VW Delays North American ID.7 Launch

Volkswagen of America is delaying the North American launch of the ID.7 battery-electric sedan, a nod to the softening market for BEVs this year.

VW joins Ford, General Motors, Stellantis and other automakers delaying launches of EVs so as not to saturate the market, thus forcing discounting on models that already are selling at a per-unit loss.

A statement by VW says the delay comes from “making market-driven choices while listening to our customers.”

Demand for the vehicle in Europe is strong, but the prospects of a BEV sedan priced $50,000-$70,000 in North America are uncertain, especially as sedan sales have been in decline. In Europe, the ID.7 has been on sale since 2023. The introduction of the ID.7 Tourer has spiked demand overseas, especially in Germany.

The ID.7 is VW’s first electric sedan. With a sloping roof and aerodynamic front end, the sedan runs up to an estimated 434 miles (699 km) on a single charge.

“We remain committed to electric mobility – this year we have enhanced the range and performance on our all-electric 2024 ID.4 SUV, and we are thrilled to welcome the iconic Microbus back into our lineup with the arrival of the 2025 ID. Buzz in Q4,” says the VW statement.