Volkswagen plans to launch 30 all-electric models to reposition itself as a leader in “green” transport.

Volkswagen plans to launch 30 all-electric models to reposition itself as a leader in “green” transport.  Matthias Mueller, chief executive of Europe’s biggest carmaker, said huge investments would be needed as the firm moves beyond the diesel scandal. He hopes that by 2025, all-electric cars would account for about 20-25% of the German carmaker’s annual sales.
 
Outlining what he described as the “key building blocks in the new group strategy”, Mr Mueller said VW aimed to “transform its core automotive business or, to put It another way, make a fundamental realignment in readiness for the new age of mobility”.  VW will focus on “the most attractive and fastest-growing market segments”, he said. “Special emphasis will be place on e-mobility.
 
The group is planning a broad-based initiative in this area: it intends to launch more than 30 purely battery-powered electric vehicles over the next ten years,” he said.  “This will require us – following the serious setback as a result of the diesel issue – to learn from mistakes made, rectify shortcomings and establish a corporate culture that is open, value-driven and rooted in integrity.”
 
Sales of Volkswagen-branded cars rose 4.1% in May, compared to the same month last year.  That was sluggish when compared to 28.7% growth for Renault and 18.7% growth at PSA Group, owner of Peugeot and Citroen.