Archive
Press releases
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Countdown to the new Golf: Golf Mk7 – lightweight construction and broad powertrain options
Of more than 35 million Golf cars that have been built to date, around six million were Golf Mk7 models – the most recent generation. The story of this seventh Golf officially starts at its world premiere in Berlin, on 4 September 2012. Just one day later, pre-sales of the new Golf started in the first countries. As was also the case with its predecessors the Mk1, Mk2, Mk3, Mk4, Mk5, and Mk6 – which together achieved total sales of 29.3 million units – it became a world best-seller. -
Countdown to the new Golf: Golf Mk6 – high-end in a compact format
2.85 million Golf Mk6 vehicles were produced between 2008 and 2012. Golf generation number 6 once again represented a leap forward in terms of safety: the still laser-welded body scored the maximum of five stars in the EuroNCAP crash test with flying colours. An armada of new assist systems also premiered in this Golf – they marked the breakthrough of high-tech safety and comfort technologies. -
Countdown to the new Golf: the Golf Mk5 – it's come of age
This was the Golf generation offering comfort and dynamics that went beyond those of quite a number of competitors within the upper mid-sized vehicle class. The same rang true for quality. A value that underlines the stability of the laser-welded body is that its torsional rigidity had increased by 35 percent in 2003 upon the debut of the Golf Mk5. This also marked the first time that the Golf was optionally available with side airbags in the rear – in conjunction with the standard airbags (front, sides at the front, head-protection airbag) this now meant that eight of these protecting, inflatable pads were on board the vehicle. -
Countdown to the new Golf: Golf Mk 4 – the style icon
Its clear-cut and precise design characterised the brand more than ever before and set the course for the Volkswagen of the future: The Golf Mk 4 was developed in the mid 90s under the direction of the Volkswagen Head Designer at the time, Hartmut Warkuß. Today, design experts consider it a style icon that was pioneering for the product line. This also comes as a result of this particular generation’s uncompromisingly clear-cut lines and the product line’s striking C-pillar design that bridged the gap to the 1974 Golf Mk1. -
Countdown to the new Golf: Golf Mk3 – a pioneer in safety systems
From August 1991, Volkswagen kickstarted a new era of safety with the third generation of the Golf. The Mk3 Golf was the product line’s first model to be available with front airbags, from 1992, and furthermore, large steps forward in body design also led to significantly improved crash properties. With the Golf Mk3, Volkswagen democratised passive safety, as the improved protection it offered benefited many people. -
Countdown to the new Golf: Golf Mk II – a perfected concept
In 1983 Volkswagen launched the second Golf generation on the market. It was in this vehicle that the “Golf generation”, as German best-selling author Florian Illies coined the vehicle’s contemporaries, learnt to drive. The fact of the matter is that this Golf also became a worldwide success: by the time it was phased out in 1991, Volkswagen had produced 6.3 million Golf Mk II. -
Countdown to the new Golf: Golf I – the pioneer
The first series-production Golf rolls off the production line in Wolfsburg in March 1974 and is available at dealerships from May in the same year. Where the Beetle had dominated the scene with its rear-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive for many decades: the era of the front-mounted engine installed across the body and front-wheel drive had finally dawned. The Scirocco and the Passat, introduced in 1973, had kicked off this trend shortly before. With the Golf, the class with the highest volumes had now also been converted to the new technology. -
You can even go caravanning with a Golf
The Autumn break is just around the corner – and with it comes an end to the camping and caravanning season. But before it’s too cold, there is time for one last big trip: Whether you take the caravan all the way to Lake Garda in Italy, or spend a long weekend camping close to your hometown – the Golf, Germany’s most popular compact car, is a great towing vehicle. This is due to its high trailer weight capacity of up to 1,800 kg, which is enough for most large caravans. -
"2018 Beetle Sunshine Tour to Wolfsburg": Thousands are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the New Beetle
"2018 Beetle Sunshine Tour to Wolfsburg" – this was the motto on this Saturday for the 14th great Beetle, New Beetle and Beetle Community gathering. This year's event centred around the 20th anniversary of the New Beetle. A contemporary classic on the way to becoming a genuine classic. Like the original Beetle. Beetle, New Beetle and original Beetle – three generations of a compact, timeless Volkswagen with friends in all four corners of the world. Thousands of these aficionados flocked to Wolfsburg on saturday to celebrate one of the most likeable icons of automotive history. -
