The Volkswagen Group is launching an eco-offensive on the Chinese auto market by introducing 10 electric and plug-in hybrid models to increase its presence in the country.
The first of these models, the Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid is already available in Chinese showrooms, with two other environmentally-friendly models to launch later this year – the Volkswagen e-Up and e-Golf electric vehicles.
For 2015, Volkswagen plans to launch two other plug-in hybrids in China: the Audi A3 e-tron and the VW Golf GTE. All these models will be imported from Germany.
In 2016, VW will start building plug-in hybrid versions of the Audi A6 in China, as well as a new mid-sized limousine tailored for the market. The models will be assembled by VW’s joint ventures with FAW Group and SAIC Motor. VW Group will also bring Bentley’s upcoming plug-in hybrid to China in 2017 or later.
The Chinese government offers up to 57,000 yuan ($9,200) in incentives for an electric car, and up to 33,250 yuan for a plug-in hybrid. However, government subsidies are not offered for conventional hybrids. China wants to become a global leader in electric vehicles and wants to have 5 million EVs on its roads by 2020.
The VW Group sold 880,700 vehicles in China in the first three months of this year, 15 percent more than in the same period last year. Europe’s largest carmaker is targeting 3.5 million sales in China, following 3.27 million deliveries last year.
By Dan Mihalascu
Story References: Autoenews Europe
Note: Audi A6 L e-tron concept pictured
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