All Press Releases
This section contains all current press releases on topics and news items concerning Volkswagen.
Long range and rapid charging: the battery system is at the heart of the Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4 and ID.4 GTX
What do the fully electric compact Volkswagen ID.3, the ID.4, which was recently singled out for the “2021 World Car of the Year” award, and the recently presented high-performance model ID.4 GTX have in common? They all have cutting-edge technology on board in the shape of the high-voltage battery system from Volkswagen Group Components in Braunschweig. This makes for strong performance, long range, excellent safety and rapid charging. The demand for attractive and affordable electric vehicles based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) is so high that the site recently expanded production to up to 500,000 batteries a year.
The new Polo GTI in the starting blocks
Just in time for the traditional GTI weekend meet on Lake Wörthersee, which is again unable to take place due to COVID-19, Volkswagen is offering a first peek at the new Polo GTI. The compact sports car is based on the new Polo that was recently presented, and will become the premium version of the product line. This GTI model also represents pure dynamism and expressive design – the success factors of the GTI concept. The official world premiere of the new Polo GTI will take place at the end of June 2021.
A boost for the digital age – Programming school “42 Wolfsburg” starts operations
Non-profit coding school “42 Wolfsburg” will start operations on May 11 with 170 students from over 30 countries. As early as next year, up to 600 students will be trained to be software developers at the Markthalle in Wolfsburg. “42 Wolfsburg” is the latest offshoot of the talent factory “42” founded in Paris in 2013. The innovative educational model of the worldwide “42” network relies on new, creative forms of IT training without admission restrictions, professors or lectures. Volkswagen is supporting “42 Wolfsburg” with EUR 3.7 million in the first year and a further two million euros annually in the following years. The goal is to “break new ground in IT education so that graduates have all the tools they need to creatively shape the future of zero-emission, digital mobility,” said Volkswagen Board Member for Human Resources Gunnar Kilian and Ralph Linde, Head of Volkswagen Group Academy & President of 42 Wolfsburg e.V., in Wolfsburg on Monday. Other partners of “42 Wolfsburg”, in addition to SMEs and civil society organizations such as the ReDi School for refugees, include Porsche, Microsoft, Google and Red Hat.
Successful start to the new fiscal year for Volkswagen
Volkswagen has got off to a successful start in 2021 despite the global shortage of semiconductors and restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic. Sales revenue in the first quarter grew by 5.4 percent to EUR 20 billion. Following the pandemic-related drop to EUR 481 million in the previous year, operating profit increased sharply to EUR 900 million and was thus almost at the level of the pre-crisis year 2019. The operating return on sales likewise rose sharply to 4.5 percent (previous year: 2.5 percent). Volkswagen CEO Ralf Brandstätter: “We’ve managed to carry over the momentum from the second half of 2020 into the new year – despite the continuing challenges posed by the pandemic and the global shortage of semiconductors. The increases in all key performance indicators show that our ACCELERATE strategy and rigorous cost management of the past months are gaining traction. On the basis of that, we’ll systematically continue to drive our transformation with a focus on e-mobility and digitalization.”
Strong first quarter for Volkswagen Group
The positive business development of the Volkswagen Group in the second half of 2020 continued in the first quarter of this year. This resulted in strong financial performance with significant improvements over the weaker prior-year period that was impacted by the pandemic. Some key figures even came in above pre-crisis levels from the first quarter of 2019. Successful management of the Covid-19 pandemic and semiconductor shortages, along with recovery in the markets, were key to this positive development. As a result, sales revenue increased by 13.3 percent to a high level of EUR 62.4 billion. Operating profit soared compared to the prior-year level to 4.8 (0.9) billion. The higher earnings were mainly due to increased unit sales, improvements in the product mix, positive effects from the valuation of raw material hedges and initial success from the fixed cost reduction program. One-off restructuring expenses of EUR 0.4 billion had a negative impact. The Automotive Division underscored the robustness of its business model with a high adjusted net cash flow of EUR 5.5 (–1.5) billion. The Division’s net liquidity rose to a very solid level of EUR 29.6 billion. The Volkswagen Group raised the outlook for its operating margin for full year 2021 to 5.5 to 7.0 percent. It was previously 5.0 to 6.5 percent.
Press shop expansion: Volkswagen reduces the number of truck journeys to Zwickau e-location by 9,000
Volkswagen officially inaugurated the press shop expansion in its electric car plant in Zwickau. As of now, the complete outer skin for the six electric models produced in Zwickau will be pressed on site. The €74 million investment will enable further gains to be made in reducing the carbon footprint of the ID.3 and ID.4. The effect is remarkable: more than 9,000 fewer direct truck journeys each year from now on for body manufacturing and thus annual savings of 5,800 tonnes of CO2. This will create 60 new jobs in the factory. The official opening was attended by Minister President of Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, in the company of Christian Vollmer, member of the Board of Management with responsibility for Production and Logistics for the Volkswagen brand, Dr Stefan Loth, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Saxony and Jens Rothe, Chairman of Volkswagen Saxony’s Central Works Council.
The new Tiguan Allspace is gearing up for its world premiere
The Tiguan was given an update back in autumn last year, and now the countdown has started for its equally successful brother. The Tiguan Allspace is celebrating its premiere on 12 May, with pre-sales starting in the next weeks. In addition to a fresh new design for the exterior, the long version also boasts advanced technical features: new control and assist systems guarantee even more convenience and the Tiguan Allspace now has a wide range of online-based services and functions on board thanks to the MIB3 Infotainment system.
Volkswagen Board discusses decarbonization plan with independent Sustainability Council
At their first joint meeting this year, Volkswagen Group Board of Management and the independent Volkswagen Sustainability Council discussed the Group’s decarbonization plan and activities. The Sustainability Council called in particular for an even stronger discussion on Volkswagen Group’s corporate purpose to provide CO2 neutral mobility for all, together with a clearly defined end date for internal combustion engines. During the discussion, both sides agreed on a more thorough ESG (Environmental Social Governance) reporting system, and to commission an additional study on socially responsible workforce transition. The firm commitment of Volkswagen to the EU Green Deal also includes the demand for more green energy, faster exit from fossil energy production, rapid expansion of charging infrastructure, and new rules for state aid to strengthen the transformation and decarbonization of industry and production sites. The nine-member Sustainability Council has been advising Volkswagen on strategic issues relating to sustainability and social responsibility since 2016.
Way to Zero: Volkswagen presents roadmap for climate-neutral mobility
At the first Way to Zero Convention, Volkswagen today gave details of its plans for decarbonizing the company and its products. The company intends to be net carbon neutral by 2050 at the latest. A new interim milestone is the targeted 40-percent reduction in CO2 emissions per vehicle in Europe by 2030 – substantially outperforming the Group target of 30 percent (baseline: 2018). As a result, an average Volkswagen would emit around 17 tons less carbon dioxide. As well as accelerating the transition to e-mobility, the production (including supply chain) and operation of electric cars is to be made net carbon neutral. Added to this is the systematic recycling of the high-voltage batteries from old electric vehicles.
