All Press Releases
This section contains all current press releases on topics and news items concerning Volkswagen.
Future strategy of TRATON SE outlined at Annual General Meeting
CEO Matthias Gründler outlined TRATON SE’s future corporate strategy during the company’s Annual General Meeting in Munich. Gründler spelled out four priorities during the virtual meeting of shareholders. TRATON’s brands are to gain more individual responsibility as the company moves forward with its efforts to achieve a return on sales of 9 % throughout the cycle of the commercial vehicle industry.
Science Based Targets Initiative confirms Volkswagen Group’s climate protection targets
The Volkswagen Group has received confirmation from the independent Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) that the Group’s climate targets fulfil the conditions for limiting global warming to “well below 2 degrees Celsius”. SBTi supporting organisations include the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), UN Global Compact, the World Resources Institute and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The SBTi evaluates only genuine CO2 reductions over a period of at least ten years - without taking into consideration any CO2-compensating climate projects. Volkswagen is planning to reduce CO2 emissions during production and use of its vehicles by 30 per cent of 2018 levels by 2030. Oliver Blume, Porsche CEO and in his role as Volkswagen AG Group Management Board Member for Production and the Environment stressed: “We are determined as a Group to be climate neutral by 2050. To that end we have now set ourselves an ambitious interim target. The key levers are our e-mobility offensive and switching our plants over to green electricity.”
“Light is the new chrome”: Light design of the new Volkswagen ID.4
The ID.4 boasts a powerful and sporty, but simultaneously also likeable char-acter. The exterior lighting plays a major part in this: it forms an integral part of the electric SUV’s design concept and stages the vehicle in a new way.
Start of presales of the new Golf Variant
Volkswagen is launching presales of the new Golf Variant just a few days after its world premiere. The compact estate is now more digital, more dynamic and more versatile than ever before: with more space in the interior, it offers plenty of room for all the family or even large pieces of sports and recreational equipment. The extensive standard equipment and numerous assist systems ensure you have all the comfort you need. For the first time, the wide range of drive options also includes engines with mild hybrid and twin-dosing technology. Three engine variants will be available in the presales phase; prices start from 28,566.21 euros (for the Golf Variant 2.0 TDI with 85 kW/115 PS).
Volkswagen successfully places first green bonds with a volume of € 2 billion
Today, the Volkswagen Group successfully placed its first green bonds with a volume of € 2 billion in the market. The benchmark bonds, which are denominated in euros, have terms of 8 and 12 years and coupons of 0.875% and 1.250% respectively. Investors showed considerable interest, including both international and specialized green bond investors. This is the first issuance based on the Green Finance Framework (GFF) for sustainability-oriented financial instruments presented in March. The proceeds of the bonds will be used in a targeted way to fund the modular electric drive matrix (MEB and the new BEV models ID.3 and ID.4. Annual reporting on the use of the proceeds and the environmental effects achieved will create transparency for investors.
New Board Member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales at Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand
Wolfsburg – Klaus Zellmer, previously President & CEO of Porsche Cars North America Inc., becomes Board Member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales at the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand effective September 15, 2020. He succeeds Jürgen Stackmann who will leave the Volkswagen Group.
Volkswagen AG successfully completes Independent Compliance Monitorship under Agreements with U.S. Authorities
Volkswagen AG today announced that the Independent Compliance Monitor, Larry D. Thompson, certified that Volkswagen has met its commitment under its Plea Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to design and implement a compliance program that will prevent and detect violations of anti-fraud and environmental laws. Certification covers Volkswagen AG and its subsidiaries and affiliates other than Porsche AG and Porsche Cars North America, which were not part of the Monitorship.
Volkswagen and Siemens donate 5 million euros for immediate aid to refugees in Moria
Siemens AG and the Volkswagen Group are jointly donating €5 million for immediate humanitarian aid to displaced people in Moria and Greece. The situation for people has worsened dramatically since fire ravaged the refugee camp in Moria on Lesbos. They have been given makeshift shelter on ships belonging to the Greek Navy and in provisional tents. The funds will be given to the German Red Cross (DRK) to support the comprehensive aid initiatives of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement for displaced people in Greece.
TRATON increases offer for common shares of Navistar to USD 43.00
Today TRATON SE (“TRATON”), one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers, increased its offer for all outstanding shares of common stock of Navistar International Corporation (“Navistar”) (NYSE: NAV) not already owned by TRATON to USD 43.00 per share in cash. The increased offer represents a 23% increase from the USD 35.00 per Navistar share that TRATON offered at the end of January. TRATON currently holds 16.8% of Navistar’s outstanding common shares.
E-mobility forerunner Volkswagen ensures greater transparency in procurement of battery raw materials
As a forerunner of e-mobility, the Volkswagen Group is ensuring greater transparency and responsibility in its raw material supply chains for batteries. To that end, the company has entered a strategic partnership with RCS Global, an agency specializing in supply chain analysis. The focus is on auditing suppliers for conformance with human rights, safe working conditions and environmental protection along the supply chain all the way back to the mines.
Volkswagen extends cooperation with independent Sustainability Council
The Volkswagen Group is extending cooperation with its independent Sustainability Council for a further two years. Volkswagen is thus continuing to vigorously pursue its sustainability targets with the focus on becoming carbon neutral by 2050. Furthermore, Rebecca Harms, former Member of the European Parliament, and Magdalena Gerger, CEO and President of the Swedish enterprise Systembolaget AB, have become new members of the Council. Herbert Diess, CEO of the Volkswagen Group, commented: “Sustainability is a key factor for the success of our company. Volkswagen will only confidently stride into the future if we undergo a transformation. The independent Sustainability Council acquires even greater significance for our Group as we make this transition. We want to intensify our dialog – a debate that also embraces criticism. With its independent expertise, the Sustainability Council is a driver and a corrective for our strategy.“
More space, more Golf: world premiere of the new Golf Variant and Golf Alltrack
World premiere for the new Golf Variant: the compact estate is now even more spacious, dynamic and digital than ever before. The greater amounts of available space, comprehensive standard features and new drive types with mild hybrid and twin dosing technology represent pioneering characteristics. The new Golf Alltrack as the all-wheel drive Golf Variant with SUV genes is also making its debut. In Germany pre-sales for the Golf Variant will start tomorrow, 10 September, while further European countries will gradually follow.
Volkswagen sets course for green electricity to power all freight carried on Deutsche Bahn
Volkswagen Group Logistics is switching all Deutsche Bahn carriage of materials and vehicles within Germany to green electricity by the start of 2021. This will cut over 26,700 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year compared to the conventional electricity mix. 95 per cent of all such transportation is already powered by green electricity. In addition even more freight is set to go by rail: Volkswagen aims to increase vehicle transportation by train from 53 per cent today up to 60 per cent by 2022. “With this green electricity offensive we are making an important contribution towards Group decarbonisation”, says Thomas Zernechel, Head of Volkswagen Group Logistics. For this purpose, Deutsche Bahn feeds in electricity from wind farms and hydropower plants.
