German auto maker Volkswagen has inaugurated a new R&D center at the company’s facilities in Hefei, China, and has renamed the JAC Volkswagen joint venture Volkswagen (Anhui) Automotive. With the company’s future products all set to be based on the Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB), VW says it is instigating plans for a step-by-step expansion of local R&D competence in the localization of MEB-based derivatives, in order to capitalize on global synergies.

Dr Herbert Diess, CEO of Volkswagen AG, remarked, “Volkswagen Anhui is a promise for stronger partnership and e-mobility power in China. Within the next three years, we can expect state-of-the-art MEB production, a new full-electric portfolio and technology solutions from its R&D center in Anhui. Volkswagen Anhui will strengthen China’s role in the electrification and digitalization of the Volkswagen Group.”