Latest news with #VW
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
‘China's car market has lost all reason' – the country's largest western carmaker refuses to compete in Tesla and BYD's EV price war
Once China's dominant carmaker before being overtaken by fast-growing EV leader BYD, Volkswagen is now in a rebuilding year. VW Group China boss Ralf Brandstätter says he's willing to sacrifice market share during the price war to protect the equity of his company's car brands. Relief is due to come next year with a new range of affordably priced EVs built off the dedicated China-only 'CMP' platform. China's brutal EV price war waged between industry giant BYD, Tesla and now Xiaomi is increasingly squeezing the country's largest western carmaker out of the market. According to Volkswagen Group, there are 130 brands are competing for a share of the EV and plug-in hybrid sales. The result of such an oversaturated supply is that almost no one is able to earn a positive return. 'That means there's no money left over to invest in the future,' VW exec Ralf Brandstätter told German business daily Handelsblatt in an interview published Tuesday. 'China's car market has lost all reason.' Volkswagen is in the starting phase of a new EV product cycle it hopes will increase its total China sales by a third in the mid-term, allowing it to fully utilize its installed local capacity of 4 million cars annually. Leading that is Brandstätter, who is ultimately responsible for a portfolio of group brands including VW and Audi, as well as its China-only entry brand Jetta. The group may play a minor role in the United States, but it remains the world's second largest carmaker after Toyota. That's mainly thanks to its prescient bet on China, a market it dominated for nearly 40 years after becoming the first western car brand to successfully enter the market, in 1985. But ever since Beijing attempted to reel in an overheated real estate sector—in the process collapsing its property bubble—VW has steadily lost volume. In October 2022, several months after developer Evergrande defaulted on $300 billion worth of debt, Tesla first slashed vehicle prices in China. Its decision the next quarter to double down on this strategy with further rebates off the hood of Tesla cars helped cement the EV price war that still rages today. As a result, VW Group was eclipsed by fast-growing industry leader to BYD, which sold 4.21 million cars in China in 2024 to Volkswagen's 2.93 million last year. In 2019 just prior to the 'Three Red Lines' housing market reforms, VW's total China sales had hit a record of 4.23 million cars. While the prevailing prices for EVs in China are low, these aren't cheaply built econoboxes—China's market features the single greatest array of technologically advanced vehicles found anywhere on Earth. Even brands previously known for consumer electronics, such as smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi, have launched their own high-tech EVs for a relative pittance. Despite the $30,000 price tag, its sporty SU7 sedan that debuted last year looked and performed so much like a European grand tourer that Xiaomi needed to defend itself from suspicions imitation took flattery to a whole other level. Given the brutal conditions in the market, VW has declared 2025 to be a year of transition. Only starting next year on does it expect to have attractive products that do not need to compete with the likes of BYD and Xiaomi on price alone. These begin with volume models built on the China-specific Compact Main Platform ('CMP'), potentially including a model sold under its Jetta brand for the equivalent of about €15,000 (about $17,500). The new cars continue in 2027 with more upscale models underpinned by the China Scalable Platform ('CSP'). Until then it won't chase after sales with ever increasing incentives just to move metal gathering dust on dealer lots. 'In such an unhealthy market environment, our share is not important,' Brandstätter claimed. 'Those only capable of selling their cars through rebates are damaging their brand.' Volkswagen serves as a litmus test of a legacy carmaker's desire to adapt and change with the times as demand shifts from gas-powered cars relying on mechanical innards like pistons and camshafts to EVs defined by their high-tech software features. Whereas 97% of GM's consolidated operating profit were earned in North America last year, VW continues to stake its claim to a leadership role across the entire global auto industry. This includes remaining relevant in the latest technological trends like autonomous ride hailing, where VW still harbors ambitions even after legacy rivals Ford and GM buried theirs. This story was originally featured on
Business Insider
a day ago
- Automotive
- Business Insider
My family of 5 outgrew our Subaru Outback. We test drove the Volkswagen ID Buzz and loved it — except for one thing.
