By Alzira Rodrigues | Translated by Jorge Meditsch

At the opening of the Way To Zero Center, a biofuel and related technologies development center at the São Bernardo do Campo plant, Volkswagen’s South America executive chairman, Alexander Seitz, revealed a joint project with Skoda and Volkswagen India to develop an entry-level hybrid vehicle, able to use both ethanol and gasoline.

Developed based on the new VW’s and Skoda’s MQB A0 hybrid platform, the initiative aims to offer products meeting the demands of South American and African consumers as well as from European countries where there is a great demand for entry-level models, such as Italy and Spain.

According to Seitz, the hybrid will use either gasoline or ethanol. “As we already have flex models in Brazil, this engine is considered. The objective is to have a financially viable product with most parts produced locally”.

The executive did not reveal a launch date but said it would happen in “the near future”. Asked if it would be the first entry-level hybrid in Brazil, he said he is not informed about competitors’ plans.

The hybrids currently produced in Brazil by Toyota and Caoa Chery are SUVs and sedans not intended for the lower purchasing power public, which also happens with similar imported models. An entry-level hybrid would certainly increase sales volume in the Brazilian market, especially if produced in partnership with local suppliers.

Photo: VW

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