In a move that some consider to be surprisingly late in the game, Volkswagen has announced its intention to more aggressively enter the green vehicle market. VW CEO Martin Winterkorn said that plans are in motion to release a hybrid version of its Touareg SUV in the U.S. market later this year, and will follow up with a hybrid version of its Jetta sedan in 2012. A fully electric vehicle powered by a battery pack is planned to arrive 2013.

“I’m deeply convinced that Volkswagen will play a key role” in the electrification of vehicles, he said.

Volkswagen wants to triple their annual U.S. sales by its Volkswagen and Audi brands over the next eight years to more than one million cars and trucks.