All Press Releases
This section contains all current press releases on topics and news items concerning Volkswagen.
Note to editors: New brand communications line-up at Volkswagen
Changes to Volkswagen Communications: The structural separation of Brand and Group Communications that was initiated in July 2020 at the Wolfsburg site has been completed effective December 1. In this connection, key areas of communicating the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand have been realigned and strengthened. Robin Aschhoff remains Head of Communications.
Science for all: Volkswagen helps phaeno Science Center to launch new communication formats linking scientists and audience
Reaching the public with scientific topics: this goal is set by many modern scientists and research institutions. Launching two new formats, Volkswagen and phaneo, which is among the leading science museums in the world, expand the dialog between experts and audience.
Volkswagen and „Hamburger Bahnhof“ continue successful „Volkswagen Art4ALL” program
„Volkswagen Art4ALL“ was introduced in April 2018 as a result of the joint efforts of Volkswagen and Nationalgalerie – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin. Made possible by Volkswagen, the “Hamburger Bahnhof – Museum für Gegenwart – Berlin” can be visited by everyone for free on the first Thursday of every month. During the late afternoon und early evening hours, guests are invited to explore the current museum program with exhibitions, tours and workshops, and participate in additional events like performances, artist talks or lectures.
Bidder consortium publishes further information on takeover offer for Europcar
Following the approval of the takeover offer of Green Mobility Holding S.A. for the shares of Europcar Mobility Group by the French financial market regulator Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), the bidder consortium of Volkswagen Group, Attestor Limited and Pon Holdings B.V. has published further information on the takeover offer in accordance with French regulations.
French financial market regulator AMF approves takeover bid for Europcar
The Volkswagen Group, together with its partners Attestor Limited and Pon Holdings B.V., has reached an important milestone in the planned acquisition of Europcar: The French financial market regulator Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) today approved the takeover offer of Green Mobility Holding S.A. for the shares of Europcar Mobility Group.
Pre-sales launched for the new ID.5: Volkswagen’s first e-SUV coupé available for order now
Pre-sales of Volkswagen’s first ever e-SUV coupé with long distance suitability have now got underway. The top-of-the-range electric model of the ID. family based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) is available in Germany from an entry-level price of 46,515 euros. In addition to its expressive design, the ID.5 features an exclusive interior complete with all the latest Infotainment and assist systems. The ID.5 offers full connectivity and can be updated over-the-air.
Volkswagen is developing the chassis of the future
The ACCELERATE strategy is systematically driving the advancement towards becoming a software-oriented mobility provider. Software is also key in the development of chassis and steering systems for the highly automated driving of the future. Volkswagen is currently developing the next generation of a regulated chassis, and a new steering system.
The new Volkswagen T-Roc: expressive design and innovative technology
World premiere for the new T-Roc: With a fresh design, innovative assist systems and numerous digital services, Volkswagen is continuing the success story of its compact crossover model. A sharpened exterior defines the unmistakable appearance of the new T-Roc, T-Roc R and T-Roc Cabriolet. The interior was refined with high-quality materials, a redesigned Infotainment display and the Digital Cockpit as standard. Innovative technology from higher vehicle classes has now been integrated into the compact SUV model family – in the shape of IQ.Light, with LED matrix headlights, and the assist systems of IQ.Drive with Travel Assist, as well as predictive ACC cruise control. In this way, Volkswagen is making great strides towards becoming a software-oriented mobility provider as part of its ACCELERATE strategy.
New Tiguan Allspace now available from dealerships
The new Tiguan Allspace is now available from dealerships, offering all the most popular strong points of a spacious SUV, space for up to seven people, an updated design and new efficient engines. The long version of Volkswagen’s best-selling SUV model is also available with new technological features, such as IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist for semi-automated driving assistance, We Connect mobile online services and IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights. Customers can choose between five engines, front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and the three equipment packages Life, Elegance and R-Line. The entry price for the new Tiguan Allspace (1.5 l TSI, 110 kW / 150 PS, 6-speed manual gearbox) is 36,900 euros.
Change of leadership at Volkswagen Financial Services – Lars Henner Santelmann leaves, Dr. Christian Dahlheim joins
Lars Henner Santelmann, Chairman of the Board of Europe’s largest automotive financial services provider since September 2015, is leaving the company at his own request as of January 31, 2022, to assume a role in the field of environmental protection and conservation. His successor will be Dr. Christian Dahlheim, currently Head of Group Sales at Volkswagen AG. The Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen Financial Services AG, Volkswagen CFO Dr. Arno Antlitz, said: “We would like to thank Lars Henner Santelmann for his many years of service to our company. He has played a key role in its evolution. Among his particular achievements are the organizational realignment and the focus on a new digital business model. Volkswagen Financial Services is a mainstay of our NEW AUTO Group strategy. With his expertise in sales and financial services, Dr. Christian Dahlheim will enable us to continue along this successful path,” continued Antlitz.
Winter tips: Volkswagen’s how-to guide for the cold season
When winter comes around once again, old rules of thumb are dusted off and tips on de-icing, protecting engines and tyres are shared – but many of these are wrong, or misunderstood. Which is why Benjamin Leuchter, racing driver and Volkswagen test and development driver, and the head trainer at Volkswagen Driving Experience, Peter Bunke, are sharing top tips for the cold season.
Volkswagen to invest some €1 billion by 2026 – South America region to be geared to sustained profitability
Despite the continuing challenges of the corona pandemic and the worldwide semiconductor shortage, Volkswagen expects to report a positive result in Latin America for the first time since 2013. Volkswagen is to invest some €1 billion over the next five years to further strengthen its competitive situation in this important market and be geared to sustained profitability. In addition to further local vehicle projects, in particular digitalization and decarbonization in South America are to be given an additional boost. This includes a research center for biofuels as a bridging technology for this market to complement Volkswagen’s global electrification offensive.