Spectacular world premiere of the new ID.4 GTX
The new ID.4 GTX demonstrated its impressive dynamics and sportiness at its world premiere in Berlin, which was held in a hangar at the former Tempelhof Airport. The centrepiece of the event was a 525 square metre ramp with a gradient of 37.5%, which the ID.4 GTX climbed with no problems at all, thanks to its dual-motor all-wheel drive. The ramp served as the stage for a mixed reality (XR) installation.
Intelligent performance for sustainable driving fun: the new ID.4 GTX
At the digital world premiere held at Berlin Tempelhof Airport, Volkswagen presented its first fully electric high-performance model: the ID.4 GTX. The new product brand is bringing new and intelligent sportiness to the world of electric mobility. The ID.4 GTX is the first model based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) to feature dual-motor all-wheel drive and also offers attractive, high-quality design elements.
Volkswagen Way to Zero Convention
Volkswagen Way to Zero Convention will be broadcast live on Thursday, April 29th, from 09:00am – 07:00pm CEST (07:00am GMT – 05:00pm GMT).
Start of construction of new electric car plant in China
Volkswagen Group China has begun construction of an all-new MEB plant at Volkswagen Anhui recently. As the third of the Group’s pure-electric vehicle manufacturing facilities in China, following completion of the Anting (SAIC VW) and Foshan (FAW-VW) plants, the Volkswagen Anhui plant will be powered by green energy from day one. Due for completion mid-2022, the plant is set for start of production in the second half of 2023. The plant is another cornerstone of Volkswagen’s global e-mobility push. By 2025, Volkswagen Group China plans to deliver up to 1.5 million new energy vehicles (NEVs) per year.
Volkswagen ID.4 GTX World Premiere
The World Premiere of the ID.4 GTX will be broadcasted live on Wednesday, April 28th, from 05:00pm – 05:45 CEST (03:00pm GMT – 03:45pm GMT).
Volkswagen builds supply chain efficiency through industry-wide data exchange
The Volkswagen Group will be a founding member of the Catena-X Automotive Network. The union, which currently consists of 25 partners from the fields of business and science, is pursuing the goal of creating uniform standards for the flow of data and information in the automotive value chain. This should serve as the basis for a digital ecosystem in which automobile manufacturers and suppliers, dealer associations as well as technology suppliers can take part. Volkswagen expects the cross-company, secure and antitrust law compliant data exchange to result in new opportunities for increased efficiency and transparency for production and supply chains.
Bernd Osterloh appointed as TRATON SE’s new Executive Board member with responsibility for human resources
TRATON SE has filled the position of Executive Board member with responsibility for human resources, which has been vacant since last year. Bernd Osterloh, the current Chairman of Volkswagen AG’s General and Group Works Councils, will take up the position from May 1, 2021. TRATON SE’s Supervisory Board passed a corresponding resolution earlier today.
Evolving to the next level: New Polo is one of the first in its class to offer partly automated driving
With more than 18 million units built, the Polo is one of the world’s most successful compact cars. Now, in a world premiere, Volkswagen is set to unveil the next evolutionary stage of the Polo; presales will start in May already. The design, technologies and specification matrix of the bestseller have had a comprehensive update, as is immediately obvious when you see the vehicle’s new front and rear. And the range of standard equipment has been expanded significantly. On board every model you will now find: LED headlights and LED tail light clusters, the Digital Cockpit (digital instruments), an infotainment system and a multifunction steering wheel, among other things. In addition, the Polo now offers partly automated driving across its entire speed range thanks to the optional IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist system. Other new features include interactive IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights and operation of the automatic air conditioning via touchscreen.
SUV offensive in China: Volkswagen reveals 6 new cars at Auto Shanghai, including 3 world premieres
Volkswagen continues to diversify its portfolio in the Chinese market. Six highlight cars – including three world premieres – will be presented at Auto Shanghai (April 21–28, 2021). Five of them will be SUVs, like the fully-electric ID.6 X and ID.6 CROZZ models.
#Project1Hour: Volkswagen Group and its 660,000 employees launch largest climate campaign in company history
From Chattanooga to Beijing, from Audi to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles: with Earth Day on 22 April just around the corner, the twelve brands of the Volkswagen Group and their 660,000 employees are preparing to make a strong statement. At the #Project1Hour, they will interrupt their work for one hour to learn together about climate protection and develop concrete improvements.
Volkswagen ID.4 named World Car of the Year 2021
The “World Car of the Year 2021” is a Volkswagen: The new fully electric ID.4 prevailed over the strong international competition at the international World Car Awards. The World Car Awards are presented by more than 90 international motor journalists from 24 countries, who vote on the best innovations on the world market.
Top marks for the ID.4: five stars in the Euro NCAP test
The new ID.4 performed impressively in the renowned Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) safety test. With five stars, the Volkswagen brand’s first compact SUV based on the innovative modular electric drive matrix (MEB) was awarded the top score. Auditors gave the ID.4 good ratings on all criteria – for the protection of adult occupants, children and vulnerable road users, as well as in terms of assistance systems.
The new Polo – virtual world première on 22 April
The Polo has been an integral part of the small car segment since 1975, and is one of the most successful models in its class – not just in Germany, but in many markets worldwide. Around 18 million units have been sold to date. Volkswagen is continuing its product history of over 45 years with the new Polo, and will celebrate the virtual world première on Thursday, 22 April at 11 am.
E-offensive in China continues to gain momentum: World premiere of the ID.6
The Volkswagen brand is driving its electrification offensive in China at full speed. The third model in the ID. family, the ID.6, has now been unveiled at the Auto Shanghai. Two versions of the fully electric family SUV are available: The ID.6 CROZZ is being manufactured in the north of China and the ID.6 X in the southern part of the country. The multi-variable all-round model has room for up to seven people. The ID.6 is a continuation of Volkswagen’s regionalisation strategy and is another important step towards becoming the most sought-after brand for sustainable mobility in China.
The new Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake: A new fusion of gran turismo and sports car
The new Arteon R and the Arteon R Shooting Brake are unmistakably true R models. With an output of 235 kW / 320 PS, these are now the top models in the series – and this power has rarely been available in a more elegant form. Both models impress with accomplished design, exceptional driving comfort and pure performance. At Volkswagen-Newsroom.en, media representatives can now access extensive material consisting of written information, photos, footage, and sound clips from developers and testers, offering detailed explanations of the new top models.
New performance brand GTX joins the ID. family
With the new ID.4 GTX, Volkswagen is showing the first sporty top-of-the-range electric model on April 28th: In Europe, the respective performance models of the ID. Family will wear the logo GTX in the future. Similar to GTI and GTE, it stands for its own product brand - it charges the world of electric mobility from Volkswagen with new, intelligent sportiness.
