Volkswagen plans to build EVs in North America in 2021

Volkswagen hopes to redeem and reinvent itself following the massive diesel emissions scandal the company found itself in. Now, the automaker wants to focus on making electric vehicles and part of that plan is to “evolve from a niche supplier into a relevant and profitable volume producer.” Volkswagen plans to start building EVs in North America starting 2021.

This plan is the second part of a two-stage agenda for production on the continent. According to Volkswagen’s brand Board of Management Chairman Dr. Herbert Diess, they “will be making considerable investments in electric infrastructure” there as well as “step up activities” in the US, especially when it comes to large SUVs and limousines.

Source: Engadget

Toyota, Volkswagen back ride-sharing companies

Gett Chief Executive Shahar Waiser

Toyota and Volkswagen see the potential of ride-sharing companies join the list of investors. Toyota is backing Uber for an undisclosed amount. What they plan to do is explore trials in countries where the ride-sharing industry is growing. Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Group is getting behind Gett, a popular ride-hailing app in Europe. The automaker has invested US$300 million into the startup.

They aren’t the first ones to do this, though. General Motors, for example, has invested half a billion dollars into Lyft to help in the development of autonomous vehicles. BMW and Mercedes-Benz have also began pilot ride-sharing services, among others.

Source: The New York Times

Report claims VW to offer cash to drivers affected by dieselgate

Perhaps in a move to appease their customers, Volkswagen will reportedly compensate drivers affected by controversy the company finds itself in. VW has been reported to have developed cars that could cheat emissions test using the Defeat Device software in the car’s electronics. According to sources of The Truth About Cars, VW will launch a “TDI Goodwill Program” that will give TDI owners cash in the form of prepaid cards. In the US, they’ll get US$500 universal card and a VW-only card worth $500 to $750.

VW is set to make an announcement on Monday that could be related to this. But it may not include the range of cars reportedly affected by the scandal as VW claims that they didn’t cheat with some models. Aside from this though, VW is said to handing out deals to existing owners who’d want to get newer vehicles, and they are offering more discounts across the board.

Source: The Truth About Cars | Via: Engadget

CES 2015: Volkswagen to support both Android Auto and CarPlay

Volkswagen is getting in on the connected car game by using both Google's and Apple's platforms. Apple's CarPlay and Google's Android Auto will both be available later this year. These platforms will work on their MIB II dash electronics, which was launched in some countries last year and will come to the US and Europe later this year. There isn't a specific date for the launch yet but the dashboard will also support MirrorLink, a technology supported by Sony.

Source: Volkswagen | Via: The Verge