Volkswagen, China’s JAC in talks to make electric cars

In this Oct. 5, 2015, file photo, the VW sign of Germany’s Volkswagen car company is displayed at the building of a company’s retailer in Berlin. AP

FRANKFURT, Germany  — German automaker Volkswagen says it’s in talks about forming a joint venture to develop electric vehicles with China’s Anhui Jianghuai Automobile, or JAC.

Volkswagen said Wednesday that the two companies had signed a memorandum of understanding Tuesday to evaluate the possibility of joining forces to make zero-emission cars. Volkswagen is making a new push into electric vehicles, saying it will come up with 30 new models over the next ten years.

The new emphasis on emission-free cars comes after the company’s reputation was damaged by a scandal over diesel vehicles rigged to cheat on emissions testing.

Electric vehicles so far are not a major part of the global car market. But companies are working on them in hopes that battery range will improve, and to meet tougher emissions standards. TVJ