Powerful battery systems from Braunschweig: Volkswagen Group Components fires up the next production stage
The Volkswagen Group Components plant in Braunschweig is significantly expanding its production of battery systems for the latest electric vehicle generation. Following the first expansion stage with a maximum capacity of 250,000 battery systems, the second expansion stage has started up with the same capacity. This means that once the site is fully ramped up it will now be able to fit up to 500,000 batteries a year for models based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) ‒ in this case for the fully electric Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4, as well as the ŠKODA ENYAQ iV, which should soon be quietly and powerfully cruising the streets of Europe with a battery heart from Braunschweig. In addition to that, up to 100,000 battery systems for the beloved models e-up!, SEAT Mii electric, ŠKODA Citigoe iV and as well as for hybrid vehicles such as the Volkswagen Golf GTE.
New arrival at Volkswagen: the Taigo is on its way!
The new Taigo is raring to go! Ahead of the model’s official European première, Volkswagen has revealed the name of its upcoming crossover model. The Taigo is a new addition to Volkswagen’s range of SUVs in the small vehicle segment. It impresses with a dynamic and emotional design. The new model also comes with a multitude of assistance systems and state-of-the-art connectivity.
Share of renewable energies in power supply to plants increases significantly
The Volkswagen Group made significant progress in supplying its plants with electricity from renewable sources in 2020. The share of renewable electricity purchased rose from 80 to 95 percent at EU production sites within a year. At the other global sites outside China, there was a similarly strong increase from 76 percent to 91 percent. By 2023, all EU sites are to be supplied with 100 percent electricity from renewable sources. By 2030, the same target is planned for all global sites outside China.
Volkswagen delivers first ID.4 in Germany
Today, the first customers in Germany collected their fully electric Volkswagen ID.4 vehicles. The cars were handed over simultaneously in the delivery centers at the Transparent Factory in Dresden and the Autostadt in Wolfsburg. Thousands of other customers are due to follow, with the company planning to deliver around 150,000 ID.4 vehicles worldwide this year. By the end of February, 23,500 orders had already been received for this model across Europe – despite the fact that many car dealers were closed and ahead of the actual market launch in Germany.
Volkswagen’s Supervisory Board asserts claims for damages against Prof. Martin Winterkorn and Rupert Stadler
The Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG has drawn a line under its clarification process and ended its investigation started in October 2015 into the causes of the diesel crisis and who was responsible for this. As a result, the Supervisory Board decided at its meeting today to assert claims for damages against the former Chairman of the Group Board of Management, Prof. Martin Winterkorn, and the former Group Board of Management member and Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, Rupert Stadler, on account of breaches of the duty of care under stock corporation law. No breaches of duty by other members of the Group Board of Management were identified.
Brose and Volkswagen AG sign joint venture agreement
The Brose Group and Volkswagen AG have signed an agreement to establish a joint venture that will develop and manufacture complete seats, seat structures and components along with solutions for the vehicle interior. Brose will acquire half of Volkswagen subsidiary SITECH. Brose and Volkswagen will each hold a 50 percent share of the planned joint venture. The parties have agreed that Brose will take over the industrial leadership and consolidate the joint venture for accounting purposes. The transaction is still pending antitrust law approvals and other standard closing conditions.
New Chief Strategy Officer at Volkswagen
Andreas Walingen, currently head of Group Product Strategy, will become Chief Strategy Officer of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand effective May 1, 2021. In this function, he succeeds Michael Jost, who is leaving the Volkswagen Group to devote time to his own projects. In addition to leading Group Strategy Product, Michael Jost also holds the position of Chief Strategy Officer of the Volkswagen brand.
Change at the helm of Strategy and General Secretariat
Gernot Döllner, previously head of Product and Concept at Porsche AG, will become head of Group Strategy, Group Strategy Product and of the General Secretariat of Volkswagen AG effective May 1. In these functions, he will report directly to Herbert Diess, Chief Executive Officer of the Volkswagen Group. Gernot Döllner replaces Jürgen Rittersberger, who – as reported earlier – will become member of the Board of Management of Audi AG responsible for Finance and Legal Affairs in April. As head of Group Strategy Product, Gernot Döllner will succeed Michael Jost, who is leaving the company at his own request to devote time to his own projects.
Performance of new Golf R sets new standards
The new Golf R, which has been on the market since the start of the year, outperforms all previous Golf R models, boasting 235 kW / 320 PS and a torque of 420 newton metres. To make sure that the power is brought to the road as effectively as possible, Volkswagen’s engineers have developed a new 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring on the rear axle. It forms the basis for the improved vehicle handling of the Golf R, which is setting the standard in its vehicle class.
European CEO Alliance advocates for ambitious climate strategy
100 billion euros of investment to decarbonize their companies by 2030, a gradual introduction of a cross-sector CO2 price and ambitious phase-out dates for coal: These are some of the key points of ten top managers from the energy, transport and technology industries issued in a joint position paper. Thereby, the leading European CEOs are calling for far-reaching climate protection measures at the occasion of the seventh international climate strike on Friday, March 19, 2021.
Volkswagen lays the foundations for success in 2021
Volkswagen again invested heavily in future technologies in 2020, spending a total of EUR 2.7 billion during a year overshadowed by Covid-19. The brand is thus laying the foundations for getting its new ACCELERATE strategy off to a successful start. The first milestones will be achieved this year. Volkswagen anticipates a big e-mobility push, with over 450,000 electric vehicles being delivered to customers in 2021, more than double the 2020 figure. Digitalization is being continuously driven forward and Volkswagen will reach the first customers with its business model 2.0 by the summer: testing with subscription models and optional additional functions on demand will begin in six German cities. The brand also expects this to generate hundreds of millions of euros in revenue over the coming years. Online vehicle sales will also start in the summer.
Volkswagen Group set to use platform model for issues of the future
The Volkswagen Group is stepping up the pace of its transformation into the leading provider of individual mobility in the electric and fully connected age. To this end, the Group will systematically enhance its successful platform strategy. In future, vehicles and services of all Group brands are to be based on largely standardized technical foundations. The Group’s new platform roadmap has four elements: Hardware, software, batteries and charging, as well as mobility services. This is how the Volkswagen Group will reduce complexity, leverage economies of scale and synergies between brands, and generally accelerate the Group’s transformation, which has already begun. In order to secure the investments in future technologies, the Group will continue to focus its core business and strengthen its financial foundation.
Power Day: Volkswagen presents technology roadmap for batteries and charging up to 2030
The Volkswagen Group presented its technology roadmap for batteries and charging up to 2030 today on its first Power Day. The goal of the roadmap is to significantly reduce the complexity and cost of the battery in order to make the electric car attractive and viable for as many people as possible. At the same time, the Group is aiming to secure the supply of battery cells beyond 2025. In Europe alone, six gigafactories with a total production capacity of 240 GWh are to be established by the end of the decade. Volkswagen is also vigorously pursuing expansion of the public fast-charging network globally. With this in mind, cooperations have been agreed in Europe with the energy companies BP (Great Britain), Iberdrola (Spain) and Enel (Italy).
