VW Chief Claims Pop-Out Door Handles Are a Big Mistake That Nobody Likes | Carscoops

      The company recognizes that "people are drawn to brands" and need to be acquainted with their purchases.

      VW CEO Thomas Schäfer states that consumers prefer familiar designs such as conventional door handles.

      The new ID.Cross and ID.Polo concepts reintroduce classic handles, emphasizing user-friendliness.

      The company remains convinced that electromobility is the optimal choice for most mainstream consumers.

      Volkswagen is undergoing significant changes. The brand is not only readying a series of new electric vehicles, including the ID. Cross and an all-electric Polo previewed in near production form, but it's also reconsidering its design to enhance its appeal. This involves returning to features that offer more familiarity to buyers, such as opting for traditional door handles instead of the flush pop-out designs favored by many electric vehicle manufacturers.

      At the IAA Mobility show in Munich, VW CEO Thomas Schäfer discussed various subjects with Deutsche Welle, including the recent decline in electric vehicle sales in key markets like Europe and the United States. When asked if VW is intentionally making its EVs more accessible, Schäfer highlighted the importance of familiarity.

      Reverting to Basics

      “Consumers expect a level of familiarity with the vehicle and the brand they are purchasing,” he stated. “People buy brands, so from that perspective, the functions need to be straightforward. For instance, consider door handles. While flush door handles may look appealing, they can be cumbersome to use; hence, we are definitely incorporating proper door handles in our vehicles, and customers appreciate that feedback.”

      He is not the only one with this view. As noted earlier, regulators in China are also scrutinizing flush and retractable handles and are contemplating a ban due to safety concerns and accident investigations. Given the prominence of China's automotive market, such a decision could have widespread implications, prompting other automakers to reconsider their previously trendy design choices.

      While the ID. Every1 concept, introduced earlier this year, featured flush door handles, both the ID. Cross and ID. Polo shown in Munich incorporate more traditional handles. Although they might compromise some aerodynamic efficiency, they are significantly more practical for everyday use.

      The Broader Transition to Electric Vehicles

      In the same interview, Schäfer addressed Volkswagen's broader shift towards electric vehicles. He maintained that electromobility is the better choice for consumers but raised concerns about whether demand and infrastructure will develop quickly enough for Volkswagen to cease selling internal combustion engine vehicles in the European Union by 2035.

      “The outcome is clear,” he remarked. “The question remains whether we can accelerate the pace enough to meet the 2035 deadline. Is the growth in uptake and charging infrastructure sufficient for 2035 to be a feasible target?” he added. “Whether it might take a few additional years needs to be reassessed.”