At the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt today, German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel was given a glimpse of the automotive future when she called upon the Volkswagen stand. Over the next five years, the brand will be investing about €3.5 billion (USD 4.2 billion) in the optimization of conventional diesel, gasoline and natural gas powertrains.
According to German news service hessenschau.de, Chancellor Merkel in her opening address called upon the German car industry to rebuild confidence. “There is no way around that we need combustion engines for decades and at the same time invest in new drive technology,” Merkel said.
“The automobile has its best days ahead of it. With the right concepts, Volkswagen will contribute to shaping the automobile of the future,” said Dr. Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen brand.
Volkswagen has started the largest model offensive in the history of the brand, for conventional powertrains and electric vehicles. By 2020, the brand will entirely renew its portfolio as well as expanding it in key core segments. For example, Volkswagen will be significantly increasing its presence in the SUV segment. By 2020, the brand’s portfolio will include 19 SUVs throughout the world, boosting the SUV share in the range to 40 percent.
Source: Volkswagen (adapted)
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