Volkswagen would have to catch up
When it comes to production, Volkswagen has not had an easy time. First the factories had to close because of corona and when everything was allowed to open again, the car industry was hit by a large shortage of computer chips. According to Auto, Motor und Sport the brand is currently struggling with a production loss of 27 percent. CEO Herbert Diess received the full brunt of the Volkswagen works council. The chip shortage would not be properly addressed and employees would not be happy with his constant comparisons with Tesla.
Commenting on the criticism, Diess says at a factory meeting in Wolfsburg: “I am often asked why I keep comparing myself to Tesla. I know it annoys some.’ His reason for this would be Tesla’s productivity. The American car maker can currently assemble a car in 10 hours, while that at the Volkswagen factory in Zwickau is currently 30 hours. Next year, productivity at Volkswagen should improve to 20 hours per car.
Tesla is the benchmark today
“It’s these numbers that lead me to point out this new competition and not sleep a wink. Even if I didn’t talk about Elon Musk anymore, he will stay here and will revolutionize our industry and quickly become more and more competitive,” Diess warns. He continues: ‘You can only win if you understand and keep an eye on the competition. Tesla is the benchmark today and other strong startups from China are also entering our market. Ralf Brandstätter and I have been testing a few cars from China over the past few weeks. We must confess: they are really good.’
Also read: Volkswagen and Tesla are the most unreliable brands according to the Consumers’ Association
Volkswagen’s plans to compete with Tesla
Of course, Volkswagen is not sitting still. In addition to the roll-out of the MEB platform, which includes the ID.3, for example, the first car of the Trinity project will arrive in five years’ time. This new platform should produce an affordable EV, but also a more efficient way of producing. According to Diess, this car is the answer to all criticism: ‘Only if we prove at home that we are ready for the future, can we compete worldwide. The next Wave may not be a Tesla! The next wave must not come from China! The next icon has to be a Wolfsburger again! Trinity!’
