Volkswagen ID.UNYX 08 Powers China EV Strategy
Volkswagen Group is moving quickly with its “In China, for China” strategy and the faster electrification of its product portfolio. In Hefei, eastern China, the company has started series production of the ID.UNYX 08, Volkswagen’s first fully connected, all-electric full-size SUV for the Chinese market. Volkswagen and Chinese NEV maker XPENG developed the vehicle together and brought it to series production within 24 months of the partnership's start—the ID.UNYX 08 uses locally developed technology, including 800-volt ultra-fast charging, L2 advanced ADAS features, and over-the-air updates for continuous upgrades. The new electric SUV also reflects Volkswagen’s core brand values and sets standards for safety, quality, driving comfort, and durability.
Volkswagen plans to launch the ID.UNYX 08 in the first half of this year. As part of its largest electric-vehicle push to date, the Group will launch 20 new locally developed models in China this year alone.
Oliver Blume, CEO Volkswagen Group: “Three years ago, we launched our strong China strategy – It is now unleashing its full power—the ID.UNYX 08 is the next impressive proof of this. The car was developed in China for China, with German engineering and local cutting-edge technology.
Brought to market at high speed – and at attractive prices - vehicles like the ID.UNYX 08 are part of our ambition to become the global automotive tech driver."
Ralf Brandstätter, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG responsible for China and Chairman and CEO of Volkswagen Group China, said: "Our `In China, for China' strategy is delivering results." With the ID.UNYX 08: We are launching the Group's largest electric-vehicle offensive in China. On average, the Volkswagen Group is launching one new electric car every two weeks this year. That's ´China Speed.´ The ID.UNYX 08 is the first Volkswagen model in a new generation of smart electric vehicles that will carry our strengths into the electric age. The car is fully tailored to Chinese customer needs, equipped with cutting-edge technology, and was developed locally in less than two years. This underscores the implementation strength of our partnership with XPENG."
He Xiaopeng, Chairman and CEO of XPENG, said: “With the ID.UNYX 08 entering series production, our cooperation with Volkswagen Group has delivered a tangible result. Built on mutual trust and close collaboration, this partnership allows both sides to combine our strengths and create long-term value. We look forward to continued cooperation and a win-win future.”
Volkswagen Group is building momentum for the next phase of growth in China. In the fast-changing ICV era, the Group is advancing its transformation through its "In China, for China" strategy. After three years of steady change, the company is gaining momentum, backed by a strong NEV product portfolio and locally developed ICV technologies. This work lays the foundation for the next stage of its transformation. The key to this progress is stronger local research and development and deeper integration into the local ecosystem through focused strategic partnerships.
In 2023, Volkswagen Group entered a long-term partnership with XPENG. The two companies focus on product development and large-scale technological innovation by combining their core strengths.
This partnership has led to the joint development of two all-electric models, after the ID.UNYX 08, the second Volkswagen model from this partnership, will debut and reach the market this year.
VCTC drives the development of the partnership models. As XPENG’s development partner for these vehicles, VCTC has led product design definition, technical validation and release, quality standards, and driving dynamics tuning while integrating local innovation. This work ensures that the model maintains the brand’s DNA of quality, safety, and a distinctive driving experience.
At the same time, VCTC, the Group’s software centre CARIAD China, and XPENG have jointly developed Volkswagen Group’s first locally engineered zonal electrical and electronic architecture, the China Electronic Architecture, or CEA. This platform is ready for future Volkswagen brand models built for the domestic market. It will support both NEVs and fuel-powered vehicles. The first model based on the CEA is due to enter the market this year.
Volkswagen is also launching its NEV product campaign. After successfully shifting into a strategic “Delivery Mode” in 2025, the Group will build even more momentum for the rollout of its next-generation products and technologies in 2026. It plans to launch more than 20 new NEV models throughout the year. By 2030, the company plans to bring 50 new NEV models to market. With consistent execution, a strong forward-looking product portfolio, and market-leading technologies, Volkswagen Group is positioning itself to compete more actively in China’s NEV market. It also aims to maintain its position as the leading international carmaker in China while playing a leading role in China’s ICV era.
