Volkswagen, partners to invest 15b euros in developing electric vehicles
"CHANGCHUN - Volkswagen Group China and its joint-venture partners will invest 15 billion euros (about $18.3 billion) in developing new energy vehicles and automated driving by 2020.
The company said Tuesday that it plans to roll out 15 new car models in China by 2020, and launch 40 new energy vehicle models for the Chinese market by the end of 2025.
"As the world's biggest automotive market, China plays a prominent role across all Group brands. The strong bond with our joint ventures and business partners will remain," said Herbert Diess, the new chief executive officer (CEO) of Volkswagen.
"We are accelerating to make mobility cleaner, safer and more intelligent to really improve people's lives. We will be starting local production of battery-electric cars in at least six factories by 2021 in China," he said.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen and Chinese automaker Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp., Ltd. (JAC Motors) jointly released their first electric SUV, the SOL E20X, Tuesday, which will enter the market in the third quarter.
Data showed that the company, along with two joint ventures -- SAIC Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen -- delivered 1.01 million automobiles to the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong in the first three months, up 13.4 percent year on year"
Volkswagen, partners to invest 15b euros in developing electric vehicles - Chinadaily.com.cn
Nissan to introduce 20 new electric models to China within five years
"TIANJIN - Japanese automaker Nissan will launch 20 new electric vehicles (EVs) in China in the next five years, the company announced on Wednesday at the on-going Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.
Jose Munoz, chairman of Nissan's China management committee,said that Nissan will open a new era of EVs in China, with products that are safer, more stable and offer a better customer experience.
Nissan aims to become China's EV leader by delivering more than 20 electrified models over the next five years across the Nissan, Venucia, Infiniti and Dongfeng automobile brands, Munoz added.
The company unveiled its first Made-in-China electric car for Chinese customers at the show. The Sylphy Zero Emission, with a drive range of 338 kilometers, will go on sale in the second half of this year, the company said.
Nissan sold more than 1.5 million vehicles in China last year."
Nissan to introduce 20 new electric models to China within five years - Chinadaily.com.cn
Audi accelerates localization push with Chinese partner SAIC Motor
"Luxury brand deciding which of its models to manufacture at Chinese base
Volkswagen's premium arm Audi is in the process of deciding which of its models will be manufactured locally with its second Chinese partner SAIC Motor, and the final picks are to emerge within months, according to brand's China chief.
Audi and SAIC Motor have been carrying out feasibility studies for models to be produced at SAIC Volkswagen, said Audi China President Joachim Wedler in an interview on Friday.
The whole SAIC-Audi project is going forward as planned, he said.
"Currently we are focusing on model planning. Planning on production and the sales network will come afterwards," Wedler said.
Cars from SAIC Volkswagen will not hit the market until 2022, according to a deal reached with Audi's first Chinese partner, FAW Group.
Wedler said the SAIC-Audi project will be one of the major driving forces of its mid-term development in China-a market where the premium brand has been the sales champion for 30 years in a row.
Compared with secrecy around its more recent partnership, Audi has developed a much clearer roadmap with FAW and together they are localizing the production of six Audi models in the country.
"Audi is celebrating its 30th anniversary in China this year," Wedler said.
"Together with our partner FAW, we plan to more than double our local model portfolio in the next five years."
That would include a number of sport utility vehicles and new energy cars, of which both segments are growing fast in China. Audi is also importing its flagship models as part of its efforts to further exploit the Chinese market."
Audi accelerates localization push with Chinese partner SAIC Motor - Chinadaily.com.cn