Symbolising an entire industrial region: Heidersberger’s photography “Kraftwerk der Volkswagen AG” turns 50
In the 1960s, photographer Heinrich Heidersberger had captured the atmosphere in the Wolfsburg region with its people, places and production sites in a number of outstanding and timeless images. Providing different impressions of the young industrial city of Wolfsburg, his series of black and white photography includes “Kraftwerk der Volkswagen AG” which Heidersberger took in 1971. It has become not only an artistic icon but also plays a key role for Heidersberger’s body of work and for Volkswagen.
FIVA honors former Volkswagen CEO Prof. Dr. Carl H. Hahn
Prof. Dr. Carl H. Hahn, former Chairman of the Volkswagen Board of Management, has received the highest recognition for his contribution to the international development history of the automobile. Tiddo Bresters, President of FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) presented the Heritage Hall of Fame award in the Zeithaus at Autostadt.
The successful ID family continues to grow: the new ID.5 is the first electric SUV coupé from Volkswagen
On the “Way to ZERO”: The new ID.5 does more than just expand the successful ID. family; the new Volkswagen launch moves the electrification of its new car fleet forward and into a new market segment. The elegant, expressive E-SUV coupé is equipped with the new ID. software version 3.0, which includes improved charging performance and voice control among other features. With the use of swarm data and latest-generation driver assistance systems, Volkswagen is also taking the next step towards automated driving.
For a carbon-neutral mobility - Volkswagen enters into a strategic partnership with EIT InnoEnergy
EIT InnoEnergy, the world’s leading innovation engine for sustainable energy, and Volkswagen AG have announced a strategic partnership. Both companies are planning joint innovation and investment activities designed to help innovative technologies and business models achieve economic breakthroughs which will contribute to the decarbonisation of the transport sector and accelerate the shift to electromobility. The partnership involves Volkswagen becoming a new shareholder of EIT InnoEnergy.
Volkswagen Q3 earnings impacted by massive semiconductor shortage – nine-month performance up on the prior year
Despite the ongoing structural shortage of semiconductors throughout the industry, Volkswagen delivered around 3.8 million vehicles to customers worldwide in the first nine months (+3.3% compared with the prior-year period). During the reporting period, sales revenue grew to EUR 55.5 billion (+18%) and the operating profit increased by EUR 2.6 billion year on year to EUR 1.6 billion (operating return on sales: +2.9%). The net operating cash flow before special items stood at EUR -0.7 billion after nine months, due especially to the increased inventories of unfinished vehicles, battery cells, and raw materials, auxiliaries and consumables that resulted from supply issues. As expected, the third quarter was impacted by the difficult semiconductor situation. During this period, Volkswagen delivered around 1.1 million vehicles (-26%). The operating profit in the third quarter was EUR -184 million. The company already anticipates a return to a significantly positive performance in the current fourth quarter.
Volkswagen Group’s Q3 result down year-on-year due to semiconductor bottlenecks – profitability target for 2021 confirmed
The global semiconductor bottlenecks particularly impacted on the business performance of the Volkswagen Group in the third quarter. Operating profit before special items came to EUR 2.8 (3.2) billion in the period from July to September, a drop compared with the first two quarters of this year and the pandemic-related weak prior-year period. The operating return on sales before special items declined to 4.9 (5.4) percent in the third quarter. The volume brands were affected most in this period, recording operating losses in spite of having full order books. Owing to the semiconductor shortage, the high level of customer demand in China could also not be met. In the first nine months of the year, the Group’s brands lifted deliveries to customers by 6.9 percent to 7.0 (6.5) million vehicles. Sales revenue saw a more significant increase, rising by 20.0 percent in the same period to EUR 187 (155) billion. Due to the strong first half, operating profit before special items, which stood at EUR 14.2 (2.4) billion after nine months, remained at a solid level and exceeded the pandemic-related weak prior-year figure. The operating return on sales was 7.6 (1.5) percent. The Automotive Division achieved an adjusted net cash flow of EUR 12.4 (4.5) billion by the end of September, thus contributing substantially to the financing of the Group’s transformation. Despite the impact on working capital caused by the semiconductor shortage, adjusted net cash flow for the third quarter was slightly positive at EUR 33 million. Net liquidity in the Automotive Division fell by EUR 9.4 billion compared with the first six months to a still robust level of EUR 25.6 billion. Here, the Navistar transaction completed by July had a perceptible effect of around EUR 6 billion. In addition, a dividend of EUR 2.4 billion was distributed to Volkswagen shareholders in the third quarter. The Volkswagen Group confirmed its outlook for the operating return on sales for full year 2021 of 6.0 to 7.5 percent.
Volkswagen tests 5G for production on its way to smart factories
Volkswagen is taking a further step in the direction of fully networked factories. A local 5G standalone network (“campus network”) is now available at its main plant in Wolfsburg that initially covers the main production development center and the pilot hall. The pilot project will test whether the 5G technology meets the demanding requirements of vehicle production with a view to developing this for industrial series production in the future. A dedicated 5G radio frequency will be used to safeguard secure, delay-free transmission of data. The Transparent Factory in Dresden has also put a so-called “5G island” into operation. Volkswagen undertakes setup and operation of the 5G infrastructure itself in a move designed to build up competitive expertise in using this important technology of the future and ensure data security.
Volkswagen Group doubles deliveries of pure e-vehicles in third quarter
The Volkswagen Group successfully continued its global electric offensive in the third quarter of 2021. Despite a shortage of semiconductors, 122,100 BEVs were delivered to customers from July to September, an increase of 109 percent compared with the prior-year quarter. Particularly the market ramp-up in China accelerated significantly in Q3, where 28,900 BEVs were delivered, compared with 18,300 in the first half of the year. The BEV share of total deliveries rose to more than 6 percent in Q3. A total of 293,100 BEVs were delivered worldwide by the end of September, more than twice as many as in the prior-year period (+138 percent). There also continued to be strong demand for vehicles with a plug-in hybrid drive (PHEVs). A total of 246.000 PHEVs were delivered in the first nine months, more than twice as many as in the prior-year period (+133 percent).