Volkswagen drives forward its transformation
Management and the works council have drawn up a set of guidelines specifying additional components for driving forward the Group’s transformation in the current fiscal year. The measures agreed will make an important contribution to disciplined cost management, the key drivers being freezing the size of the workforce at the January 2021 level and an extensive retirement package. It was also decided to open up partial retirement to employees born in 1964 as announced as part of the digital transformation roadmap, to reopen partial retirement for the 1961 and 1962 birth cohorts, and to additionally launch an early retirement program for the 1956 to 1960 birth cohorts.
Project Trinity: With high range, extremely short charging times and revolutionary production, the sedan will launch in 2026
Volkswagen is giving a first design preview of Project Trinity: The electrically powered sedan is to be built in Wolfsburg from 2026 and will set new standards in terms of range, charging speed and digitization – and will be able to drive highly automated according to Level 4.
Volkswagen is accelerating transformation into software-driven mobility provider
Volkswagen is accelerating its transformation into a software-driven mobility provider. By rolling out the ACCELERATE strategy that it has just unveiled, the company will systematically prepare for the profound changes in the automotive industry in good time. Just as Volkswagen resolutely led the way with its global electric offensive, now it is also accelerating the other big issues of the future: integration of software into the vehicle and the digital customer experience will become crucial core competencies. In implementing data-based business models, the company is seeking to attract new groups of customers and tap additional sources of income. Volkswagen also will make autonomous driving available to many people before the end of the decade. “E-mobility was just the beginning: the real disruption has yet to come. With our strategy we will ACCELERATE towards the digital future,” said Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of Volkswagen. “In the coming years, we will change Volkswagen as never before.”
Volkswagen strives for digital leadership – the ID. Family will be launched with regular “Over-the-Air“ updates in 2021
Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 models in Europe can now receive new functions and in-depth technical updates via W-LAN or mobile network.The customer's vehicle always remains at the cutting edge of digital developments with the so-called "Over-the-Air" updates. The software version ID.2.1, which establishes the technical prerequisites for "Over-the-Air" updates, is automatically included with all new ID. models produced since calendar week 8.
Dr. Arno Antlitz succeeds Frank Witter as Group CFO from April 1, 2021
Dr. Arno Antlitz, currently member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Finance and Legal Affairs, is to succeed Frank Witter as the Group Board of Management member responsible for Finance at the earlier date of April 1, 2021. The Supervisory Board already announced the change last December. As is known, Witter’s contract expires at his own request at the end of June 2021, an earlier changeover was already intended in December. Witter will continue to serve the company in an advisory capacity until then to ensure the best possible transition. He will present the Group’s annual financial statements at the Annual Media Conference.
Data-driven innovations to combat climate change: Volkswagen and Microsoft Deutschland choose the most innovative sustainability project
The 10toGO thinkathon hosted by Volkswagen AG and Microsoft Deutschland has been won by the Pina team from Munich, which will receive funding of €100,000 for its sustainable forestry project. Microsoft and Volkswagen will also support the project with digital infrastructure and expert advice. As part of their joint 10toGO initiative, Volkswagen AG and Microsoft Deutschland aim to provide help in kick-starting sustainable, data-driven innovations that address selected areas of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles moves ahead with Autonomous Driving R&D for Mobility as a Service
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) is consistently and rapidly advancing the development and implementation of autonomous driving. “With the confirmation of the group’s supervisory board for our Autonomous Driving R&D program, we are setting the course for the future of mobility. Autonomous, electric driving will make an important contribution to urban mobility and road safety. Our vehicles are the logical first choice to apply such systems to", explains Carsten Intra, CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, after today's Supervisory Board meeting of the Volkswagen Group.
Celebrating the birthday of an icon: Volkswagen launches the exclusive Golf GTI Clubsport 45 onto the market
In the summer of 1976, Volkswagen launched a distinctively sporty Golf onto the market: the GTI. At that time no one at Volkswagen had any idea that the Golf GTI would eventually become the world’s most successful compact sports car. But that is exactly what happened – from production of the 5,000 vehicles that were originally planned to well in excess of 2.3 million today. Now Volkswagen is marking the 45th birthday of this iconic car with an anniversary model: the Golf GTI Clubsport 45 – an exclusive edition of the 221 kW/300 PS Golf GTI Clubsport. Extensive individualisation makes the Clubsport 45 a ready-made collector’s item, even as new. First presales will begin in selected European countries on 1 March. Price in Germany: from 47,790 euros.
Volkswagen Group closes 2020 stronger than expected and accelerates transformation
The Volkswagen Group closed fiscal year 2020 stronger than expected despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Important strategic steps accelerated the Group’s transformation into a tech company at the same time. The Group’s effective crisis management, the rapid recovery of its largest single market China and particularly the more stable premium and financial services business were key to the strong performance and successful containment of the pandemic effects. Sales revenue amounted to EUR 222.9 billion (–11.8 percent), outperforming sales volumes (–16.4 percent). Operating profit before special items (diesel) reached a solid level of EUR 10.6 billion (–45.0 percent) despite the pandemic. The operating return on sales before special items stood at 4.8 (7.6) percent. The robust business model and rigorous working capital management produced a strong net cash flow of EUR 6.4 billion (–41.3 percent) in the Automotive Division. The net liquidity of the Automotive Division could be lifted by 25.9 percent to a very solid EUR 26.8 billion. The Board of Management and Supervisory Board are proposing an unchanged dividend of EUR 4.80 per ordinary share and EUR 4.86 per preferred share. This would take the payout ratio of 29.0 percent close to the strategic target level of 30 percent. Earnings per ordinary share were EUR 16.60 (26.60) and earnings per preferred share were EUR 16.66 (26.66).
New app for the current Golf: Football fans can always stay on the ball with “We Score”
Wouldn’t it be great to never again miss a goal scored by your beloved football team – even when you’re driving? This dream scenario for many football fans is now a reality in all new Golf from the 2020 model year onwards: The free “We Score” app delivers live football updates into the vehicle’s cockpit! Users can pre-set three clubs and one national team, and follow their favourites in all competitions. Along with live scores – which football fans will recognise from smartphone apps – standings and football news are also displayed in the app. All this information can also be read out using the “text-to-speech” function.
Volkswagen Group is officially reinstated as a participant of the UN Global Compact
The UN Global Compact has confirmed the reinstatement of the Volkswagen Group as a participant. After a five-year break, the Group thereby returns to the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. The main grounds for this decision was the Volkswagen Group’s completely rebuilt compliance and integrity policy as a result of the successfully concluded monitorship supervised by the US Department of Justice. The Group’s ambitious climate protection program was also welcomed positively. By 2025, the Volkswagen Group plans to cut its CO2 emissions over the life cycle of its passenger car portfolio by 30 percent compared to 2015 and aims to be climate-neutral by 2050. In 2016 Volkswagen also appointed an independent Sustainability Council.
