VW Sets Ambitious Electrification Plan

Volkswagen has outlined an ambitious strategy for electrifying the brand’s model lineup.

The use of hybrid technology in production vehicles is already being demonstrated in the Touareg Hybrid at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

In 2011, a test fleet of 500 Golfs with electric drives will follow. Starting in 2013, the high-volume Golf and Jetta models of the Volkswagen brand are expected to dominate the hybrid and electric vehicle market.

Volkswagen plans to strategically bundle its competence in electric traction and extend it step-by-step. It has now established a clear launch schedule for its E-traction products.

Prof. Dr. Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG explains: “Volkswagen will be taking E-mobility to mass production. In 2011, we are expanding our test fleet by adding 500 Golfs with electric drive. A hybrid version of the Jetta for the US market follows in 2012. Starting in 2013, the E-UP goes into production. The goal is to become the market leader in E-mobility by the year 2018. We want to attain an electric vehicle market share of three percent within our entire range of products.” He goes on to say: “We will take the hybrid out of its niche status with our high-volume models. In the future, the heart of the brand will also beat with electricity.”

The electric car is already technically capable of short ranges of up to 150 kilometers (93 miles), Volkswagen notes, and so, its various brands will be conducting field studies in key strategic markets of Europe, North America and China in upcoming months. An important intermediate step is Group-wide implementation of hybrid technology in production vehicles.

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