By Moses Akaigwe
Volkswagen is convinced the future will be electric as it braces itself for “major challenges” amid cost-cutting and a gloomy sales outlook, reports Fortune.
The automaker is planning to give customers a lot of new shiny cars to play with this year as it continues a massive restructuring plan, with more than 30 new models expected to be launched in 2024.
“We’re looking forward to many highlights that we hope will position us as a frontrunner in the competition lineup,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said Wednesday of VW’s plan to launch swathes of new models across its different brands.
The group is planning to launch a mix of electric vehicles, internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and hybrid vehicles this year.
Volkswagen is taking a longer-term view on electric vehicles, saying it plans to accommodate different customers’ needs, a softening of the automaker’s language which previously aimed for ambitious EV uptake.
But the group remains committed to its EV pivot, despite doomsday predictions and recalibrated production plans from rivals.
Speaking on a media call for its investor day, Volkswagen CFO and COO Arno Antlitz said: “We are very aware that current public debate is somewhat critical in terms of electric mobility.
“But we are convinced the future will be electric.”