Volkswagen plans to build and sell electric-cars in China

Volkswagen Golf blue-e-motion

Volkswagen, in its bid to overtake Toyota as the world”s leading auto manufacturer, says that it plans to build and sell 10,000 electric cars in China between 2014 and 2018. According to Karl-Thomas Neumann, president of Volkswagen Group China, the company expects to produce an electric model at local ventures with SAIC Motor and FAW Group as early as 2013, and considering a battery-powered model specifically designed for China in 2018. VW, along with Nissan, GM, and Daimler is really honing in on electric vehicles in China. While demand for such vehicles there trails the rest of the world, the government is offering aggressive incentives in order to cut pollution and oil dependency.

“There is a very strong argument that electric cars are the right move for China, although there are still many challenges,” Neumann said. “China is making huge investments in renewable energy.”

The German automaker will introduce its Touareg hybrid SUV locally, and begin testing electric vehicles in China this year. Other companies are planning electric vehicles in China ahead of Volkswagen, particularly GM. GM will launch the Chevy Volt during the second half of 2011, and may introduce further models.

Earlier this morning Volkswagen revealed its Golf blue-e-motion prototype, which it plans to bring to the market by 2014.

Volkswagen Golf blue-e-motion Prototype:

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Free Press