Volkswagen planning to launch 6 or more plug-in hybrids from 2014

Part of Volkswagen’s approach to e-mobility is to launch at least 6 new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles by 2014. According to Oliver Schmidt, General Manager Engineering and Environmental Office, Volkswagen Group America, the ‘launch’ referred to the global launch dates for global products, but not specifically a launch in a particular market.

Currently, VW group has 5 hybrids in production: the VW Touareg, the Porsche Cayenne S, the Audi Q5, the Porsche Manamera S and the VW Jetta, and there are hybrid versions of the Audi A6 and Audi A8 on the way.

Schimdt added “In Europe first we launch the two BEVs, the up! or small compact car and the Golf. We will launch the Porsche 918 [plug-in hybrid]. Then in ’14 and beyond the products that we want to do are plug-in hybrids for the bigger Audis. We want to have a plug-in hybrid version of the European Passat. The European Passat sits on a different platform than the US Passat. Then the plug-in hybrid Golf, and of course there will be more vehicles coming.

Volkswagen’s modular transverse matrix (Modularen Querbaukasten in German, or MQB for short) is a system that standardizes many vehicle component parameters across the different brands and classes. This helps Volkswagen with the creation of alternative powertrains and plug-in hybrids. Introduced earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show, Volkswagen’s CrossBlue plug-in hybrid concept highlights the evolution of some of VW’s hybrid components that will play a role in future matrix-based electrification efforts.

Volkswagen Hybrid Components

Volkswagen Crossblue Component Matrix

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