“Freedom on the outside, free space on the inside”: the interior of the new ID.4
Ample space, purist design, high-effect lighting and sustainable upholstery ma-terials: the ID.4’s interior is a modern feel-good lounge that opens up the new character of Volkswagen brand’s first fully electric SUV to all the senses.
Now available to order: the new Golf GTI
Digital, networked, sharper design and more active driving dynamics than ever before: with the new Golf GTI, Volkswagen again significantly raises the bar in the sporty compact class. The result is a Golf GTI that combines maximum dynamics with maximum comfort. The new GTI is available to order now. Prices in Germany start from 37,607.38 euros (Golf GTI with 7-speed DSG dual clutch gearbox).
“As if shaped by the wind itself”: The exterior design of the new ID.4
Superior power, packaged in organic forms: the ID.4 is the first all-electric SUV from Volkswagen. Its exterior design clearly shows the dawn of the new era: it combines a powerful expression with flowing, organic forms and excellent aero-dynamic qualities.
Range record: ID.3 makes the journey from Zwickau to Switzerland on a single charge
The new Volkswagen ID.3 has set its first range record: The electric car covered the 531 kilometers from Zwickau to Schaffhausen (Switzerland) on a single charge. Officially, the model has a range of up to 420 kilometers (WLTP). This mark was topped by more than 100 kilometers – an increase of 26 percent. The vehicle was a series production ID.3 1st Pro Performance with a 58 kWh battery built at the Zwickau electric car factory. The route to Switzerland consisted entirely of public roads and highways, passing cities such as Bayreuth and Ulm. The record-breaking vehicle was driven by “hypermiler” Felix Egolf, a native of Switzerland. The term “hypermiling” originated in the USA and refers to driving a series production vehicle with techniques that maximize efficiency and minimize consumption.
Locally emission-free in the city, ample range for journeys: start of sales for the Golf eHybrid and Golf GTE
Volkswagen is electrifying the eighth generation of the Golf with two new plug-in hybrid versions: the Golf eHybrid and Golf GTE. This means that no less than two Golf models are now available as plug-in hybrid models for the first time. The Golf eHybrid is designed for maximum comfort and delivers an output of 150 kW (204 PS). Price in Germany: from 39,781.18 euros. With an output of 180 kW (245 PS), the Golf GTE offers outstandingly sporty performance, combining both power and efficiency. Base price: 41,667.40 euros. Sales of both models are starting now. By the end of the year, a total of eight different Golf and Golf Variant models will be available with hybrid drive – the Golf will therefore be the brand’s product line with the greatest level of hybridisation.
Volkswagen steps up electric offensive: Series production of ID.4 begins in Zwickau
Volkswagen’s electric offensive continues to gather speed: Series production of the brand’s first all-electric SUV, the ID.4, gets underway in Zwickau. The world premiere of the ID.4 follows at the end of September. Volkswagen is thus underscoring its ambition to become the world market leader in e-mobility. To this end, the Group is investing some €33 billion in the period to 2024, €11 billion of which have been earmarked for the Volkswagen brand. The brand expects to produce 1.5 million electric cars in 2025.
Volkswagen helps South Africa in the battle against Covid-19
Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has donated protective equipment to clinic employees to the provincial health ministry to better equip health care facilities in Nelson Mandela Bay to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, the company and the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) set up a laboratory for molecular virology within 18 days and optimized the processes there to increase test capacities.
Volkswagen opens vehicle assembly facility in Ghana
Volkswagen is expanding its footprint in Sub-Saharan Africa with the official opening of a vehicle assembly facility in Accra, Ghana. With this engagement, Ghana becomes the fifth Volkswagen vehicle assembly location in Sub-Saharan Africa; the other locations are in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda.
Universal Motors Limited, a licensed Volkswagen importer since 2005, has been awarded the assembly contract for the initial phase of the project. The Universal Motors facility in Accra has an installed capacity to assembly 5, 000 units per annum. The models to be assembled using Semi Knocked Down (SKD) assembly kits are Tiguan, Teramont, Passat, Polo and Amarok.
TRATON GROUP sees first signs of business recovery in third quarter
The TRATON GROUP recorded lower unit sales, sales revenue, and earnings in the first six months of 2020 in the wake of the expected market downturn in Europe and the significant impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Unit sales recorded by the three brands Scania, MAN and Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus from January to June contracted by 37% to 77,700 (H1 2019: 123,300) vehicles. At 38%, the decline in unit sales of trucks (including the MAN TGE van) to 70,500 (H1 2019: 113,100) vehicles was more significant than the 29% decrease in unit sales of buses to 7,200 (H1 2019: 10,200) vehicles. The first six months of 2019 were marked by pull-forward effects from the introduction of the digital tachograph and the potential for a no-deal Brexit, making the prior-period comparative basis exceptionally strong.
Volkswagen brand with effective crisis management in the first half of the year
Business at the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand was significantly impacted by the global Covid-19 pandemic in the first half of 2020. However, effective countermeasures reduced the impact of the crisis. Through strict cost management the brand substantially reduced its general overhead costs, expenditures for research and development and capex year-on-year. In addition, production was strictly oriented toward customer demand, leading to a considerable reduction in inventories compared with the prior-year period. Deliveries to customers by the core brand of the Volkswagen Group were down 26.7 percent in the first half of 2020 to 2.2 million vehicles. Sales revenue decreased by approximately EUR 16 billion (–35.3 percent) to around EUR 29 billion. As a consequence, the Volkswagen brand’s operating result before special items fell to EUR – 1.5 billion from an operating profit of EUR 2.3 billion in the previous year.
Volkswagen Group measures reduce the effects of Covid-19 in the first half of the year
Business at the Volkswagen Group and its brands was strongly affected by the Covid-19 pan-demic in the first half of 2020. Countermeasures initiated at an early stage to reduce costs and safeguard liquidity were successful and therefore reduced the effects of the crisis. Due to production consistently oriented toward customer demand, the Group achieved a strin-gent inventory management and thus a significant decrease in funds tied up in working capital. Overall, net liquidity in the Automotive Division could be risen by EUR 0.9 billion compared with the first quarter of 2020 to EUR 18.7 billion, also due to the issuance of hy-brid notes amounting to EUR 3.0 billion. Deliveries to customers fell year-on-year by 27.4 percent to 3.9 (5.4) million vehicles. As a result, sales revenue decreased by 23.2 percent to EUR 96.1 (125.2) billion. Operating result before special items amounted to EUR –0.8 (10.0) billion. The main reason for this development was lower unit sales caused by the sharp fall in customer demand. The fair value measurement of derivatives to which hedge accounting is not applied (in particular commodity hedges) and exchange rate effects of EUR –0.9 billion are virtually offset by a non-cash gain of EUR 0.8 billion on the contribu-tion of Autonomous Intelligent Driving (AID) into the autonomous driving joint venture with Ford. Special items relating to the diesel issue weighed on the operating profit with EUR –0.7 (–1.0) billion. Earnings before tax decreased to EUR – 1.4 (9.6) billion.
