At the IAA (Frankfurt International Motor Show) a few months ago you relied entirely on the all-electric ID.3 – now you are presenting new models with very different drive systems. What is the reason?
Our goal is clear: We want to offer emission-free mobility for everyone. But: the transition will not happen overnight. We have a long period of transformation ahead of us. During this phase, we will offer battery, hybrid and conventional vehicles in parallel. We will use cutting-edge technology to make all drive systems and vehicle segments as efficient as possible. The customer has the choice. They decide which technology best meets their requirements. Our basic orientation will not change: e-mobility is the future. This year we are presenting a total of eight electrified and fully electric models.
What’s next regarding the all-electric ID. Family?
The first ID.3 vehicles will be delivered to customers in the summer. In the second half of the year, we will produce Volkswagen's first electric SUV - the ID. Like the ID.3 the ID.4. is based on the MEB, our modular electric drive matrix.
What does the car offer the customers?
With the ID.4 our customers get a fresh, sporty design. The vehicle has excellent aerodynamics and is comfortable at the same time. The ID. can cover up to 500 kilometers without stopping for recharging. It also has all the classic advantages of an SUV: Comfort, high seating position, a good overview. We will sell this car worldwide – and produce it worldwide. In the USA, China and Europe. And it will be just as clean as the ID.3, which will give the MEB a wider appeal. For sustainable, clean mobility.
And the conventional drives?
We offer our customers the most efficient engines as hybrid versions. For example, the mild hybrid in the new Golf. Or plug-in hybrids: increasing more numbers of people want to drive electrically for shorter distances and with conventional ranges for long distances. That’s why the Golf is now available as an eHybrid for the first time. For sporty drivers we have the GTE on offer. And we even equip our full-size models with plug-in technology – for example the new Touareg R.
How does this product strategy impact climate protection?
We are the first car manufacturer to commit to the Paris climate targets – by 2050 Volkswagen will be balance sheet CO2-neutral. With clean cars, sustainable supply chains, new mobility concepts and green electricity. In five years at the latest, we want to have reduced the CO2 emissions of our fleet by a third.
