The German Volkswagen project in Greece has set in motion its ambitious initiative of the group to transform the Aegean island of Astypalaia (Astypalea) into a smart and sustainable haven in early 2021, with the project having placed the Dodecanese Island firmly on the global map three years later.
Maik Stephan, Head of Business Development at Volkswagen Group confirmed the success of the Astypalaia experiment and Greece’s attractiveness as an investment destination for the group.
Volkswagen focused on three main pillars to implement the project: first converting the island’s cars to electric, providing the corresponding vehicles and charging infrastructure.
Alternative mobility options were also offered for permanent residents and tourists in the Volkswagen project in Greece, which included buses with zero-emissions, car-sharing and electric scooters that could be selected via an app.
Currently, over 500,000 kilometers have been covered on the island, with the island having become much more high-tech, even compared to Athens, and there is a high level of public acceptance.
As reported, though locals seemed hesitant towards the project initially, three years later they view it positively, with one in three of those asked to assess the experiment saying that they use the new services, while 55% of tourists want to return to Astypalaia specifically because of these services.
What is more Stephan emphasizes that the Astypalaia project has provided the information needed on how to transfer a similar initiative to other islands showing how it can be implemented with the contribution of stakeholders, municipalities, the government, agencies, and private entities.
It is worth noting that the automotive giant is facing challenging times in Germany, even considering the once-unthinkable option of closing factories to reduce operating costs. The company’s management is looking for ways to save 10 billion euros by 2026 in an effort to avoid more severe consequences for the group.
Source: tovima.com
στο Google News και μάθετε πρώτοι όλες τις ειδήσειςLatest News
JP Morgan ‘Neutral’ on Greek Stocks
The US-based multinational finance company, however, stresses that Greek banks remain slightly undervalued compared to the emerging markets and European sectors
Geeks Among Poorest in EU in PPP
While the Greek economy is indeed recording solid figures, its citizens are becoming impoverished, and the situation could worsen over time, as analysts pointed out in an article in the Financial Times (FT) published a few months ago
Greece Increases Subsidies and Tax Breaks for Renovating Vacant Homes for Long-Term Rentals
This means that the maximum expense cap is likely to rise to 15,000 euros from 10,000 euros where it stands now, with a possible increase in the advance payment percentage as well.
Greek Banks Leverage ECB Policy and Credit Upgrades to Lower Costs
Through the issuance of new bonds recently, the banks have significantly improved their capital positions while at the same time reducing the average cost of servicing their obligations.
Greek Industrial Production Experienced a 10.6% Rise in July
The seasonally adjusted General Industrial Production Index in Greece for July 2024, compared to June 2024, showed an increase of 1.7%
Greek-Turkish Balance of Trade – Imports from Turkey up, Exports Down
While the Greek exports to Turkey were down, the balance of Greek imports from Turkey during the same period amounted to $2.31 billion, compared to $1.88 billion in the first half of 2023, showing an increase of 22.8%.
Great Strides in RES in Greece, says NBG CEO Mylonas at TIF
Pavlos Mylonas spoke at the annual Energy conference, co-organized by the Greek-American Chamber of Commerce and the Hellenic Association for Energy Economics at the Thessaloniki Trade Fair (TIF)
Energy Analyst to OT.gr: GSI Very Important for Entire EU
Analyst Orestis Omran, during an interview at the OT.gr studio within TIF: 'Implementation of the project will contribute to lifting Cyprus' energy isolation'
88th TIF Highlights Excellent Greek-German Relations
Greek PM Mitsotakis inaugurated the German pavilion at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), where Germany is this year's honored country
Hellas Gold Spox: Project Completion Possibly By End of Year
Hellas Gold is a subsidiary of Canadian multinational Eldorado Gold, and has received the mining rights for the Skouries mine, Olympias and Stratoni mines in northern Greece's Halkidiki prefecture
