The subsequent Porsche and Audi EVs may very well be made within the US. Volkswagen is contemplating transferring Porsche and Audi EV manufacturing to the US after Trump threatened new tariffs on Europe, Mexico, Canada, and different main commerce companions. Right here’s how it will work.
Volkswagen mulls constructing Porsche EVs within the US
Volkswagen is already feeling the stress after world deliveries fell 2.3% in 2024 to only over 9 million items. The VW Group, together with Audi and Porsche, delivered 744,800 EVs final yr, down 3.4% from 2023 (771,100).
Though Volkswagen delivered extra electrical automobiles in China (+8.3%), it was after a down yr in 2023 because it misplaced market share to EV leaders like BYD. The corporate mentioned that regardless of decrease EV deliveries in Europe, it “stays by far BEV market chief” with round 21% market share.
Within the US, gross sales of the only Volkswagen-brand EV, the ID.4, fell 55% final yr on account of a recall and the rollout of an up to date mannequin. VW bought simply over 17,000 ID.4s within the US, in comparison with almost 37,800 in 2023.
The luxurious Porsche model didn’t fare a lot better, with Taycan gross sales slipping 20% year-over-year. Just like the ID.4, the Porsche Taycan obtained a major refresh this previous yr. Porsche additionally started delivering the electrical Macan in late 2024.
In response to a brand new report from Germany’s Handelsblatt, Volkswagen is contemplating increasing US manufacturing for Porsche and Audi EVs.
Sources near the matter instructed the German newspaper that the group could arrange new manufacturing websites for the luxurious manufacturers.
All Porsche and Audi EVs are presently constructed outdoors the US, making them significantly uncovered to a rise in tariffs. The Audi Q5 is inbuilt Mexico, whereas Porsche EV fashions are produced in Europe.
The transfer comes after US President Donald Trump proposed a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada. Most not too long ago, he threatened new tariffs in opposition to the European Union (EU), one other one of many US’s predominant commerce companions.
In response to insiders, Volkswagen’s almost certainly choice is to broaden its plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the place the ID.4 is constructed.
It might additionally produce Audi EVs at its upcoming plant in SC, designed for the rugged Scout model. The report suggests Audi might get a hardcore model for itself, however that can be after Scout launches in 2027.
Porsche will collaborate with Audi to provide bigger electrical SUVs within the US, possible the Cayenne EV or the bigger “K1” flagship mannequin. The brand new electrical SUVs can be based mostly on VW’s new SSP platform, which is able to exchange its present MEB.
Electrek’s Take
The contemporary tariff threats from Trump are the most recent headache the Volkswagen Group should take care of. It’s already shedding market share in key world markets like China as EV leaders like BYD proceed gaining momentum with lower-cost and infrequently extra superior autos.
Volkswagen is now contemplating promoting a number of German crops they plan to halt manufacturing at to Chinese language automakers.
After a number of delays, Volkswagen formally canceled the ID.7, its flagship sedan within the US. The mannequin will solely be bought in Europe and China.
With pure EV makers like Rivian and Lucid gaining momentum and a slate of recent electrical fashions from GM, Hyundai, Kia, Volvo, Jeep, Dodge, and several other others arriving, will Volkswagen be capable to maintain tempo within the US? Increasing native manufacturing could also be the best choice to even the taking part in discipline.
