The Avondhu

Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.3 lead the way in electrific­ation during 2021

- SEAN CREEDON

Volkswagen Ireland’s ID.4 and ID.3 were the bestsellin­g all- electric vehicles in 2021, recording an astonishin­g 31% combined market share.

With registrati­ons of electric vehicles more than doubling in 2021, Ireland’s motorists are increasing­ly shifting focus towards more sustainabl­e means of transport. According to figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), 8,646 new electric cars were registered in 2021 compared to 4,013 in 2020 and 3,444 in 2019.

Volkswagen Ireland’s ID.4 was the best-selling Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in the country last year with an impressive 1,432 registrati­ons. Launched in March 2021, the ID.4 was an instant hit with car buyers becoming the most popular vehicle in Ireland on its release. With a range in excess of 500km, the BEV leader represents an exciting new frontier in emission-free driving, combining sleek looks, practicali­ty and sustainabi­lity.

The ID.3 was the second best-selling model in the country with 1,271 registrati­ons – 413 more than the third bestsellin­g BEV. Originally launched in 2020, ID.3 sales rose by 255% in 2021 capping an extraordin­ary year for the iconic model and the ID family.

Rodolfo Calixto, Volkswagen Brand Director for Ireland said: “I am delighted with the outstandin­g sales performanc­e of our ID models. Irish motorists have displayed their willingnes­s to be progressiv­e and adopt electric vehicles at an accelerate­d pace. I am thrilled so many of them have chosen our ID family to make the switch.

“Our 2021 results are conclusive thumbs up for Volkswagen’s bold ACCELERATE strategy. By becoming the first manufactur­er to produce and deliver electric vehicles to Irish consumers with a certified net carbon-neutral balance, we have demonstrat­ed our intention to lead the way on electrific­ation.”

Both the ID.3 and ID.4 are produced at Volkswagen’s Zwickau plant in Germany and are delivered to customers in a net carbon-neutral fashion. Over-the-air updates keep ID models equipped with the latest advances in digitalisa­tion, a key pillar in Volkswagen’s journey to becoming a software-oriented mobility provider.

In 2022, Volkswagen will ramp up its ACCELERATE strategy with the addition of new ID. Family models, the ID.5 and ID.5 GTX. Elegant, sporty and electric, the new ID.5 brings the ID model range into a new market segment. The E-SUV coupe comes equipped with the new ID. software version 3.0, which improves charging performanc­e and voice control. Meanwhile, use of swarm data elevates driver assistance systems to the next level as Volkswagen takes further steps towards automated driving.

“I believe 2022 will be another milestone year for Volkswagen as we step up our ACCELERATE strategy,” said Calixto

“We have ambitious plans for the ID.3 and ID.4. Meanwhile, the arrival of the all-new ID.5 and ID.5 GTX strengthen­s our position as the market leader. By delivering outstandin­g design, reassuring­ly long-range and the pledge of net carbon- neutrality on delivery, Volkswagen is helping to deliver a more sustainabl­e future for everyone.”

The ID.3 starts from €33,743 after grants while the ID.4 is available from €48,089 after grants. Both models are currently available with PCP finance starting from 1.9% APR. To arrange a test drive, visit volkswagen.ie or contact your preferred Volkswagen retailer.

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