Volkswagen has been manufacturing Polo models in Pamplona, Spain, since 1984, producing over 8.4 million units. As one of Europe’s best-selling cars, the Polo remains a popular choice, with more than 90,100 units sold through August 2024, making it the 8th top-selling small car in Europe.
However, the Pamplona plant is set to shift gears as Volkswagen prepares to introduce a lineup of smaller, more affordable electric vehicles (EVs). Beginning in 2026, the facility will begin producing two small electric SUVs, marking a significant transition towards electrification for Volkswagen’s iconic production site.
These new SUVs will be built on a modified version of Volkswagen’s MEB platform, the same architecture that powers the brand’s current ID series, including the popular ID.4. The upcoming models are expected to sit below the ID.3 in terms of size and affordability, with prices starting at under 25,000 euros (RM116,753).
Volkswagen gave a glimpse of its future last year with the unveiling of the ID.2all concept, a small SUV positioned to be a game-changer in the electric market. The ID.2all is expected to have a driving range of up to 450km under the WLTP cycle, making it a competitive option for eco-conscious drivers seeking affordability without sacrificing range.
Volkswagen’s CEO, Thomas Schäfer, has described the ID.2all as a preview of the brand’s future direction. Blending iconic design elements from Volkswagen’s legendary Golf and Beetle models, the ID.2all promises to stand out in the electric era. According to head designer Andreas Mindt, the production version will look even better than the concept, as the design team finalizes the finishing touches. Mindt also noted that the ID.2all introduces a fresh design language for Volkswagen, ushering in a new era for the brand’s aesthetic.
Volkswagen has paid special attention to the interior of the ID.2, revealing it for the first time last December. With up to 1,330 litres of storage space, the ID.2 offers surprising capacity for a small car, a feature rarely seen in vehicles of this size.
One standout interior feature is a new rotary knob that allows drivers to switch between different driving modes. The knob includes modes inspired by Volkswagen’s heritage, with “Classic” mode evoking the Beetle era and “Vintage” mode bringing back memories of the Golf’s heyday. This feature ties together Volkswagen’s rich history with its modern electric future.
As Volkswagen transitions its Pamplona plant from the production of Polo models to electric SUVs, the shift reflects the company’s broader commitment to electrification and sustainability. With affordable EVs like the ID.2all on the horizon, Volkswagen aims to bring electric driving to the masses, while keeping its design heritage alive.