Beetle Sunshine Tour to Wolfsburg 2018: Community celebrates the 20th birthday of the New Beetle
The Beetle Sunshine Tour is the largest meeting of the Beetle, New Beetle and Käfer community in Europe. For the first time, the festival in 2018 will not take place in Lübeck, but in Wolfsburg and thereby in the heart of the Volkswagen world. For good reason, because the New Beetle presented in 1998 is celebrating its 20th birthday and because it was the impetus for the first Beetle Sunshine Tour in 2004. The organisers have therefore moved the meeting to the Autostadt without further ado. That's why the motto is "Beetle Sunshine Tour to Wolfsburg". It starts on 8 September at 10:00 a.m. Highlight: a convoy of all participating Beetles, New Beetles and Käfer right through the centre of the Volkswagen plant. -
Three world premieres: Volkswagen presents progressive hybrid, natural gas and diesel systems at the Vienna Motor Symposium
Volkswagen will be enhancing its model range by an innovative spectrum of completely new drive systems. These include affordable mild hybrid drives with 48V technology, new high-tech diesel engines that will also be available as hybrid variants and what is currently the world's most cutting-edge natural gas drive. Volkswagen has now announced initial facts as part of the Vienna Motor Symposium (26 to 27 April). The technologies showcased in Vienna as world premieres form a vital part of the progressively aligned Volkswagen drive strategy. It involves the combination of state-of-the-art petrol, diesel and natural gas engines, new hybrid systems and purely electric drives. With this combination, Volkswagen will among other things meet the CO2 fleet emissions target of 95 g/km prescribed in the EU as of 2020. -
Volkswagen at the Bremen Classic Motorshow: happy birthday, Corrado!
Congratulations, Corrado! The sporty coupé is celebrating its 30th birthday in 2018. The Volkswagen brand is presenting two very exclusive models from this series at the Bremen Classic Motorshow, which begins today. -
Volkswagen at the Techno Classica 2017: the best of both worlds
The world's biggest show for classic automobiles is opening its doors: at the Techno Classica, which is being held from 5 until 9 April in Essen, Volkswagen Classic is presenting two different themes on one stand this year. ‘Driven by the future' is showcasing prototypes and small-scale production runs of vehicles with electric drive systems. The exhibits, some of which are being shown in public for the first time, tell an ‘electrifying' story. Volkswagen began conducting research into alternative drive technologies more than 40 years ago. In the second themed area entitled ‘You better look twice', visitors can look forward to sports classics with the ‘wow effect' under the bonnet: on show are fast production models from the 1970s and 1980s, whose mighty horsepower potential only becomes evident upon closer inspection. -
Production launch for an icon: The first VW Beetle rolled off the line at the Wolfsburg plant 70 years ago
It was shortly after the first post-war Christmas 1945 that the first of the Volkswagen Type 1 – the model which, as the Beetle, would subsequently be sold more than 21 million times – rolled off the production line. By the end of 1945 only 55 vehicles had been produced in total however. The start of mass production was a highly improvised undertaking, and material shortages hampered operations over the subsequent months. Yet the early vehicles were visible symbols of hope; a new beginning for the car plant under British control. -
Sixty years ago: Volkswagen cracks the threshold of the first million
The first million Volkswagen vehicles were reported ten years after the end of the war. Back then, a respectable record. But Volkswagen was already to celebrate ten million vehicles in 1963. An incomparable success story had started.
Stories
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The magnificent Seven
The countdown to the new Golf is underway – and the eighth generation follows in mighty footsteps. No other European car was sold more often. A review of seven glorious predecessors. In addition we offer info graphics for each, two videos as well as four picture galeries. -
Camping with the Golf
Camping is enduringly popular. And it’s true of camping with a Golf, too. The Wolfsburg compact offers smart assistants as options to make travelling with a caravan or a tent even easier. -
The California Looker
In the 60s, Ron Fleming was one of the pioneers of the “California Look”, still the most popular style within the Volkswagen tuning scene to this day. An interview about the initial explosion of the international Beetle cult. -
New York says: "bye bye!"
