Tag Archives: position

Volkswagen

More e-models for fast-growing e-mobility market in China: VW brand and Audi agree strategic cooperations with local automakers

The Volkswagen Group is strengthening its position on the Chinese automotive market with cooperations between the VW brand and XPENG and between Audi and SAIC. The Group is thus forging ahead with its local electrification strategy. The aim is to swiftly tap into new customer and market segments, thereby systematically leveraging the potential of China’s dynamically growing e-mobility market.

The VW brand has signed a technological framework agreement with XPENG. The initial stage of the cooperation involves the joint development of two VW brand electric models for the mid-size segment in the Chinese market. These vehicles will complement the existing MEB product portfolio and will be launched in China in 2026, subject to final agreements.

As part of the strategic cooperation, the Volkswagen Group will invest approximately US$700 million in XPENG, a Chinese manufacturer of intelligent electric cars. Volkswagen will acquire a 4.99 percent stake in XPENG through a capital increase, at a price of US$15 per ADS (*). Volkswagen will also have a seat as an observer on the XPENG board of directors. The share issuance is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Audi has signed a strategic memorandum with SAIC, its Chinese joint venture partner, to expand their ongoing cooperation. The goal is to quickly and efficiently develop a portfolio of fully connected electric vehicles in the premium segment. The collaboration will begin with electric models that Audi currently does not offer in China.

The jointly developed e-models will feature advanced software and hardware, providing a connected digital experience for Chinese customers. Each partner will contribute their core competences to the development process.

Furthermore, both agreements include plans for future joint development of new local platforms for the next generation of intelligent, fully connected vehicles (ICV). These partnerships aim to expand the Group’s product range with additional models specifically tailored to the Chinese market, targeting promising customer and market segments. The details of cooperation on future e-platforms will be further negotiated between the partners.

Ralf Brandstätter, Volkswagen AG Board Member for China, stated: “Local partnerships are an important part of the Volkswagen Group’s strategy in China. We are accelerating the expansion of our local electric portfolio and preparing for the next step of innovation. With XPENG, we have gained another strong partner that excels in key technology areas in China’s competitive and dynamic market. By leveraging the strengths of Volkswagen and our partners, we can bring products to market faster and focus on the specific needs of our customers in China, while optimizing costs for development and procurement.”

Volkswagen Group (China) Technology Company takes responsibility for developing new Volkswagen models

The recently established Volkswagen Group China Technology Company (VCTC) will serve as the development partner for XPENG. This new center, located in Hefei, is the largest development location for the Group outside of Wolfsburg. Over 2,000 development and procurement experts will work on new intelligent, fully connected electric vehicles.

Efficient development and procurement processes will generate significant synergy potential and cost advantages compared to current vehicle projects.

Partnerships as part of the Group’s “in China for China” strategy

These collaborations align with the Volkswagen Group’s “in China for China” strategy, which aims to address market trends in China and leverage the growth and innovation of the Chinese market more effectively. To expedite decision-making and development processes in the region, Volkswagen is strengthening its local capacities for e-mobility, digitalization, and autonomous driving.

To achieve this, Volkswagen is expanding its Hefei plant in Anhui Province, turning it into a state-of-the-art production, development, and innovation hub. Production at the new vehicle plant in Hefei is set to begin this year. Additionally, VW Anhui Component Company is constructing a manufacturing facility for high-voltage battery systems in Hefei. Volkswagen Group China Technology Company is also establishing a development and procurement center for fully connected, intelligent electric vehicles in Hefei.

The Volkswagen Group is also prioritizing partnerships with local high-tech companies. For Volkswagen Group China, localized high technology and customer-oriented approaches are key to playing a leading role in the era of intelligent, connected vehicles.

(*) ADS = American Depositary Share, 1 ADS represents 2 Class A Shares

Quotes from the partners

VW brand and XPENG

He Xiaopeng, Chairman and CEO of XPENG: “The Volkswagen Group and XPENG each brings highly complementary strengths into this long-term strategic partnership. We will share Smart EV technologies and world-class design and engineering capability with each other and learn from each other. Since the founding of XPENG, we have been developing full-stack technologies from EV platform to connectivity and ADAS software in-house. We are excited about the opportunity to contribute our expertise to the strategic partnership and create value for XPENG and our shareholders.”

Stefan Mecha, CEO VW Brand Region China: “The VW brand has a long-term electrification strategy for the Chinese market. We will continue to rely on our high-performance MEB and SSP architectures. With the growth of the electric segment, there are now more market opportunities that we want to explore. By partnering with XPENG, we plan to introduce two additional fully connected electric vehicles starting from early 2026, thus attracting new customer groups for the VW brand.”

AUDI AG and SAIC

Jürgen Rittersberger, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG responsible for Finance, IT, and Legal Affairs: “Audi has a strong electrification plan for the world’s largest automotive market. This step is a continuation of our plan. Building on the successful cooperation in the past two years, we are further committing to SAIC for the long term. Our goal is to jointly develop next-generation premium ICVs quickly and efficiently ‘in China for China’. Closer collaboration with a local partner like SAIC supports Audi’s ambition to establish a premium market segment for all-electric, fully connected cars in China.”

