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Episode #1137: VinFast leans into a dealer-driven strategy while VW puts the brakes on ID.4 production despite rock-bottom lease pricing. Meanwhile, Porsche unveils a slick wireless charger for its next-gen Cayenne EV.

Show Notes with links:

• Despite reporting a larger Q2 loss, Vietnamese EV maker VinFast is still betting on a traditional dealership model to accelerate growth and cut costs. The shift marks a major pivot from its direct-to-consumer roots.
  • Q2 net loss hit $812M, up 15% from Q1, as VinFast ramps global marketing and R&D.
  • Revenue rose 91.6% YoY to $663M, with vehicle deliveries jumping 172% to 35,837 units.
  • Founder Pham Nhat Vuong pledged $1.5B to support expansion and R&D as the company moves away from company-owned showrooms to a lighter, franchised dealership model.
  • “We stick to our goal this year and are flexible with our market approach amid (the) changing global situation,” said Chairperson Thuy Le.

• Despite offering the most affordable EV lease in the U.S., Volkswagen is pausing ID.4 production in Chattanooga as consumer demand continues to drop.
  • Production will stop in late October, affecting 160 workers who will be furloughed with 80% pay and full benefits.
  • ID.4 sales dropped 65% in Q2, down to 1,992 units, compared to 5,665 in the same quarter last year.
  • Loss of federal EV tax credit and increased competition from Hyundai and GM have hurt demand.
  • Volkswagen has dropped lease pricing to $129/month, but discounts haven’t reversed the trend.
  • A company spokesperson called the pause a “market-driven decision” with no set restart date.

• Forget cables—Porsche’s new wireless charging pad for the upcoming Cayenne EV brings smartphone-style convenience to your driveway, with high-tech safety features and surprisingly strong performance.
  • The 11-kW wireless charger pad delivers overnight charging speeds, matching typical Level 2 plug-in options.
  • The system activates automatically when a compatible vehicle parks over the pad, eliminating the need to plug in.
  • Pad is air-cooled; vehicle-mounted plate is liquid-cooled and must be pre-wired at the factory.
  • Built-in radar pauses charging if it detects pets or metal objects, adding a layer of safety to home charging.
  • U.S. pricing is still pending, but the full system—including vehicle integration—is expected to cost around $9,500 based on European estimates.

0:00 Intro with Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo
0:52 The ebbs and flows of mainstream news
1:54 Announcements
2:54 Vinfast Announces $812M Q2 Loss
5:46 VW To Pause US ID.4 Production
9:12 Porsche To Offer Wireless Charging

Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.

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