Electric Cars

Volkswagen and Audi are set to temporarily cease the production of certain electric vehicle models across Europe next month. This strategic pause is attributed to a combination of factors, primarily a deceleration in EV sales growth within the European market and the impact of recent import tariffs on vehicles intended for the United States. This marks a significant adjustment for the automotive giants as they navigate a challenging landscape in the evolving electric vehicle industry.

Reports indicate that the production of key electric models, including the Audi Q4 E-Tron, Volkswagen ID.4, and Volkswagen ID.7, will experience disruptions in the coming weeks. The Volkswagen Group's manufacturing facility in Zwickau, Germany, which is exclusively dedicated to EV production, will halt the assembly of the Audi Q4 E-Tron for a week beginning October 6. A spokesperson cited weak European demand and pricing complexities arising from U.S. tariffs as the primary reasons for this decision. This factory also manufactures the Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, and the Seat Cupra Born.

Concurrently, the Emden, Germany plant, responsible for assembling the ID.4 and ID.7 passenger electric vehicles, has initiated reduced employee hours and anticipates several days of production shutdowns. This move underscores the broader challenges faced by the Volkswagen Group in maintaining consistent production levels amidst fluctuating market dynamics and external trade policies.

This is not the first instance of Volkswagen curtailing EV output in Europe. The Zwickau plant, a cornerstone of the company's electric vehicle strategy, has previously experienced temporary line closures. Despite recently surpassing Tesla as the leading electric car brand in Europe, thanks to a diverse product portfolio and significant software enhancements that addressed earlier issues with the ID.3 and ID.4, Volkswagen's sales figures, while showing a 45% year-over-year increase with over 16,000 units sold last month, have evidently not met internal projections, leading to these production adjustments.

The temporary cessation of electric vehicle manufacturing by Volkswagen and Audi in Europe highlights the persistent volatility within the global EV market. The automotive sector continues to grapple with varying consumer adoption rates, regional economic pressures, and complex international trade regulations. These production adjustments underscore the need for manufacturers to remain agile and responsive to both market demand and geopolitical influences as they forge ahead with electrification strategies.

Hyundai Motor has announced a significant recall impacting close to 8,000 Genesis GV60 electric vehicles. This proactive measure aims to address a manufacturing flaw related to the windshield molding, which could potentially detach while the vehicle is in operation. Despite the absence of reported accidents or injuries, this recall underscores the company's commitment to vehicle safety and customer assurance.

Hyundai Recalls Genesis GV60 EVs Amidst Windshield Molding Concerns

Hyundai Motor is initiating a recall for approximately 7,855 units of its 2023-2025 model year Genesis GV60 electric vehicles across the United States. The core concern revolves around the upper windshield molding, which may exhibit signs of peeling or complete detachment during driving. This issue stems from inadequate adhesion during the manufacturing process by a supplier, as identified through internal tests conducted by Hyundai.

Drivers of affected vehicles might notice an unusual wind noise or whistling sound originating from the top section of the windshield. While the defect is estimated to affect only about 1% of the recalled vehicles, Hyundai has recorded 112 instances of molding detachment between October 26, 2022, and August 8, 2025. Fortunately, no collisions or personal injuries have been linked to this problem.

This recall follows a broader campaign by Hyundai last week, which included nearly 600,000 Palisade, IONIQ 5, and IONIQ 6 vehicles. For the Genesis GV60 recall, owner notification letters are scheduled to be dispatched by November 17, 2025. Owners with inquiries can contact Genesis customer service at 844-340-9741, referencing Hyundai's recall number 028G. Additional information is available through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or on their website, nhtsa.gov, under campaign number 25V624.

According to data from Cox Automotive, Hyundai sold 3,400 Genesis GV60 models in the US in 2023, followed by 2,866 in 2024, and an additional 1,192 in the first half of 2025. This recall encompasses nearly all Genesis GV60 vehicles sold in the US during this period. Currently, the GV60 and Electrified GV70 are the only two Genesis EV models available in the US market, following the discontinuation of the Electrified G80 earlier this year.

The proactive recall of Genesis GV60 EVs highlights the automotive industry's continuous effort to prioritize consumer safety and product quality. Despite the low estimated defect rate, Hyundai's swift action in addressing this potential issue demonstrates a responsible approach to manufacturing and customer care. This event reinforces the importance of stringent quality control throughout the supply chain, particularly as the automotive sector transitions towards more complex electric vehicle technologies. For consumers, it serves as a reminder to heed recall notices and ensure their vehicles are serviced promptly to mitigate any safety risks. This commitment to safety is crucial for building and maintaining trust in evolving automotive brands and their electric offerings.