Auto giant goes green and aims for record sales

The Volkswagen Group has launched the biggest initiative for e-mobility in China's automotive history", the group's CEO Martin Winterkorn said.?

The scheme starts this year with the launch of the brand's electric up! and e-Golf models.

While the Porsche Panamera S E-hybrid is already in the showrooms in China, the group will launch two further plug-in hybrid vehicles next year with the Audi A3 e-tron and the Golf GTE.

In 2016, these will be followed by two models developed specifically for the Chinese market - the Audi A6 and a new mid-size limousine.

Both plug-in hybrids are being developed with joint venture partners FAW Volkswagen and Shanghai Volkswagen and will be produced locally.

The Bentley Hybrid Concept is expected to open a window to the wide-ranging potential of hybrid technology.

Partners FAW Volkswagen and Shanghai Volkswagen increased investment in green technology and resource-efficient plants, with 18.2 billion ($30.6 billion) to be invested by 2018.?

"Our team of over 2,700 engineers in China and our partners are working together on pioneering technologies, and we are banking on China's innovative power," said Winterkorn.

In the coming years, more than 20,000 new jobs will be created in China, which is Volkswagen's largest single market.

The country plays a key role in the group's strategy for 2018.

This year the company has once again set sights on double-digit growth in China and aims to deliver more than 3.5 million vehicles to customers for the first time in a calendar year.

According to Winterkorn, the group aims to sell more than ten million vehicles to customers worldwide for the first time this year.