We've had our Subaru Outback since 2018, when my first child was just a newborn. Now that our kids are 7, 5, and 5, while the car is still as reliable as day one, it's become a source of stress because our kids fight so much in it from the lack of space. My husband had been suggesting a minivan for our family, with three rows to space the kids out and sliding doors for easy loading. I, however, refuse to be a minivan mom. I find them ugly and impractical. That all changed when I saw the new electric Volkswagen ID Buzz, so we decided to test it with our family — and now we are torn. We need more space for our family so decided to test out the electric Volkswagen ID Buzz. There's no denying we need more space in the car. With three car seats, growing limbs, and all the stuff from school and sports, the back row is tight. That's the major cause of fights in our car, which makes any trip (short or long) incredibly stressful for whoever is driving. As for the rest of the car, it's got what we need: a big trunk, the ability to place a turtle top, and an overall reliable engine. My first car was a Volkswagen Golf, which I loved, so I've always been a bit partial to the brand. We also tested the Volkswagen Atlas Crossport, which has two rows instead of three, and even having just a bit more space in the second row made our kids more comfortable and manageable. When we saw previews on social media of the ID Buzz, VW's new version of their 1950s Bus, I was intrigued. It looked cuter than a van, but still offered what we thought we needed. The third row is a true row. When the kids saw the VW ID Buzz, they all squealed in excitement. I won't lie, it looks so cool in person. Even while driving it to summer camp drop off, we saw people turn around to do a double take and kids pointing as we drove past. If you don't like the attention, be warned that this car attracts all the looks. The ID Buzz we tested didn't have captain seats, so we had to lower one seat for one of our kids to sit in the third row. As I was setting up the car seats, I noticed that the third row is a full row. I'm 5'6" tall and was able to sit comfortably with extra space for my legs. Loading the kids was pretty easy. You can open the sliding doors with the key, and even with the seat lowered, it was easy for all three of them to navigate their bodies inside. One detail I loved was the ability to open the doors three different ways: from the remote, as mentioned, from the actual door, and also from a button near the driver's seat. This last option made it so I could get in the car, type in our destination on the screen, and not have to wait around to close the doors. It doesn't have a ton of bells and whistles. One of the biggest complaints online has been the interior design, which some feel is lacking compared to how innovative the exterior design is. For my family's needs, this wasn't a problem at all. Coming from a 2017 car to a 2025 model, we could tell the difference in things like heated seats in the middle row and a more dynamic screen (our Subaru's screen doesn't even show a map). That said, the VW ID Buzz doesn't have that many bells and whistles, and I actually like that. We recently drove a BMW 7 Series after getting a free upgrade from a rental car company, and I really disliked all the extra buttons in the back row. The trunk space was limited but enough for day-to-day use. The trunk space in the ID Buzz is nonexistent compared to the space in our Subaru Outback if the third row is in use. I do like that the ID Buzz has two baskets that can be covered by a platform, allowing us to store groceries or sports equipment without taking up precious trunk space. While the amount of space wouldn't be an issue on a day-to-day basis, if we were going on a road trip, the space in the trunk does feel a bit limited. But there was one major drawback for us. Overall, I've found the Volkswagen ID Buzz easy to drive, fun, and reliable. While there's criticism for the range — which is advertised at 230 miles — as a city car to move kids from one location to the other, the range felt fine. We were able to run almost a full week without charging, and then stopped to charge while during groceries for about 30 minutes. The one criticism I have for the ID Buzz is its price point. The 4-wheel-drive, which is what we would need in Maine, is retailing at over $72,000. This puts it over our other car, an Audi Q7, the 2025 model of which is now retailing at $70,000 and is considered a luxury SUV.
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Sunday World
Dublin teen accused of involvement in ‘sophisticated' plot to steal high value cars
BAIL DENIED | Appearing at court by video link from police custody Moran, from Mourne Drive, Skerries, in Co. Dublin, was charged with six offences Lisburn Magistrates Court Refusing to grant bail to 19-year-old Paul Moran, District Judge Eamon King said that having heard how two high end cars were recovered by the Gardai after they were driven across the border, 'illustrates a degree of sophistication and organisation and planning.' The judge told Lisburn Magistrates Court there seems to be 'the targeting of high value vehicles from this jurisdiction and then transported to the south and the impression that the court has is that this may be the tip of the iceberg.' Appearing at court by video link from police custody Moran, from Mourne Drive, Skerries, in Co. Dublin, was charged with six offences, all alleged to have been committed on 11 July this year. The 19-year-old faces charges of burglary of a property at Fairy Glen in Crossmaglen, theft of a VW Arteon, interfering with two other cars, handling a stolen Audi A3 and