Volkswagen has decided to delay the release of its highly anticipated electric versions of the Golf and T-Roc, two of its best-selling and most iconic models. Originally scheduled for 2028 and 2029, the launch of the ID.Golf has now been pushed to 2029, while the ID.T-Roc is expected in the summer of 2030.
According to Bloomberg, the main reason behind this delay is the ongoing transformation of the Wolfsburg factory, where the Golf has traditionally been produced. The restructuring efforts to adapt the production lines for next-generation electric vehicles have significantly increased costs, while demand for EVs has not met initial expectations.
Last year, Volkswagen announced plans to move combustion-engine Golf production to Mexico. However, higher-than-expected expenses for the Wolfsburg transformation have disrupted these timelines. The company is now preparing for a Supervisory Board meeting to reassess factory capacity utilization and financial planning for the next five years.
Meanwhile, internal sources report frequent equipment failures at the Wolfsburg plant, causing weekly production losses of thousands of vehicles and growing unrest among employees.
Insiders also admit that Volkswagen’s EV sales have fallen short of expectations. “Although unit sales are increasing, our investments were based on much higher volumes. We have clearly overinvested,” said one source.
To remain competitive against rapidly expanding Chinese manufacturers like BYD, Volkswagen is shifting its focus toward more affordable EVs. At the IAA Mobility 2025 event in Munich, the automaker unveiled the ID.Polo, ID.Cross, and ID.EVERY1, all designed to attract price-sensitive customers. With an estimated starting price of €25,000, the ID.Polo in particular is expected to play a key role in Volkswagen’s broader strategy to reach the mass market.