Volkswagen has found a bright spot in its struggling Chinese operations after the new Jetta M6 electric saloon secured more than 10,000 orders within 19 hours of its Oct 22 launch.
The early response comes as the German automotive group faces mounting pressure in the world’s largest car market.
Volkswagen Group’s China deliveries plunged 30.2% in the first nine months of 2026, while its battery-electric vehicle deliveries fell 42.5% over the same period.
The M6’s order tally, announced by FAW-Volkswagen’s Jetta brand, comprises locked orders rather than completed deliveries. Buyers risk forfeiting their deposits if they cancel.
Jetta is Volkswagen’s budget marque for China, separate from the VW saloon that shares its name. The M6 is its first electric vehicle.
Priced from 79,800 yuan (RM48,800), the front-wheel-drive M6 offers two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery options.
The entry model uses a 42.9kWh battery and 113kW motor, delivering 465km of CLTC range.
Higher variants get a 51.9kWh battery and 145kW motor, with a claimed 555km range.
The flagship version also offers urban and highway assisted driving using Horizon Robotics’ Journey 6M chip.
The initial orders contrast with Volkswagen’s difficulties elsewhere in China, including weak sales of the ID. UNYX 08 electric SUV developed with XPeng.
For a company losing ground to domestic EV manufacturers, the affordable M6 has delivered an encouraging response from Chinese buyers, although sustained sales will determine its longer-term impact.
