The iconic Volkswagen Beetle and Microbus have not been top sellers in the U.S. for quite some time, and Volkswagen hopes to recapture some of that excitement with its new electric models. The German carmaker is aiming to at least double its share of the U.S. market by the end of the decade, launching new electric vehicles such as the ID.Buzz and reviving the Scout brand with electric pickups and SUVs. Other key players in the global electric car market are Hyundai, Volvo, and Stellantis, which are all looking to capitalize on the shift to electric vehicles.
Volkswagen’s previous attempt to penetrate the U.S. market ended in scandal with the “clean diesel” debacle, leading to a focus on electric vehicles. The company now plans to import the ID.7 and the ID.Buzz, and may even introduce a new electric car inspired by the Beetle. Additionally, a $5 billion factory in Ontario will supply batteries to their U.S. factories in Chattanooga and Puebla. With the revival of the Scout brand, Volkswagen hopes to attract American buyers who typically purchase off-road-capable vehicles from U.S. brands. The company’s presence in the U.S. is seen as a strategic necessity to compensate for pressure in other global markets.
