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

The VW Logo is photographed at a car at the Car Show in Frankfurt, Germany, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015. Volkswagen has admitted that it intentionally installed software programmed to switch engines to a cleaner mode during official emissions testing. The software then switches off again, enabling cars to drive more powerfully on the road while emitting as much as 40 times the legal pollution limit. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

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