In 2019, the Beetle celebrates its farewell with a final edition. On the occasion, Volkswagen invited guests to a farewell event in New York and explained how the car turned design icon. -
First of May with birthday celebrations
It is probably the biggest event of its kind in the world. For European vin-tage car fans, it has been top of the list for first of May for over three dec-ades: the May Bug Meet in Hannover. Volkswagen Classic and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Oldtimer attended the 36th staging. -
The two and the type three
Two apprentices from Volkswagen Osnabrück are restoring a historique automobile, from 1968 for the classic car trade fair Techno-Classica 2019. They are learning the basics of car construction in the process – before they start building the electric cars of the future. -
Cool cult coupe
It was billed as the first “fun car” from Volkswagen for the younger generation: The Scirocco desert wind conquered the hearts of fans in the early 1970s with a combination of Italian design and a completely novel technical concept. Amongst its fans was German rock star Udo Lindenberg. -
Bye bye, Beetle
The New Beetle has united tradition and lifestyle since its launch in 1998. It and its successor, which was introduced in 2011, have attracted millions of fans around the world. The last car will be produced in 2019. -
Secret meeting with the new rally Polo
The Polo GTI R5 – the rally Polo for customer sport – is available now. Future owners were able to experience the hottest Polo up close and personal on a very special taxi ride. -
Three Polos – three times goosebumps
Car enthusiasts amongst themselves: the Polo IG. -
"Goosebumps" at Tor Sandkamp
Entering the plant at Tor Sandkamp -
Three letters. One lake. Since 1982.
Postcard idyll set against an Alpine backdrop, tranquil villages nestling along the shores, but once a year things really start to seethe at Lake Wörth or Wörthersee as it is known in German. Then, the tranquil town of Reifnitz is turned into a giant automobile playground and for days the visitors eyes are lit up with G – T – I. -
Volkswagen Classic at the May Beetle Meeting 2017
Bubbling boxer engines, Beetles, Bullis and plenty of rare models: the 34th outing of the traditional May Beetle Meeting on 1 May once again wowed around 15,000 fans of classic Volkswagen models this year. In bright sunshine, approximately 3,500 air-cooled treasures from all over Europe rolled up onto the eastern car park of the exhibition grounds; a further 5,000 water-cooled Volkswagen classics occupied the neighbouring areas. The one-day event in the state capital of Lower Saxony not only heralded the main 2017 season, but also maintained the cult that has grown around the Beetles, Bullis and other classics over the course of the decades.
Basic Infos
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International Driving Presentation - The new Golf GTI Clubsport S
The Golf GTI Clubsport S breaks the lap record for front-wheel-drive cars on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, with a time of 07:49:21 This exclusive GTI is a two-seater with a 310 PS engine and newly configured chassis -
The new Polo - International Driving Presentation
Polo is first car in its class with Automatic Post-Collision Braking System as standard More driving fun with electro-mechanical steering and Sport Select suspension -
40 Years of Golf
Best-seller – the Golf was built more than 30 million times until now Trendsetter – the Golf democratised safety, sportiness and sustainability -
International driving presentation of the new e-Golf
Zero-emission e-Golf glides through the day for around €3.30** per 100 km Electric Golf is also available with high-tech assistance systems -
The new Golf R
New TSI propels Golf R with DSG to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds Golf R makes its debut with a new 4MOTION all-wheel drive system and progressive steering -
The cross up! – initial facts
Contains 6 sections: The new cross up!, City specialist with offroad look, Exclusive interior ambience, Individual colour concept, Ample standard features, Powerful engine and Attractive options -
The new Golf Estate - International Press Presentation
Contains 5 sections: Body and interior, Standard and optional features, Assistance, convenience and infotainment systems, Engines and running gear and Overview – quick facts -
