Chinese market highlighted by global automakers

Also at the CES, another German carmaker Volkswagen showcased its ID.7, the first fully electric sedan based on the MEB platform.

The model came to the event featuring a digital design with unique paintwork. Volkswagen said 40 layers of paint have been applied, some of which are conductive while others have insulating properties.

The carmaker said the world premiere of the series production version will be held in the second quarter of this year. The model, which has a driving range of around 700 kilometers, will be launched in China, Europe and North America in the same year.

Just as with BMW, China is the largest market for Volkswagen. Its electric ID. vehicles are the most popular models of international carmakers, although they lag behind local Chinese marques.

Volkswagen said the ID.7 sedan is allowing it to expand its fully electric family into the upper middle class of the high-volume segment.

Thomas Schaefer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, said the model is one of 10 electric vehicles it plans to launch by 2026.

The German carmaker has already reached a first milestone in terms of electrification.

Since the first ID.3 models were handed over to customers in September 2020, Volkswagen has delivered 500,000 vehicles from its ID.family worldwide through its subsidiaries — around one year earlier than planned and despite the ongoing difficulties in the supply chain.