Volkswagen Group teams up with Microsoft to accelerate the development of automated driving
Volkswagen Group further strengthens its capabilities in the development of automated driving (AD) solutions. The Group’s software company Car.Software Organisation will collaborate with Microsoft to build a cloud-based Automated Driving Platform (ADP) on Microsoft Azure and leverage its compute and data capabilities to deliver automated driving experiences even faster at global scale. With ADP running on Azure, Car.Software Organisation will increase the efficiency of the development of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and AD functions for passenger cars across Volkswagen Group brands. Volkswagen and Microsoft have been strategic partners on the Volkswagen Automotive Cloud since 2018, which will span all of Volkswagen's future digital services and mobility offerings.
Even more boost for the Volkswagen electric offensive: World car ID.4 now on the way to the world markets
Volkswagen’s electric offensive continues to gain momentum: Following the presales of the special edition ID.4 1ST that have already taken place, presales of additional ID.4 models will now also start by mid-February in around 30 European countries including Germany, as well as in the USA. Deliveries to customers are to begin as soon as March in in the European, Chinese and US markets.
ID.3 starts series production: The Transparent Factory in Dresden to become the home of the Volkswagen ID.
The Transparent Factory in Dresden began series production of the fully electric ID.3 today. This makes it the second production site for the ID.3 and already the fourth site in the world producing Volkswagen models based on the Modular Electric Drive Toolkit (MEB). At the same time, Volkswagen is opening a new chapter in the Saxon capital: Over the coming years, the former “Center of Future Mobility” will steadily transform into the “Home of the ID.”
Transforming old into new: Volkswagen Group Components commences battery recycling
Today, Volkswagen Group Components opened the Group’s first plant for recycling electric car batteries in Salzgitter. As pilot operation commences, the Volkswagen Group takes another committed step towards sustainable end-to-end responsibility for the entire value chain of the electric vehicle battery. The aim is the industrialised recovery of valuable raw materials such as lithium, nickel, manganese and cobalt in a closed loop together with aluminium, copper and plastics, achieving a recycling rate of more than 90% over the long term.
Volkswagen remembers the victims of the Holocaust
Today, on the occasion of Holocaust Remembrance Day, Volkswagen remembered the victims of National Socialism with a silent wreath-laying ceremony at its Wolfsburg plant. In view of the current situation and in accordance with the appropriate rules, CEO Herbert Diess, HR Board Member Gunnar Kilian, Plant Manager Rainer Fessel and Works Council Coordinator Ulf Günther laid a wreath at the memorial stone on Südstraße at the Wolfsburg plant on behalf of the workforce.
United against antisemitism and racism: Five German companies send a strong signal ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Borussia Dortmund, Daimler, Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bank and Volkswagen together with the Freundeskreis Yad Vashem e.V. announced a joint declaration against antisemitism and racism during an online commemoration event.
Volkswagen AG announces preliminary figures for the business year 2020
Despite the ongoing unprecedented Covid 19 situation, the Volkswagen AG has proved to be quite robust in the second half of 2020. The deliveries to customers of the Volkswagen Group continued to recover strongly in the fourth quarter and even exceeded the deliveries of the third quarter 2020, leading to strong Group turnover. Also the reported Automotive net cash position showed a very positive development.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars over-fulfils European CO2 fleet targets for 2020
Based on preliminary figures, Volkswagen Passenger Cars has exceeded the ambitious European CO2 fleet targets for 2020 and produced around six million grams fewer CO2 than required by law. The passenger car fleet of new vehicles in the European Union achieved average CO2 emissions of 92g/km – the legal CO2 target for the brand was 97g/km. As a result, CO2 emissions fell by 22 percent compared to the previous year.
(Updated on 04/22/2021) E-offensive gains traction: Volkswagen Group significantly reduces CO2 fleet average in the EU
Wolfsburg, January 21, 2021 – The Volkswagen Group’s e-offensive is gaining traction: deliveries of electric models in the EU including the UK, Norway and Iceland increased more than fourfold in the year now ended to a total of 315,400 electric vehicles (2019: 72,600). The proportion of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in-hybrids (PHEVs) in the total deliveries rose to 9.7 percent (2019: 1.7 percent). The Volkswagen Group is thus the clear market leader in the all-electric segment in Western Europe, accounting for a share of around 25 percent (2019: 14 percent). The main drivers of this development were the Volkswagen Passenger Cars and Audi brands, which overfulfilled their CO2 fleet targets largely due to the successful start-up of their ID.3 and e-tron electric models. Based on preliminary figures, the Volkswagen Group thus reduced the average CO2 emissions of its new passenger car fleet in the EU by around 20 percent compared with 2019 to 99.9 g/km in 2020. The emissions of Bentley and Lamborghini are measured individually, which is why they are not included in this figure. In anticipation of narrowly missing the target for the CO2 pool established jointly with other manufacturers by around 0.8 g/km, the Group had recognized provisions at an early stage to avoid any impact on fourth-quarter earnings.
Volkswagen Group strengthens quality assurance – Frank Welsch to lead the new unit
The Volkswagen Group has strengthened and simultaneously reorganized its quality assurance. To this end, Frank Welsch will become the new Head of Group Quality Management and Strategy as of February 1. In this function, he will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the Volkswagen Group, Herbert Diess. Thomas Ulbrich will succeed Welsch as Chief Development Officer of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.
New member of the Board of Management for Development at Volkswagen Passenger Cars
Thomas Ulbrich, member of the Board of Management for Mobility at Volkswagen Passenger Cars, is to become member of the Board of Management for Development as of February 1. He will succeed Frank Welsch in this role, who is taking over as Head of the realigned Group Quality Assurance. Following the successful market entry of the first MEB-based vehicles, the tasks of the board-level management function for electric mobility managed by Thomas Ulbrich will be transferred back to the areas of responsibility of the respective divisions.
Volkswagen Group strengthens market position in 2020 and hits the ground running in e-offensive
The Volkswagen Group handed over 9,305,400 vehicles to customers worldwide in 2020, a decrease of 15.2 percent year-on-year due to Covid-19. In December, deliveries were down just 3.2 percent on the same month of the previous year, while in the fourth quarter they declined by a total of 5.7 percent. This meant that the Group slightly expanded its global passenger car market share in 2020 amid a declining overall market. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the Group’s e-offensive with a large number of new models met with keen in-terest from customers in the year now ended and resulted in deliveries of approximately 231,600 all-electric vehicles, more than three times the volumes delivered in 2019. Plug-in hybrids were also very popular with customers, who purchased 190,500 units (+175 per-cent). In Western Europe, the share of electric vehicles therefore surged to 10.5 percent of overall deliveries (2019: 1.9 percent).
Volkswagen brand triples deliveries of all-electric vehicles in 2020
Volkswagen Passenger Cars has hit the ground running in the transition to electric mobility. “2020 was a turning point for Volkswagen and marked a breakthrough in electric mobility,” said Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars. Last year, the brand delivered more electric vehicles worldwide than ever before, handing over more than 212,000 electric cars in total (+158 percent versus 2019), including nearly 134,000 battery electric vehicles (+197 percent versus 2019). “We are well on track to achieve our aim of becoming the market leader in battery electric vehicles,” Brandstätter continued. “More than any other company, we stand for attractive and affordable e-mobility.”
