AVW is planning to strengthen its offer of plug-in hybrid models to address the slowdown in demand for 100% electric models.
Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of an automotive industry conference in London, VW CEO Thomas Schäfer acknowledged that the change in strategy is closely linked to the drop in demand for electric models.
“Customers want plug-in hybrids now, including in China and the US,” emphasized Schäfer, quoted by AutomotiveNews Europe.
It is worth noting that sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles in Europe have been growing more rapidly since the beginning of the year than sales of 100% electric models, forcing the main automotive manufacturers to strengthen their more conventional ranges in order to defend their market shares.
In this sense, VW postponed plans last year to build a factory in Germany to produce electric vehicles, with an estimated investment of €2 billion.
“Right now we need to think more. How can we make electric vehicles more affordable? How are we going to get there? That’s what’s happening right now,” added Thomas Schäfer.
