Because of the recent scandal concerning emissions and Volkswagen's diesel motors, the company heavily reduced its investments into further development, as they are currently working towards reorientation of the diesel strategy, while their brand is »repositioning itself for the future«. However, the development of their flagship Phaeton's all-electric successor has been confirmed, as was their decision to shape their future with electric drives.
Even though developing Phaeton's successor was often questionable, because it never developed a firm position in the sales market, Volkswagen obviously aims to create the future generation of the Phaeton which will once again act as the flagship for the brand's profile over the next decade. According to their press release, the pure electric drive will feature strong connectivity, and next-generation driver assistance systems, with long-distance capability on one single battery charge. Volkswagen will also give special attention to emotional design.
Along with announcing the new Phaeton, Volkswagen also confirmed developing the MEB electric toolkit for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Taken into account will be all the experience and synergies from other electric vehicle projects within the Group. The highly standardized system is said to be designed for all body structures and vehicle types, and will enable an all-electric range of 250 to 500 kilometers.
The already proven MQB standardized technical toolkit will also see some major development, focusing particularly on »plug-in hybrids with an even greater range, high-volume electric vehicles with a radius of up to 300 kilometers, a 48-volt power supply system (mild hybrid) as well as ever more efficient diesel, petrol and CNG concepts.«