Volkswagen Executive: EVs to Go Mainstream, China Experience Boosts European Competitiveness

Volkswagen Board Member Martin Sander recently stated that electric vehicles (EVs) will become the natural choice for consumers due to their comfort, convenience, safety, and cost-effectiveness—not merely because of regulatory mandates. Drawing a parallel between the historical shift from horse-drawn carriages to internal combustion engine vehicles and today’s transition toward electrification, Sander emphasized that consumer experience is the primary driver of this trend. Sander noted that Volkswagen’s experience gained in the Chinese market will enhance its competitiveness in Europe and help the company address competition from Chinese automakers globally. He stressed that Volkswagen’s core strengths lie in its scale, efficiency, and cost control, and that efforts in these areas are continuously advancing. Furthermore, Sander clearly stated that Volkswagen has no plans to introduce range-extended EVs in the European market, as the company already offers hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric models. He added that there is currently no observed demand for range-extended vehicles in Germany or Europe comparable to that seen in China.