The Golf once again the favorite car of Germans and Europeans in 2020
It’s full speed ahead for the icon of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, the Golf, since all eight derivatives were made available in the fall of 2020. Last year it was once again the top-selling car in Europe with around 312,000 deliveries The Wolfsburg figurehead was once again the top-selling car in Germany last year, too, with around 133,900 deliveries to customers. “In 2020 the Golf is still exactly where it belongs,” says Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.
Volkswagen AG donates €10 million for European environmental projects under agreement with European Investment Bank
Volkswagen AG is donating €10 million for European sustainability projects under an agreement entered into with the European Investment Bank (EIB). A decisive criterion in the selection of the projects was their proven experience in major environmental protection measures. The future of sustainable mobility was a further key factor.
Elke Temme to boost Volkswagen Group Components team
On 1 January 2021, Elke Temme took on the management of the newly-created Charging & Energy business area at Volkswagen Group Components. This area's responsibilities will include pooling and managing existing Group activities in the fields of energy, charging services, charging equipment and charging infrastructure across all the brands. “With Elke Temme, we have won a proven expert in the fields of energy and charging for our company. With her many years of experience and outstanding expertise she will quickly charge up the new business field and thus make a considerable contribution towards moving not only Group Components, but also the whole Group forwards in the field of electric mobility ”, said Thomas Schmall, member of the Volkswagen AG Board of Management and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components.
Volkswagen significantly expands charging infrastructure
The Volkswagen brand is significantly expanding the charging infrastructure at its German sites. Some 750 new charging points are planned for next year, including the first High Power Charging stations with up to 300 kW power. Some 2,000 charging points in total are expected to be in operation by the end of 2021 – over 50 percent more than at present. Currently, there are already more than 1,200 charging points at Volkswagen’s ten sites in Germany. A large share are publicly accessible and can also be used by EV drivers who do not work for Volkswagen. The biggest charging park with some 500 charging points is located in Wolfsburg. Further parks have been installed in Hanover, Brunswick, Salzgitter, Kassel, Emden, Osnabrück, Zwickau, Chemnitz and Dresden. In the last twelve months alone, Volkswagen recorded over 50,000 charging operations at its sites in spite of corona. The power comes exclusively from renewable energy sources.
Initial contact: The mobile charging robot – Presenting a vision
Volkswagen Group Components gives us a first glimpse of the prototypes of its mobile charging robot. This is one of the visionary charging concepts that Volkswagen hopes will expand the charging infrastructure over the next few years. Its task: fully autonomous charging of vehicles in restricted parking areas, like underground car parks. “A ubiquitous charging infrastructure is and remains a key factor in the success of electric mobility. Our charging robot is just one of several approaches, but is undoubtedly one of the most visionary,” explains Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Components’ CEO.
Phasing out the e-Golf: Volkswagen prepares to launch the ID.3 at the Transparent Factory in Dresden
The Volkswagen e-Golf is history: Today the last vehicle rolls off the production line at the Transparent Factory in Dresden. With the e-Golf in Uranogrey, a total of 50,401 vehicles have been manufactured in Dresden since March 2017. At the beginning of the new year 2021, the production area of the Transparent Factory will be reconstructed for three weeks before the first ID.3 series vehicles roll off the assembly lines in Dresden at the end of January.
75 years ago in Wolfsburg: Start of series production of the Volkswagen Beetle
On December 27, 1945 the serial production of the Volkswagen Limousine (Type 1) got started. This was the real beginning of the success story of the Volkswagen. The model had originally been planned as a prestige project of the National Socialists. But from 1939 onwards the Wolfsburg plant had produced armaments instead of vehicles. Up to the end of World War II, only 630 units of the model, which had been renamed “KdF-Wagen” in 1938, left the Volkswagen plant. It was only under British trusteeship that the unique success story of the VW Beetle began at Wolfsburg thanks to the strategic vision of Major Ivan Hirst.
Rapid recovery of automobile markets leads to semiconductor bottleneck: Volkswagen Group has to adjust production
The massive semiconductor supply bottleneck is causing considerable disturbances for manufacturers throughout global vehicle production. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the ensuing sales slump in the automotive industry, leading semiconductor manufac-turers had reassigned their production capacities to other customer sectors such as consum-er electronics. However, automobile markets have now recovered significantly and the in-dustry, including the Volkswagen Group, faces a shortage of the electronic components required.
Beetles in boxes: 70 years of CKD car exports by Volkswagen
Since 1950, the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand has been exporting vehicles dismantled into individual parts in order to assemble them in the destination country. This approach is referred to as “completely knocked down” (CKD). Initially, the approach was to open up new markets; nowadays, CKD also ensures supplies to Volkswagen’s global production network – and is a key factor in sales. To date, about 200 million vehicles have been exported to countries throughout the world. About 3 million further vehicles or parts are added every year. The first vehicle to be assembled from individual parts supplied in a box was the legendary Beetle.
From the luxury class to the compact segment: the augmented reality head-up display
With the new augmented reality head-up display, Volkswagen is merging the virtual and real worlds. The innovative system superimposes selected symbols onto the outside world and displays them dynamically. Volkswagen is the first car manufacturer in the world to introduce this technology in the compact segment, and is therefore making it affordable for many customers. The new convenience function will be introduced first in the all-electric ID.3 and ID.4 models.
Best-selling SUV now available as a plug-in hybrid: the new Tiguan eHybrid is now available to order
Volkswagen has kick-started an unprecedented electric mobility offensive and is currently launching numerous new electric and hybrid models. From now on, an electrified variant of the best-selling Tiguan is also available as part of this product offensive. An electric motor on board the new Tiguan eHybrid allows most everyday trips to be covered without generating any local emissions. Electric range: up to 50 km (WLTP). The Tiguan eHybrid is now available to configure and order. Price in Germany: starting at 42,413.11 euros.
Volkswagen Supervisory Board agrees on management positions and reorganisation of Group Board – stronger focus on costs planned
During its meeting today, the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG dealt extensively with the Together 2025+ strategy and, in connection with this, a realignment of personnel. The Board unanimously resolved to give its full support to the strategy, in particular the orientation of the company towards electromobility and digitalisation. This results in the following realignment of personnel resolved by the Supervisory Board:
Clean and cultivated: the 2.0 TDI engine with new Euro 6d emission standard
Clean and smooth-running – the 2.0 TDI, Volkswagen’s most important diesel engine is now in new top form. Thanks to sophisticated twin dosing technology in the exhaust gas system, it undercuts the Euro 6d emission standard limits while also running quietly and smoothly.
Production failure of supplier due to corona: Volkswagen has to cut back production at main
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand is cutting back production in some areas at the Wolfsburg plant from next Monday (night shift). Component supply sections of the Volkswagen Group Components plant at Brunswick are also affected.
