VW, Chinese Partner to Co-Develop EV Platform
Volkswagen AG and its SEAT unit have signed a memorandum of understanding with Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp. (JAC) to develop an electric vehicle platform to carry SEAT-badged EVs in China.
#hybrid
Volkswagen AG and its SEAT unit have signed a memorandum of understanding with Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp. (JAC) to develop an electric vehicle platform to carry SEAT-badged EVs in China by 2021.
The agreement is the latest in a series of partnerships between VW and JAC in China, including creating a joint venture last year to make electrified vehicles. SEAT is a shareholder in the JAC Volkswagen venture and is contributing its design expertise to the partnership.
In July, the companies announced plans for a joint tech center to develop electrified, autonomous and connected vehicle technologies for Chinese consumers. Construction of the facility is due to begin next month.
VW began building its first EV model in China, a small crossover called the Sol E20X, early this year at JAC’s plant in Hefei. The companies also are working on EVs with China’s FAW Group. The three carmakers expect to spend a combined €15 billion ($17.6 billion) on advanced technology projects through 2022 and introduce 40 locally produced plug-in hybrid and all-electric models in China by 2025.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Tesla Owners in Germany Ordered to Return Subsidy
Germany has ordered about 800 Tesla Model S electric cars owners to pay back a €4,000 ($4,700) government subsidy they received.
-
Report: Old-Line Carmakers Set to Sweep Past Tesla in EV Race
Tesla Inc. will retain its position as the world’s largest maker of electric cars next year but plunge to seventh behind well-established vehicle manufacturers by 2021, predicts PA Consulting Group.
-
Electric Trucks Emerging
Rudolph Diesel—who, incidentally, died mysteriously while traveling by a post office steamer on the English Channel in 1913—must be rolling in his grave.