VW confirms plug-in hybrid vehicle plans; first models coming in 2013

At the Vienna Motor Symposium, Martin Winterkorn, chairman of the Volkswagen Group, announced (again, really) that the German automaker will begin to roll out a range of production plug-in hybrid vehicles in late 2013 or early 2014.

During his announcement, Green Car Congress reports that Winterkorn touted the plug-in hybrid for combining "unlimited internal combustion engine performance... with attractive electric mobility ranges in everyday driving." Winterkorn claims that with plug-in hybrid vehicles, there are no limitations to top speed or ability to tow.

Winterkorn touched on the global importance of electrified vehicles, stating:

Electric mobility is the task of the century for the automotive industry and the European industrial community as a whole. Manufacturers, suppliers, energy providers, scientists and politicians-everyone must step up to the plate here.

Furthermore, Winterkorn spoke of the need for additional funding in the field of battery technology and also stated that plug-in vehicles have the potential to substantially reduce CO2 emissions worldwide.

[Source: Green Car Congress]