Pilot phase for innovative DC wallbox has started
The Volkswagen Group Components brand develops innovations for the electric mobility of today, tomorrow and beyond. One focus is on innovative charging concepts. Following flexible charging stations and mobile charging robots, the company now presents its newest product: the innovative DC wallbox, which charges up to 22 kW. Currently, real operation will be starting at five sites as part of a pilot phase. The goal is to gather practical experience in order to develop the DC wallbox quickly in the direction of series production.
Arteon and Arteon R Shooting Brake: presales of the new performance models now underway
The Arteon and Arteon Shooting Brake are the sporty avant-garde models among company and touring cars. In the product line revamped in autumn 2020, Volkswagen is now starting presales of the flagship models: the Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake with a powerful and efficient 235 kW (320 PS) four-cylinder turbocharged engine (TSI). This high power is transferred to the four wheels by a new all-wheel drive system: 4MOTION with R-Performance Torque Vectoring. The fastback version with its coupé-style rear end costs 61.484,87 euros in Germany; prices for the Shooting Brake as a dynamic reinterpretation of the estate car start from 62,347,56 euros.
Brake or coast? The ID.4’s intelligent energy recuperation concept
Brake energy recuperation, in other words energy recovery when decelerating, greatly boosts the range of any electric vehicle. In the new Volkswagen ID.4, this follows a concept aimed at maximum efficiency.
The compact all-rounder: TSI evo engine with a capacity of 1.0 and 1.5 litres
It is THE petrol engine at Volkswagen: the TSI evo with a capacity of 1.0 and 1.5 litres is available for almost all product lines from the up! GTI to Passat, from T-Cross to Tiguan. Whether with three or four cylinders – a package full of high-tech solutions makes the engine both efficient and powerful.
Volkswagen inaugurates R&D center for e-mobility in China
Anhui province is to be transformed into a new center of competence and e-mobility hub for the Volkswagen Group in China. As a first step, today saw the inauguration of a new Research & Development center at the company’s facilities in Hefei. At the same time, the joint venture JAC Volkswagen was renamed as Volkswagen (Anhui) Automotive Company Limited. With a 75 percent stake in the joint venture, Volkswagen takes over management control at Volkswagen (Anhui). The company’s future products will be based on the Group’s Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB), with plans for a step-by-step expansion of local R&D competence in the localization of MEB-based derivatives, and the aim of capitalizing on global synergies. The first vehicle is expected to roll off the Anhui production line in 2023.
Change at the helm of Group Communications: Nicole Mommsen succeeds Peik v. Bestenbostel
Nicole Mommsen is to be the new Head of Global Group Communications at Volkswagen. In her future function, she will be responsible for the entire communications of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft and will report to CEO Herbert Diess. Nicole Mommsen succeeds Peik v. Bestenbostel, who will hand over this function with effect from January 1, 2021 and leave the company as part of a planned retirement arrangement. Nicole Mommsen joined Volkswagen from Goldman Sachs this August and has since headed Corporate Communica-tions.
Across Germany: endurance test with ID.3 covering 28,198 kilometres between Oberstdorf and Sylt
“If you’re open-minded, you can have plenty of fun with an electric car like the ID.3,” Rainer Zietlow says. And he should know because Zietlow, originally from Mannheim, and his companion Dominic Brüner from Hannover spent 65 days travelling the length and breadth of Germany to test the long-distance capabilities of the new Volkswagen model as well as the charging infrastructure across Germany. Despite the restrictions in place due to the pandemic and after having covered 28,198 kilometres, the team reached its destination on Sylt today as scheduled, marking the end of the marathon test drive (www.ID3-deutschlandtour.com). In the process, the team also set the world record for the “longest continuous EV drive through a single country”.
Pooling strengths for the electric offensive: Integration of Volkswagen Motorsport GmbH in Volkswagen AG
The Volkswagen brand is pooling strengths for the transformation to the mobile electric era. The brand is terminating its motorsport activities as part of the company’s realignment and further focusing. The Volkswagen Motorsport GmbH workforce will be integrated in Volkswagen AG.
Volkswagen Group commences climate-friendly MEB production at Foshan and Anting plants
Volkswagen Group has entered a new era of e-mobility in China with the premiere just three weeks ago of the first two China-specific models from the completely new, electric-only ID. family – FAW-Volkswagen’s ID.4 CROZZ and SAIC VOLKSWAGEN’s ID.4 X – built on the innovative MEB platform. With market entry in early 2021, production of these two models has already started at MEB facilities in Foshan and Anting, which together have a combined total planned annual capacity of 600,000 units. This will enable the Group to increase the share of electric vehicles in its product portfolio to 35% by 2025. By 2023, Volkswagen will offer eight models of the ID. Family in China, the world’s largest NEV market which plays a crucial role in the Group’s global e-mobility strategy.
Volkswagen commissions green battery logistics system for ID.3 and ID.4
The Volkswagen Group is making battery shipment for its ID.3 and ID.4 electric vehicles even more environmentally compatible and efficient. At the Zwickau plant today, the final link in a green logistics chain extending from Poland via Brunswick to the plant in Saxony was commissioned. This is a fully automated system for unloading batteries from incoming trains. The system will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by some 11,000 tonnes per year, corresponding to the CO2 emissions of a medium-sized village with about 1,000 inhabitants. “With this green and efficient logistics chain, we are making a key contribution to reducing emissions within the Group and to the delivery of the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 with a neutral carbon balance,” says Thomas Zernechel, Head of Volkswagen Group Logistics.
Volkswagen Group Components delivers essential components for Volkswagen’s ID.4
Volkswagen Group Components is the central supplier for the first models of the new Volkswagen ID. family and numerous other Group brand models based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB). Volkswagen Group Components contributes around 40% of the overall added value of the first fully electric SUV by the Volkswagen brand, the world e-car ID.4. That’s around 10 percentage points more than a comparable model with conventional drive.
Zero local emissions: Arteon and Arteon Shooting Brake available with plug-in hybrid drive from 26 November
Volkswagen’s hybrid offensive is gaining even more momentum: the new Arteon and Arteon Shooting Brake are already available as plug-in hybrid models. Prices in Germany start from EUR 51,064.37 for the Arteon eHybrid with a hatchback and from EUR 51,927.06 for the Arteon Shooting Brake eHybrid. The avant-garde Volkswagen models impress in the business class segment with their own unique style and a high level of efficiency. Thanks to electric ranges of up to 59 kilometres (hatchback) and 57 kilometres (Shooting Brake), their drivers can achieve zero local emissions for the majority of their day-to-day trips.