€3.75 bn debut syndicated revolving credit facility signed by TRATON SE
TRATON SE has signed its inaugural syndicated revolving credit facility in a total amount of €3.75 bn. The facility has a maturity of 3 years and can be extended twice for one year each (“3+1+1” years). The facility amount is provided by a consortium of 21 banks, thereby defining TRATON GROUP’s core relationship banks. The facility can be drawn in different currencies and serves for general corporate purposes and liquidity back-up to the Group, providing TRATON with additional financial flexibility at favorable terms.
Volkswagen supports nonprofit “42Wolfsburg” programming school
Volkswagen is supporting the construction and operation of a free programming school in Wolfsburg. The association called “Verein 42Wolfsburg e.V.” is setting up an IT hotbed called “42Wolfsburg” in cooperation with the private, nonprofit École 42 based in France. It is planned to open the coding school in Markthalle Wolfsburg in early 2021. Volkswagen will be donating €3.7 million in the first year, and a further two million euros annually in the following years. Next year, up to 600 students are already expected to be training in Wolfsburg’s Markthalle under an innovative learning concept with no teachers or formal classes. They will learn their skills under a peer-learning concept.
Voluntary tests available - Tests for Volkswagen employees with symptoms of corona
Volkswagen is to offer its workforce voluntary corona tests and will be setting up walk-through containers to collect samples at its German locations. The company is thus doing its best to prevent the effects of a renewed outbreak of the coronavirus (Covid-19) and making a further contribution toward protecting against the spread of the virus. “For Volkswagen, protecting the health of our colleagues continues to have the highest priority. In the event of a possible second wave of corona, we want to be as best prepared as possible with this testing capability”, Board Member for Human Resources, Gunnar Kilian, said. “The aim is to identify cases of infection very early and systematically prevent the virus from spreading any further. That is fundamental to protecting the health of the workforce and avoiding the threat of another lockdown.” Currently, the infection status at Volkswagen AG is at a good level.
Volkswagen brings additional partners to Industrial Cloud
Volkswagen, together with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and integration partner Siemens, is opening up the Industrial Cloud to other manufacturing and technology companies. New partner companies will be able to connect with Volkswagen plants and to contribute their own software applications for optimizing production processes to the Industrial Cloud. This way, a rapidly growing range of industrial software applications for Volkswagen’s plants will be created. Each location will be able to obtain applications for its machinery, tools and equipment direct from the Industrial Cloud to optimize production (app store approach). The Volkswagen Group expects significant efficiency and productivity gains at its plants. The partner companies will be able to scale and further develop their applications in one of the world’s largest automobile production networks. This will also enable them to optimize their own processes and products. As a first step, eleven pioneering international companies, ABB, ASCon Systems, BearingPoint, Celonis, Dürr, GROB-WERKE, MHP, NavVis, SYNAOS, Teradata and WAGO, will be joining the Industrial Cloud.
Volkswagen honors top suppliers
For the 18th time, Volkswagen has presented the Volkswagen Group Award to its top suppliers throughout the world. A total of eight companies in six categories reflecting future-oriented topics were honored. This year, the awards were presented to the winners by mail instead of in person as is usually the case. Frank Witter, CFO of the Volkswagen Group and interim Board Member with responsibility for Procurement: “We would like to thank all the award-winning companies for their outstanding dedication. Our tremendous success with the transformation of the Volkswagen Group towards e-mobility is also due to close cooperation with strong, innovative suppliers.”
New Production Board Member for Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand
Dr. Christian Vollmer, formerly Executive Vice-President for Production and Logistics of the SEAT brand, has been appointed Production Board Member of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand effective August 1, 2020. In this function, he succeeds Dr. Andreas Tostmann, who has been appointed new CEO of MAN Truck & Bus SE with effect from July 16.
We Charge: Volkswagen’s new charging service has over 150,000 public charging points
Volkswagen is rolling out its own charging service to coincide with the market launch of the ID. family: With We Charge, customers will be able to charge their electric vehicles at over 150,000 public charging points all over Europe. The We Charge charging card gives them easy access to these charging points. Customers have a choice of three individual tariffs with features such as exclusive conditions for the IONITY high-power charging network. We Charge can be booked and used from mid-August. Volkswagen is thus rounding off its “charging ecosystem” that makes charging electric vehicles as convenient as possible.
Markus Duesmann takes charge of Car.Software organization at the Volkswagen Group
The central development of a software platform for the Volkswagen Group is picking up speed. As part of his Group-wide responsibility for research and development, the CEO of Audi, Markus Duesmann, has also taken charge of software. With its own operating system for all Volkswagen Group models, an automotive data cloud and a new electronics architecture, the cross-brand Car.Software organization set itself a tight schedule for the coming years in early July. Its new CEO is to be Dirk Hilgenberg, most recently Senior Vice President Manufacturing Engineering at the BMW Group. The organizational focus of the Car.Software organization is to be at the IN Campus high-tech hub in Ingolstadt.
SITECH and Brose planning to set up a global system supplier for complete seats
Volkswagen AG and the automotive supplier Brose are planning to create a joint venture devoted to complete seats, seat structures and seat components. The Volkswagen subsidiary SITECH will become part of the joint venture. Brose will hold a 50 percent stake in the company. Volkswagen AG and the Brose Group will each own half of the company. Representatives of both companies signed a memorandum of understanding covering the joint venture today in Coburg.
Emission-free mobility for all: sales of ID.3 start on July 20
Four weeks after the start of ordering for the limited ID.3 1ST for pre-bookers, Volkswagen is opening the ordering system to the public on July 20, 2020. Customers in many European countries will be able to choose from seven pre-configured ID.3 models at dealerships and to order the appropriate charging equipment at the same time. Buyers will benefit from attractive concessions for charging via WeCharge for up to 3 years. All seven ID.3 models will be eligible for the maximum state subsidy of €9,480 granted as an environmental bonus in Germany. Subsidies will also be available for the ID.3 in many other European countries.
Summer highlight 2020: pre-sales of the new Arteon and Arteon Shooting Brake started
Volkswagen is launching the new Arteon on the market and, as a first, offering a second body version at the same time: the new Arteon Shooting Brake. It redefines the concept of an estate with an emphatically sporty rear end. Pre-sales of both models starts now. As a fastback with coupé-style rear, Volkswagen has set the starting price for the Arteon at 43,524.37 euros; prices for the Shooting Brake start at 44,387.06 euros. The official launch will take place at the beginning of November. Towards the end of the year, both Arteon models will also be available with a plug-in hybrid drive and as R models with a Performance TSI engine.