The new Golf GTD - International Press Presentation
Contains 7 sections: Powertrain, Running gear, Exterior, Interior, Features, Technologies and Overview -
New Golf GTI - International Press Presentation
Contains 7 sections: Powertrain, Running gear, Exterior, Interior, Features, Technologies and Overview -
The new Beetle Cabriolet
Contains 7 sections: Exterior, Interior, Equipment versions and special models, Accessories and special equipment, Petrol and diesel engines, Suspension and Overview -
The new Golf R Cabriolet
Contains 6 sections: "R" turbo engine, "R" running gear, "R" standard features, The roof, Safety and Facts summary -
The new Golf. Das Auto. International Driving Presentation
Contains 10 sections: Styling, Engineering, Interior, Infotainment systems, Standard and optional features, Innovations, Powertrain structure, Running gear, Retrospective, Overview -
International Driving Presentation of the new Polo BlueGT
Contains 2 sections: Polo Blue GT and Facts summary -
International Driving Presentation of the new Golf GTI Cabriolet
Contains 3 sections: GTI as a convertible, Golf I, III and IV Cabriolet (history) and Facts summary -
up! four-door – Driving Presentation
Contains 6 sections: up!grade package, up! technologies, up! exterior, up! interior, up! features and Overview -
International Driving Presentation of the new Volkswagen CC
Contains 5 sections: New exterior and interior, New systems and technologies, New standard and optional features, Engines, transmissions and all-wheel drive and Running gear layout -
up! – Driving Presentation
Contains 5 sections: up!grade package, up! technologies, up! exterior, up! interior and up! features -
The Beetle - International Driving Presentation
Contains 4 sections: Exterior, Interior, Customisation and Powertrain and running gear -
The new Golf Cabriolet
Contains 4 sections: The Golf as a cabriolet, Democratisation of the cabriolet, Sustainable performance is attainable and Feature: The cabriolet that was never built -
International Driving Presentation of the new Jetta
Contains 5 sections: Positioning and costs, Body design and function, Interior design and function, Standard and special features, Powertrain and running gear technology -
The new Phaeton - International Driving Presentation in Sanya, China
Contains 4 sections: Exterior, Interior, Assistance Systems, Engines, Air Suspension and All-Wheel Drive, Features, Transparent Factory -
The New Polo GTI
Contains 3 sections: Body and Interior, Engine and Gearbox, Running Gear -
The Golf R - International Driving Presentation, Ellmau 2010
Contains 7 sections: R Concentrate - More power, less fuel, TSI of the Golf R, All-wheel drive, Sport chassis, Exterior features, Interior features and Overview of standard equipment -
The New Golf Estate – International Driving Presentation
Contains 6 sections: Facts summary, Body, Interior, Engines and transmissions, Features, Golf Estate Exclusive -
The New Golf GTD – International Driving Presentation
Contains 6 sections: GTD – Concept, GTD – Drivetrain, GTD – Handling, GTD – Exterior, GTD – Interior and GTD – Fully equipped -
The New Polo – International Driving Presentation
Contains 6 sections: Body, Interior, Engines and transmissions, Chassis, Features and Polo BlueMotion Concept Car -
Golf GTI - International Driving Presentation
Contains 7 sections: Icons of Sportiness, Design as Homage to the First GTI, GTI Phenomenon, Inception of the GTI, History, Exclusive Standard Features of the GTI, Individualized Options on the GTI -
The New Scirocco – International Driving Presentation Portugal, June 2008
Contains 6 sections: Body, Interior, Engines and transmissions Chassis, Standard and optional features and Chronology -
Der Touareg
Enthält 10 Kapitel: Neue Technologien, Design, Karosserie, Interieur, Motoren, Fahrwerk, Allradantrieb, Serienausstattung, Volkswagen Individual, Feature -
The new Eos
Contains 8 sections: Positioning, CSC-Roof, Body, Interior, Equipment, Engines / Gears, Running gear and Trial Phase -
The Polo GTI
Contains 8 sections: Central Aspects, Engine / Gearbox, Chassis / Brakes, Exterior, Interior, Safety, Standard Equipment, Two Decades of Sporty Polos -
The Volkswagen Beetle – A Success Story
Contains 3 sections: Feature – Beetle melancholy, VW Beetle – the real miracle, VW Beetle through the years