Volkswagen to Combine Group Functions Treasury and Investor Relations
Volkswagen will combine the Group functions Treasury and Investor Relations, effective December 1, 2021, to further strengthen the relationship to its banking partners and other capital markets participants. Dr. Jörg Boche, Head of Group Treasury at Volkswagen AG, will end his career after 15 years and retire at the end of 2021. Rolf Woller, Head of Treasury and Investor Relations at Volkswagen subsidiary TRATON SE, will move to Volkswagen AG effective December 1 to take over the newly formed Group function.
Volkswagen and documenta fifteen: fostering sustainability
For the fifth time Volkswagen supports documenta. The largest exhibition for contemporary art takes place in Kassel which is also home of one of Volkswagen’s production sites. As a leading partner, the company stands behind the joint approach of documenta and Museum Fridericianium gGmbH in improving the environmental footprint of the international art event. Documenta fifteen is going to be curated by the Indonesian artist collective ruangrupa using lumbung, a practice based on collectivity, resource building and sustainable exchange. Between June 18 and September 25, 2022 the exhibition will invite visitors on more than 100 days to experience artworks from all over the world.
Award-winning! – Volkswagen’s electric platform wins renowned TU Wien prize
Big award for Volkswagen: today, Thomas Ulbrich, member of Volkswagen brand Board of Management, “Technical Development” division, accepted the 22nd Porsche Prize awarded by the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) for the development of the modular electric drive matrix (MEB). With the MEB, Volkswagen has brought the platform concept into a new era of mobility: through its systematic focus on pure electric drive and usability for vehicles of different classes, the MEB enables huge economies of scale, reduces the cost of e-mobility and accelerates the transition to zero-emission mobility. The internationally renowned “Porsche Prize” has been awarded for pioneering research and development in automotive engineering since 1977.
Volkswagen Group drives forward intelligent mobility solutions
The Volkswagen Group will present solutions for the efficient, sustainable, safe and convenient movement of people and goods at the ITS World Congress in Hamburg, the world’s largest industry event for intelligent transportation systems, from October 11 to 15, 2021. The focus will be on autonomous driving, the intelligent use of vehicle data and the integration of electric vehicles into the power grid. Together with its Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, MOIA, CARIAD, Elli and MAN Truck & Bus brands, the Group will provide a forum for interested parties and experts with live demonstrations of pioneering pilot projects, discussion panels, lectures and expert talks.
Volkswagen gains some 70,000 new customers with best-selling ID.3 in the first year
Strong performance of the all-electric Volkswagen ID.3 after its first year in the European market: “The car is an absolute hit. It appeals to customers and has shot from zero to take top positions among new registrations in a large number of countries,” says Klaus Zellmer, Board Member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales at Volkswagen. By the end of September, the car had already been ordered around 144,000 times in Europe – 50 percent of buyers had not driven a Volkswagen before and were new to the brand, found a study commissioned by the company. “The ID.3 has tapped into an above-average number of new buyer groups for Volkswagen. Some 70,000 new customers are strong proof that we are exactly on the right track with this vehicle and our electric mobility strategy,” continues Zellmer.
Second life or recycling? BattMan rescues batteries from a needlessly short lifespan!
The question is on the minds of everyone who is interested in e-mobility: What happens to the battery when an e-vehicle has reached the end of its service life? The answer is simple: The new analysis software BattMan ReLife checks their state of health in just a few minutes. Starting immediately, the quick check system will be used as a means of initial diagnosis in battery recycling at the pilot plant that Volkswagen Group Components has been operating in Salzgitter since the beginning of the year.
Powerful estate with all-round talent – the new Golf R Estate
The new Golf R Estate is Volkswagen’s most powerful and dynamic Golf Estate so far. Sportiness meets everyday practicality. Top performance meets flexibility, with a spacious interior. The 235-kW (320-PS) Golf R Estate remains true to the tradition of its predecessors: a flexible all-rounder, comfortable leisure and family estate, and a sporty companion with impressive dynamics – thanks in part to the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, including R Performance torque vectoring with wheel-selective torque control on the rear axle.
Volkswagen Group China builds battery system factory in Anhui to strengthen BEV value chain
Volkswagen Group China is commencing construction of a battery system production factory in Hefei (Anhui province). VW Anhui Components Company is the first battery system plant to be wholly owned by the Group in China. Its initial annual capacity will be 150,000 to 180,000 high-voltage battery systems for Volkswagen Anhui’s all-electric vehicles based on the Group’s Modular Electric Drive Toolkit (MEB platform). With an area of over 45,000 square meters, the plant will be located next to the production facilities of Volkswagen Anhui, Volkswagen’s first majority-owned joint venture for all-electric vehicles. Volkswagen Group China is investing over EUR 140 million until 2025 in the new plant and its facilities, with the start of production (SOP) targeted for the second half of 2023.
E.ON and Volkswagen launch fast charger with storage battery
E.ON Board Member for Customer Solutions Patrick Lammers and Volkswagen Group Board Member for Technology Thomas Schmall put in operation the first E.ON Drive Booster in Essen. The innovative product makes fast charging easier and more affordable for operators and customers. As a flexible fast charger, it requires no civil engineering work or adjustments to the grid connection and can charge two electric vehicles simultaneously with 150 kW. This means the expansion of a dense public network of fast-charging stations – as is essential for the future success of e-mobility – can become a reality much sooner than was previously assumed.
Consortium of Volkswagen Group, Attestor Limited and Pon Holdings B.V. files takeover offer for Europcar
The consortium of Volkswagen Group, Attestor Limited and Pon Holdings B.V., together acting as Green Mobility Holding S.A., has filed its proposed tender offer for the shares of Europcar Mobility Group with the French Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) today.
