Volkswagen Group China vows sustainability at CIIE
- By Guo Yiming
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E-mail China.org.cn, November 7, 2019
Volkswagen Group China has showcased six new electric cars, including new models from Audi, Volkswagen and Porsche, at the ongoing China International Import Expo (CIIE). The group also specified timelines for transforming its business to be more sustainable.
The car models on display included Audi's fully electric E-Tron SUV, Volkswagen's ID.3 electric car, and the Porsche Taycan.
"With an increasing number of cars on the road, mobility has to change and become more convenient, more tailor-made and more sustainable," said Dr. Stephan W?llenstein, CEO of Volkswagen Group China, on Nov. 5. He vowed that the group will stay at the forefront of shaping a new sustainable era.
He said 8 more new energy vehicle (NEV) models will be introduced, in addition to the six displayed at the CIIE, by 2019.
The group has made specific goals to improve sustainability under the "goTOzero" initiative. By 2025, the group says that electric models in China will represent up to 35% of its portfolio and carbon dioxide emissions from the cars will be reduced by 30%. The group has also pledged to reduce waste at its Chinese factories by 30%, while making sure their vehicles use 30% less energy and water.
He said the company will continue to support China's shift to a more sustainable future, while enhancing R&D capabilities and improving smart mobility ecosystems.
According to a HSBC report released during the 2nd CIIE on Wednesday, sustainability needs to be the priority when global companies trade with China. The 2019 HSBC report, "Navigator: Trading with China", finds China to be one of only four markets to cite 'long-term viability' as the primary motivation for implementing sustainable practices. The others are Switzerland, Thailand and Vietnam.
"Global companies will find plenty of opportunities for trading with China if they can meet or raise China's sustainability standards," said Stuart Tait, regional head of Commercial Banking, Asia-Pacific HSBC.
As a witness of China's openness over the past 35 years since the group entered the market, the group is committed to China for further growth and to shaping a new way of mobility that is more technology-driven and mutually beneficial, said W?llenstein.
