After the news of mega
emission scam involving Volkswagen cars in the US and elsewhere in the world,
comes the news from Germany based Volkswagen Group (http://www.volkswagenag.com) about the
reorientation of the diesel strategy. According to a company release, It was
decided to switch over to installing only diesel drives with SCR and AdBlue
technology in Europe and North America as soon as possible. Diesel vehicles
will only be equipped with exhaust emissions systems that use the best
environmental technology, the reports said.
This decision was part of the
several strategic decisions taken by the newly-formed Volkswagen Brand Board of
Management at a special meeting. CEO Dr. Herbert Diess announced major product
decisions: a reorientation of the diesel strategy with the most advanced
technologies, the development of a standardised electric architecture for
passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, and a new approach for the next
generation of the Phaeton. Investments are to be reduced by some one billion
euros per year, the efficiency program is to be accelerated.
Dr. Herbert Diess underscored:
"The Volkswagen brand is repositioning itself for the future. We are
becoming more efficient, we are giving our product range and our core
technologies a new focus, and we are creating room for forward-looking
technologies by speeding up the efficiency program."
Systematic further development of the Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB)
There will be a major
development thrust for the proven MQB standardised technical toolkit, where
Volkswagen Passenger Cars holds responsibility for development within the Group
network. The focus is on plug-in hybrids with an even greater range,
high-volume electric vehicles with a radius of up to 300 kilometers, a 48-volt
power supply system (mild hybrid) as well as ever more efficient diesel, petrol
and CNG concepts. A new standard with regard to connectivity and driver
assistance systems is to be defined.
MEB electric toolkit
An MEB electric toolkit for
future use in compact segment vehicles is to be developed based on the
experience gained with existing vehicle architectures. This will be a multi-brand
toolkit suitable for both passenger cars and light commercial vehicles and will
thus leverage synergies from other electric vehicle projects in the Group. The
standardized system will be designed for all body structures and vehicle types,
thus allowing particularly emotional vehicle concepts, and will enable an
all-electric range of 250 to 500 kilometers.
Phaeton redefined – the future is electric
The Volkswagen Phaeton has
embodied the brand's technological competence and brand ambition from the first
generation onward. The future generation of the Phaeton will once again be the
flagship for the brand's profile over the next decade. In light of this, the
Board of Management redefined the current project. The specification features a
pure electric drive with long-distance capability, connectivity and
next-generation assistance systems as well as an emotional design.
Accelerated efficiency program
Dr. Herbert Diess said:
"We are very aware that we can only implement these innovations for the
future of the Volkswagen brand effectively if we succeed with our efficiency
program and in giving our product range a new focus." Diess continued:
"Together with my Board of Management colleagues and the entire team we
are working at top speed on these issues. Time and again, the Volkswagen team
has proved it stands united and is fully focused on shaping the future,
particularly when times are tough. We have now laid the further foundations for
that."
Source:
Volkswagen Group