized that the new car will be affordable and high-quality for the European market. Since launching its ID. vehicle line in 2019, Volkswagen has sold over 1.35 million ID. models worldwide. However, sales of electric vehicles in Europe fell by three percent last year due to high costs. This decline has prompted job cuts and factory shutdown threats in Germany, leading to protests from Volkswagen workers. In a separate concern, UK defence officials have been advised to stop using electric vehicles from Chinese manufacturers due to security fears that they might eavesdrop on conversations. The Ministry of Defence is trying to meet Net Zero targets with EVs but is cautious of potential risks.