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VW seeks redemption in corporate restructuring

German automaker Volkswagen AG will seek redemption in electric cars, autonomous driving and ride-sharing after its cheating on diesel-emissions technology led to the biggest scandal in its history and hastened a corporate overhaul.

The shift will entail more than 10 billion euros ($11.2 billion) in investments by 2025, financed in part by cost cutting at the namesake VW brand and bundling together its fragmented parts operations into a new company.

CEO Matthias Muller made the announcement Thursday as he unveiled the results of a top-to-bottom review dubbed "Together-strategy 2025" that was triggered by the scandal that erupted in September 2015.

Muller said the company plans to introduce more than 30 electric-powered vehicles by 2025, and to sell 2 to 3 million of them a year. The company wants to increase its in-house expertise in battery technology.

The new plan includes a focus on digital mobility, which could include things such as ride-sharing or car-sharing based on smartphone apps.

The company also set as a goal increasing its profitability and controlling costs. Muller said the company intended to increase operating profit margins for the entire group from the current 6 percent to 7-8 percent by 2025.

Mercedes-Benz to sell fuel-cell SUV model

Mercedes-Benz will start selling a fuel-cell electric version of its GLC sport utility vehicle next year, in an effort to broaden the appeal of the technology with the first publicly available battery that can be charged both with hydrogen and at a wall socket.

Able to travel about 500 kilometers before recharging, the car is part of Daimler AG's 7 billion euro ($7.9 billion) spending effort on green technology through next year.

Nissan to recall 60,000 Infiniti vehicles globally

Nissan Motors' luxury brand Infiniti will recall about 60,000 vehicles globally, including 6,894 units of the imported Q50 and locally produced Q50 L in China, as the Direct Adaptive Steering system key to the sedan's autonomous driving capabilities, could malfunction.

The system could malfunction "in certain rare circumstances, just after starting the vehicle" when a software glitch "can lead to a lack of steering responsiveness and change in turning radius".

The recall will affect cars in all markets where the Q50 is sold. The Q50 is Infiniti's first model that can drive itself on highways under certain conditions thanks to its DAS system.

Rolls-Royce launches first-ever concept car

Luxury brand Rolls-Royce unveiled its first ever concept car in its 105-year history at a special event in London, with the fully autonomous Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100 taking the legendary British automaker to a new dimension.

CEO Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes said: "The grand arrival boldly points to a bright future for our marque where our patrons' individual demands for complete and authentic personalization will be met through an exquisite fusion of technology, design and hallmark Rolls-Royce craftsmanship."

The concept car represents one possible option for a unique, personal, customized Rolls-Royce, all on a zero emissions platform. The model has developed the "personal vision", which will deliver unique coachbuilt bodies, exquisite handcraftsmanship and the finest materials.

Motoring-Agencies

(China Daily 06/20/2016 page18)