New battery laboratories: Volkswagen takes the next step towards developing and producing own battery cells
Volkswagen Group Components today opened one of the most modern laboratories for cell research and development in Europe in Salzgitter. Thus, the company is further expanding its expertise in battery technology and taking the next step towards developing and producing its own battery cells for electromobility. From 2025 onwards, the Volkswagen unified cell is scheduled to roll off the production line in Salzgitter. In the future, around 250 experts will conduct research in the areas of cell development, analytics and testing in a total of four laboratories. Volkswagen is investing around 70 million euros in the facilities.
Volkswagen introduces Over-the-Air Updates for all ID. models
Volkswagen is taking the next big step towards becoming a software-oriented mobility provider with its ACCELERATE strategy. Effective immediately, all ID. models will receive regular software updates via mobile data transfer. The updates had previously only been available as part of a test phase for customers who had registered with the “ID. First Movers Club”. The “ID. Software 2.3” offers new functions and optimises existing ones. Networking the entire ID. fleet will allow Volkswagen to lay the foundation for new, customer-oriented business models. Thus far, Volkswagen remains the only high-volume manufacturer to provide this technology for its customers.
ID. Drivers Club: on course for the future together
Happy Birthday, ID. First Movers Club! Volkswagen has prepared a surprise for all ID. customers to mark the first birthday of its Facebook group: the ID. First Movers Club has opened up, just in time for the IAA MOBILITY in Munich. The group was previously reserved for early adopters of the ID.3 1st but will now be known as the ID. Drivers Club and all European ID. customers will be able to join up. What began in September 2020 as a digital meeting place for enthusiastic electromobility pioneers has developed into an active ID. community that is in a position to benefit from new momentum and additional experience.
A look ahead to entry-level electric mobility: world premiere of the ID. LIFE
Volkswagen is once again speeding up the transformation to electric mobility with its ACCELERATE strategy, making sustainable mobility accessible to even more people by 2025, a whole two years earlier than originally planned, Volkswagen will launch an ID. family model for the small car segment. It will cost approximately 20,000 euros. The ID. LIFE concept car, which was presented at the International Motor Show IAA MOBILITY 2021 in Munich, gives an impression of how a vehicle of this type would look.
Volkswagen launches information platform for stories relating to the future of mobility
Volkswagen is launching a new offering for bloggers and influencers, as well as representatives of NGOs, authorities and politics, science and education in time for IAA MOBILITY in Munich. On the Shaping Mobility Hub (www.shaping-mobility.volkswagen.com), users have access to exclusive stories, controversial discussions, detailed insights and extensive research options in the areas of sustainability, innovation, the fascination of electromobility and digital living.
Volkswagen is picking up the pace of its Business Model 2.0 and offering car subscriptions from today
Volkswagen is making rapid progress in digitalising its sales activities and developing new business models. Today sees the launch of the Volkswagen AutoAbo subscription model in Germany. Customers can take out a monthly subscription for the best-selling all-electric ID.3 and ID.4 models – the ID.3 costs from EUR 499. “This will enable us to achieve a key milestone in our Business Model 2.0. As part of our ACCELERATE strategy, we are continuing our rapid and systematic transformation from car manufacturer to mobility services provider,” explains Klaus Zellmer, Board Member for Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen. In addition, Volkswagen will be launching its online leasing and sales offerings in Germany toward the end of 2021. Initially, to sell models from the ID. family, but the platform will later be made available to dealers to offer combustion engine and hybrid vehicles as well.
Volkswagen steps up global electrification offensive: ID.3 celebrates debut in China
Wolfsburg/Chengdu (China) – Volkswagen is intensifying its e-offensive in China as part of its ACCELERATE strategy. The ID.3, one of the best-selling electric vehicles in many European countries, will also be available on the world’s largest market for e-mobility from the fourth quarter. The compact car celebrates its Chinese premiere today at the Chengdu Motor Show. “Volkswagen’s global electrification offensive is rapidly gaining further momentum. After the ID.4 and the ID.6, we are now launching the ID.3 as the third all-electric model series in China within a mere six months. We are thus underscoring our ambition to occupy a leading position in the market for electric vehicles in China as well as Europe,” Volkswagen CEO Ralf Brandstätter said.
Volkswagen and Nationalgalerie – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin continue long-lasting partnership and foster culture for all
On the occasion of the internationally anticipated reopening of the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin on August 22, Volkswagen and Nationalgalerie – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin are going to announce a two-year extension of their long-lasting partnership. This step underlines stability and sustainability of this collaboration which will particularly aim on prolonging and expanding the Volkswagen ART4ALL visitor program.
Elegant athleticism meets efficiency: Volkswagen to introduce the SUV coupé ID.5 GTX at the IAA
As elegant as a coupé, as strong as an SUV and all-electric to boot: The ID.5 GTX is set to make its international exhibition debut as of 07 September – as a disguised concept at the IAA Munich Motor Show. The first SUV coupé based on the Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) wows with its elegant design and powerful dual engine four-wheel drive. And the ID.5 GTX is fully connected, can receive updates over-the-air and is fitted with Car2X technology.
Volkswagen and TraceTronic establish neocx – a joint venture for automated software integration
Volkswagen is strengthening its expertise in the integration of automotive software. At present, high-performance automotive functions can only be achieved by networking many individual software and hardware components. Integrating these components and testing the resulting assembly is a key development task for Volkswagen. As part of its ACCELERATE strategy, Volkswagen is seeking to grow automotive software integration and the digital customer experience as core competencies. The company has therefore established a joint venture with TraceTronic, a world-leading provider of solutions to test and integrate automotive software. Each partner holds 50 percent in the joint venture, named neocx, which will create a continuous integration/continuous testing (CI/CT) factory.