obstructing police. Giving evidence during a contested application for bail, Detective Constable Duffin outlined how it was in the early hours of Friday when the sleeping residents of a home on Fairy Glen were awoken by a loud bang 'that sounded like the front door closing.' The couple looked outside and as well as broken glass at the front door, they saw their silver VW Arteon being driven away, even though the keys were still inside. A Nissan vehicle which was parked in the driveway had been 'rummaged through but nothing was stolen' from that car. The court heard the stolen VW has since been recovered by Gardai in the Balbriggan area of Dublin, said the detective. DC Duffin told the court a short time after that incident, the occupants of a property on Chapel View, also in Crossmaglen, were awoken by the sound of people outside. Footage from the doorbell 'shows men in their driveway making some sort of mark to their car and trying to open the front window unsuccessfully.' Around this time, a Citroën van, a Peugeot van and a silver Audi A3 drive past their home and the court heard that later that morning, the owner of the Peugeot van reported it had been stolen. 'There was no forced entry to his home' and he still has the keys to the van, said the officer, adding that the van has not yet been recovered. On Friday morning, 'an occupant of Dundalk Road was alerted by locals of an incident and checked his property,' said DC Duffin who told the court that CCTV footage showed someone 'rummaging' through his Skoda car but again, nothing was taken. The investigator revealed that due to a local WhatsApp group where alerts were shared about suspicious activity, residents had been checking their houses and properties. At 05.40, the owners of a property on the Low Road 'noticed that their white Range Rover was parked in the driveway with the engine running' and watched on the footage as a hooded male got inti the driver's set while another vehicle 'rammed into the gates to force them open.' Apart from the smashed gates, 'there were no signs of forced entry and the keys are still in the house,' said DC Duffin, adding that thanks to a tracker device in the Range Rover, the stolen vehicle was also recovered in the Balbriggan area of Dublin. When officers spoke to the owner of the stolen Peugeot van, he told police he had found his driving licence lying on the ground beside an Audi A3, parked in an oil depot in Crossmaglen. Police attended and having found the keys sitting on top of one of the wheels, Gardai have confirmed the Audi had been stolen from a house in Ardee the previous night. Inside that stolen car, officers found a Nike backpack and that was found to contain Moran's passport, the court heard. Moran and three others were arrested after local residents reported a suspicious VW Golf in the area and while two have been released on police bail pending further enquiries, one remains in hospital having suffered difficulties related to their diabetes. During police interviews, Moran refused to answer questions and DC Duffin said police were objecting to bail due to fears of further offending and that he would not turn up to court. Moran's defence solicitor submitted that with a proposed bail address to reside with a friend in Belfast, the defendant could be granted bail albeit with conditions such as tagging and reporting. District Judge Eamon King disagreed however, citing the risks of further offending and Moran not turning for court appearances. Remanding the teenager into custody, he adjourned the case to 6 August. Lisburn Magistrates Court News in 90 Seconds - Monday July 14th
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
5 travel experiences worth booking this summer
IF you've been itching for an excuse to get out and explore this summer, this might be your sign to start planning some fun travel experiences. Whether you're craving an adrenaline-fuelled getaway or a little bit of luxury closer to home, there's something out there for everyone. To help kickstart your summer bucket list, we've rounded up five brilliant travel experiences worth booking now, and there's something for every thrill seeker or family to enjoy while the sun's out. Whatever vibe you're after this summer, our top five picks deliver on fun and plenty of adventure. The best news? You don't have to leave the country (or break the bank) for any of these feel-good experiences. Bug Jam Festival - Santa Pod Raceway 5 A must for motorsport fans Credit: BUG JAM FESTIVAL Book Bug Jam Festival Looking for a new experience? There's nothing like a festival to tickle all of your interests. Now in its 38th year, Bug Jam Festival at Santa Pod Raceway is a summer must for motorsport fans, music lovers, and festival-goers alike. The weekend is packed with live drag racing, monster truck shows, comedy, family-friendly fun, and four music stages featuring acts like Noasis and Rick Parfitt Jr. Kids aren't left out, there is a dedicated Little Buggerz zone with activities, inflatables and Bug Jam Beach. Children under five also get free entry. This year's fancy dress theme is: Games! From classic board games to video game heroes, let your creativity level up and bring your favourite characters to life! Weekend camping is included with all weekend admission tickets, and track action ranges from Jet Car demos to Run What Ya Brung racing for VW owners. Get full event information Hippodrome Circus 5 One of Britain's most historic venues Credit: Hippodrome Circus Book tickets Why not experience the magic of the Hippodrome Circus? It's an ideal trip for the whole family to enjoy this summer. The Hippodrome Circus is one of Britain's most historic and