SHANGHAI, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Volkswagen AG
launched two ID.4 electric sport-utility vehicle models in China
on Tuesday, taking on Tesla Inc in the world's biggest
auto market.
The ID.4 CROZZ model is being made by Volkswagen's joint
venture with FAW Group, while the ID.4 X is produced
by a separate venture with SAIC Motor.
The models mark the start of a major push by Volkswagen into
the electric vehicle market in China to take on the likes of
Tesla and Nio Inc.
The German group did not disclose the price of the two
models. But a presentation at the product launch said the
starting price of the SUVs, which are larger than Tesla's
China-made Model 3 sedans, would be less than 250,000 yuan
($37,450) after electric vehicle subsidies from the Chinese
government.
The starting price for Model 3 sedans in China is currently
249,900 yuan, after subsidies.
The ID.4 models will have driving ranges of over 400
kilometers and offer over-the-air software updates, Volkswagen
executives said at the event.
China chief Stephan Woellenstein said Volkswagen would roll
out eight ID. family electric models in China by 2023.
Sales of electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen-powered
vehicles in China are forecast to rise to 20% of new car sales
by 2025 from just 5% now, the State Council said on Monday.
Around 1.1 million such vehicles are expected to be sold in
China this year.
($1 = 6.6781 Chinese yuan renminbi)
(Reporting by Yilei Sun and Brenda Goh, editing by Louise
Heavens and Mark Potter)