Volkswagen posts a strong first half
Volkswagen finished the first half of 2021 on a successful note thanks to efficient crisis management, strict cost discipline and systematic implementation of its ACCELERATE strategy. Despite the coronavirus pandemic and the semiconductor shortage, the number of vehicles delivered worldwide rose to around 2.7 million – 500,000 more than in the previous year. This increase was partly achieved through smart warehouse and supply management. Market share was also expanded in nearly all regions. Sales revenue climbed by 42 percent year-on-year to EUR 40.7 billion on the back of significant growth in sales volume (H1 2020: EUR 28.6 billion). Earnings improved by EUR 3.3 billion year-on-year to around EUR 1.8 billion, giving an operating return on sales of 4.4 percent.
The new Taigo makes its European debut
The stage is set for a new body shape from the Volkswagen brand: With the new compact crossover Taigo, Volkswagen is launching an SUV coupé on the European market for the first time. The front-wheel drive Taigo is a real crowd-pleaser with its trendy crossover body style, raised seating positions, pioneering connectivity and unrestricted suitability for everyday use. The rear of the five-seater car slopes backwards in the style of a coupé, without restricting headroom in the back seat. This sees Volkswagen expand the portfolio of the compact Polo (hatchback) and T-Cross (SUV) models built on the MQB platform with a third chassis variant, which has previously been primarily reserved for high-end models. Numerous latest-generation assistance systems guarantee optimum comfort and a high level of safety for all passengers. The Taigo is set to make its virtual European debut on Thursday 29 July at 8:00 a.m. CEST.
Volkswagen Group raises outlook for 2021 after a record result in the first half of the year
The Volkswagen Group continued its positive business performance and posted a record result despite challenging conditions in the first half of 2021. This positive development was driven in particular by the premium brands Audi and Porsche and by Volkswagen Financial Services. The impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and global shortage of semiconductors were successfully contained. There was high customer demand for the Group’s attractive model range as markets continued to recover. As a result, deliveries increased by 27.9 percent to 5.0 (3.9) million vehicles over the weaker prior-year period, which was impacted by the pandemic. Sales revenue even rose more strongly by 34.9 percent to EUR 129.7 (96.1) billion. The operating result was EUR 11.4 (first half of 2020 before special items: EUR –0.8) billion, far exceeding the previous record of EUR 10.0 billion (before special items) from the pre-crisis year 2019. The operating return on sales was therefore at a strong 8.8 (first half of 2020 before special items: –0.8) percent. The higher earnings were mainly due to increased vehicle sales, improvements in the product mix and prices as well as positive effects from the valuation of raw material hedges. One-off restructuring expenses of EUR 0.7 billion had a negative impact. Work on ongoing fixed cost programs was vigorously pursued. The Automotive Division generated a very high adjusted net cash flow of EUR 12.3 (–2.3) billion and thus again demonstrated the great efficiency of its business model. The Division’s net liquidity rose further to a very solid level of EUR 35.0 billion. The acquisition of Navistar and its financial impact are not included in the figures. As a result of the extremely good business performance in the first half of the year, the Volkswagen Group has raised the outlook for its operating return on sales for full year 2021 by 0.5 percent to 6.0 to 7.5 percent.
Consortium of Volkswagen Group, Attestor Limited and Pon Holdings B.V. to launch takeover offer for Europcar
The Volkswagen Group is taking a major step forward in its NEW AUTO strategy to become a leading provider of individual mobility in the electric and fully connected age. In a consortium with London-based asset manager Attestor Limited and Dutch mobility provider Pon Holdings B.V., Volkswagen agreed to launch a recommended takeover offer for Europcar Mobility Group (“Europcar”). Europcar is the leading mobility service and rental car company in Europe with over 3,500 stations across 140+ countries and a fleet of over 350,000 vehicles in 2019, serving over 5 million customers per year. The minimum acceptance threshold for the takeover offer is 67% and existing shareholders holding 68% in Europcar have committed to accept the takeover offer.
Volkswagen shareholders formally approve actions of Board of Management and Supervisory Board and adopt resolution on dividend for 2020
The Annual General Meeting of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft took place today online for the second time due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The shareholders voted by a majority of 99.99 percent to approve the recommendation of the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board to pay the same dividend as in the previous two years of 4.80 EUR per ordinary share and 4.86 EUR per preferred share for fiscal year 2020. As in fiscal years 2018 and 2019, approximately 2.4 billion EUR will therefore be distributed to shareholders. The resolution on the formal approval of the actions of the members of the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board who held office in 2020 was passed.
CEO Herbert Diess at the Annual General Meeting: “With NEW AUTO, we will reinvent Volkswagen”
The Volkswagen Group considers itself well equipped for a zero-emission and autonomous future of mobility. “With our NEW AUTO strategy, we will reinvent Volkswagen by 2030," said CEO Herbert Diess at the virtual Annual General Meeting of the Volkswagen Group. "The cars on our roads will be sustainable, safe, smart and ultimately autonomous within the next ten years. Individual mobility has a bright future. With our strong brands and global technology platforms, we have a clear plan to play a leading role in the new world of mobility, too.”
Annual General Meeting 2021
The 61st Annual General Meeting will be broadcasted live on Thursday, July 22th 2021, from 09:15am – 12:30pm CEST.
Volkswagen Group more than doubles deliveries of all-electric vehicles in first half year
The Volkswagen Group has continued its successful electric offensive in the first half of 2021. The following new BEV models were launched in this period: Volkswagen ID.4, Volkswagen ID.6, ŠKODA Enyaq iV, Audi Q4 e-tron, Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, Audi e-tron GT and Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo. In total, 170,939 BEV models were delivered throughout the world up to the end of June, more than twice as many as in the prior-year period (+165.2 percent). After 59,948 BEV had been delivered to customers in the first quarter (+78.4 percent compared with the previous year), deliveries increased significantly, as planned, in the second quarter to 110,991 units (+259.7 percent compared with the previous year). In the course of the year, the BEV ramp-up will further accelerate thanks to the expanded model range. The Group has also consistently expanded its portfolio of PHEV models. This vehicle category benefits from considerable customer demand, too. In the first half of the year, a total of 171,300 PHEV were delivered, more than three times as many as in the prior-year period (+204.2 percent).
