Schaeffler, Audi, GM, Tesla, BAIC, Borgward

Schaeffler to intensify e-mobility business: The German car supplier intends to raise additional 500m euros until 2020 and to recruit 1,200 new employees in order to boost the development of fully electrified drivetrains ready for serial production. After Schaeffler recently announced the formation of a dedicated electric division, chief developer Peter Gutzmer now publically admitted, the step is also due to the diesel emission scandal and hopes staff working on electric drivetrains to double over the next three years.
automobil-produktion.de (in German)

Audi’s 10bn euro push for electric cars: With recalls, investigations and four of its seven top managers allegedly close to dismissal, Audi finds itself in a hard spot but has began to think beyond scandal. Hence, perspectives for 2022 seem more promising as Audi seeks to free 10bn euros in order to shift to EVs, insiders report. These savings shall be achieved through cutting R&D costs by developing a shared electric car platform with Porsche for example. However, Audi declined to comment.
reuters.com

GM’s next EV to be a Buick? General Motors wants to electrify its Buick brand with an electric model based on the Chevy Bolt’s drivetrain and 60 kWh battery but characterised by modifications. Inside EVs quotes a “trustful” source, saying the new plug-in will cost 3,000 dollars more than the Bolt EV.
insideevs.com

A Model 3 performance version probably won’t be launched before mid-2018, says Tesla CEO Elon Musk and the same is true for the dual motor all-wheel-drive variant. According to Musk’s short message on twitter, the current focus is to overcome “production hell” first before adding any additional versions.
insideevs.com, electrek.co

BAIC doubles EV production: The Chinese carmaker has completed construction works to extent its EV plant in Beijing. Production capacity thus climbs towards 300,000 instead of 150,000 EVs per year. The company’s EV line-up includes 8 compact sedans and one compact crossover.
autonewschina.com

Borgward concept at the IAA: Revitalised car brand Borgward shows the teaser photo of a new concept, ready to be introduced in September in Frankfurt. Contrary to the existing line-up it will not be a crossover but a sports car rather. If it will be equipped with an electric drivetrain is uncertain but likely.
carscoops.com, motor1.com