Volkswagen donates one million dollars for reforestation in Australia
Following the devastating bush fires at the beginning of the year, Volkswagen is now do-nating one million Australian dollars (about 617,000 euros) to "Bush Heritage Australia" for bush fire and reforestation projects in Australia. The "One Million Trees Project" in the Eurardy Nature Reserve in Western Australia will receive 250,000 dollars and a project to restore 400 hectares in the Scottsdale Reserve in New South Wales will receive 750,000 dollars.
Volkswagen strengthens Bochum software location
Die Volkswagen Infotainment GmbH is planning a new development center at the Bochum technology campus Mark 51°7. The subsidiary of Volkswagen AG specializing in software development and vehicle connectivity intends to group its specialists together at a central facility. The new building is to lay the foundation for further personnel growth at the Bochum location. In the presence of the Mayor of the City of Bochum, Thomas Eiskirch, and the Chief Financial Officer of the Car.Software organization in the Volkswagen Group, Frank Rösler, the Managing Directors of Volkswagen Infotainment, Bernhard Krausse and Tobias Nadjib, announced the decision on the project today. Construction is already to start in the fall of 2020.
Reorganization of TRATON’s Board of Management – Andreas Renschler to hand over management to Matthias Gründler
TRATON SE is reorganizing its Board of Management team. With effect of July 15, 2020, Andreas Renschler will be handing over the chair of the Board of Management to Matthias Gründler, who was CFO of the commercial vehicle manufacturer with the brands MAN, Scania and Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus until May 2018. Dr. Andreas Tostmann, currently a member of the Board of Management for the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand with responsibility for Production and Logistics, will furthermore be taking over from Joachim Drees, who will be leaving the TRATON Board of Management by best mutual consent likewise with effect as of July 15, 2020. Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Carsten Intra, currently the Board of Management member responsible for HR, will take over as Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. This was announced by the company on Tuesday following a meeting of the Supervisory Board in Munich.
Andreas Renschler leaving Group Board of Management of Volkswagen AG
Andreas Renschler will be leaving the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG and the Board of Management of TRATON SE with effect as of July 15th 2020. Mr. Renschler is leaving the company by best mutual consent. This was announced by the company on Tuesday in Wolfsburg. Mr. Renschler’s successor as Chairman of the Board of Management of TRATON will be Matthias Gründler, who was Chief Financial Officer of the company until May 2018.
Volkswagen Group Security supports WEISSER RING
Volkswagen Group Security is providing two Passat Variant GTE vehicles to assist the charitable association in its work supporting victims of crime. Volkswagen is also lending the organization a Volkswagen T6 and the historic Volkswagen T2 for a nationwide information tour of Germany.
Volkswagen completes final audit under Third Partial Consent Decrees with U.S. authorities
Volkswagen AG today announced the results of the third and final audit prepared by the company’s Independent Compliance Auditor, Larry D. Thompson. The report did not find any new violations and states that Volkswagen has met its obligations under the Third Partial Consent Decrees with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and California Attorney General.
Emden plant embarks on new era of e-mobility
Even in the coronavirus crisis, the Volkswagen brand is consistently moving ahead with the changeover of its plants to e-mobility in line with its plans. The conversion of the Emden plant has already started and the first electric cars are to roll off the production line there from 2022. Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of
the Volkswagen brand, says: “With the conversion of our plant at Emden into a production location for electric vehicles, Volkswagen is forcing the pace of system change. All in all, the company will invest about €1 billion in the transformation of the factory. Emden will be developed into a cornerstone of our electric strategy.” Andreas Tostmann, Board Member responsible for Production and Logistics, said: “We are transforming Emden into one of the most advanced plants in our industry.” General Works Council Chairman Bernd Osterloh emphasized: “Our workforce in Emden has special ties with the plant. This has been confirmed by the recent personnel transfers. I am convinced that the Passat, Arteon and ID.4 will be a tremendous success for the team. This is a strong product mix for a strong location.”
The new Tiguan is available to order now
Volkswagen is launching the presales of the new Tiguan straight after its world premiere. Volkswagen brand’s best-seller will now not only feature a sharper exterior design, the vehicle will also come with a host of technical innovations: The different powertrain options have an array of sustainable innovations. New control and assist systems guarantee even more convenience and the Tiguan brings a wide range of online-based services and functions on board thanks to the next generation of Infotainment system (MIB3). Four engine and gearbox combinations are initially available to order for the new Tiguan, the entry-model price for the Tiguan (1.5 l TSI engine generating 96 kW / 130 PS with 6-speed manual gearbox) is €28,205.55 in Germany.
Major donation by Volkswagen complete
All the medical supplies which the Volkswagen Group is donating within the framework of its coronavirus support have now arrived in Germany. The final consignment has been shipped from China to Germany. All in all, the donation includes almost 10 million face masks, 6 million pairs of disposable gloves, 300,000 sets of protective clothing, 200,000 protective goggles, 10,000 infrared thermometers and 250,000 liters of disinfectants.
Change in Board of Management of Volkswagen Financial Services AG
Effective August 1, 2020, Dr. Alexandra Baum-Ceisig has been appointed Member of the Board Management of FS AG responsible for HR & Organization. She succeeds Christiane Hesse, who is retiring for age reasons.
Computer Vision to make production within the Volkswagen Group even more efficient
In production, the Volkswagen Group is continuously moving ahead with future-oriented technologies and digitalization. “Industrial Computer Vision” image recognition and processing technology is to help improve productivity in production by 30 percent from 2016 to 2025. “The use of this technology offers considerable potential for making our production plants even more efficient. By 2024, we already expect cost reductions running into the double digit million euro range throughout the group,” says Gerd Walker, Head of Volkswagen Group Production. “The focus is on applications which we can develop at one location and then roll out throughout the Group.” The first two Computer Vision solutions from Porsche and Audi are currently being prepared for Group-wide rollout and connection to the Volkswagen Industrial Cloud.
Electrified and energised: world premiere of the new Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan is Europe’s most successful Sports Utility Vehicle and one of the top-selling SUVs in the world. More than six million units have been produced to date. In 2019, the Tiguan was again the most popular model of the brand and entire Volkswagen Group, with around 911,000 units produced. Volkswagen is now showcasing a comprehensive update of the best-selling vehicle as part of its world premiere. Ralf Brandstätter who has today been appointed the new CEO of the Volkswagen brand: “We launched our global SUV strategy with the second-generation Tiguan in 2016. It served as the basis for many successful models worldwide. Volkswagen is now taking the next step by electrifying, digitalising and networking the new Tiguan. This will equip the compact SUV to handle the challenges of the modern era.”
Note to editors: Changes at Volkswagen Communications
Changes at Volkswagen Communications: Nicole Mommsen takes over as Head of Corporate Communications for the Volkswagen Group and the Volkswagen brand effective August 1, 2020. She succeeds Dr. Marc Langendorf, who left the company at his own request on May 1, 2020. Nicole Mommsen reports to Peik von Bestenbostel, Head of Volkswagen Group Communications. Communications is also realigning its management structure in light of the recent changes in the Volkswagen brand Board of Management. The new Head of Communications at the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand effective July 1, 2020, is Robin Aschhoff. In this function, he reports to the CEO of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, Ralf Brandstätter.