Volkswagen Group continues switch to low-emission logistics with LNG ships
Volkswagen is the first automaker to transport most of its new vehicles overseas using low-emission LNG ships (LNG – liquefied natural gas). After the first two LNG car carriers entered service in 2020, Volkswagen Group Logistics has now ordered four more ships with dual-fuel engines that can be powered with environmentally friendly liquid gas. They should be traveling the world’s oceans by the end of 2023, serving the North American route between Emden in Germany and Veracruz in Mexico. On the return trip, the LNG ships will transport new vehicles destined for Europe. Soon, six of the nine car carriers crossing the North Atlantic for Volkswagen will be powered by LNG.
NEW AUTO: Volkswagen Group set to unleash value in battery-electric autonomous mobility world
Volkswagen presented its plan for transforming the Group into a software-driven mobility company with a strong focus on its powerful brands and global technology platforms, providing synergies and scale as well as opening up new profit pools. “We set ourselves a strategic target to become global market leader in electric vehicles – and we are well on track. Now we are setting new parameters,” said CEO Herbert Diess during the presentation of NEW AUTO, the Group’s strategy through 2030. “Based on software, the next much more radical change is the transition towards much safer, smarter and finally autonomous cars. That means for us: Technology, speed and scale will matter more than today. The future of cars will be bright!”
Volkswagen Group and Gotion High-Tech team up to industrialize battery cell production in Germany
Volkswagen Group and Gotion High-Tech Co., Ltd. deepen their partnership. Based on a substantial shareholding agreement in May 2020, the Wolfsburg-based automobile company entered a strategic cooperation framework with the major Chinese battery producer headquartered at Hefei. The goals of both partners are to industrialize the planned battery cell production at the Salzgitter site of Volkswagen Group Components and to develop first use cases of the Volkswagen unified cell concept for the volume segment. Both projects are part of the overarching plan of Volkswagen Group ‒ outlined at the Power Day event in March ‒ to significantly reduce battery complexity and costs while boosting range and charging performance in order to make the electric car still more attractive.
Enel X and Volkswagen team up for electric mobility in Italy
Enel X, the Enel Group’s advanced energy solutions business line, and the leading auto manufacturer Volkswagen Group signed an agreement aimed at setting up a full function joint venture of equal partners to enhance the electric vehicle (EV) uptake in Italy (the “JV”). The JV will operate in Italy as Charging Point Operator (“CPO”) by investing in, deploying between 2021 and 2025, owning and operating a high power charging (HPC) network. The network will count on more than 3,000 charging points of up to 350 kW each across the national territory. The charging network will enable a comfortable ride with electric vehicles from North to South of the Peninsula.
Start of goTOzero weeks – Volkswagen Group invites employees around the world to environmental events
Decarbonization, energy, environmental compliance, biodiversity, water, waste and the circular economy – these are the topics of the Volkswagen Group “goTOzero weeks,” a new series of environmental events that is starting today and will be held through November in the company’s brands, regions and departments. The Group-wide campaign is designed to share information and promote cross-brand networking among the Volkswagen Group employees. The program will include events, talks by experts and many digital workshops and information programs provided by the brands Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Porsche, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Volkswagen Group Components, the China region and various departments. The company’s production facilities will be a driving force behind the Volkswagen Group’s transformation into a carbon neutral company. Their use of renewable power will be a critically important element in the company’s entire decarbonization strategy.
NEW AUTO - Mobility for Generations to Come
The presentation of the new Group strategy 2030 will be broadcast live on Tuesday, July 13th 2021, from 13:30pm CEST.
Volkswagen’s Supervisory Board welcomes new Group strategy – New service contract for Chairman of the Board of Management Dr. Herbert Diess
Dr. Herbert Diess will stay at the helm of the Volkswagen Group until October 2025. On Friday, the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG approved a new service contract with a corresponding term. This means that Dr. Diess will remain the Chairman of the Board of Management until his 67th birthday. The Supervisory Board was also informed of Strategy 2030 on Friday, and sees this strategy as the basis for future growth.
Volkswagen AG announces preliminary figures for the first half 2021
The deliveries to customers of the Volkswagen Group continued to recover strongly in the first half of the current year, leading to a very strong Group turnover as well as a very high operating profit. Also the reported Automotive net cash position showed a very positive development. The bottleneck in semiconductors has shifted and will rather impact us in H2.
Cross-industry CEO Alliance backs EU plan to cut carbon emissions by 55% by 2030
As the EU Commission prepares to present its Fit for 55 legislative package, the European CEO Alliance has issued policy recommendations supporting a progressive and ambitious push to achieve climate neutrality. Tackling climate change requires strong collaboration between the public sector and industry, the Alliance announced after its meeting today in Paris. The Alliance would welcome a review of the EU’s major regulatory instruments, in particular subsidies for technologies with high CO2 emissions. The CEOs’ proposals include sending a strong carbon pricing signal, accelerating measures to decarbonize mobility and transport, buildings and energy systems, speeding up the renewal of key industry sectors in the EU.
The new Golf R Estate: more power, more driving dynamics, more emotions, more space
With 235 kW (320 PS), the new Golf R Estate is the most powerful and dynamic Golf Estate to date. More power and driving dynamics, numerous innovations, more space and strong emotions: this is what makes the new Golf R Estate better than ever before. The standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive with R Performance Torque Vectoring is powered by a 2.0 TSI engine with a maximum torque of 420 Nm.
Power is transmitted via an R-specific 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. With the optional R Performance package, a top speed of 270 km/h is possible. The package also includes 19-inch wheels and the additional driving modes Special (Nürburgring mode) and Drift (for power slides). A host of assist systems and the latest-generation Infotainment system guarantee even more safety, comfort and convenience.
