In 2017, Volkswagen established its third joint venture in China, Volkswagen Anhui. In Hefei, the company built the Volkswagen Anhui MEB factory for vehicle manufacturing, VCTC for software development, and Guoxuan Hi-Tech for battery production. Volkswagen Anhui, distinct from SAIC Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen, is crystal clear in its goal — to lead in the Chinese new energy market.
The first model from Volkswagen Anhui originates from the MEB platform, the ID. UNYX, a gem from Volkswagen ID. UX series, formally introduced at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show.
This vehicle is based on the Tavascan model from CUPRA, an overseas brand of the Volkswagen Group, sharing the same platform with Volkswagen ID.5, featuring uniqueness and sportiness.
On July 17, 2024, the Volkswagen Anhui ID.UNYX was officially launched, with prices ranging from 209,900 to 249,900 yuan, available in three versions.
- ID.UNYX Pro with a prolonged range, priced at 209,900 yuan;
- ID.UNYX Ultra with an extended range, priced at 229,900 yuan;
- ID.UNYX Max, the high-performance version, priced at 249,900 yuan.
At the launch, it was mentioned that the Volkswagen ID.UNYX comes with over 100 standard features, including key ones such as: matrix headlights, front seat massage and memory functions, heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, 82.4 kWh ternary lithium battery, 20-inch rims, Travel Assist 3.0 driving assistance, intelligent parking, remote parking and more, making it a premium entry-level model.
The primary differences between Pro and Ultra lie in the higher-end configurations such as Harman Kardon audio, panoramic views, AR-HUD, and seat materials. Quality chasers may opt for the Ultra version. Max’s distinction lies in its transformation to a dual-motor model and an upgrade to 21-inch hub, which caters more to power enthusiasts.
Current car purchasers can enjoy multiple benefits. There is a cash rebates of 5,000 against a booking benefit of 15,000, reducing the car price by 10,000 instantly. If you’re a replacement user, you can receive a subsidy of 10,000. Additional benefits include zero-interest, zero down payment, 5-year warranty, 10,000 points, etc.
Volkswagen Anhui’s selling channels for ID. UNYX will not merge with the existing channels of Volkswagen or FAW-Volkswagen. According to the plan, by the end of 2024, Volkswagen Anhui will open 4 direct-operated ID. UNYX experience centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. Meanwhile, the retail network will extend to more than 20 cities, primarily in first and second-tier cities by 2024. By the end of 2025, it will span more than 70 cities, expanding from first-tier to third-tier cities.
Volkswagen’s Chairman and CEO in China, Stephan Woellenstein, has always emphasized: “Speed is paramount! In a vibrant market environment, speed is key to maintaining competitiveness.” The **ID. UNYX positions itself as sporty and youthful, alongside the Volkswagen ID.4 X and the FAW-Volkswagen ID.4 CROZZ, which collectively fill the market demand for A-class pure electric SUVs. It constitutes a vital part of China’s pure electric drive strategy too.
Apart from the first product ID.UNYX, Volkswagen plans to launch five different categories of intelligent pure electric cars by 2027 to enrich its product line in the Chinese market. With the combined power of R&D and procurement capabilities from VCTC, Volkswagen Anhui can make independent decisions and bypass Volkswagen’s headquarters in Germany for approvals. This allows for rapid cooperation with development partners like Horizon, Xpeng Autos, and Guoxuan High-tech for subsequent vehicle launches.By 2026, two Class B models, in collaboration with Volkswagen and Xpeng, will hit the market. This indeed marks Volkswagen’s aggressive step in the pure electric market in China.
This article is a translation by AI of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.