Yes, I agree that this is not to question their ethical standards (re Coronavirus) but I do question their customer relationship standards. VAG were constantly hyping up the merits of the ID.3 and VW EVs in general until, suddenly, complete radio silence. One cannot help thinking that this radio silence is closely related to the alleged development problems they are having but clamming up instead of explaining and bringing the customer along does not bode well for a future relationship based on ownership. If they disdain their future customers now, when the going gets a bit hard, how are they going to treat owners when there is no incentive to look after them?
I really think you’re overthinking this.
I think the ‘radio silence’ is caused by shutting down their operations in Germany, simple as that. Manufacturing and logistics are stopped, many of its potential customers will be facing huge financial uncertainties, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re having a rethink on how they’re going forward with this. And yes, they might be having software problems with it as well, but current major events have overtaken them
For most people, how VW are getting on with launching their new electric vehicle range just isn’t up there in terms of important messaging. Noticed the lack of car adverts on TV?
VW U.K. and their dealership network have been communicating about how to keep some kind of service going whilst the pandemic response is ongoing, which is correct, but they haven’t tried to sell me a car.
To be honest, if VW had continued with their marketing build up through all this, there probably would be people complaining about the arrogance of it all citing ‘don’t they know there’s a pandemic out there’ etc.