As one of the hottest (figuratively and literally) emerging markets in the world, the Emirate of Qatar is garnering attention from some of the leading automakers as they bid to test new materials under challenging climatic conditions.
Now, the Volkswagen Group, Porsche Automobil Holding SE and the State of Lower Saxony have expressed an interest in strengthening their co-operation with Qatar, particularly relating to research, development and education.
The interest was expressed when the Crown Prince and Personal Representative of the Emir, His Highness Sheik Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, was visited by representatives from the Supervisory Board and Board of Management of Volkswagen AG and Porsche Automobil Holding SE and from the State of Lower Saxony. Among the delegates were Dr Wolfgang Porsche, Prime Minister Christian Wulff, Dr Ferdinand Piech, Professor Dr Martin Winterkorn and German Ambassador Dr Dirk Baumgartner.
It is believed that the topics for discussion may have included energy production and storage, medium term openings for establishing a test laboratory, co-operation into new materials and fuel economy optimisation.
According to Professor Dr Martin Winterkorn, establishing a test laboratory would put Volkswagen in a strong position to extend its research and development, particularly given the area’s climatic conditions.
