Volkswagen Hires New Electric Vehicle Chief

Volkswagen announced it has hired Karl-Thomas Neumann as its group chief officer for “electric traction” (i.e. electric cars).

Neumann, having just left the CEO position at German supplier Continental AG, will begin his work at VW on December 1. This may be somewhat of a homecoming for Neumann, as he headed Volkswagen’s electronics research and electronics strategy department from 1999-2004.

“Electric traction is a crucial technology for the Volkswagen Group, and offers enormous potential,” said Volkswagen Chairman Martin Winterkorn. “Dr. Neumann is a top-class expert on our industry and in this field. He will be instrumental in supporting our company to systematically further develop this particular area of innovation.”

The newly created position will allow Neumann to focus on the electric vehicles VW has promised, including the E-Up! we saw in concept form at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show. Slated for a 2013 release, the E-Up! will be based on the new micro car family that will debut in 2011. The E-Up! may be powered by a 60-kW (80 hp) motor with an 18-kWh lithium-ion battery. The range is currently set at 80 miles with a top speed of 84 mph.