Volkswagen (OTCPK:VWAGY) (OTCPK:VLKAF) (OTCPK:VWAPY) on Sunday introduced the ID.CROSS, a compact electric SUV designed to expand its lineup of lower-cost battery vehicles as the industry faces slowing demand, rising tariffs and intensifying competition from Chinese rivals, Reuters reported.
Set to debut globally in summer 2026, the model is expected to sell for €28,000 to €30,000 ($32,800 to $35,100), targeting price-sensitive buyers. CEO Oliver Blume, speaking ahead of the Munich auto show, said VW is determined to keep rolling out new products despite pressure from weak European demand, a price war in China and U.S. import duties that have hit Audi and Porsche sales.
The ID.CROSS joins an affordable EV lineup that includes the ID.Polo hatchback starting at €25,000, along with the CUPRA Raval and Skoda’s Epiq SUV. Blume said VW launched about 60 new models across its brands in 2024 and 2025, calling it proof the company is not holding back despite industry headwinds.
Europe’s largest carmaker is also cutting costs sharply to offset falling profits, with plans to eliminate more than 35,000 jobs and reduce output at German plants, Reuters reported.