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Press Releases
This section contains all current press releases on topics and news items concerning Volkswagen.
Volkswagen ID. R uses Formula 1 technology for optimal aerodynamics
Volkswagen has set itself a new challenge with the ID. R this year – the Nürburgring-Nordschleife instead of Pikes Peak. A race track instead of a hill climb. Full-throttle sections instead of hair-pins. Because of this, the fully electric-powered ID. R has been continuously developed with respect to its aerodynamics.
China plays key role in Volkswagen Group’s e-mobility strategy
China will play a key role in the Volkswagen group’s global transformation and its accompanying decarbonization program. Thus, this year will see an intensified roll-out of new energy models. Volkswagen Group China aims to produce more than half of the group’s global objective of 22 million BEVs by 2028. To speed up its e-offensive, it will also launch a new joint venture in charging infrastructure. All this will lay the foundation for wide acceptance of e-mobility. Meanwhile, in the area of future technologies, Volkswagen Group China is combining its research power, with Volkswagen brand, Audi and Group R&D working together within the new ONE R&D structure.
Volkswagen launches model offensive in China
Volkswagen plans an extensive model offensive in China. The brand will have doubled its SUV range by 2020. Volkswagen announced during the Auto Shanghai 2019, that the share of SUVs is expected to rise to up to 40 per cent. It is targeting the tradiotional part as well as the growing e-mobility sector. The Volkswagen brand presented five new SUV, four of them as world premieres. SAIC VOLKSWAGEN showed the T-Cross and the soon to be launched Teramont X, FAW-VW the SUV Coupé Concept and SMV Concept. Besides the four models of the joint ventures the latest member of the ID. Family celebrated its world premiere: the ID. ROOMZZ.
World première of the ID. ROOMZZ in Shanghai
Volkswagen has today presented the newest member of the ID. Family – the ID. ROOMZZ – at the “Brand SUV Night” in the run-up to Auto Shanghai. The multivariable all-rounder is a zero-emission SUV of the five-metre class which is tailored to both family and business requirements. The series version is to be initially launched on the Chinese market in 2021. The ID. ROOMZZ’s bodywork design follows the clear, homogeneous lines of the rest of the ID. family. The concept car also breaks new ground in the full-size SUV segment thanks to multiple details.
Volkswagen Group wins further market shares
The Volkswagen Group handed over 998,900 vehicles to customers worldwide in March, corresponding to a fall of 4.3 percent compared with March 2018. In Europe (+0.6 percent) and North America (+3.7 percent), more customers took delivery of a vehicle from one of the Group brands than in the same month last year. However, this could not compensate for lower deliveries in the Asia-Pacific region (-9.9 percent) and South America (-10.2 percent). Dr. Christian Dahlheim, Head of Volkswagen Group Sales, commented: “As was the case in the first two months of the year, the Volkswagen Group again performed better than the global market in March and won further market shares. This confirms the great appeal of our brands and their products. We ended what was, as expected, a challenging first quarter with deliveries exceeding 2.6 million vehicles and high order backlogs, and are somewhat more optimistic, particularly as regards the second half of the year.”
Intelligent power strip: Transparent Factory in Dresden installs flexible, expandable electric charging infrastructure
The Transparent Factory in Dresden is expanding its electric charging infrastructure. Extra charging points have been installed at Volkswagen’s Dresden site as part of a joint venture with the start-up ChargeX. Just days after receiving CE certification, the start-up’s first charging solution anywhere in the world has officially come on stream. The idea behind it is as clever as it is cost-effective: the only installation required was a 22 kW wall box. Two additional charging points are now connected using an intelligent power strip. 32 charging points are now available for staff and visitors. Pilot projects are also planned at other Volkswagen locations. The Office of Economic Development for the City of Dresden is also providing about €36,500 of funding for a pilot project in which ChargeX will conduct practical testing of integrated charging control (load management).
Volkswagen and Karajan Music Tech Conference unveil deconstructed trumpet
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the key topic of the Karajan Music Tech Conference hosted in Salzburg by the Eliette and Herbert von Karajan Institute with the support of Volkswagen. With this partnership, the Group builds upon the success of the previous conference and facilitates a new international expert meeting as well as a presentation of innovative technologies in the world of music.
