Volkswagen is abandoning its separate electric vehicle naming convention, opting instead to align its battery-electric models with established combustion engine nameplates. The German automaker announced that the strategy shift would begin with the ID Polo, set to debut in 2026.
The move represents a significant departure from VW's previous approach, which launched in 2018 with the ID.3 compact hatchback. The "ID" designation was originally conceived as a distinct identifier for the brand's electric portfolio, symbolising advanced technology and zero-emission mobility.
Thomas Schäfer, Volkswagen brand CEO, emphasised the strategic reasoning behind the change in a 3 September statement: "Our model names are firmly anchored in people's minds. The ID Polo is just the beginning."
The transition will see VW's electric vehicles adopt the names of their closest internal combustion engine counterparts based on size and market positioning. The Polo nameplate, which has been in continuous production since 1975, will now span both powertrains as VW maintains parallel ICE and BEV offerings during the transition period.
Currently, VW's ID range encompasses vehicles from the compact ID.3 through the executive-class ID.7, roughly equivalent to the Passat in traditional VW hierarchy. The automaker indicated that future model generations would systematically adopt this unified nomenclature approach.
VW cited customer clarity as the primary driver for the naming consolidation, stating the decision would "help customers navigate the brand's product range more easily in the future".
The South African automotive industry has gained some breathing space following the latest move by the United States Senate to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, to the end of 2028.
Mazda Southern Africa has announced the arrival of all‑new Mazda CX‑5, available for pre‑order during July and August, with first deliveries expected from September. The latest generation introduces updated design, technology, safety and performance, while continuing the CX‑5’s role as one of Mazda’s most important global SUVs.
General Motors (GM) has renewed its joint venture with China's SAIC Motor Corp for another 20 years, enabling the United States (US) automaker to use China as an export hub amid rising competition from Chinese brands in and outside their home market.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
Electric vehicles (EVs) have introduced a whole new vocabulary into motoring. Instead of simply talking about litres of fuel, cylinders and kilometres per tank, motorists are now confronted with kW, kWh, AC, DC, WLTP, regenerative braking and a host of other terms.
Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE), which is building a national network of off grid, ultra-fast EV charging stations powered by renewable energy, has welcomed the latest new energy vehicle (NEV) sales figures, saying they confirm a trend it has tracked for several years.
South Africa's transition towards electrified mobility continued to gain momentum during June 2026, with 3 045 new energy vehicles (NEVs) sold, representing a 104.2% increase compared to the 1 491 units recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
