Carmakers ramp up EV plans for China
The Volkswagen Group and Daimler have signed new strategic agreements further targeting the development of electric vehicles for China.
Volkswagen ID Concept
The VW Group deal is with Chinese manufacturer Anhui Jinghua Automobile (JAC) – one of the group’s three Chinese manufacturing partners along with FAW and SAIC – and plans for a 50:50 joint venture agreement to develop and launch electric vehicles on the Chinese mass market.
The first jointly developed EV is expected to arrive in 2018 under the deal, which also includes the construction of a new factory as well as a research and development centre alongside plans for the development and production of components for new energy vehicles, the development of vehicle connectivity and automotive data services as well as establishing new used vehicle platforms.
Meanwhile Daimler and Chinese auto manufacturer BAIC have signed a deal to further strength their strategic collaboration through investments for ‘New Energy Vehicles’ including EVs in China.
The deal, which builds on the firms’ 12-year partnership, will see them upgrade current production facilities at the Beijing Benz Automotive Co Ltd joint venture and also plans for Daimler to become a minority shareholder of the BAIC subsidiary Beijing Electric Vehicle Co to enhance collaboration on development.
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Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.
