Volkswagen Group is evaluating the possibility of bringing the new platforms and vehicle models developed in the Chinese market to the European market. Company management states that this strategy can increase its competitiveness in Europe.

Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume states that no final decision has been made yet on the adaptation of platforms produced in China to Europe. Emphasizing that their priority is to use existing platforms, Blume states that they can offer new models in segments that are lacking in Europe, depending on the market success in China.

Experience in the Chinese market sets an example for Europe

Volkswagen plans to take its cooperation with companies such as SAIC and FAW, its joint ventures in China, to a different dimension in Europe. Blume states that using production capacity in Europe for these partners could be a smart solution to reduce idle capacity.

Noting that the innovation and speed in the Chinese market creates a model for the group’s operations in the Western world, Blume emphasizes that this ecosystem guides many areas, including the Rivian software partnership. Volkswagen attaches great importance to developing region-specific platforms to regain its market share loss in China.

The company experienced a 20 percent annual decline in sales in China in the first quarter of 2026. During this period, the group’s total vehicle deliveries worldwide decreased by 4.0 percent to 2.0 million.

A similar trend is observed in electric vehicle sales, with a 7.7 percent decrease on an annual basis with sales of 200 thousand units in the first quarter of 2026. Volkswagen states that sales losses, especially in the US and Chinese markets, have a negative impact on overall delivery figures.

Future strategies and market expectations

Volkswagen is concentrating its work on the CMP platform, which it plans to put into operation in China in 2027. It is stated that after the completion of this platform, suitable options for the product range in Europe will be evaluated.

Company management argues that feedback from the Chinese market will play a critical role in shaping its product strategy in Europe. It is thought that models developed in China can fill the gap, especially in segments that are not present in Europe.

This strategic move by Volkswagen attracts attention at a time when competition in the global automotive market is intensifying. In the face of the rise of Chinese brands, Volkswagen aims to combine its experiences in different geographies to increase operational efficiency and maintain market share.

Do you think the models developed by Volkswagen in China can be successful in the European market?