Volkswagen AG and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co., Ltd. (JAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a long-term partnership for joint development of innovative battery-powered electric vehicles in China. The signing of the MoU took place in Wolfsburg to define the next phase of negotiations between the two companies in order to achieve a long-term cooperation in the joint development of all-electric vehicles in the country.
According to the MoU the parties intend to enter into discussions to evaluate the perspectives and feasibility of a new joint venture company, focusing on new energy vehicles (NEV), to carry out full scope cooperation in areas including research and development, manufacture, sales and mobility services in the field of NEV and parts in order to improve fuel efficiency. The top priority will be to develop zero-emission mobility solutions.
“As we aim to be at the forefront of e-mobility, Volkswagen Group is looking forward to explore all options to set up a close and mutually beneficial partnership with JAC” said Matthias Müller, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG. “We believe this cooperation would not only benefit our two organizations, but would also be of great value to our customers, a sound environment and the Chinese society in general”
Mr. An Jin, Chairman of the Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co., Ltd, added that the company looks forward to a full scope cooperation together with Volkswagen Group, focusing on new energy vehicles to provide Chinese consumers with highly cost-effective battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV) products that promote the development of the Chinese new energy vehicle sector as well as the Chinese auto industry’s transformation and upgrading. The intended cooperation between JAC and Volkswagen Group can be called a ‘Creating Together’ model, which embodies mutual benefit and a win-win situation. The aim is to develop a brand new business model during the process of Chinese auto industry’s opening up.
Volkswagen Group and JAC will thoroughly explore all options how to concentrate their resources, including existing and future model platforms, technologies and other expertise, to achieve a competitive product strategy as soon as possible. Volkswagen Group China are enhancing its efforts in terms of e-mobility to meet the demands of the customers. As part of its comprehensive new Group Strategy “Together – Strategy 2025” Volkswagen is also intensifying efforts for sustainable mobility worldwide. The Group will be launching a broad-based initiative for electro-mobility and intends to develop more than 30 new, purely battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) over the next ten years.
Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co., Ltd (JAC) is a comprehensive automobile company encompassing R&D, production, sales and service and other businesses related to the production and sale of commercial and passenger vehicles, including powertrains. It has two vehicle brands, “Jianghuai” and “Ankai”.
JAC delivered 333,639 vehicles and chassis in the first six months of 2016, with new energy vehicle sales increased massively compared with last year, while SUV sales maintained stable growth. The company’s main products include heavy, medium, light and miniature trucks, multi-function commercial vehicles, SUVs, sedans, buses, and core components such as chassis, gearboxes, engines and axle assemblies.
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