Volkswagen is implementing a new strategy for China. The German giant aims to offer products tailored to the market with its new ID.Unyx range. The first of these, which apparently bears the same name as this sub-brand, is a coupe SUV that closely resembles the Cupra Tavascan.
ID.Unyx: a new strategy for China
As part of its “in China, for China” strategy, Volkswagen unveils the first model of its new ID.Unyx range: an electric coupe SUV bearing the same name. Struggling in the electric market within the Middle Kingdom, the German brand aims to reinvent itself and offer models “tailored to consumer expectations.”
This model is nothing more than a slightly modified Cupra Tavascan. A simple sleight of hand, as the Tavascan is already exclusively produced in China. The model has therefore been rebadged to serve VW’s interests, which offers the ID.5 in our markets.
According to the German group, the ID.Unyx brand is “technically and visually adapted to the lifestyle of young customers in Chinese metropolises.” Volkswagen plans to open 40 dedicated stores for this range in 20 Chinese cities. Stefan Mecha, CEO of Volkswagen in China, states, “With the ID.Unyx, we are expanding the range of ID electric models by meeting the expectations of young Chinese consumers. We want to attract new customers and retain those who already own a Volkswagen vehicle.”
Volkswagen will launch 16 electric vehicles in the country by 2030
In total, 4 other ID.Unyx models will be unveiled by 2026. This sub-brand now represents the core of Volkswagen’s strategy for China, which plans to introduce 34 new models by 2030 (16 new ID electric models, 12 new gasoline models, and 6 new plug-in hybrid vehicles). The ID.Unyx program was created in Volkswagen’s new innovation and development center in Hefei, in the east of the country. The first model in the range is actually manufactured at this same site.
To appeal to Chinese consumers, Volkswagen is focusing on new technologies. The ID.Unyx is equipped with an interactive 3D avatar powered by AI and whose appearance can be customized. The brand specifies that “the avatar’s intonation can be configured based on a human voice and accompany the driver in conversations.” The electric SUV is equipped with a 210 kW motor and a 77 kWh battery. According to the Chinese standard (CLTC), this Chinese Tavascan can travel up to 621 km on a single charge.