VW, FAW plan massive NEV offensive

German carmaker Volkswagen AG has inked a new deal with its long-time partner FAW to introduce a slew of new models developed exclusively for the Chinese market.

Ralf Brandstaetter, chairman and CEO of Volkswagen Group China, said: "Our new technology set-up, exclusively tailored to China will enable our joint ventures to respond even more quicker and effectively to new customer requirements and market changes in the future."

Starting in 2026, their joint venture FAW-Volkswagen is scheduled to introduce 10 new Volkswagen brand models, including nine NEVs, in diverse segments.

Of them will be two electric models and two plug-in hybrids developed based on the Compact Main platform.

The platform, developed by Volkswagen Group (China) Technology Company, will reduce the time-to-market by 30 percent and reduce the costs by approximately 40 percent compared to traditional platforms.

There will be two models in the mid-class segment along with their range-extended variants, they said.

To further develop its business model in the fast-growing e-market, FAW-Volkswagen will also electrify the Jetta brand. The first model will be launched by 2026, to add a strong offer in the entry-level segment.

"By accelerating the development of a new productivity ecosystem, we will integrate global expertise with local technology to foster FAW-Volkswagen’s long-term sustainable growth, enabling the company to deliver more competitive, market-driven, and intelligent mobility solutions that cater to the evolving needs of Chinese customers," said Chen Bin, deputy general manager of FAW Group and general manager of FAW-Volkswagen.

Until 2030, the brands of FAW-Volkswagen will introduce over 20 all-new models to the market.

Volkswagen Group will launch about 40 new models in China from 2025 to 2027 - over half of these will be electrified, to seize the growth momentum of the Chinese market.