VW's future is electric: emissions scandal prompts new direction ~ station of gear

The Volkswagen board has announced an electric focus for future models and investment reduced by €1bn a year

2015-10-13 12:00

In the wake of the wide-reaching emissions scandal, the VW-Group Board of Management has today revealed major changes in the group's future product portfolio. There will be "streamlined processes" to cut costs, and the development of a modular electric car platforms.

Dr. Herbert Diess, the CEO for Volkswagen passenger cars, announced big changes to future product plans that centre around a "reorientation of the diesel strategy". Alongside this we will see a new 'MEB Modular Toolkit', meaning both standardized electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains will be brought in across the range.

Diess claims the next Phaeton, designed as the brand's 'halo' car for technology, will be a pure-electric drive luxury saloon with "long-distance capability, connectivity and next-generation assistance systems". It'll inspire a full range of plug-ins, high-volume electric vehicles with 185-mile range and 48-volt mild hybrids.

The MEB Toolkit will allow electric tech to be used across all bodystyles and vehicle types in VW's range. The firm says that it will allow "particularly emotional vehicle concepts" (which could mean sports cars) and a range anywhere from 150 to over 300 miles.

The strategy changes also focus on improving cost efficiency, following the massive share price drop the firm suffered after admitting to rigging emissions tests in the US. Investments will be reduced by €1bn a year, with the core product range taking a priority. This could mean loss-making projects, such as next-generation Bugatti Veyron, could take a back seat.

Despite the commitment to electric tech VW will push forward with petrol and diesel engines, pledging to improve efficiency further. AdBlue tech will become mandatory across European and North American models, while petrol and CNG concepts will be developed further.

Get all the latest on the Volkswagen emissions scandal here

Lawrence Allan

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