Volkswagen Group seeking technology in Israel

International auto manufacturer contacts Beilink, founded by the former Minister Yossi Beilin, requesting assistance in finding new technologies in Israeli automobile industry

Tomer Hadar, Calcalist|Published: 07.22.10 , 08:21

The Volkswagen Group is searching for new technologies in Israel through former Minister Yossi Beilin, Calcalist reported Wednesday.

The company contacted Herzliya-based Beilink – Business Foreign Affairs several months ago, requesting assistance in finding new technologies in the automotive field among Israeli companies.

Beilink is now conducting an initial mapping of the companies in the automotive field in Israel, which it will present to Volkswagen. Calcalist also reported that ties between Volkswagen and Beilink are exclusive, meaning that other companies may not represent the automotive giant in its quest for technologies in Israel.

Beilink, established in 2008 by Beilin and businessman Michael Steinhardt, creates links between Israelis interested in launching businesses abroad or expanding their businesses around the world, with the assistance of former Israeli diplomats and envoys, and vice versa.

The Volkswagen Group – which includes SEAT, Skoda and Lamborghini – is considered the largest car manufacturer in Europe.

According to official data from The International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Volkswagen manufactured 6.29 million cars in 2009, a figure placing it third in the world, following General Motors, which manufactured 6.5 million vehicles, and Toyota, which manufactured 7.23 cars.

The Volkswagen Group is no stranger to the Israeli automobile industry, and has made acquisitions worth millions of euro in Israel. A number of Israeli companies – including Tadir Gan, Pomotiv, Raviv, Raval and Ein Hashofet Industries – currently provide The Volkswagen Group with parts that are installed in a number of different car models.

One of the areas in which the technology industries in Israel could aid The Volkswagen Group is in developing the electric car. On Tuesday, Volkswagen announced plans to launch sites around the world to develop electric cars, at an investment of five billion euro.