Volkswagen and FAW to Launch 11 New Models in China, Focus on Electric Vehicles

Volkswagen AG and its long-term partner FAW Group will launch 11 new models exclusively for China, as the German automaker aims to bolster its presence in the world's largest auto market. The lineup includes six electric vehicles, two plug-in hybrids, and two electric vehicles with extended range under the Volkswagen brand, set to debut in China by 2026. The first electric model under the Jetta brand will launch next year, leveraging the growing demand for electric vehicles. New models will feature advanced technologies like autonomous driving capabilities. Volkswagen aims to integrate its technologies into future combustion engine, plug-in hybrid, and extended-range models. Volkswagen is aiming to overturn market dominance by local automakers like BYD Co., focusing on fully electric vehicles. The German manufacturer of brands like Audi, Skoda, and Porsche, expects a drop in deliveries in China, including a 9.5% drop, due to competition and economic challenges. The new technology configuration, designed exclusively for China, will enable joint ventures to react faster and effectively to new client and market changes, according to Volkswagen China CEO Ralf Brandstätter. The company's shares rose by 1.1%.