Volkswagen has announced that it plans to increase its research, development and education cooperation with the Emirate of Qatar in an effort to improve products and open more facilities in the Middle Eastern country. Qatar Holding LLC acquired 17 percent of Volkswagen when it took part in a complex deal that saw VW unexpectedly swallowing up Porsche last year.
The deal to further Volkswagen’s efforts in Qatar, announced yesterday, will closely link the German state of Lower Saxony – itself a major VW shareholder – and Qatar. A VW release suggested that partnerships between Wolfsburg, Germany’s AutoUni and Qatar University will help train future Volkswagen designers, engineers and other workers.
VW will also look to extend its existing research cooperation programs with Qatar by focusing on new material development, increasing vehicle efficiency and establishing a test facility in the country.
Volkswagen and Porsche is Qatar’s largest single investment holding.
