VW’s Comeback Plan: Legacy vs. the EV Revolution

Volkswagen helped define the modern car — from the Beetle to the Golf and Polo. But in an era shaped by electric vehicles, software, and fast-moving global competitors, the German automaker is under pressure like never before. After years of pushing futuristic “ID” branding, VW is now turning back to its roots — betting on legacy, familiarity, and affordability to win back customers. But will that be enough? From China’s tech-driven EV boom to shifting US demand and internal restructuring challenges, this report explores the forces reshaping Volkswagen’s future. Can a brand built on mass mobility reinvent itself for a digital, electric world — without losing what made it iconic? REV takes a closer look at whether legacy can still drive success in the age of software-defined mobility. #Volkswagen #ElectricVehicles #EVMobility #AutoIndustry #FutureOfMobility #ChinaEV #CarIndustry #Sustainability #TechInnovation #Automotive 00:00 Can VW’s Past Power Its Future? 00:49 The Legacy of the People’s Car 01:42 VW’s Winning Formula — And Its Limits 02:17 The Return of the Polo: A Strategic Shift 03:39 Dieselgate and the Birth of the ID Era 04:48 Sales Strength vs. Structural Weakness 06:17 China: VW’s Most Important Market Changes 07:43 Software Struggles and Digital Gaps 08:56 Cariad and the Software Challenge 09:43 Partnering with Xpeng in China 11:02 America’s Different Car Culture 12:25 Tariffs, EV Setbacks and Market Pressure 13:22 A Global Strategy That No Longer Works 14:02 Germany’s Industrial Challenge 14:53 VW’s “Boost 2030” Comeback Plan 15:31 Can Legacy Still Sell Cars? Report: Vaishali Dinakaran Editing: N. Rehn, M. Reuss, K. Jungclaus Colour & Audio: Cem Mete ► Liked the video? Let us know by giving us a thumbs up! ► Want to see more? Make sure to subscribe ► Check our website: https://dw.com/REV REV - The Global Auto and Mobility Show from Deutsche Welle #DW #DWREV