Volkswagen to Export China-Developed Platform and Electronics Architecture to Global South Markets

Volkswagen will deploy its China-developed Compact Main Platform and China Electronic Architecture in next-generation models for South America and Africa, the automaker announced Wednesday, shifting from its "In China, for China" strategy toward using the country as an export and innovation base. The rollout begins in South America by the end of the decade. CEO Oliver Blume said China is "a key innovation engine" and "increasingly a product and tech hub for our global markets." Volkswagen also plans to ship more China-built Volkswagen and Jetta cars to South America and Africa and unveiled VEGA, an 850-volt fast-charging, Level 3 autonomous-ready package slated for a 2027 launch. The German automaker, undergoing its largest restructuring in 89 years, is battling eroding share in China, where BYD and Geely have outpaced foreign rivals. Volkswagen China chief Ralf Brandstatter expects the country's passenger-car market to shrink 20% this year, or about 4.5 million vehicles. Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa are targeted; Europe and North America are excluded for now.