Focus on customers: Volkswagen appoints Chief Experience Officer
Volkswagen is continuing the consistent implementation of its ACCELERATE brand strategy and is creating the framework for strengthening the integrated customer experience in the age of digital mobility. A newly created project unit will serve as the interface to all relevant divisions and regions and establish a holistic user experience management system. Customer requirements and feedback will become the focal point for developing vehicles and services throughout the life cycle. The goal is to create a best-in-class customer experience at every point of contact with the Volkswagen brand. Dr. Markus Kleimann, formerly responsible for the G3 series (mid- and full-size), will head the new unit.
New functions and greater comfort: Volkswagen launches Over-the-Air Updates for the ID. family
Volkswagen is taking the next big step towards becoming a software-oriented mobility provider: from this summer, the brand will regularly send software updates “Over-the-Air” to models in its ID. family. This makes Volkswagen the first and only high-volume manufacturer to make this innovative technology available to its customers on a broad basis. The first model to benefit is the ID.3: the latest software version “ID.Software2.3” will be delivered to “First Movers Club” customers via mobile data transfer in July 2021. The update includes adjustments and improvements to operations, performance and comfort. Updates for all ID.3, ID.4 and ID.4 GTX customers will follow gradually. In the future, Volkswagen will update the software in its ID. cars every twelve weeks.
Special edition Tiguan URBAN SPORT available to order now
The new, special edition Tiguan URBAN SPORT combines exclusive design and technology features with an extensive range of standard equipment and a sporty and stylish overall appearance. The prices for the special edition model starting at 33,125 euros (incl. VAT) for the Tiguan 1.5 TSI with 96 kW (130 PS). The diesel models start at 35,475 euros (incl. VAT) for the 90 kW (122 PS) Tiguan 2.0 TDI.
Volkswagen congratulates former Chairman of the Board of Management, Prof. Dr. Carl H. Hahn, on his 95th birthday
Former Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen, Prof. Dr. Carl H. Hahn, celebrates his 95th birthday on 1st July 2021. This provides the perfect opportunity to take a look back at the career of a man still looking ahead with curiosity and great openness ¬– characteristics that made him highly successful as a manager and defined his ten years as Chairman of the Board of Management at Volkswagen in Wolfsburg. From an early stage, Hahn believed in success in China and was the first to realign the automobile industry in Saxony after the reunification of Germany.
The new Polo GTI: A modern sports car in the best tradition
In April, Volkswagen presented the latest evolutionary stage of the sixth generation of Polo. Now comes its sportiest version: the new Polo GTI. The bearer of the legendary acronym spearheads the Polo segment in terms of performance, technology and sportiness. The powerful TSI engine and sports chassis, tailored specifically to the Polo GTI, transform the best-selling compact car into a dynamic, four-door sports car, which also allows semi-automated driving as an option for the first time in a Polo GTI. A host of the latest generation of assistance systems guarantee even greater comfort and safety for all passengers.
New dealership concept Volkswagen R
Powerful and self-confident – Volkswagen’s premium performance brand showcases itself at dealerships with an independent and expressive highlight presentation.
Configuration now possible: launch of the new Polo with standard Digital Cockpit and Infotainment system
The new Polo is launching with a Digital Cockpit as standard. Volkswagen designed the architecture of the control centre so that all the information relevant for driving is available in a single line of vision. And the clarity of this layout is hard to beat. The digital instruments and the Infotainment system merge into a single unit with intuitive operation. With its standard systematic integration of information, communication and entertainment, the Polo sets a new benchmark in it class.
Volkswagen plans to use new 3D printing process in vehicle production in the years ahead
Volkswagen is pressing ahead with the use of innovative 3D printers in car production. For the first time, the newest process – known as binder jetting – is being used to manufacture components at the company’s main plant in Wolfsburg, Germany. Whereas conventional 3D printing uses a laser to build a component layer by layer from metallic powder, the binder jetting process uses an adhesive. The resulting metallic component is then heated and shaped. Using the binder jetting component reduces costs and increases productivity – for example, the components weigh only half as much as those made from sheet steel. Volkswagen is currently the only car maker using this 3D printing technology in the production process. “Despite the ongoing challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, we’re continuing to work on innovation,” says Christian Vollmer, member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Brand responsible for Production and Logistics. “Together with our partners, we aim to make 3D printing even more efficient in the years ahead and suitable for production-line use.”
Volkswagen actively involved in generational discussions at Kultursymposium Weimar hosted by Goethe-Institut
For the third time, the Goethe-Institut is bringing leading personalities and innovative ideas from around the world together to discuss the pressing issues of our society. Voices from culture, science, politics and economics are set to debate generational issues in many areas of life in the upcoming digital edition.
Volkswagen’s Supervisory Board reaches agreement with Prof. Martin Winterkorn on EUR 11.2 million in compensation
The Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG has reached an agreement with the former Chairman of the Board of Management, Prof. Martin Winterkorn, on compensation in excess of ten million euros in connection with the diesel issue. The agreement between the company and Prof. Winterkorn which was approved by the Supervisory Board last Saturday provides for an amount of EUR 11.2 million. The Supervisory Board also approved an agreement on an amount of EUR 4.1 million from the former member of the Group Board of Management and Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, Rupert Stadler.
Volkswagen invests a further €500 million in sustainable battery activities with Northvolt AB
Volkswagen is participating, with a contribution of US$620 million (about €500 million), in a financing round of its Swedish battery partner Northvolt AB with a total volume of US$2.75 billion. The Group will thus maintain its stake in the company constant at about 20 percent. The funds are to be used for capacity expansion in the fields of production, recycling and research and development. Among other activities, Northvolt intends to expand the capacity of its Northvolt Ett gigafactory in Skellefteå, Northern Sweden from 40 GWh to 60 GWh per year, in order to meet higher demand from customers.
