Rearview mirror: Car industry's hot topics in 2017

2. VW signs 3rd local joint venture

Volkswagen became the first international brand to have three passenger car joint ventures in China when the German automaker signed a deal with Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co in June. The 50-50 partnership, which is dedicated to developing and producing electric cars, will see a total investment of 6 billion yuan ($882 million). Its first model, which will be produced at existing JAC facilities, is expected to roll off the assembly line in 2018. That would give VW a head start to become the first localized electric car producer in the country, ahead of its rivals such as General Motors.