Volkswagen is preparing to introduce certain cars designed for China to the European market. This was announced by brand head Thomas Schäfer at the Paris Motor Show. According to him, such cars should complement the existing lineup, rather than replace current models.

Volkswagen prepares to expand its lineup in Europe with cars from China
Image source: Chatgpt

Among the potential candidates are the large ID. Unyx 09 sedan, over five meters long, and the large ID. ERA crossover. However, Volkswagen has not yet named specific models for Europe, their prices, or their release dates. The company is also considering the possibility of producing some Chinese developments at European plants.

The main obstacle is related to Volkswagen Anhui — a joint venture in China that produces the Cupra Tavascan electric crossover. In February 2026, the European Commission approved an agreement allowing this model to be supplied to the EU without additional compensatory duties, provided a minimum import price, an annual quota, and other conditions are met. In return, the manufacturer committed not to export other electric vehicles from this enterprise to the European Union under the adopted agreement.

Therefore, to introduce another electric model from Volkswagen Anhui, a revision of the terms with the European Commission or the application of standard import duties will be required. Cars produced by other Volkswagen joint ventures in China are not subject to this specific restriction, but they are subject to the general rules for importing Chinese electric vehicles.

European assembly could help circumvent additional duties applied to Chinese-made electric vehicles. However, Volkswagen has not yet disclosed which models and plants might be involved. The plan remains at the stage of selecting promising cars and assessing demand.

Read more materials: