Ferdinand Piech has revealed that the Volkswagen Group is about to add at least one more brand to its already large collection of 12 nameplates.
In an interview with German monthly magazine ADAC Motorwelt, Piech said that his children will drive one of the automaker’s “at least 13 brands” 10 years from now. However, Volkswagen’s boss has yet to explain which brands he’d like to “take” to Wolfsburg, and declined any comment on the Alfa-Romeo takeover issue.
While Volkswagen representatives also refused to discuss about Piech’s quote, The Detroit Bureau suggests that the German automaker could take on General Motors by creating a new affordable brand for the Chinese market, with vehicles priced at under $9,000 or $10,000. Such a move “actually makes sense”, added a VW official, who asked to remain anonymous.
The Wolfsburg-based company could also acquire Proton, an independent Malaysian carmaker with whom it has a long-standing relationship. Proton, who is also the owner of Lotus Cars Limited since 1996, is currently struggling to develop new vehicles due to lack of funds.
The Volkswagen Group has eight passenger car brands (Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, SEAT, Skoda, Volkswagen), two heavy-truck nameplates (MAN, Scania), a light commercial-vehicle make (VWCV) and one motorcycle company (Ducati).
Last year, Volkswagen said it wants to claim first place in global auto industry sales by 2018.
While Volkswagen representatives also refused to discuss about Piech’s quote, The Detroit Bureau suggests that the German automaker could take on General Motors by creating a new affordable brand for the Chinese market, with vehicles priced at under $9,000 or $10,000. Such a move “actually makes sense”, added a VW official, who asked to remain anonymous.
The Wolfsburg-based company could also acquire Proton, an independent Malaysian carmaker with whom it has a long-standing relationship. Proton, who is also the owner of Lotus Cars Limited since 1996, is currently struggling to develop new vehicles due to lack of funds.
The Volkswagen Group has eight passenger car brands (Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, SEAT, Skoda, Volkswagen), two heavy-truck nameplates (MAN, Scania), a light commercial-vehicle make (VWCV) and one motorcycle company (Ducati).
Last year, Volkswagen said it wants to claim first place in global auto industry sales by 2018.