FRANKFURT -- Volkswagen will consider plans to convert its factories in Emden and Hanover, Germany, to build electric cars during a strategy review on November 16, a report in German daily Handelsblatt said.

VW is preparing to ramp up sales of electric cars as it struggles to make its combustion-engine vehicles comply with more stringent emissions rules introduced in the wake of a diesel-emissions cheating scandal.

Volkswagen currently builds the VW Passat midsize car in Emden but the sedan segment has suffered from sagging demand as customers flock to buy SUVs and crossovers, prompting a review of the factory's future. The Hanover plant builds vans including an electric version of the Crafter, Amarok pickup and Tiguan SUV.

VW will start series production of the battery-powered I.D. hatchback in Zwickau, Germany, in November 2019.

Handelsblatt also said the multi-brand carmaking group will review plans to build a new plant for its Skoda brand, outside the Czech republic.

Volkswagen declined to comment on the review.