Volkswagen ends short-time working in Germany
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Volkswagen Group Components brands plan to discontinue short-time working at their German plants until further notice from July 1, 2020. This concerns the plants at Brunswick, Chemnitz, Emden, Hanover, Kassel, Osnabrück, Salzgitter and Wolfsburg. Short-time working at Dresden and Zwickau had already come to an end some time ago. Thanks to the opening of dealerships and the sales promotion offerings, the order situation has recently developed in a positive way. “However, it remains extremely difficult to predict further developments. We will therefore keep a close eye on the situation in order to react in line with demand,” said Arne Meiswinkel, Head of Group HR Policy and Steering.
Volkswagen provides journalists with facts, figures and data concerning the 77th German Cup Final
On Saturday, the German DFB Cup Final match between FC Bayern Munich and Bayer 04 Leverkusen will take place at the Berlin Olympic Stadium. As an official partner of this traditional tournament, as well as the German Football Association (DFB), Volkswagen will provide sports journalists with a comprehensive data kit as in previous years. This is now available for download at www.volkswagen-newsroom.de/en in both German and English.
TRATON CEO Andreas Renschler sees increasing flexibility and focus as positive repercussions of the coronavirus crisis
At the “Summer of Purpose” in Munich, Andreas Renschler spoke about the key lessons the commercial vehicle manufacturer with the Scania, MAN, and Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus brands had taken from the coronavirus crisis to date. “The experience from the coronavirus pandemic will strengthen our resilience as a society because we’ve become more flexible and even more focused. The same goes for the TRATON GROUP,” said Andreas Renschler, CEO of TRATON and member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, at the event, the idea for which came from the Bangladeshi Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. “The lockdown has clearly demonstrated the speed with which we can adapt when we need to,” added Renschler.
Transformation continuing apace: Zwickau car factory to produce only electric models in future
The last model with a combustion engine left the assembly line today at the Zwickau car factory. The seventh generation Golf R Estate with 2.0-litre petrol engine in Oryx White Pearl Effect was produced for a customer in Germany. From today on, only electric models of Volkswagen and in future also of the sister brands Audi and Seat will be produced in Zwickau. The leap into the modern automobile age has been a long one: since 1904, cars with combustion engines have been built in Zwickau - initially for many years, including Horch models, and in GDR times the Trabant came off the assembly line here. In May 1990, Volkswagen started production at its plant in western Saxony. Over the course of the past 30 years, exactly 6,049,207 Volkswagen cars of the models Polo, Golf, Golf Estate, Passat Saloon and Passat Variant have been produced in Zwickau.
One becomes two: world premiere of the new Arteon and Arteon Shooting Brake
One model series, two versions! Volkswagen is presenting the new Arteon in a world premiere and is unveiling a second version – the new Arteon Shooting Brake – at the same time. This model is a completely new interpretation of the estate concept. “Volkswagen will launch 34 new models this year. There has never been such an extensive model initiative in the history of the brand,“ says Ralf Brandstätter, Chief Operating Officer und designated CEO of the Volkswagen Pkw brand. “The Arteon Shooting Brake extends our model range in the important midsize-segment. It will set standards in its class with its dynamic design, high functionality and modern technologies.“
Volkswagen hands over first phase of Covid-19 temporary medical facility
Seven weeks after the initial announcement of the company’s plans to provide a temporary medical facility for Covid-19 patients, Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) today handed over the first phase of this project to the Eastern Cape Department of Health.
Stress test for everyday suitability: company employees in Saxony begin testing fleet of 150 ID.3
For selected employees at Volkswagen Sachsen, the e-mobility of tomorrow begins today: They will be testing the all-electric Volkswagen ID.3 for everyday usability over a period of several weeks – before delivery officially starts in early September. A total of 150 ID.3 built in Zwickau have been reserved for employees at the three plants in Saxony for everyday testing under real conditions to analyze anonymized data on the usage and driving behavior of the ID.3. Over the coming months, this will provide Volkswagen with a steady stream of additional information from hundreds of thousands of kilometers travelled.
First-time investment grade credit ratings assigned to TRATON SE
Following TRATON’s successful IPO in June 2019, TRATON SE began preparations with Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) and S&P Global Ratings (S&P) during H2 2019 in order to set up inaugural issuer credit ratings. Post recent updates to the rating agencies reflecting estimated impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, TRATON has decided to publish the ratings to the financial community.
First overseas car freighter with low-emission LNG propulsion in service for Volkswagen Group
Premiere in Emden: For the first time, vehicles from Europe will be transported from Europe to North and Central America on a car freighter powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). On Tuesday evening the SIEM CONFUCIUS with more than 4,800 vehicles for North America leaves Emden for Veracruz in the Gulf of Mexico. The LNG drive reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 25 percent, nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 30 percent, soot particles by up to 60 percent and sulphur oxide emissions by up to 100 percent.
All Volkswagen plants back to production with effect from today
Today, production resumes at the Puebla plant in Mexico. All 16 plants of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand throughout the world have therefore returned to production. Andreas Tostmann, Member of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand Board of Management responsible for Production and Logistics, said: “We have succeeded in resuming production with priority on maximum health protection. Not a single part has been missing in production. Thank you very much to our team – and also to our suppliers and logistics contractors.” For the European plants of the brand alone, Volkswagen purchases about 100,000 different parts from its suppliers.
Volkswagen increases stake in QuantumScape
The Volkswagen Group is increasing its stake in QuantumScape and making an additional investment of up to US$200 million in the US battery specialist. The goal is to drive forward the joint development of solid-state battery technology. In future, solid-state batteries are expected to significantly increase range and shorten charging times further. “We are making technological progress with our partner QuantumScape. The additional investment will effectively strengthen and accelerate our joint development work”, said Thomas Schmall, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Group Components, which has end-to-end responsibility for batteries. The Volkswagen Group and QuantumScape have also been collaborating in a joint venture to enable industrial-level production of solid-state batteries since 2018.
Only at Volkswagen: visitors can help build the e-Golf in the Transparent Factory in Dresden
As of today, visitors of Volkswagen's Transparent Factory in Dresden have the opportunity to get even closer to the e-Golf during production. With the new Mach-Mit production experience, they can accompany the vehicles along the production line for a while. Under the expert guidance of Volkswagen employees, they can help out at up to five different stations - for example, when attaching the e-Golf logo. Further experience points include the connection of the powertrain and body ("marriage"), the installation of the tail lights on the tailgate and the fitting of the radiator and radiator grille front with the brand logo. It is planned to offer the experience package from 2021 on also for the ID.3, which will then be produced in Dresden.
