Volkswagen

RANK10

Volkswagen marked 2020 with the launch of the all-important MEB platform, expected to underpin 19 million battery-electric vehicles over its lifetime. However, software problems overshadowed the launch of the VW ID.3 compact hatchback and crossover ID.4, adding to the Tesla fans’ taunts that Volkswagen can’t do tech. In response, in July 2021 CEO Herbert Diess unveiled a new strategy centered around two hardware-based and two software-based platforms to be shared across the group. By limiting complexity, Diess hopes to ensure no competitor can match these economies of scale. As a reward, the CEO received a two and a half year contract extension, meaning the Austrian will run the show until October 2025.