Fuel from waste: Volkswagen powers car freighters with used oil from restaurants
The Volkswagen Group continues to force the pace of climate protection: in future, Volkswagen Group Logistics will be using certified fuel from vegetable residues for certain new car shipments via marine routes. The fuel is produced from materials such as used oil from restaurants and the food industry. The first car freighter was re-fuelled for the first time with this oil in mid-November 2020 and a second ship is due to follow at the beginning of 2021. “We are the first automaker to make widespread use of this fuel. This way, we reuse waste oil in an environmentally compatible way. With 85 percent lower CO2 emissions than with conventional fossil fuels, the contribution to climate protection is enormous,” says Thomas Zernechel, Head of Volkswagen Group Logistics.
Powerful 320 PS Performance version of the successful SUV: new Tiguan R now available to order
Volkswagen is launching the most powerful Tiguan to date: the Tiguan R. With a power output of 235 kW (320 PS), the SUV accelerates to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. Featuring a newly developed all-wheel drive system, the Volkswagen with a top speed of 250 km/h fascinates with outstandingly agile and confident handling. The new Tiguan R combines the dynamic performance of a sports car with the variability of a Sport Utility Vehicle. It is now available to order. Price in Germany: 56,703.53 euros.
Well-balanced and sporty at the same time – the new ID.4 chassis
Nimble in the city, agile on country roads, relaxed on the highway: the new ID.4 from Volkswagen is an all-rounder that is effortless and easy to drive. Volkswagen has invested a great deal of know-how in the chassis of the E-SUV – in the mechanical components and the electronic control system.
Volkswagen engages in improving working conditions in artisanal cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo
As a responsible company, Volkswagen is actively engaging in improving artisanal cobalt mining conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo as well as the living conditions for people in the surrounding communities. Cobalt is an important raw material for the production of electric vehicle batteries. Artisanal mining involves risks to the environment and people. Volkswagen has joined the “Cobalt for Development” initiative and is thus supporting efforts to minimize these risks.
Charismatic all-rounder with all-wheel drive: new Golf Alltrack now available to order
The Golf Alltrack is a crossover of Golf Variant and SUV. A new generation of the all-wheel-drive all-rounder is now being launched. It is based on the eighth, completely new Golf generation. Traction is delivered by most powerful turbocharged diesel engine (TDI) ever used in a Golf with an output of 147 kW (200 PS). The rugged all-terrain equipment includes unique bumpers, wheel arch extensions and side sills, engine skid plate as well as increased ground clearance. Including navigation system, prices in Germany start from 39,337,64 euros.
Production of electric drives begins in China
Volkswagen Group Components reinforces its position as a key supplier of central electric vehicle components for the brands and joint ventures of the Volkswagen Group in the most important market for electric mobility. With immediate effect, the Chinese components factory in Tianjin will be producing the APP 310 drive on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB). This component will be used in the Volkswagen ID.4 variants produced by the joint venture partners FAW (ID.4 CROZZ) and SAIC (ID.4 X). The Group’s future MEB models for China will also be supplied locally. The main factory for electric drives at Volkswagen Group Components in Kassel produces the APP 310 motor for current and future MEB models in Europe and North America.
Volkswagen Group raises investments in future technologies to EUR 73 billion
The Volkswagen Group is pressing ahead with its transformation into a digital mobility company. As decided in Planning Round 69, the Group will spend around EUR 73 billion on electrification, hybrid powertrains and digital technology over the next five years. This was announced following today’s Supervisory Board meeting. Investments in Capex and R&D for future technologies will be raised to 50 percent from 40 percent of the Group’s total investments of around EUR 150 billion. Investments in digitalization will double to EUR 27 billion by mid-decade, reflecting the Group’s strong focus on building up software capabilities. Approximately EUR 35 billion will be spent on battery-electric vehicles. A further approximately EUR 11 billion has been earmarked for the development of hybrid vehicles of existing models.
Car and smartphone merge into one: Touareg now parks by remote control
The Touareg now drives into and out of parking spaces fully automatically. Virtually by remote control – from outside the vehicle using a smartphone. With the new Park Assist with remote control assist system. The typical situation: a multi-storey car park at the airport, for example. Just before the flight is due to leave. Narrow parking spaces. And that means stopping the car in the driving lane, unloading the luggage from the luggage compartment, getting in again, manoeuvring the car into the tight space, and finally squeezing yourself out of the car. Stress. Park Assist with remote control now takes over this job in the Touareg. With no stress at all.
Fully electric, it just doesn't give up: positive half-time scorecard for the ID.3 Germany tour
How does a modern electric vehicle perform on long road trips? The record-setting driver from Mannheim, Rainer Zietlow, and his co-driver Dominic Brüner are now carrying out the road test on a two-month trip through Germany. They are testing the long-distance qualities of the new Volkswagen ID.3 as well as the country’s infrastructure on their marathon trip (www.id3-deutschlandtour.com). The two are driving a pre-production model of the ID.3 Pro S with a 77 kWh net battery capacity. The battery offers a range of up to 549 km in a WLTP cycle and will be brought to market in spring 2021. After more than 14,000 kilometres driven, the half-time scorecard paints a very positive picture: the maximum charging capacity of 125 kilowatts can be used from most of the more than 350 fast charging stations tested to date, offered by a variety of providers. Volkswagen’s We Charge payment system provides cross-brand access.
The new Golf R gets off to a flying start: world premiere of the most powerful series-production Golf of all times
Volkswagen is celebrating the world premiere of the new Golf R today. In Europe, pre-sales of the Golf flagship generating 235 kW (320 PS) already start tomorrow, Thursday, 5 November. The Golf R is traditionally the most powerful model of Volkswagen’s most successful product line of all times. Always with all-wheel drive, always highly dynamic, always with particularly exclusive design and equipment, always a technological benchmark of its class – the Golf class. And it’s no different this time round: the Golf R will be the first Volkswagen to launch with a new all-wheel drive system before the end of this year: 4MOTION with R-Performance Torque Vectoring. This intelligently networked system enables a new dimension of driving dynamics.
Volkswagen Group and Greece to create model island for climate-neutral mobility
The Volkswagen Group and Greece have agreed to establish a groundbreaking mobility system on the Mediterranean island of Astypalea. To that end, the current transport system on the island will transition to electric vehicles and renewable power generation. In the long run, Astypalea will become a model island for climate-neutral mobility. A memorandum of understanding to this effect was signed in Wolfsburg and Athen today by Konstantinos Fragogiannis, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic Diplomacy and Openness, and Dr. Herbert Diess, CEO of the Volkswagen Group. New mobility services such as vehicle sharing or ridesharing will help reduce and optimize traffic. Energy will be primarily generated from local green power sources such as solar and wind. The project initially will run for six years.
The new Golf R – Countdown to world premiere has started
It’s the flagship model of the most successful Volkswagen of all times. Now the countdown to the world premiere of the new Golf R has started – the wait will finally be over on 4 November! Just one day later, presales of the new sports car will launch in Germany and Europe. Volkswagen is extending its range of sporty Golf models at high speed. The debuts of the GTI, GTI Clubsport, GTE and GTD are now followed by the dynamic flagship model of the eighth Golf generation: the new Golf R. Like all Golf models, the Golf R is also produced at the Wolfsburg plant, the home of the Golf.