Draft “too good”
Report: VW bosses slow down E-model Trinity
December 2nd, 2022, 5:40 p.m
Former Volkswagen management’s Trinity project faces an uncertain future. Capacity problems in software development are said to be delaying the autonomously driving e-car, but now the new bosses of the group do not like the look of the car.
According to a report by “Automobilwoche”, Volkswagen has rejected the previous designs for the new Trinity electric model and is planning again. VW boss Oliver Blume and Thomas Schäfer, who is responsible for the VW brand, stopped the design with a flat body as “too good”, the newspaper reported, citing a source from the board environment. This could therefore delay the already postponed introduction even further.
Volkswagen wanted to develop the Trinity electric model from scratch. It should be able to drive largely autonomously on certain routes such as motorways. According to “Automobilwoche”, a super flat sedan with a range of more than 600 kilometers was initially planned. The introduction was actually planned for 2026. According to the report, the start is now planned for 2028.
According to “Handelsblatt”, however, there are capacity problems with the development of the necessary software by the group’s subsidiary Cariad. This should now concentrate on the software for earlier models coming onto the market. The delay at Trinity is two to three years, but the start may not take place until 2030, it said. The factory planned specifically for Trinity in the Warmenau district of Wolfsburg is no longer needed.
Warmenau plant on the brink?
As a result of the shift, the main plant could be converted and the Trinity could roll off the assembly line there after its development was completed, according to corporate circles. First, the “Manager Magazin” reported on the Trinity problems. Accordingly, Blume wants to overturn the planned new plant.
“We are currently taking the opportunity to look at all projects and investments and to check their viability,” wrote Blume and VW brand boss Thomas Schäfer in an internal statement on the reports. This will be done in the next few weeks according to “a clear timetable”. First of all, the further procedure in the area of software and the design of the platforms will be decided. “This is followed by the development of the product strategy with the specific projects of the individual brands for the next few years.” The assignment of the works follows from this.
Blume and Schäfer asked the workforce “for a little patience”. But it is also clear: “We don’t leave anyone out in the rain.” All decisions would be made “also in close consultation with the employee side”.
“And of course we keep a close eye on the situation at the main plant and the job security there,” emphasized the managers. “We want to and will show in Wolfsburg how the necessary transformation can be achieved with advantages for everyone involved.”