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The news that Apple cars will be available and self-driving features will make carmakers restless. On Dec. 23, Hebert Diess, CEO of Volkswagen, said that the entry of tech giants with large amounts of money into the auto industry would pose a much greater challenge for Volkswagen than traditional competitors such as Toyota.

Apple is promoting self-driving car technology and plans to produce a passenger car in 2024, which may include its own breakthrough battery technology, according to a person familiar with the matter with Reuters. It is said that at the heart of Apple's strategy for the project is a new battery design that could "fundamentally" reduce battery costs and increase the car's mileage.

The day before, Taiwan media reported that Apple was expected to launch its Apple car in September 2021, at least two years earlier than originally expected. According to related reports, dozens of Apple Car prototypes have been secretly tested in California, and Apple has recently made stock requirements to many Taiwanese auto parts manufacturers.

In response to Apple car rumors, Volkswagen Dis said: "We are looking forward to new competitors who will certainly accelerate changes in our industry and bring new technologies." The incredible valuation and virtually unlimited access to resources is a very respectable change. The real challenge is bigger than Toyota, its traditional competitor in the industry. As I said before, the company with the highest market capitalization in the world will become a mobile travel company again. It can be Tesla, Apple or Volkswagen. "

Deiss, now 62, has the full support of the Volkswagen supervisory board for Deiss's reform. On December 15, according to a statement issued by the supervisory board of Volkswagen on Monday, members unanimously decided to fully support the reform strategy of Herbert Diess, chief executive, especially the company's direction towards electric cars and digital.

"over the next few years, the executive board will implement this strategy under the leadership of Herbert Dis." Volkswagen Group said. However, Mr Deiss asked for an extension of the contract to strengthen his position in pushing ahead with reforms, and trade unions and some supervisory board members said it was too early to discuss the issue.

At present, Volkswagen Group has MEB electric architecture, as well as high-end PPE electric vehicle platform. Under the leadership of Deiss, the Volkswagen Group has made a comprehensive transformation to electrification, and it is also worth looking forward to what kind of answer it will give.

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