Yep, you're right. The stop sale last year messed with the numbers. This was actually a record quarter for the ID.4.

 

From a Chattanooga perspective, Atlas plus Atlas Cross combined sales were down about five percent. Of the 22k ID.4 sales YTD, 5k or more could have been post stop sale 2024 door handle repairs. That’s under 2,000/month for the first nine months, which is about one-third of the line’s capacity with two shifts, which they cut back to earlier this year. The Q3 surge was a blessing to lower inventory and pausing the line in Q4 a practical decision.

 

As of October 2nd, where is all the inventory? Most of the VW dealers in the Chicago area pretty much depleted their ID.4 inventory before the end of September. At best you will only find one maybe two ID.4's at some dealerships with some showing these low numbers in transit. Other dealers like where I bought mine have zero ID.4's in their inventory.

All of this leads me to believe that cutting production as was done will only starve dealer inventory because of a assumed non interest because of the $7,500 dollar tax credit ending. You can't sell cars you don't have in dealer inventory thus forcing low Q4 numbers.

 

2025 Q4 numbers will be interesting.

 

I agree, because it was Q4 2024 that remained quiet due to the stop sale. That being said, I think the numbers are going to be very, very, low for Q4 2025 or else they would not have laid off all the ID.4 workers in Tennessee.

 

The Q3 surge was a blessing to lower inventory

As of October 2nd, where is all the inventory?

Most was sold in Q3. “The Q3 surge was a blessing to lower inventory” Here’s what’s left: (607 as of this post)

VW Inventory: Pick The Model You Want | Volkswagen

Explore our VW inventory and create your dream car. Choose the model and features that fit your budget and location. Enjoy a fun car shopping experience!

www.vw.com

 

That's my point. If you sold all your inventory off in Q3, how can you expect Q4 sales to be successful if there is no remaining inventory to sell. Kind of a sell fulfilling prophecy.

 

TBH, I’m surprised at the number of Q3 ID.4 “sales” given it didn’t have the purchase tax credit. I suspect they were almost all leases with some buying out in lieu of purchasing. VW offered $5,000 purchase discount OR 1.99% while Chevrolet (and Cadillac) had the $7,500 purchase tax credit AND 0% financing on every EV model.

Interestingly, the leasing arms of GM and Ford put a down payment on vehicles remaining in inventory by September 30th, qualifying them for the commercial tax credit that can be passed on (lease loophole) in Q4.

 

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