On the eve of the 65th International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Volkswagen Group has outlined plans for global leadership in electric mobility.

Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkswagen, said: “We are starting at exactly the right time. We are electrifying all vehicle classes, and therefore have everything we need to make the Volkswagen Group the top automaker in all respects, including electric mobility, by 2018.”

Models scheduled for launch at the show include the all-electric e-Golf and e-up, the plug-in hybrid Audi A3 e-tron and Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid.

14 models from Volkswagen Group brands will be available with electric or hybrid drive technology by 2014.

If there is sufficient demand, up to 40 new models could be fitted with alternative drivetrains.

Winterkorn added: “We have recruited 400 top experts for electric traction and qualified almost 70,000 development, production and service employees in this new technology – the biggest electrification training program in our industry.”