Speaking at the EU-China Summit in Beijing, Dr Karl-Thomas Neumann said both of its Chinese joint ventures had licences to develop electric vehicles in the country. These will launched under sub-brands, named ‘Tantus’ for the Shanghai Volkswagen models and ‘Kaiji’ for FAW-VW.

Last year the Group launched its first e-fleet in Beijing, comprising of an electric Golf and Touareg hybrid, and has recently completed a nationwide tour. Future battery electric models are undergoing research and development, and will be accompanied by a plug-in hybrid after launch.