Volkswagen Group, BASF, Daimler AG and Fairphone start partnership for sustainable Lithium mining in Chile
Several companies have initiated a “Responsible Lithium Partnership” aiming to work towards responsible natural resource management, including lithium, in Chile’s Salar de Atacama. This cross-industry partnership is funded at its inception by Volkswagen Group, BASF, Daimler AG, and Fairphone. The partnership intends to foster a dialogue among local stakeholders, generating and synthesizing scientific facts and seeking solutions in a participatory manner.
Astypalea: Kick-off for transformation to smart, sustainable island
Astypalea is on course to become a smart, sustainable island. The first electric vehicles, including the first fully electric police car in Greece, were taken into service today in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess and Deputy Foreign Minister Kostas Fragogiannis. The first public and private charging points were also inaugurated. The event marked the launch of the transition to full electrification on Astypalea. In the coming years, the island wants to switch to smart sustainable mobility and completely modernizing its energy system. Volkswagen and the Greek government signed a memorandum of understanding to this effect last November.
A first for small cars: New Polo on the road with IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist partial automation
With the new Polo, one of the world’s first small cars capable of partly automated driving is now coming onto the market. The Volkswagen steers, brakes and accelerates automatically on request. This is made possible by the optional IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist. Volkswagen is consolidating its systems on the road to automated driving under the IQ.DRIVE umbrella brand. These technologies have up to now only been available in larger models such as the Golf, Tiguan, Passat, Arteon and Touareg. As a first in its class, the Polo now also permits partly automated driving across the entire speed range. Especially during motorway travel, IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist adds a truly noticeable level of comfort.
The new Tiguan Allspace – available to order now
Customers love the new Tiguan Allspace for its impressive 1,920 litres of storage and the option of carrying up to seven passengers. The long version of the best-selling Tiguan also stands out with its modified design, new operating and assistance systems, innovative new features like the interactive “IQ.LIGHT – LED matrix headlights” and new touch-sensitive controls for the automatic air conditioning, which comes as standard. The Tiguan Allspace gives customers a choice between three equipment lines (Life, Elegance and R-Line), five engines (three TSI and two TDI engines), and front and four-wheel drive. Presale of the new Tiguan Allspace starts today from € 36,230.
Volkswagen launches sales offensive for the German market
Volkswagen intends to durably improve its good position in Germany in a strong competitive environment with a three-year boost program. Up to the end of 2023, the company will be investing a triple-digit million-euro figure in the expansion of digital and showroom sales in the German market. “Germany is our home market. We will be providing a further significant boost to sales here and will be making Germany a model for other markets, also with respect to digitalization,” says Klaus Zellmer, Board Member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales at Volkswagen. “With ACCELERATE, we intend to make Volkswagen the most attractive brand for sustainable mobility. This also includes an excellent customer experience during the purchasing, leasing or servicing of a Volkswagen. We want to set standards in this area.”
70 years ago today: Volkswagen receives its first Advisory Board
The first Advisory Board of Volkswagenwerk GmbH was constituted on May 22, 1951 as instructed by the German government. The Advisory Board is seen as the predecessor of the Supervisory Board, which superseded the Advisory Board in August 1953 in accordance with the provisions of the Company Constitution Act adopted in 1952. In Wolfsburg, the appointment of the Advisory Board was welcomed as the “first step towards the normalization of conditions.”
Now available to order: the new ID.4 GTX
New intelligent sportiness: the new GTX product brand from Volkswagen. As the first flagship model designed for more performance, presales are now starting for the ID.4 GTX in the first European countries just shortly after its world premiere. Prices start from 50,415 euros in Germany, with customers being able to apply for a (net) subsidy of 7,500 euros.
Volkswagen Supervisory Board elects Daniela Cavallo to succeed Bernd Osterloh on the Executive Committee
The Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG has elected Daniela Cavallo to serve on its Executive Committee, following her appointment as a member of the Supervisory Board by the competent local court effective May 11, 2021.
Volkswagen is setting an example for diversity and respect with “Out At Work” campaign
More than 120 employees of the Volkswagen Group and its brands are celebrating their outing as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, non-binary or queer to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). With a campaign entitled #OutAtWorkVWgroup, the employees aim to send a strong and positive signal in support of diversity and demonstrate just how colorful and diverse the company’s workforce already is today. Campaign participants work for various Group brands and companies in Germany, the United Kingdom, Austria, Poland, Spain, the USA, Canada, Brazil and Argentina.
The new Polo – available to pre-order now
Just a few days after the new Polo was announced, Volkswagen has launched advance sales. The clever compact car has a newly designed front and rear, comfort and assistance systems from higher vehicle classes, a significantly greater range of standard specifications and some digital features. Three different engines will be available to order.
Integration: Volkswagen Sachsen GmbH to be incorporated into Volkswagen AG
Volkswagen Sachsen GmbH, an independent company to date, will be fully integrated in Volkswagen AG by 2027. The company has reached an agreement to that effect with the trade union IG Metall. The integration will help optimise corporate structures and speed up decision-making processes at the three sites of Chemnitz, Dresden and Zwickau. The company is thus taking a further step in the transformation process of the Group. The around 10,000 employees will be gradually transitioned to Volkswagen AG’s company collective agreement. They were previously covered by the regional collective agreement applying in the metal and electrical industry.
The new Tiguan Allspace: new control and assist systems for the bestseller
The Tiguan was given an update back in autumn 2020 and now it is the turn of the long-wheelbase version: revised design, new control and assist systems, new premium features such as interactive IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights and touch panels to control the standard automatic air conditioner take the Tiguan Allspace to the next level. Currently, more than every second Tiguan (55 percent) that rolls off the production line worldwide has a long wheelbase. The XL version of the Tiguan Allspace can, upon request, be fitted to become an SUV with seven seats or boast 1,920 litres of storage space. Pre-sales start in the next few weeks. In Germany, it is available in the new specification packages Life, Elegance and R-Line.
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.
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 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.