Ford Rival VW Will Use Established Names For Electric Vehicles

In recent years, The Blue Oval has revived a number of model names from its past, including the Ford Maverick, Capri, and the Explorer, the latter of which exists as an all-electric crossover in Europe that shares nothing in common with its American counterpart. However, as Ford Authority reported this past March, Ford’s rival (and partner) Volkswagen isn’t interested in using the same sort of naming strategy, but now, VW will be using established names for its electric vehicles.

At this year’s IAA Mobility show, VW announced that it plans to launch four new compact EVs between now and 2026. It was there that VW unveiled the ID. Polo and ID. Polo GT1 (albeit still clad in camo), joined by the ID. Cross Concept and a nearly production-ready compact SUV concept dubbed ID. Every1. That model will start out at 20,000 euros ($23,476 USD), but perhaps more importantly, all of this comes as VW is switching up its new naming strategy.

The ID. Polo is the first to reflect this change, as the Polo is a B-segment car that’s been in production since 1975 and has existed across six generations. In addition to these new models, VW is also showing off the new T-Roc, its existing lineup, and a few special models in Munich, Germany. “Our goal for the next five years is clear: By 2030, we want to establish ourselves as the leading high-volume manufacturer for pioneering technology. At the IAA 2025, we will be demonstrating that we are ready to deliver on this now,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand.

As Ford Authority recently reported, VW will utilize Rivian’s existing electrical architecture and software platform in its own future EVs, which includes the platform underpinning the new R2. This news came after the automaker announced that it was forming a joint-venture with Rivian back in 2024, one that aims to develop next-generation EV platforms.