To accelerate vehicle development, Volkswagen is forming a task force that will include 40 to 60 top managers in the coming months, according to internal documents from the Wolfsburg, Germany-based company that were obtained by Bloomberg News. The group will identify the steps needed to change from the industry’s traditional approach of revamping models every seven years as technology developments including in-car connectivity and electric motors call for speedier reaction times.
“How can we shorten today’s model cycles and make them significantly more flexible?” Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn said in a transcript of a speech to managers dated July 14. “Consumer electronics with ever-new technologies and products set the pace.”
VW’s push comes as autos rapidly absorb new technologies. President Barack Obama this week highlighted U.S. carmakers’ research on technology to allow vehicles to communicate with each other to reduce traffic jams and accidents. Consumer attitudes toward cars are also changing, forcing a rethink by automakers.
Via Benedict Evans.