Volkswagen Unveils the Future of Smart Mobility in China with ID. AURA, ID. ERA, and ID. EVO Concepts

At Auto Shanghai 2024, Volkswagen is making an emphatic statement about its future in China by introducing three groundbreaking concept vehicles: the ID. AURA, ID. ERA, and ID. EVO. Building on the design and innovation framework established by the ID. CODE concept in Beijing, these new vehicles signal a new era of smart mobility tailored to the Chinese market. Through these developments, Volkswagen is reaffirming its ‘In China, for China’ strategy with an ambitious rollout plan that includes over 30 new models, 20 of which will be new energy vehicles (NEVs), by the end of 2027.

A Strategic Leap: In China, for China

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, emphasized the significance of these new models: “The three concept vehicles are the visible outcome of our ‘In China, for China’ strategy.” This strategic pivot aims to consolidate Volkswagen’s leading position among foreign automakers in China by developing products and technologies specifically adapted to the local market.

Three Vehicles, Three Visions

Each concept vehicle showcased at Auto Shanghai offers a unique take on electric mobility, all underpinned by AI-driven technology capable of reaching Level 2++ automation. This means that under specific conditions, vehicles will be able to handle complex maneuvers like overtaking, merging, and turning with minimal driver supervision.

• ID. ERA – Developed by SAIC Volkswagen, the ID. ERA is a full-size SUV featuring three rows of seats. This model is notable for introducing Volkswagen’s first range extender technology. A fuel-powered generator recharges the battery on the go, delivering an extended range of over 1,000 kilometers (700+ km via generator plus 300 km pure electric). The ID. ERA aims to address range anxiety head-on, especially important in China’s vast geographic market.
• ID. EVO – From Volkswagen Anhui comes the ID. EVO, a bold full-size electric SUV designed for youthful, lifestyle-driven consumers. Based on an 800-volt platform, it boasts high-speed charging and a new zonal electronic architecture. This facilitates a rich portfolio of digital services and OTA (over-the-air) updates, ensuring that the customer experience evolves continuously even after the car leaves the showroom.
• ID. AURA – FAW-Volkswagen brings forward the ID. AURA, a compact electric notchback targeting the A-segment, a price-conscious market with high volume potential. Built on the new Compact Main Platform (CMP) specifically engineered for China, the ID. AURA offers advanced AI features, including a humanoid assistant and a smartphone-like UI/UX center console, making high-tech interaction accessible at an affordable price point.

Chinese Speed and Technological Excellence

Volkswagen’s new China Technology Center (VCTC) in Hefei plays a crucial role in accelerating product development. Thomas Ulbrich, CEO of VCTC, highlighted the brand’s goal of developing vehicles within 34 months, a remarkable pace aimed at maintaining ‘China speed’ in product rollouts.

According to Stefan Mecha, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand for China, “Over the next three years, we will bring out more than 20 state-of-the-art NEVs alone with forward-looking technologies to cater to all our different customers in China.”

Design Language: Global Volkswagen Identity, Local Adaptation

Despite differences in styling, all three concept cars maintain Volkswagen’s global design DNA while embracing localized touches. Head Designer Andreas Mindt emphasized that the ID. CODE concept was a foundation, but each joint venture partner has refined the design language to suit its target demographic.

• The ID. ERA projects strength and endurance with its robust SUV proportions.
• The ID. EVO exudes urban sophistication and energetic flair.
• The ID. AURA blends affordability with smart elegance, a key formula for success in China’s A-segment.

Conclusion: A Bold New Chapter

Volkswagen’s presentation at Auto Shanghai 2024 represents much more than a series of concept cars; it signals a fundamental shift in how the brand approaches the Chinese market. With a localized strategy, AI-enhanced technology, and a range of vehicles tailored to diverse customer needs, Volkswagen is positioning itself not merely as a foreign automaker but as a “local innovator” in the world’s largest EV market.

As production versions of the ID. AURA, ID. ERA, and ID. EVO move closer to reality, Car Design TV will continue to track how Volkswagen’s strategic shift reshapes the future of electric mobility not just in China, but globally.