--- title: "VW Is Killing US ID 4 Production to Focus on the Big, Gas-Powered Atlas Instead" date: "2026-04-09" modified: "2026-04-09" authors: - name: "Adam Ismail" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/adam-ismail" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/vw-is-killing-us-id-4-production-to-focus-on-the-big-gas-powered-atlas-instead" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Volkswagen News" tags: - "Atlas" - "SUV" - "suv/crossover" - "Volkswagen" --- # VW Is Killing US ID 4 Production to Focus on the Big, Gas-Powered Atlas Instead ![New VW Atlas]() *\Volkswagen\* [Volkswagen]() has decided to stop building its ID 4 electric SUV at its Chattanooga, Tennessee plant and divert resources to the new Atlas, the automaker announced Thursday. Volkswagen's justification for this move is to "shift \[the Chattanooga plant's\] primary focus to higher‑volume models that support sustained growth in North America," per a news release. The Atlas is the brand's second best-selling nameplate in the U.S., behind the smaller Tiguan. ID 4 production is set to wind down within days of this announcement, or it may have already; VW quoted a "mid-April" timetable. It's important to highlight that this shouldn't be confused with the end of ID 4 sales in the states; the automaker said that current inventory will continue to be sold, and "a future version of the ID 4 is currently planned for the North American market" with details to be shared "at a later date." Whether that will be an updated take on the existing model or a next-generation ID 4 remains to be seen. At this time, VW could not confirm whether there would be a 2027 model year ID 4 available in the U.S. The whole situation is somewhat reminiscent of the [ID Buzz skipping a model year]() in the U.S., although the key difference is that the electric van was never built locally. The ID 4 is, or, rather, was. The company added that it is "exploring pathways to introduce an additional vehicle intended specifically to meet U.S. consumer needs and in line with the new focus on high-volume vehicles." Again, no idea if that mystery vehicle will be electric, a hybrid, or fully gas-powered. VW pulled the covers off the 2027 Atlas last week in New York. Built on a new platform and offering three rows of seating with an updated engine (a hybrid variant is said to be coming later), it's clear that Volkswagen is chasing North American growth, and it doesn't believe the ID 4 can deliver that. Or, more likely, that the market is ready for it to. *Got a tip? Reach out to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Adam is a Senior Editor at The Drive, concentrating on curating and developing the site's slate of daily journalism, from initial pitch to final copy edit. When he's not at his desk researching leads and working with writers, he's testing vehicles or reviewing racing games, new and old. He joined The Drive in 2023, following seven years of covering consumer technology and cars. A car lover and gamer since his earliest memories, Adam came to know the automotive world through video games. First it was Daytona USA, Sega Rally, and Ridge Racer; then came Need For Speed, which inspired an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s supercars, and, of course, Gran Turismo. If not for them, he'd assuredly be doing something else right now. Adam is based in the suburbs outside Philly, where there are ample roads for his hot hatch to stretch its legs. In his car, he's probably listening to indie rock, drum and bass, or Yankees baseball. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()