The beleaguered group is determined to put the emissions scandal behind and to invest billions of euros in the construction of a battery factory.
Citing insider sources, German newspaper Handelsblatt reports that the plant will allow the automaker to operate independently of Asian firms such as Samsung, LG and Panasonic, which have been dominating the battery market and will help the company make a fresh start and improve its image.
“We want to launch a major initiative, one that will put us at the top of the industry“, commented a VW insider who is said to be familiar with the plans.
The heads of the VW Group are willing to accept the plan and if the facility will indeed get the thumbs up, it will supply batteries to no less than 20 electrified vehicles that are expected to be rolled off by the automaker by the end of the decade.
It remains unclear where Volkswagen’s battery factory will be located, but there are limited options when it comes to Europe due to the tough environmental legislation.
Tesla Motors have chosen Nevada to build their Gigafactory in partnership with Panasonic Corporation, and the plant is going to become operational by the end of this year.
H/T to Electrek
Note: VW BUDD-e Concept pictured
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