At the auto show in Beijing, Volkswagen presented the ID.Code Concept, which is not only a glimpse into the future of motoring, but also a desperate attempt for the brand to quickly close the gap between its products and technologically advanced Chinese start-ups.
Volkswagen, once the champion of the European automotive industry, today faces serious challenges in the Chinese market. Market dynamics have changed; customers are looking for innovation faster than Volkswagen can develop it. ID.Code is supposed to be the answer to this problem, but it is put in a difficult position from the start.
A technological bridge between old and new
The ID.Code is not just a car, but a technological experiment that aims to help Volkswagen keep pace with agile Chinese tech start-ups. With 3D Eyes and Smart Windows technologies, Volkswagen wants to prove that it still belongs to the top of innovation, but the question arises - is this enough? Let's explain in more detail!
Well, the ID.Code doesn't offer coffee, but it does have what Volkswagen calls “3D Eyes” – which is supposed to mean that this car can actually look at you. Sounds a bit like a mother-in-law disapproving of your latest life decision, doesn't it? This visual magic is part of a complete lighting system that can express, say, thanks when you're let go in a traffic line. So the next time you're late for a meeting, at least you can say your car held you up for a chat about the weather. And yes, the ID.Code can display the weather forecast on its front fascia. It's like a car having its own Facebook profile, just for weather statuses.
Smart Windows aren't just windows, they're your new best friend. They can display everything from good morning greetings to reminders that you didn't take your umbrella while it's pouring outside. And if you think that's the highlight, wait until the car starts talking to you about the latest happenings or shows you a funny meme while you're waiting at a traffic light. Yes, you read that right. Your car windows could soon become more social than your local bartender.
Jeremy Clarkson would probably remark that if your car starts commenting on your choice of clothes or music, we might have gone too far. Or that the only thing that would be even more bizarre would be if your sis could order a pizza. And no, unfortunately we're not there yet, but with Smart Windows technology, who knows? Perhaps this is the next big step for Volkswagen.
Delays that cost money and force Volkswagen to face the abyss
Volkswagen is facing a dilemma that is not only of a technological nature, but also concerns its pace of introducing new models. The arrival of the ID.2 model, which was conceived as a more affordable electric alternative and was supposed to replace the Volkswagen Polo, has been postponed until 2026. This delay puts the ID.Code in an even more difficult position, since China is a market where the speed of development is measured in months , not years, is particularly crucial for Volkswagen.
Delays are nothing new at Volkswagen, but the technological lag is now particularly exposed. While the ID.2 has already been unveiled as a near-complete concept, the question arises as to why it's taking so long for the model to actually hit the roads. Chinese manufacturers, known for their agility, can put similar models on the road extremely quickly, which calls into question Volkswagen's ability to respond competitively.
There is a real concern that, despite the available technology and development capacity, Volkswagen would need almost a decade to successfully transfer a concept like ID.Code to production lines and roads. This time discrepancy is not merely an administrative or production problem; it's a strategic slip-up that could have long-term consequences for Volkswagen's position in the global auto industry, especially in the fast-growing Chinese market.
Eye catching design
Although the ID.Code may seem like a vehicle of the future, its design is clearly aimed at the current tastes of Chinese consumers, who value boldness and innovation. With this model, Volkswagen may have found the right formula that will satisfy both European and Asian aesthetic standards.
With its futuristic design and technological innovations, the Volkswagen ID.Code brings a design language that could set new standards in the automotive industry. With a bold, clean design that includes “Light Cloud” and “3D Eyes”, ID.Code is not only eye-catching, but also sets the stage for a new era of automotive design.
My take on this concept is simple: if future Volkswagens were to be designed in the spirit of ID.Code, manufacturers like Jaguar would have to think seriously. With ID.Code, Volkswagen proves that even brands known for their more conservative design can transform and lead in terms of innovation and aesthetics.
Conclusion: The Last Scream
Volkswagen ID.Code is more than a concept car; is the brand's latest attempt to carve out a new place in the technologically advanced Chinese market. While the design and technology show promise, delays in the development of other key models are cause for concern. Will ID.Code manage to bridge the technical gap or will it be just a reminder of how fast the world of motoring is changing? Regardless, Volkswagen urgently needs faster development and more effective strategies if it wants to stay relevant in the race against increasingly innovative rivals.
