► Era, Evo and Aura revealed at Auto Shanghai
► All three are collaboration with Chinese brands
► Expect them to arrive within 34 months
Volkswagen has revealed three concepts at Auto Shanghai as it doubles down on its ‘In China, for China’ strategy. Called the Aura, the Era and the Evo, each concept represents a collaboration between VW and a different Chinese manufacturer.
The Aura is produced by FAW-Volkswagen, the Era by SAIC Volkswagen and the Evo by Volkswagen Anhui, but all preview the future direction for Chinese VWs: a focus on new energy vehicles (NEVs) and technology such as Level 2++ autonomous driving and AI.
‘The three concept vehicles are the visible outcome of our ‘In China, for China’ strategy,’ said Thomas Schäfer, VW CEO. ‘We have thus made all the necessary preparations to remain in pole position among foreign automakers in China.’
ID.Era
The ID.Era is full-size SUV from SAIC Volkswagen with a range-extender powertrain (NEV means anything electrified in China) and three rows of seats. It’ll do 435 miles thanks to the fuel-powered generator alone and a further 186 miles from an integrated battery. Put it all together and you’re looking at a range of over 600 miles CLTC.
ID.Evo
The ID. Evo is another full-size SUV, but this using all electric power with a focus on younger, fashion-conscious buyers. With that in mind it’s funky and has a focus on tech – particularly around over-the-air software updates. What’s more, it uses 800v technology for better efficiency and faster charging.
ID.Aura
The ID.Aura comes from FAW-Volkswagen and prioritises technology above all else. It uses the new Compact Main Platform (CMP) and promises to use AI to improve its self-technology. Its UI also emulates that of a smartphone, to make more youthful technology-savvy customers to feel right at home.
On the outside, it’s a notchback – combining the affordability and dynamics of a hatchback, with the room and boot space of a larger car.
Anything else?
All three models will make it to production in some guise, and VW is targeting a roll out before 2028 for all three: ‘We picked up ‘China speed’ with our new development centre in Hefei. Our goal is to develop our models within 34 months at most,’ said Thomas Ulbrich, CEO of Volkswagen China Technology Centre (VCTC).
Just like Audi’s AUDI brand, Volkswagen is teaming up with Chinese brands to create models that meet the needs of the Chinese market – as well as the pace. With that in mind, these three concepts are the first of many:
‘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,’ said Stefan Mecha, CEO of Volkswagen passenger cars brand for China. ‘With our “In China, for China” strategy we will now realize our full potential and demonstrate our innovative strength at local level.’