Winterkorn Promises Plug-in Hybrids. Real Soon Now

Bertel Schmitt
by Bertel Schmitt

In a cautious climbdown from Volkswagen’s previous anti-electric stance, Volkswagen’s CEO Martin Winternkorn said electric cars might not be the work of the antichrist after all. The statements were made at the 32nd Vienna Motor Symposium. After announcing that the Volkswagen Group will be producing plug-in hybrid in 2013/14 (didn’t they previously say it was 2012?), Winterkorn said:

“The electric car will impact the future of individual mobility in crucial ways – and Volkswagen is spearheading this technology. Over the mid-term, the plug-in hybrid offers great potential, because it combines the best of two worlds in one vehicle.”

Great that someone finally had the guts to say that.

Then, Volkswagen showcased two new engines at the symposium. One runs on E 85 and will be sold in Sweden and Finland. The other is a diesel that will go into the Chattanooga Passat.

Bertel Schmitt
Bertel Schmitt

Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.

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 3 comments
  • Cole Cole on May 07, 2011
    ...Volkswagen is spearheading this technology. heh
  • Herb Herb on May 07, 2011

    A masterful approach. Most technical problems are already solved, aren't they? Well, almost. This will certainly end well. ROFL, in my new green suit.

  • Kita Ikki Kita Ikki on May 07, 2011

    "The other is a diesel that will go into the Chattanooga Passat." May be it finally gets chain-driven camshafts.

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