VW makes it to inaugural ‘Time 100 Most Influential Companies’ list

Volkswagen adds yet another feather to its cap as Time Magazine names the German carmaker to its inaugural “Time 100 Most Influential Companies.” The list highlights 100 companies that made extraordinary impacts around the world and shaped the future of the respective industries they belong to.

The American news magazine and news website said, “As carmakers from GM to Ford vie to match Tesla’s electric vehicle sales, Volkswagen Group, the world’s largest auto manufacturer by revenue (it also makes Audi, Porsche, and others), aims to overtake them all by 2025. With the specter of the 2015 emissions scandal still looming, the German corporation has earmarked US$54 billion for electric projects over the next five years, with plans to build six battery factories and 18,000 charging stations throughout Europe.”

It cites VW leading the automotive sector with its commitment to a global goal of a carbon-neutral business by 2050. As part of its efforts, VW has started an initiative called the “Accelerate Strategy.” Here, VW laid out its plans where the company would focus on electrification of its future offerings, developing software-defined products, creating new business models, and making autonomous driving available for many people.

Earlier this year, VW also announced “Project Trinity,” which it called “the focal point of Volkswagen’s planned transition into becoming a software-driven mobility provider.” The flagship brand of the Volkswagen Group also teased the outline of a new EV sedan to launch in 2026.

VW’s inclusion to the list is an affirmation of its efforts in driving a positive change through electric mobility.

“I’m honored that Time chose to recognize the work thousands of Volkswagen employees around the world are doing to lead our industry and address global warming,” said Volkswagen Group of America President and CEO Scott Keogh. “The launch of the electric ID.4 SUV has shown that Americans are ready to embrace electric driving with exciting, innovative vehicles priced right for the market. We want to make the electric future a reality now.”

With the launch of the ID.4, VW has made the significant transition to an all-electric portfolio in the US and would see the last of its gasoline-powered vehicles by the end of the next decade. And as the brand slowly transitions to an all-EV lineup, the next generation of their core products will be fitted with the latest generation of plug-in hybrid technology.

Locally, Volkswagen’s current offerings include the upcoming T-Cross, Santana, Santana GTS, Lavida, and Lamando — all of which are outfitted with petrol-powered mills. That said, we’re excited to see what hybrid or all-electric vehicles VW will bring to Philippine shores in the future. The Golf and Passat GTEs perhaps? 

Photos from Volkswagen and Time Magazine

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