Volkswagen plans to introduce three concept vehicles at the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show as part of its “In China, for China” strategy, with the models highlighting the company’s focus on tailored offerings for the Chinese market. The concepts, developed through its Chinese joint ventures, include two crossovers and one notchback sedan, each designed to appeal to local consumers.
While full details have not yet been disclosed, Volkswagen confirmed that one of the crossovers will be an electric vehicle developed by Volkswagen Anhui, and the second—a B-segment SUV featuring a range-extended powertrain—will come from SAIC Volkswagen. FAW-Volkswagen is responsible for the third vehicle, an all-electric notchback sedan.
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The company released teaser images of the upcoming models, revealing narrow LED headlights connected by an illuminated light bar. Though design specifics remain limited, Volkswagen stated the concepts will reflect a new “China DNA,” incorporating localized styling, advanced technology, and significantly reduced development times—cut by more than 30 percent compared to previous cycles.
“These concepts preview production models that will launch starting next year,” said the company in a statement.
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Volkswagen Head of Design Andreas Mindt noted that the company has adapted its traditional European design principles to better suit Chinese preferences. “We have adapted our established European design values – stability, likability and the ‘secret sauce’ – to the Chinese market,” Mindt said. “The result is a design philosophy that honors the heritage of our brand while at the same time reflecting the desires and expectations of a new generation of customers in China.”
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Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer emphasized the automaker’s long-term ambitions in the region, stating, “Our aim is to remain the leading international automaker in China. We have everything that it takes to be successful: shorter development times, strong partners, sophisticated local development, production and infrastructure as well as the right products and innovations for our Chinese customers.”