Volkswagen Navarra has started production of the ID Cross, its first all-electric model, signaling a pivotal moment for the factory and Spain’s automotive sector. The new SUV will be shipped to 34 countries, underscoring the region’s growing role in Europe’s electric vehicle market.
Volkswagen Navarra has begun production of the ID Cross at its Landaben plant, placing Spain at the forefront of Volkswagen’s electric vehicle strategy. This is the first time the historic facility, which has produced more than ten million vehicles over six decades, is manufacturing an all-electric Volkswagen model.
The ID Cross stands out as a strategic move for Volkswagen Navarra. The plant now manages four models across two brands and propulsion systems: the electric ID Cross and Škoda Epiq, alongside the combustion-engine Volkswagen T-Cross and Taigo. This dual production highlights the factory’s adaptability during a period of rapid technological change.
Volkswagen Navarra plans to produce 24,300 units of the ID Cross between September and the end of 2026, according to Noticias de Navarra.
The new electric SUV is part of the Brand Group Core’s urban EV lineup, aimed at making electric mobility more accessible across Europe. The range includes four models—Volkswagen ID Polo, ID Cross, Škoda Epiq, and CUPRA Raval—produced on the Iberian Peninsula and representing three brands. The first ID Cross to roll out from Landaben features the Life trim, a 155 kW (211 hp) electric motor, and a Verde Nori paint finish. Its first destination is Germany, one of 34 European markets set to receive the model.
Transforming Landaben into an electric vehicle hub has required significant investment in workforce training, with over 290,000 hours dedicated to electrification processes. Volkswagen’s focus on upskilling employees is designed to keep the plant competitive within the group’s European network, while maintaining a balance between electric and combustion models during the transition.
The ID Cross enters the fast-growing urban electric SUV segment. With its launch, Volkswagen Navarra strengthens its position in the group’s Iberian production strategy. The company plans for its plants in Pamplona, Martorell, and Palmela to gradually increase output, aiming to collectively exceed one million vehicles produced.
Before production began, Navarra authorities launched a training program for 1,050 people to support the region's shift toward electric vehicle manufacturing, highlighting a broader workforce transformation.
Spain’s automotive sector is evolving rapidly. The arrival of the ID Cross follows a series of new electric models targeting European consumers, such as the recent debut of the Geely E2 in Spain, which reported earlier on the increasing competition in the compact EV segment.
Volkswagen Navarra’s move into electric production is more than a symbolic step. It reflects a strategic commitment to the future of Spanish industry, combining established manufacturing expertise with the demands of a new era. The plant’s ability to adapt—through workforce training, retooling, and managing a diverse product lineup—positions it as a model for how traditional automotive centers can stay relevant. As the shift to electric vehicles accelerates, Navarra demonstrates that strategic investment and operational flexibility are essential for success in Europe’s changing car market.
