Volkswagen was confident that its lineup of electrified vehicles would help steer the German automaker into the next chapter of automotive technology. While models like the ID. Buzz helped the company get plenty of attention, the current naming scheme is odd and the company admitted that it has not done much in generating profit with sales figures for models like the ID.3, ID.4, and even the ID.Buzz all being lukewarm at best. It appears the company is finally addressing this with a new report seemingly confirming that the ID name scheme could be on its way out the door in Wolfsburg.
Proper names will return
This apparent confirmation came during an interview German publication Auto Und Wirtschaft had with VW’s head of marketing and sales Martin Sander. “The cars will get proper names again,” said Sander. “Neither the ID.2all nor the ID.Every1 will have those names in series production. We’ll announce that when the time comes.” This statement seems to confirm VW has had enough of the ID family’s ongoing problems with sales and is exploring ways to try and inject more name recognition into the EVs.
It’s also not known if the ID moniker itself will stick around but with how slow sales have been, we suspect that its time on VW models will soon be coming to an end.
Volkswagen’s move comes with precedent
Volkswagen’s decision comes as other companies are also rethinking the way they name their EV models. Audi for example ditched an unusual odd/even numerical naming scheme for its vehicles with the brand now using E-Tron and TSFI respectively for its EV and gasoline models. Meanwhile, BMW removed the ‘i’ from its gasoline models and is now using the letter for all of its electric models.
This shakeup in identity across the broader EV segment comes as the industry is facing shifting economic winds with demand and sales of EVs slumping as tariffs enacted by the Trump administration put the squeeze on sales of vehicles not produced in the U.S. with Volkswagen having to contend with the effects of U.S. tariffs on Germany
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.