Zu Sijie, Vice President and Chief Engineer of SAIC Group: “SAIC and Audi have signed a memorandum of understanding. Both parties will accelerate SAIC Audi’s development of the model portfolio for electrification, leveraging the advantages of both sides to meet the needs of Chinese customers for premium electric intelligent connected vehicles. With SAIC contributing technology and actively participating in joint product development, we are embarking on a new chapter in joint venture cooperation, aiming for a win-win situation.”

RollsRoyce

ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE: THE ROLLS-ROYCE THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING

This Press Kit provides an overview of Spectre, its design philosophy and position within the Rolls-Royce product portfolio. The original launch press release is available on Press Club , where you can also find pre-launch information about Rolls-Royce’s electric experimental models and heritage.

Background

In 1900, motoring pioneer The Hon Charles Stewart Rolls made a prediction in a magazine article about the potential of electric cars. He believed that they would be quiet, clean, and useful with fixed charging stations. It took over a century, but Rolls-Royce finally realized his vision with the launch of Spectre, the first fully-electric Rolls-Royce. Spectre represents a monumental shift for the brand, as Rolls-Royce aims to have its entire product lineup fully electric by 2030.

Spectre is an ultra-luxury electric super coupé, combining the signature Rolls-Royce experience with instant torque, silent running, and seamless gear shifting. It features a ‘Decentralized Intelligence’ system that enables exchange of information between vehicle functions, enhancing the renowned ‘magic carpet ride’. With its contemporary design and bespoke capabilities, Spectre ushers Rolls-Royce into a new, electric age.

Spectre Philosophy and Positioning

Spectre is the Rolls-Royce that changes everything – the world’s first ultra-luxury electric super coupé, ushering in the marque’s bold new all-electric future. It offers no compromises in terms of interior space, comfort, performance, or ride quality. Spectre is the spiritual successor to the Phantom Coupé with its visually striking design and bespoke personalization options.

Spectre clients appreciate fine materials, craftsmanship, and minimalist design. They often embrace sustainability and authenticity, reflecting their individual personalities and values. As a luxury icon, Spectre symbolizes their achievements and aspirations.

Engineering

Spectre represents Rolls-Royce 3.0 – the next generation of Rolls-Royce engineering. It is built on the all-aluminium Architecture of Luxury platform, specifically designed to accommodate an electric powertrain. The spaceframe structure offers exceptional stiffness and incorporates the battery for added acoustic insulation.

With its all-electric drivetrain, Spectre is powered by two Separately Excited Synchronous Motors (SSMs) producing a combined output equivalent to an internal combustion engine with impressive acceleration. It offers a range of 530km (329 miles) and fast charging capabilities.

Spectre features advanced technologies, including active lane centring, adaptive cruise control, and a sophisticated suspension system that ensures a smooth and stable ride. The digital architecture, known as Decentralized Intelligence, processes data closer to its source, enabling faster responses to driver inputs and changing road conditions.

Inside the cabin, Spectre offers technologically advanced bespoke features, such as Starlight Doors with illuminated ‘stars’, an illuminated fascia, and personalized seat designs. The exterior design draws inspiration from diverse sources, resulting in a sleek and aerodynamic profile.

Overall, Spectre represents a bold leap forward for Rolls-Royce, combining its legendary craftsmanship with cutting-edge electric technology.

Executive Quotes

“Spectre possesses all the qualities that have secured the Rolls-Royce legend. This incredible motor car, conceived from the very beginning as our first fully-electric model, is silent, powerful and demonstrates how perfectly Rolls-Royce is suited to electrification. Spectre’s all-electric powertrain will assure the marque’s sustained success and relevance while dramatically increasing the definition of each characteristic that makes a Rolls-Royce a Rolls-Royce.” – Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

“It is a highlight of my professional life to have developed Rolls-Royce Spectre, the car which propels Rolls-Royce into its bold, electric future. Such a remarkable car requires a remarkable testing programme, and I am enormously proud that Spectre has now completed what has been the most arduous schedule ever conceived for a Rolls-Royce motor car. Rolls-Royce Spectre brings the future of this great marque into the present.” – Dr. Mihiar Ayoubi, Director of Engineering, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

“We have designed Spectre as a true Rolls-Royce, with a strikingly modern yet timeless aesthetic, which brings our marque’s design language and Bespoke capabilities into a new, electric era. Spectre’s interior wraps itself around those inside the car, whilst enchanting Bespoke features surprise and delight, showcasing the very outstanding skill and artistry of our world-renowned designers and craftspeople.” – Anders Warming, Director of Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

“The electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration. They should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged.” – The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls, Co-Founder, Rolls-Royce, 1900

News, Technology

Europe May Break Up Google’s Adtech Business Over Alleged Anticompetitive Practices

Europe may soon take action against Google’s adtech business due to alleged anticompetitive practices. The European Commission, after evaluating Google’s dominant position in the online ad industry, has concluded that only divesting part of its services would address competition concerns. This would involve Google selling off its core ad-tech assets. It’s not the first time Google has faced scrutiny for its practices. In January, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit accusing Google of monopolistic behavior that harmed publishers and advertisers in the US. The Justice Department has also previously indicated support for breaking up Google’s ad-tech conglomerate. Similarly, the United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority is investigating Google’s ad-tech business. European Commissioner for Competition, Margrethe Vestager, states that if Google’s abusive conduct is confirmed, it would be illegal under EU competition rules. Rivals and online publishers have long complained about Google’s extensive control over the online advertising ecosystem, arguing that it gives the company an unfair advantage.