Don't let the cute, friendly demeanor of Volkswagen cars fool you. The German automaker is a lot gutsier than it lets on. While it doesn't even have an electric vehicle (EV) on showroom floors, they've recently announced plans to be the world leader in high-volume EVs by 2018.

Some may consider this audacious. But, let's remember, Volkswagen is not a startup. It's a company that just announced record sales profits for the first quarter of 2011. And, if everything goes according to plan, they will laugh last and laugh best.

Volkswagen is currently planning to launch the most fuel-efficient car worldwide, later this year. Interestingly, it will not be an elective vehicle (EV). Rather, it's expected to be a small diesel, which unfortunately is not slated to make its way to the U.S. To support their lofty claim, however, Volkswagen is also working fast and furious on developing a suite of EVs.

As of now, [Dealer Name] knows that one of the first EVs to hit showroom floors will be based on the imminent Up compact and that another will use the Golf platform. We also know that in addition to immediate plans for introducing everyday commuter car EVs, Volkswagen is also developing an EV version of the Caddy compact utility van: the Elektro Caddy.

Interested in more Volkswagen EV news? Stay tuned. Lindsay Volkswagen of Dulles - 22455 Cedar Green Road, Sterling, VA, is dedicated to keeping you informed.

Source: ¹http://green.autoblog.com/2011/05/08/volkswagen-to-test-elektro-caddy-maxi-in-hannover-germany/