Wallbox for everyone: Volkswagen rolls out ID. Charger
Volkswagen has started sale of the ID. Charger for quick and easy home charging for electric vehicles. The wallbox can be ordered online or from Volkswagen dealers in eight European countries. The first boxes were delivered to customers recently. At an introductory price of €399, the ID. Charger offers an excellent price-performance ratio. It was developed with the ID.3 and the ID. family in mind, but can also be used to charge all other electric cars with a Type 2 connector. The new Volkswagen wallbox is part of a complete ID.3 package designed by Volkswagen to make the switch to an electric car as simple and convenient as possible.
Volkswagen Partnership realises Katharina Grosse exhibition at Hamburger Bahnhof – Museum für Gegenwart – Berlin
Katharina Grosse is internationally ranked as one of the most renowned artists from Germany. In the last weeks she has created a vast painting with her signature powerful colors for the interior and exterior space of the Hamburger Bahnhof – Museum für Gegenwart – Berlin.
Volkswagen takes action in response to criticism of social media clip
In response to the rightly criticized Internet clip to promote the Golf 8, the company has decided to take a number of actions. This is to ensure that the production and publication of inappropriate content will be prevented in future.
Ford, Volkswagen Sign Agreements for Joint Projects On Commercial Vehicles, Electrification, Autonomous Driving
Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen AG today signed agreements that expand their global alliance to meet rapidly evolving needs of their respective customers in Europe and other regions by leveraging complementary strengths in midsize pickup trucks and com-mercial and electric vehicles.
ID.3 1st deliveries begin in early September
The final timetable for the start of Volkswagen’s ID. family has been set: Binding orders for the 30,000 models making up the limited 1st Edition of the ID. 3 can be placed from June 17 in most European countries. As a token of thanks for their loyalty to the brand, Volkswagen is offering all pre-bookers wishing to take possession of their ID.3 1st as quickly as possible membership the 1st Mover Club. Delivery of the ID.3 1st to “First Movers” begins in early September.
Supervisory Board accepts apology of Dr. Herbert Diess
At yesterday’s Supervisory Board meeting, which focused on personnel matters, the Su-pervisory Board and Dr. Herbert Diess also discussed statements of Dr. Diess at an internal event. Dr. Diess formally apologised for these statements towards the members of the Supervisory Board, declaring that these statements were inappropriate and wrong. The members of the Supervisory Board accepted the apology of Dr. Diess, and will continue to support him in his work.
Dr. Stefan Sommer is leaving Volkswagen
Dr. Stefan Sommer will be leaving the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft on 30 June 2020.
Ralf Brandstätter to lead Volkswagen core brand in future
The Volkswagen Group is reassigning responsibilities for the management of the brand and the Group. The Volkswagen core brand is to be led by the brand’s previous COO, Ralf Brandstätter from July 1, 2020. The CEO of the Volkswagen Group, Dr. Herbert Diess, who had previously been responsible for both functions, will therefore receive greater leeway for his tasks as Group CEO. Within the Group Board of Management, he will retain overall responsibility for Volkswagen Passenger Cars and the Volume brand group. The objective will be a stronger focus on the tasks at the top level of the Group and the brand in the cur-rent transformation phase of the automotive industry. The Supervisory Board took note of this at its meeting held today.
Volkswagen expands Executive Committee of the Supervisory Board to eight members
The Supervisory Board of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft has added two further members to its Executive Committee, taking membership to eight. This was announced by the Company’s Supervisory Board on Friday, 5th June 2020. The reason for the expansion is increasing duties and responsibilities. Recent legislation such as the Act Implementing the Second Shareholder Rights Directive (ARUG II) and the amended German Corporate Governance Code (DCGK) has significantly increased the committee’s workload. In future, Dr. Hans Michel Piëch as a representative of the shareholders and Bertina Murkovic as a representative of the employees will serve on the Executive Committee.
Volkswagen starts development of climate projects for CO2 compensation
The Volkswagen Group and the project developer Permian Global have signed a Joint Development Agreement to create climate protection projects. With the support of Permian Global, the Volkswagen Group will begin developing climate protection projects to protect tropical forests in the second half of 2020. Following successful verification, the avoided deforestation and restoration of endangered forests will lock away carbon and deliver carbon credits that will be used to compensate for CO2 emissions from the supply chain, production and logistics of vehicle, as long as these CO2 emissions cannot be avoided and renewable energies cannot be used currently.
A British jump start – Volkswagen remembers the beginning of British trusteeship 75 years ago
75 years ago, from June 5, 1945, the British military entered its zone of occupation, replacing the US troops. In Wolfsburg, the British Military Government assumed trusteeship over Volkswagenwerk GmbH, beginning a unique post-war story. The key figure in this story is 28-year-old Major Ivan Hirst. With a talent for improvisation, organizational capabilities and tremendous farsightedness, he reshaped the armaments plant, which had been largely destroyed and was intended for demolition, into a civilian car factory. This way, the British prepared the ground for the later global success of the Beetle and laid the foundation for today’s Volkswagen Group. Volkswagen honors the British era with the documentary film “My brief was very simple“, in which Ivan Hirst tells his Volkswagen story.
Class #5 of Volkswagen's incubator programme: Five start-ups make a virtual start to the next round
Volkswagen's start-up program entered its fifth round today in Dresden. Five startups will work together with the Transparent Factory and the Volkswagen Group for six months. The launch of a new class of the “Future Mobility Incubator” took place virtually for the first time. The dates for the presentation in the Transparent Factory are currently being planned. The founders now have until the end of November to push their concepts forward with the support of specialist departments in Wolfsburg, Berlin and Dresden.
Initial facts about the new Arteon: preview to the virtual world première on June 24th
The Arteon is Volkswagen’s Gran Turismo – avant-garde, full of energy and efficient. Volkswagen is now giving a first preview towards the new Arteon. Alongside the classic Gran Turismo, a second product line variant will also be available in future as a Shooting Brake. This model is both dynamic and elegant, and impresses with the flexible concept of an estate. Klaus Bischoff, Head of Volkswagen Group Design and Volkswagen brand’s Design department: “With the Arteon Shooting Brake we have created a new balance between speed, power and space.”
YouTube series “Becoming ID.” wins award
The YouTube series “Becoming ID.” received the Gold award at the international Telly Awards in the “Branded Content - Campaign Branding” category. In addition to the cinematic implementation, the fact that the series offered an unusually intensive look behind the scenes of the history of the creation of the ID.3 and thus a completely new generation of vehicles was also recognized.
Group-wide personnel changes in Technical Development and Product Line organization
Matthias Rabe has been named Member of the Board for Engineering at Bentley effective August 1. He succeeds Werner Tietz, who moves to SEAT as Executive Vice-President for Research and Development as of July 1. Werner Tietz succeeds Axel Andorff, who assumes responsibility for the Midsize and MEB Product Line at ŠKODA, also with effect from July 1. He takes over from Matthias Glodny, who becomes Head of the Modular Toolkits, Drivetrains and Modules Product Line at Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand.