atmospheric venues. This summer, the famous stage will be lighting up for Around the World, a brand-new international circus spectacular from Jack Jay and Johnny Mac. Running from July 9 to September 14, it's a show packed with thrills, laughs and jaw-dropping moments that's suitable for all ages. Families can expect high-energy performances from across the globe, including death-defying motorbike stunts, dazzling jugglers, acrobats, and gravity-defying aerialists. One of the major highlights includes a breathtaking Water Spectacular, featuring synchronised swimmers in the venue's iconic sinking ring. Upham Inns: Boutique countryside pubs with rooms 5 Escape to the English countryside Credit: upham inns Get 15% off stays with code: BOOKDIRECT Escape to one of Upham Inns' charming countryside stays for a luxury staycation and a slower pace. Upham Inns' charming collection of country pubs with comfortable guest rooms is set in some of Southern England's most picturesque spots. Guests can stay cosy by the fire during the chillier months, or soak up the sun in the pretty gardens and terraces in the summer. From the New Forest and South Downs to the Surrey Hills and Winchester, these cosy inns provide the perfect getaway. The beautiful countryside locations mean guests can enjoy scenic pub walks, visit local attractions, and enjoy plenty of local cuisine, with menus celebrating fresh, seasonal country cooking. Book direct for the best rates and use code BOOKDIRECT to save 15% off your stay. Plus, if you show this article at check-in, you'll receive a complimentary bottle of prosecco in your room. Bluebell Railway 5 Book a steam train adventure Credit: Bluebell railway Book your next visit Step back in time with a steam train adventure through the beautiful Sussex countryside on the Bluebell Railway. More than just a train ride, visitors can hop on and off vintage carriages all day with a Rover ticket, which is perfect for exploring museums, exhibitions, and scenic stations along the route. Enjoy additional activities, exhibits and tours for Railway 200 – the national event celebrating 200 years since the invention of passenger-carrying railways here in the UK. The national exhibition train 'Inspiration' will visit the Bluebell Railway from 23 – 29 July 2025. Families can take advantage of the 'Kids for a Quid' offer during most weekends and school holidays, where children travel for just £1 with a fare-paying adult. Throughout the year, families can enjoy free extra entertainment on weekends, which includes Dinosaurs, Fireman Sam, classic car shows, Halloween fun, and a huge Santa Train event at Christmas. For the adults, the Bluebell Railway Beer Festival hosts over 100 beers, cider and perry, and a great music line-up. If sumptuous luxury is more your style, the first-class and Pullman coaches offer premium surroundings and delicious afternoon teas, or the Golden Arrow Evening Dining Train, which includes an extravagant three-course meal. You can get 10% off an advanced full-fare adult all-day Rover ticket using the voucher code: CHECKLIST25 online**. Stockeld Park 5 Take the kids on an adventure Visit website to book tickets If a family day of fun is on the cards this summer, Stockeld Park is Yorkshire's all-weather family adventure park for hours of fun. Some of the iconic attractions include an Enchanted Forest, a giant Yew Tree Maze, a Woodland Laser Arena, and the award-winning Indoor Playhive, which is one of Europe's largest indoor play centres at 20,000 square foot. This summer, the park will transform into a daily festival with live entertainment, magicians, silent discos, and more. Stockeld Park also guarantees fun whatever the weather with its inflatables guarantee, which gives customers a free return pass to the park if the inflatables need to close - valid until September 14. Voted one of Europe's Top 10 Theme Parks by TripAdvisor, it's a brilliant day out for the whole family. Follow Checklist for more travel tips and inspiration If you are planning a summer getaway abroad, a UK staycation or want some travel tips follow Checklist. You can follow @ChecklistSocial on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or sign up for the Checklist is dedicated to providing the best **This code may be applied online to purchases up to and including November 2, 2025, for standard 3rd class travel only. It does not apply to special events.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
5 travel experiences worth booking this summer
*If you click on a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue. Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF you've been itching for an excuse to get out and explore this summer, this might be your sign to start planning some fun travel experiences. Whether you're craving an adrenaline-fuelled getaway or a little bit of luxury closer to home, there's something out there for everyone. