Audi, VW, China, Chechnya, Tesla, Kia.
Audi to Speed Up electrification: Details of Audi’s new roadmap have been leaked ahead of a meeting with managers today. CEO Rupert Stadler will call to “Speed Up” the process of modernisation as Audi will push for electrification, digitalisation and autonomous driving. The sectors will receive one third of the R&D budget, while other divisions must expect to be cut down. Audi aims for electric cars to account for a quarter of its sales by 2025.
reuters.com, europe.autonews.com
VW to make EVs in America: The German carmaker considers to turn facilities in Tennessee and Mexico into electric car factories. Hinrich Woebcken, head of VW’s North American operation did not go into detail, but the move could happen as early as 2020.
boerse-go.de (in German)
No autonomous experiments: The Chinese government warns carmakers to refrain from testing autonomous driving on highways until the regulators have worked out new rules. A draft is ready, yet no date for finalisation has been set. Question is, if this ban concerns Tesla’s Autopilot as well?!
europe.autonews.com
EV batteries made in Chechnya: South Korean Kokam is building a lithium-ion battery plant in the Russia’s so-called federal subject. The facility stands in Tashkala, a suburb of the capital Grozny, and is build with Russian partner ChechenNefteKhimProm. Already next month, a division is to start production with an initial capacity of 30 MWh. It shall eventually go up to an annual output of 125 MWh.
maerkte-weltweit.de (in German)
Please refer: Tesla has renewed its referral programme for the 5th time. The top prize for this new round is a Model X P90D. More intriguing though is the announcement of invites for the next “Unveiling Event” for ten referrals. Maybe it will be the new Roadster or the Model Y?!
electrek.co, insideevs.com
Kia Hybrid arrives in the UK: The Korean’s dedicated hybrid, the Kia Niro, can now be ordered on the isles. Prices start at 21,295 GBP for the basic version.
carscoops.com, fleetnews.co.uk
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