The Volkswagen ID. Polo brings back proper buttons. That's a welcome change compared to the outgoing ID-branded EVs. There's a row of buttons under the central touchscreen, physical controls for all of the windows, and dedicated buttons for volume and track adjustment. Buttons are back in fashion at Volkswagen, and it all starts with the new ID. Polo subcompact electric car, which will go on sale in Europe in April and is expected to start from less than $30,000 (25,000).
Starting on November 18th, Volkswagen owners in the U.S. and Canada will be able to plug into one of more than 25,000 supported Superchargers across North America. This is a pretty major upgrade for VW drivers. For comparison, the vehicles currently have access to about 5,000 DC Fast Charging sites through VW's partnership with Electrify America. Of course it also has access to any other DC Fast Charger available publicly as well, but Tesla's massive network opens up significant more charging opportunities for owners.
Volkswagen has signalled that its annual profit targets are at risk without sufficient computer chips, in the latest sign that an expected shortage of semiconductors from China could hit carmakers across Europe. The struggling German automotive firm said a series of cost cuts and new model launches were helping to offset a slump in Chinese demand, but it added that forecasts were based on the adequate availability of semiconductors.
Blume also serves as the CEO of Porsche parent company Volkswagen, where he will remain in charge. Blume's dual role at the top of two major auto brands had drawn criticism. Blume has been chief executive of Porsche since 2015 and has served in the dual role as VW CEO since 2022Image: Ronny Hartmann/AFP via Getty Images Oliver Blume is to step down as the CEO of German sports carmaker Porsche, the firm said on Friday.
The restoration of Azul, a 1977 T2 Bus, symbolizes hope and resilience after the Malibu wildfires, reminding us of community strength.