They will be manufactured on the basis of the new all-electric architecture (MEB in German). This concept is the central element with the architecture of electric vehicles. The first model of this new generation will be the I.D. in 2020.
Preparations for this phase will also take place at the sites in 2018. In Salzgitter, for example, activities will include the expansion of a test production of battery cells to full production. The lead factory for electric drive motors will continue to be Kassel. €1.5 billion will be invested there for the future production of the MEB powertrain.
First evidence of success from the change in strategy
A further important element of the reorientation is the regionalisation strategy. Volkswagen wants to be the most attractive volume brand in all of the major world regions. As such, central markets will be given more corporate responsibility. Just in the past few weeks, customers in South America, for example, were able to experience a car specifically developed for these countries, the new Virtus.