According to media reports, Volkswagen Group seems to be facing difficulties recently. Due to unresolved software issues, the release of some of Volkswagen Group's electric vehicle models, including the new ID.4 and Porsche's new electric SUV, will be delayed.
In recent years, software problems have been one of the main issues plaguing Volkswagen. The group's struggles with software have led to delays in the launch of some highly anticipated electric vehicles, such as the electric version of the Porsche Macan and the Audi Q6 e-tron. Although these models have now been launched (at least a year later than initially expected), Volkswagen Group is still finding it difficult to get back on track.
German media reports indicate that Volkswagen's delays continue, with several electric vehicles being postponed. It is reported that some models based on Volkswagen's new SSP platform will not be available until the end of 2029. The group had already delayed the development of this platform several years ago and now has pushed it back another 15 months. The software from the group's Cariad division will not be ready in time.
This delay means that Volkswagen's next generation of electric vehicles, such as the new ID.4 and Porsche's new electric SUV, will not be released until at least 2029.
The new Porsche is expected to be a top-end seven-seater model. According to Porsche product manager Albrecht Reimold, this new electric SUV, codenamed "SUV K1," will "complete our top model lineup."
Porsche's new electric SUV is expected to compete with upcoming electric vehicles from brands like Land Rover and ultra-luxury brands such as Ferrari.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen will launch an upgraded version of the MEB platform, called MEB+, in 2026. This platform will be used longer than expected until the SSP platform is ready.
Volkswagen's Cariad division has been struggling for years. This has been a significant headache for Volkswagen Group's former CEO Herbert Diess, and some even see it as one of the reasons for his departure.
Diess initially established Cariad in 2020 to close the technology gap with Tesla and to provide software for Volkswagen's next generation of electric vehicles. Volkswagen hired several industry executives, including former executives from Tesla and Rivian, to turn things around.
Volkswagen previously announced plans to invest up to $5 billion in Rivian and establish a joint venture. It is expected that through this new joint venture, Volkswagen will be able to integrate Rivian's software into its models.
