VW Targets 2018 Production Launch with China Partner JAC

Volkswagen AG says it intends to begin assembling electrified vehicles in China with new partner Jianghuai Automobile Co. next year.

The companies announced plans in September to form a joint venture to make plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles for the Chinese market. They hope to win government approval within six months to proceed.

JAC is China’s ninth-largest carmaker and has been one of few major producers with no foreign partner. VW already makes nearly 4 million vehicles per year in China through is venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp.