Following the so-called Dieselgate scandal, Volkswagen is now concentrating its efforts toward electric cars in a major image makeover that would see the German automotive giant sweeping the globe with its fleet of electric-powered vehicles. In a recent press conference, the company will reportedly launch 30 new electric car models by 2025 and looks forward to selling around 2 to 3 million cars per year.
Last year, Volkswagen has sunk deep after reports of alleged rigging of its more than 11 million so-called "clean diesel" cars in Europe and the US to make it appear that they caused far less pollution in testing that they actually did while on the road, Vox reported. Now known as the "Dieselgate" scandal, the issue could prove extremely costly for the German automaker with possible $18 billion worth of extensive recalls, repairs, and fines.
"Our aspiration is to continue that success story and play a leading role in shaping auto-mobility for future generations, too. 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," explained CEO Matthias Müller as quoted from the company's official press release.
Volkswagen's recently unveiled "TOGETHER -- Strategy 2025" plan details the automaker's ambitious strategic direction for the next decade. A big chunk of the company's grand plan involves jaw-dropping introduction of "more than 30" electric vehicle models or so over the next ten years which would account for about 20-25% of its sales amounting to 2-3 million units sold.
As reported by CNET, the plan also covers an in-house and an autonomous-vehicle system before 2020. The 2025 strategy also hopes to streamline all of its development processes across its diverse brands while enlarging its commercial reach in bus and truck production. Volkswagen will also look into offering a number of mobility options such as on-demand transportation by forging strategic partnerships and acquiring venture capital investments in an increasingly mobility-driven environment.
The ambitious plan seems to reflect the trend that is gradually transforming the auto industry leading to major changes in driving habits among drivers and the rise of self-driving cars and similar automotive technologies. The real challenge, however, is how to get it done.
"He said all the right things," Ferdinand Dudenhöffer, a professor at the University of Duisburg-Essen, said of Matthias Müller, Volkswagen's chief executive as per New York Times. "Now we have to see if he can get it done."