Volkswagen intensifies e-mobility activities in China
Today, Volkswagen has initiated the next chapter for its business in China. Volkswagen plans to increase its share in JAC Volkswagen, its joint venture for e-mobility. Around €1 billion is to be invested. This amount includes the acquisition of 50 percent of JAG, the parent company of the Volkswagen partner JAC, and an increase in the stake in JAC Volkswagen from 50 to 75 percent. By gaining management control, Volkswagen is paving the way for more electric models and infrastructure. Furthermore, Volkswagen will acquire a 26 percent stake in battery manufacturer Gotion High-Tech Co., Ltd. for around €1 billion, becoming the company’s largest shareholder.
Landmark in Volkswagen-Ford global alliance
Landmark in Volkswagen-Ford global alliance: The Volkswagen AG Supervisory Board ap-proved further contracts under the cooperation with Ford Motor Company announced last year. The next milestones in the vehicle projects are anticipated to be implemented in near the future with the signatures of both companies. Three projects in the areas of elec-trification and commercial vehicles are planned to be realized as a first step. The Volkswagen-Ford global alliance – which does not involve cross-ownership between the companies – is expected to create annual efficiencies for each company.
Volkswagen Group Components presents the SPEED+ Awards
Today, for the third consecutive year, Volkswagen Group Components awarded the Speed+ Award to its best performing plants. Thomas Schmall, CEO of Volkswagen Group Components, presented the coveted awards from the international and cross-brand competition for efficiency for the first time in an online event. The nominated plants from sites around the world tuned into the live event; thousands of employees followed the announcement of the winners by webcast. The component plants of the Audi, SEAT and ŠKODA brands also took part in the competition for the first time. The Tianjin components plant in China was the big winner this year, scooping three gold awards.
Cultural Initiative 'Volkswagen ART4ALL' Is Honored with Significant Award
During the digital meeting of the Working Group for Cultural Sponsoring (AKF – Arbeitskreis Kultursponsoring) within the Association of Arts and Culture of the German Economy at the Federation of German Industries (Kulturkreis der deutschen Wirtschaft im BDI e.V.) taking place this evening, Volkswagen will receive the AKF-Award for the format 'Volkswagen ART4ALL', honoring its successful and invaluable role in cultural engagement. Since April 2018, Volkswagen and Hamburger Bahnhof – Museum für Gegenwart – Berlin have not only been offering free admission between 4 and 8 pm every first Thursday of a month, but also enhanced by various artistic programs, workshops and guided tours, inviting everybody to participate in the cultural world. Starting in January 2020, Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg has joined the format and offers its visitors free admission between 4 and 9 pm every last Wednesday of a month.
World premiere of the new Volkswagen Nivus
Tomorrow, Volkswagen do Brasil will be presenting its most recent model: the Nivus. The new Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) in the small car segment convinces with dynamic design, an ample vehicle interior and an elevated seating position. The virtual world premiere will take place at 4 pm (CEST). The presentation is broadcasted at https://press.live-vwnivus.com/. The event from Sao Paulo will be held in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
JETTA successfully offers entry-level individual mobility in China
JETTA, Volkswagen’s sub brand in China, continues to be a well-received option for buyers in China seeking to own a car for the first time. In April, JETTA delivered 13,500 cars to customers. This equals roughly one percent of the world’s largest automotive market, a development made possible by one of the best brand starts in Chinese history. From
January to April, around 38,000 of the brand’s cars were sold.
Volkswagen is publishing reports about a special audit of the Environmental Management Systems
Today Volkswagen is publishing the third and final series of reports from an Environmental Management System special audit, conducted in 2019, which is required by the U.S. Department of Justice and California Third Partial Consent Decrees (“Consent Decrees”) entered into by Volkswagen in 2017.
All Volkswagen retail partners agree new sales model for ID. family
All Volkswagen retail partners have signed the agreement for the new sales model for vehicles from the all-electric ID. family. The sales launch of the ID.3 marks the start of the agency model for private customers and small commercial enterprises that has already proven its worth for major customers over many years. The benefit for customers: They can switch seamlessly between online and offline channels and order direct from Volkswagen, while their preferred dealer remains their local contact. The dealer assumes the role of agent under the new model and receives a commission from Volkswagen for this service.
Golf GTI with new Vehicle Dynamics Manager
Agile drive, the running gear of dreams, unmistakeable design, perfect ergonomics, unadulterated driving pleasure – that’s the DNA of a true sports car. At Volkswagen, this is represented by three letters: GTI. The eighth generation of the sporty Golf derivate is now on the way. The new Golf GTI is more digital, networked, more sharply designed and more active in motion than ever before. Its turbocharged engine generates 180 kW (245 PS). The new Vehicle Dynamics Manager intelligently manages the electromechanical running gear systems. Maximum dynamism, maximum comfort – Golf GTI combines both.
Volkswagen stands up for respectful coexistence
Volkswagen is supporting “Wolfsburger Woche für Vielfalt und Toleranz” (Wolfsburg diversity and tolerance week) organized by Aids-Hilfe Wolfsburg. Representatives from the German Aids organization and the Group Works Council raised rainbow flags outside the brand tower as a visible sign of the initiative. The rainbow is a global symbol of diversity, tolerance and acceptance.
Strong impetus from Volkswagen to boost sales
From May 15, Volkswagen Passenger Cars is offering customers the #vwfüreuch program, an attractive all-in package for leasing and financing. From a monthly payment of €9.99, the package includes payment protection insurance in case customers lose their job as well as maintenance and inspections and an extended warranty for the entire term of the contract. Customers can also benefit from especially attractive leasing and financing conditions.
Volkswagen invests in battery operations at Salzgitter
The joint venture between Volkswagen Group and the Swedish battery producer Northvolt AB is gaining further momentum. It has been decided that Volkswagen itself will erect the buildings and infrastructure for the joint venture’s “Northvolt Zwei” factory that is to produce lithium-ion battery cells, in order to leverage synergies at the Salzgitter site – based on the existing Center of Excellence for Battery Cells. Some €450 million is to be invested in this project. The joint venture will then rent the factory space. Battery cell production at the plant is scheduled to commence in early 2024 with an initial production capacity of 16 gigawatt hours.
Volkswagen remembers end of war 75 years ago: a day of liberation and warning
With a minute’s silence at its Wolfsburg plant, Volkswagen is today remembering the end of the Second World War in Europe on May 8,1945. On behalf of the company and its workforce, Arne Meiswinkel, Head of Group HR Policy and Steering, Bernd Osterloh, Group Works Council Chairman, and Plant Manager Dr. Stefan Loth laid white roses on the stone of remembrance for the victims of forced labor at the former Volkswagenwerk GmbH.
