Volkswagen boss Oliver Blume Has on the YouTube festival in Berlin Deep insights into the future of the German auto industry and the strategy of the Volkswagen Group. In conversation with Philipp Westermeyer (OMR) he spoke about E-mobility, China, autonomous driving and the Challenges of global markets. His message: The industry is facing one New era of constant changes, and Volkswagen wants to actively shape this.
Volkswagen relies on e-mobility and software
With a Market share of 28 percent is Volkswagen in Europe market leader at electric cars. For flower, however, it is clear: the future is not only in the drive, but in the software. The car becomes a Software-Defined Vehicle With regular over-the-air updates.
That is particularly important Chinese marketwhere Volkswagen recently caught up. Over 3,000 developers: inside Work in China local software and a separate e-platform. Cooperations with Xpeng and Horizon Robotics should ensure that new models from 2025 technologically competitive are.
China strategy: Costs down, quality up
The aggressive Price policy of Chinese manufacturers Volkswagen forces more efficiency. Through 40 percent less development costs and reduced material costs the group can now keep up in terms of price without design and Quality To make compromises. A clear advantage that remains Service network, the new provider must first build up.
US tariffs and global expansion
Also Trade conflicts Strain Volkswagen. In the United States, the group wants to go through Investments in production and supply chains score on site and handle tariffs. "Jobs are a better multiplier than short -term customs talks," said Blume.
Autonomous driving and battery technologies
Volkswagen wants From 2027 In European cities Level 4 vehicles offer. In two years the Security of autonomous vehicles exceed human drivers. The vehicles themselves are not particularly lucrative, but rather Platform and software ecosystem.
At the same time, Volkswagen is investing in Own battery cell production. The first big one starts in 2025 Cell factory in Europe, more works are created in Spain and Canada. In addition, the group is researching Sodium ion- and Setchaft batteries, to become more independent in the long term.
Conclusion: permanent crises as a new normal
For flower it is clear: "The time of the few crises is over.“Volkswagen reacts with local development, global partnerships And a clear one Technology strategy. The goal is despite uncertainties To drive innovations And to stay successful in the long term.