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up To help kickstart your summer bucket list, we've rounded up five brilliant travel experiences worth booking now, and there's something for every thrill seeker or family to enjoy while the sun's out. Whatever vibe you're after this summer, our top five picks deliver on fun and plenty of adventure. The best news? You don't have to leave the country (or break the bank) for any of these feel-good experiences. Bug Jam Festival - Santa Pod Raceway 5 A must for motorsport fans Credit: BUG JAM FESTIVAL Book Bug Jam Festival Looking for a new experience? There's nothing like a festival to tickle all of your interests. Now in its 38th year, Bug Jam Festival at Santa Pod Raceway is a summer must for motorsport fans, music lovers, and festival-goers alike. The weekend is packed with live drag racing, monster truck shows, comedy, family-friendly fun, and four music stages featuring acts like Noasis and Rick Parfitt Jr. Kids aren't left out, there is a dedicated Little Buggerz zone with activities, inflatables and Bug Jam Beach. Children under five also get free entry. This year's fancy dress theme is: Games! From classic board games to video game heroes, let your creativity level up and bring your favourite characters to life! Weekend camping is included with all weekend admission tickets, and track action ranges from Jet Car demos to Run What Ya Brung racing for VW owners. Get full event information here. Hippodrome Circus 5 One of Britain's most historic venues Credit: Hippodrome Circus Book tickets Why not experience the magic of the Hippodrome Circus? It's an ideal trip for the whole family to enjoy this summer. The Hippodrome Circus is one of Britain's most historic and atmospheric venues. This summer, the famous stage will be lighting up for Around the World, a brand-new international circus spectacular from Jack Jay and Johnny Mac. Running from July 9 to September 14, it's a show packed with thrills, laughs and jaw-dropping moments that's suitable for all ages. Families can expect high-energy performances from across the globe, including death-defying motorbike stunts, dazzling jugglers, acrobats, and gravity-defying aerialists. One of the major highlights includes a breathtaking Water Spectacular, featuring synchronised swimmers in the venue's iconic sinking ring. Upham Inns: Boutique countryside pubs with rooms 5 Escape to the English countryside Credit: upham inns Get 15% off stays with code: BOOKDIRECT Escape to one of Upham Inns' charming countryside stays for a luxury staycation and a slower pace. Upham Inns' charming collection of country pubs with comfortable guest rooms is set in some of Southern England's most picturesque spots. Guests can stay cosy by the fire during the chillier months, or soak up the sun in the pretty gardens and terraces in the summer. From the New Forest and South Downs to the Surrey Hills and Winchester, these cosy inns provide the perfect getaway. The beautiful countryside locations mean guests can enjoy scenic pub walks, visit local attractions, and enjoy plenty of local cuisine, with menus celebrating fresh, seasonal country cooking. Book direct for the best rates and use code BOOKDIRECT to save 15% off your stay. Plus, if you show this article at check-in, you'll receive a complimentary bottle of prosecco in your room. Bluebell Railway 5 Book a steam train adventure Credit: Bluebell railway Book your next visit Step back in time with a steam train adventure through the beautiful Sussex countryside on the Bluebell Railway. More than just a train ride, visitors can hop on and off vintage carriages all day with a Rover ticket, which is perfect for exploring museums, exhibitions, and scenic stations along the route. Enjoy additional activities, exhibits and tours for Railway 200 – the national event celebrating 200 years since the invention of passenger-carrying railways here in the UK. The national exhibition train 'Inspiration' will visit the Bluebell Railway from 23 – 29 July 2025. Families can take advantage of the 'Kids for a Quid' offer during most weekends and school holidays, where children travel for just £1 with a fare-paying adult. Throughout the year, families can enjoy free extra entertainment on weekends, which includes Dinosaurs, Fireman Sam, classic car shows, Halloween fun, and a huge Santa Train event at Christmas. For the adults, the Bluebell Railway Beer Festival hosts over 100 beers, cider and perry, and a great music line-up. If sumptuous luxury is more your style, the first-class and Pullman coaches offer premium surroundings and delicious afternoon teas, or the Golden Arrow Evening Dining Train, which includes an extravagant three-course meal. You can get 10% off an advanced full-fare adult all-day Rover ticket using the voucher code: CHECKLIST25 online**. Stockeld Park 5 Take the kids on an adventure Visit website to book tickets If a family day of fun is on the cards this summer, Stockeld Park is Yorkshire's all-weather family adventure park for hours of fun. Stockeld Park is open on weekends and during school holidays and is nestled between Wetherby and Harrogate, packed with year-round attractions. Some of the iconic attractions include an Enchanted Forest, a giant Yew Tree Maze, a Woodland Laser Arena, and the award-winning Indoor Playhive, which is one of Europe's largest indoor play centres at 20,000 square foot. This summer, the park will transform into a daily festival with live entertainment, magicians, silent discos, and more. Stockeld Park also guarantees fun whatever the weather with its inflatables guarantee, which gives customers a free return pass to the park if the inflatables need to close - valid until September 14. Voted one of Europe's Top 10 Theme Parks by TripAdvisor, it's a brilliant day out for the whole family. Follow Checklist for more travel tips and inspiration If you are planning a summer getaway abroad, a UK staycation or want some travel tips follow Checklist. You can follow @ChecklistSocial on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or sign up for the newsletter and get the latest travel inspiration, tips and deals. Checklist is dedicated to providing the best free online competitions too – discover amazing new services and products when you visit the website today. **This code may be applied online to purchases up to and including November 2, 2025, for standard 3rd class travel only. It does not apply to special events.