Personnel changes in the Quality organization of the Group and the Volkswagen brand
Frank Moser is the new Head of Group Quality. He is currently Head of Corporate Quality at Porsche AG and will continue to hold this post when he succeeds Andreas Klar, who is retiring from the company under a retirement program, effective June 1, 2020. Christiane Engel, currently Plant Director at the Volkswagen Poznań plant in Września, also succeeds Andreas Klar – in his brand role – as Head of Quality Assurance at the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand effective June 1, 2020. Stefanie Hegels takes over as Plant Director at the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles plant of Volkswagen Poznań in Września effective June 1, 2020.
Volkswagen ID.3 wins leading industry design award
The Volkswagen brand dominated the Automotive Brand Contest 2020, securing a total of five awards in the automotive design segment. The ID.3, the all-electric model leading the brand into the future, was named “Best of Best” in no less than two categories. The new Golf and the ID. SPACE VIZZION concept car were also amongst this year’s award winners. The Automotive Brand Contest is the only independent, international design competition for automotive brands.
Jörn Hasenfuß to head Osnabrück plant
Jörn Hasenfuß, hitherto member of the Board of Management responsible for Procurement at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, has been appointed Speaker of the Management Board and Managing Director of the Technical Division of Volkswagen Osnabrück GmbH effective May 1, 2020. In his role as Osnabrück plant manager, he succeeds Jörg Müller, who led Volkswagen Osnabrück GmbH since 2019 and is retiring from the company under a retirement program.
The TRATON GROUP prepares for the re-opening of the economy in a very challenging environment
In anticipation of a downturn in the market in Europe and due to the initial effects of the global corona pandemic, the TRATON GROUP recorded falls in unit sales, sales revenue, and operating profit in the first three months of 2020 and is now making preparations for the re-opening of the economy in a very challenging environment. Unit sales of the three brands MAN, Scania, and Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus contracted by 20% to 46,000 (prior-year level: 57,200) vehicles in the first three months of the year. With unit sales down 21% to 42,000 (53,000) vehicles, the decline in truck sales was more marked than in buses, where a drop of 4% to around 4,000 (4,200) vehicles was recorded.
Volkswagen prolongs worldwide new vehicle and extended warranties by three months
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand is extending the warranty period for new vehicles by three months. This applies to all vehicles produced in Europe or for the European market with a two-year new vehicle warranty or an extended warranty that expires between March 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020. The prolongation is valid for three months after the expiry of the original new vehicle or extended warranty.
Volkswagen Brand – First-quarter sales revenue and profit down on previous year due to impact of Covid-19
Volkswagen Passenger Cars experienced a substantial impact on its business in the first three months of 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite a solid start to the year, deliveries to customers by the core Volkswagen brand decreased by around 25 percent to 1.1 million vehicles over the January to March period of 2020. In the same quarter, sales revenue fell by some EUR 2.6 billion (-11.9 percent) to around EUR 19 billion. The core brand’s operating profit remained positive. Standing at around EUR 481 million, it fell by 50 percent in comparison to the previous year’s figure before special items. The operating return on sales in the first quarter of 2020 was 2.5 percent (4.3 percent in previous year before special items).
Volkswagen launches the all-new T-Roc Cabriolet
The new T-Roc Cabriolet is on its way to dealerships just in time for spring. Volkswagen’s first convertible crossover links the best of both the convertible and the SUV world by combining driving pleasure with usefulness and striking design. Elements including the rollover protection system and a reinforced windscreen frame are designed to ensure maximum safety. The new convertible is now available at Volkswagen dealerships, in Germany the model will be available from a basic price of €27,495.
Volkswagen steps up development of Industrial Cloud
The Volkswagen Group is forging ahead with the integration of its plants into the Volkswagen Industrial Cloud. The aim is to further improve the efficiency of the plants and reduce production costs. The first three plants were already linked up in 2019. “In 2020, we intend to bring 15 further plants into the Cloud,” says Gerd Walker, Head of Production of the Volkswagen Group. Work on the project also continued consistently while production was suspended during the coronavirus crisis. “We are making good progress and significantly forcing the pace,” says Roy Sauer, Head of Enterprise & Platform Architecture of the Volkswagen Group. From 2016 to 2025, Volkswagen intends to boost the productivity of its plants by 30 percent and “our Industrial Cloud will be a key lever for achieving this objective,” says Walker. All in all, the Group expects cost savings totaling several billion euros when the data of all 124 plants can be evaluated in a standardized way. The Industrial Cloud is built on Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Siemens is the integration partner.
Volkswagen Group’s business substantially impacted by Covid-19 pandemic in first quarter
The Volkswagen Group recorded a substantial impact on its business as a result of the global Covid-19 pandemic following the first three months of the current fiscal year. Deliveries to customers decreased by 23.0 percent compared to the same period of the previous year to 2.0 (2.6) million vehicles. Sales revenue fell by 8.3 percent from January to March to EUR 55.1 (60.0) billion. Operating profit before special items decreased significantly by 81.4 percent to EUR 0.9 (4.8) billion. In the previous year, special items as a result of the diesel crisis reduced profit by EUR –1.0 billion. There were no special items in the first quarter of 2020. The operating return on sales in the first quarter of 2020 was 1.6 percent (6.4 or 8.1 percent before special items). In addition to the fall in unit sales due to the drop in customer demand, turbulence in the commodity and capital markets caused the fair value measurement of commodity hedges to have a negative effect and also led to negative currency effects. Earnings before tax fell to EUR 0.7 (4.1) billion.
Together with its cultural partners Volkswagen is striking out into new creative online channels
Due to the corona crisis Volkswagen and its cultural partners have changed joint real-world events into digital formats. The respective second joint issues of the new online editions of Volkswagen ART4ALL together with the Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg and Hamburger Bahnhof – Museum für Gegenwart – Berlin have since moved to the Facebook and Instagram channels of the partners.
Create your ID.3: Volkswagen invites designers to take part in competition on Instagram
What might an electric vehicle such as Volkswagen’s new ID.3 look like in 30 years time? Will holograms replace controls inside the vehicle? Will the vehicle be driving around autonomously and how would the vehicle exterior have to be adapted to these demands? Today, on 27 April, World Design Day, Head of Volkswagen Group Design, Klaus Bischoff, will be launching a competition at Instagram @volkswagen_de. The task at hand: designing the ID.3 for 2050.
TRATON launches several corona crisis relief campaigns
The TRATON GROUP and its brands join the effort to overcome the corona crisis with targeted relief campaigns. TRATON will, for instance, support the “DocStop für Europäer e.V.” association, which provides for an improvement in medical care and working conditions for bus and truck drivers on the road. “Professional truck drivers have a hard enough job to do even in normal times,” said Andreas Renschler, CEO of TRATON and member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG. “The spread of the corona virus has made it even harder. This crisis has clearly demonstrated to us just how important supplies of medication and food are to us. We would not have access to them without road transportation. This is why I am really happy about the contribution we are making to help these truly system-relevant workers.”