Remember the XL1 Super Efficient Vehicle (SEV) diesel-electric hybrid concept that Volkswagen unveiled at the Qatar Motor Show this past January? Martin Winterkorn, CEO of the VW Group, told to Autonews Europe that development plans for the ultra-efficient two-seater model are proceeding.

“We will start small series production by 2013 – in Germany,” Winterkorn told the publication.

The XL1, which will reportedly be manufactured in either Dresden or Wolfsburg, is powered by a 27HP electric motor and a 48HP two-cylinder turbodiesel with a capacity of just 0.8-liters. The combined output of the two powerplants is 75HP.

Thanks to the use of lightweight materials like magnesium, ceramics, aluminum and CFRP, the XL1 tips the scales at just 795 kg (1,752 pounds).

The XL1 can operate in an all-electric mode up to speeds of 35 km/h (22 mph), at which point the diesel engine is activated. VW’s two-seater car is equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox and accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 11.9 seconds and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph).

According to the German company, the XL1 concept returns a combined fuel economy of just 0.9 lt/100 km, equal to 261 mpg US and 313 mpg UK while emitting just 24 g/km of CO2.

During the interview, Winterkorn also said that he is satisfied with the performance of Skoda and Seat, which belong to the VW Group:

“Skoda is one of the world’s fastest growing automotive brands, and shows how successful our multiple brand strategy is”, he said. “It stands for affordable, technologically solid cars that perfectly fit the spirit of the times, and we continue to sharpen its positioning since millions of customers are awaiting the right products.”

Skoda is expected to sell 1.5 million units in 2018 compared to 762,600 in 2010.

The loss-making Seat, however, is not doing nearly as well as its stablemate. Despite this, Winterkorn is optimistic about the brand’s future: “I must say, I am pleased with what is happening at Seat right now. Seat is heading in the right direction in numerous ways; sales are rising, great new cars are coming out and the brand is now competing in China.”

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