FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Volkswagen hopes to bounce back from its diesel emissions scandal with a shift in focus to more battery-powered cars, digital services such as ride-sharing, and more SUVs for the U.S. market.
Herbert Diess, the head of the Volkswagen core brand, said Tuesday at a news conference that the goal of the Transform 2025 plan was "to fundamentally change Volkswagen" as it tries to overcome a crisis over cars it rigged to cheat on diesel emissions tests.
Volkswagen has agreed to pay $15 billion under a settlement with U.S. authorities and car owners over cars equipped with software that turned off emissions controls under normal driving conditions.
Yet major automakers are investing heavily in battery power vehicles as they position themselves for a time when increasing range and falling costs tip the balance and make consumers more interested.
