Volkswagen has just announced its plans for an expanded use of electric and hybrid technologies beginning with the VW Touareg Hybrid.  The hybrid SUV will be introduced in Geneva, while the company readies a test run of 500 electric versions of the 2011 Volkswagen Golf.

The test fleet will pave the way for Volkswagen’s future, according to VW chairman Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn. “A hybrid version of the Jetta for the US market follows in [August] 2012. Starting in 2013, the E-UP goes into production,” Winterkorn said in a press release.

The hybrid Passat is expected to be launched in August 2013, while the Golf Hybrid is set for an October 2013 release.

”The goal is to become the market leader in E-mobility by the year 2018. We want to attain an electric vehicle market share of three percent within our entire range of products.”

In preparation for the wider use of hybrid and all-electric technology, the company will also use various markets in China, Europe, and North America to serve as testing sites.