Volkswagen reaffirms unwavering China commitment

China means far more than sales and returns for Volkswagen, said a senior executive of the German automaker on the eve of the Shanghai auto show.

"We are at home in China. Over the past 30 years, China has become part of the way we think, plan and act," said Professor Jochem Heizmann, member of the board of management of Volkswagen AG as well as president and CEO of Volkswagen Group China.

"Together with our joint ventures Shanghai Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen we are now entering the next stage of our commitment to China with the newest technologies, many of them developed and built locally, with fascinating new cars designed exclusively for Chinese drivers, and with leading edge commercial vehicles as the backbone of a clean and efficient transportation system."

Heizmann made the remarks at the Volkswagen Group Night on April 19 in Shanghai, where 16 models from the Volkswagen Group brands were showcased.

"Through our strong commitment to sustainability, we have set our goal to shape a greener future in the years ahead," Heizmann said.

"That is why we push the localization of new energy vehicles in China. In the next four years we will locally produce more than 15 different models of our broad model range - plug-in hybrids or fully battery cars."

Volkswagen said its products have become an integrated part of Chinese customers' family life, which is why efforts would be enhanced to develop and provide high quality, beautiful and innovative models to shape the future of mobility in China.

"The innovative strength of the Volkswagen Group will shape the automobile future. That is because we care about the general welfare for the people and the society in China," said Heizmann in his speech.

Volkswagen is also expected to launch one of its most extensive product offerings in the Chinese market this year - more than 60 new models and derivatives with all sorts of innovative product features.

For a better future

Volkswagen Group China said it was committed to meeting the demands of its customers and turning their needs into real automobile products during the past three decades.

The automaker said it would step into a new mobility future with its two joint ventures - Shanghai Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen.

"Our unwavering commitment is reflected by the biggest investment program in China's auto industry and I can confirm today, unlike others, we will not lower our sights," said Heizmann.

According to Volkswagen Group China, the two joint ventures will invest 22 billion euros ($23.24 billion) in new, eco-friendly technologies, products and manufacturing.

The group said it is ready to fulfill the future demands of customers by providing products with a series of new technologies, such as the alternative drive system with plug-in hybrid technology, autonomous drive, car connectivity and assistance system.

The automaker said its efficiency strategy leads the way to environmentally friendly technologies including lightweight design, eco-friendly gearboxes and alternative drive systems.

The strategy is designed to not only promote electric mobility but also reduce fuel consumption in combustion-engine cars through high engine and gearbox performance, the automaker added.

Volkswagen Group said it would continue to expand its dealership network, with its total number of dealerships expected to grow to 3,600 in the next three years.

Core in corporate value

Volkswagen Group said it values the well-being of Chinese people.

Referring to itself as "the most responsible partner in China's auto industry", Volkswagen Group China said it invested 50 million yuan ($8.2 million) to support corporate social responsibility projects in China to promote sustainable development.

"We value the well-being of people in China. That is why in addition to our corporate activities as responsible member of this society, we do not only talk but also act," said Heizmann.

The grandfather of two introduced the brand's child safety initiative at the Guangzhou auto show in 2013.

Volkswagen Group China has since organized activities in 17 cities in the country to promote awareness of child safety seats and donated 5,000 seats to families in cooperation with Shanghai Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen.

In 2015, the automaker plans to continue to promote child safety through the initiative in more than 100 cities in China via road shows.

Other social responsibility initiatives include supporting youth football development as well as disaster relief efforts.

Volkswagen Group China attributes its achievements to its 90,000 employees in China and said their skills and creativity was the cornerstone of its success in the Chinese market.

Volkswagen Group was named as a top employer in China in 2015 and said it will continue providing high-quality job opportunities across the nation.

It also plans to promote cooperation with more than 30 universities in China focusing on innovative technologies, vocational training projects and talent building in the industry.

"Before reaching success in the market, we have to be the top employer. We need the best people," said Heizmann.

lifusheng@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 04/20/2015 page3)