Volkswagen optimizing ID.3 production in the UK
Volkswagen has stopped taking orders for certain versions of its ID.3 electric car in the UK, in order to shorten lead times amid the semiconductor supply shortage. The only model currently available to order in the UK is the ID.3 Pro Performance Life, starting at £35,835.
The ID3 Pro Performance uses a 58kWh battery, which allows a WLTP range of 259 miles. The car is powered by a single 150 kW electric motor. Meanwhile, orders for the ID3 Tour, which uses a larger 82kWh battery, were suspended in November. The entry-level ID3 Pure Performance with a 45kWh battery is also currently unavailable to order.
Interestingly enough, the larger VW ID4 remains available to order in all six trim levels, with a choice of 58kWh and 82kWh battery packs. The new ID5 is also being offered in three trims, however, all with an 82kWh battery.
“Due to very high demand for the all-electric Volkswagen ID 3, combined with the still-volatile semiconductor supply situation, delivery times for this popular model are currently much longer than usual,” wrote Volkswagen. “Therefore, in order to minimise the waiting period for a new car, Volkswagen has temporarily simplified the ID 3 model range in some markets.”
CEO Herbert Diess expects that the difficulties in this area will be sorted out before too long: “The supply situation is getting better, but even in 2022 we will not be able to build all the cars we could sell. But we see opportunities for further production increases, especially in the second half of the year.”
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