Volkswagen Press Conference at Shanghai Auto Show 2019
The Volkswagen Press Conference at the Shanghai Auto Show 2019 will be broadcasted live on Tuesday, April 16th 2019, from 03:20am CEST (01.20am GMT):
Computer simulations accelerate the continuous development of the ID. R
The continuous development of the ID. R is in full swing. The prototype, powered by two electric motors with a 500 kW (680 PS) system performance, will in summer 2019 hunt down the lap record for electric vehicles on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife with Romain Dumas at the wheel. As well as extensive test drives and the work in the wind tunnel, Volkswagen Motorsport is also strongly relying on computer simulations in the preparation phase. These digital tools not only represent essential support for the engineers, they also save time and costs.
One million Sharan – Volkswagen Autoeuropa in Portugal celebrates production anniversary
Today, the millionth Sharan rolled off the assembly line at Volkswagen Autoeuropa in Palmela since production started there 24 years ago. Its safety, space utilisation and sliding door concept continues to impress families and long-haul drivers around the world.
Volkswagen expands market share in first quarter
The Volkswagen brand delivered 542,700 vehicles worldwide in March, 7.2 percent below the record level for March 2018. The positive trend in the USA (+14.0 percent) could not compensate for lower deliveries in Asia (-10.0 percent), Europe (-3.5 percent) and South America (-12.7 percent). Volkswagen handed over a total of 1,456,400 vehicles to customers in the first quarter, 4.5 percent down on the same period in 2018. In an overall market that also saw deliveries fall, the brand therefore recorded a slight gain in its market share for the first quarter.
Live at Techno Classica 2019: apprentices Fábio and Marvin to complete Volkswagen Type 3 restoration
Exceptional training station: Fábio Lopes and Marvin Wiethölter will complete their restoration project this week at the Techno Classica classic car fair in Essen. Since December 2018, the apprentices at Volkswagen in Osnabrück have been rebuilding a classic Volkswagen Type 3. They have also given the hatchback sedan VW 1600 TL a more powerful Type 4 engine. The final is now scheduled for April 10th until 14th, when the future automotive mechatronics engineers for system and high-voltage technology will complete the 1968 classic at the Volkswagen Classic stand - live in front of ten thousands of visitors to the world's largest trade fair for classic cars.
Cheer us on in Marrakesh – Volkswagen at the starting line of FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR)
This weekend (5 to 7 April 2019), the Sébastien Loeb Racing team and Volkswagen Motorsport join the line-up for the FIA World Touring Car Championship in Morocco – with no less than four racing versions of the Golf GTI TCR. The already sporty compact vehicle was tuned to the requirements of the racing track by Volkswagen Motorsport experts and now boasts 257 kW (350 PS). Based on the racing version, Volkswagen offers the Golf GTI TCR production model with 213 kW (290 PS).
Volkswagen at the Techno Classica 2019: records, cabriolets and a trainee project
Volkswagen Classic is presenting three themed areas at the world’s largest fair for vintage automobiles. Six unique record breakers and a 68-page booklet recount superlative achievements from the world of Volkswagen. “Summer Forever” honours 70 years of the Beetle Cabriolet with two rare exhibits. “Youth at Work” displays a special apprentice project: trainees from Volkswagen Osnabrück will complete the restoration of a classic in Hall 4.0.
Volkswagen Group secures lithium supplies
The Volkswagen Group and Ganfeng Lithium Co., Ltd. registered in Jiangxi (China) have signed a memorandum of understanding on long-term lithium supplies for battery cells. Under the agreement, Ganfeng will supply lithium to the Volkswagen Group and its suppliers for the next ten years. Volkswagen is thus already securing a significant share of its lithium requirement for batteries.
The continuing development of the Volkswagen ID. R to make the record on Nürburgring-Nordschleife possible
The next challenge for the ID. R awaits: in summer, a new record is set to be delivered on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. The team from Volkswagen Motorsport are therefore working intensively on the continuing development of the purely electric-powered race car. The focus of the testing and development phase is on increasing the efficiency of the vehicle. The ID. R, powered by two electric motors with system performance of 500 kW (680 hp), is the racing forerunner to the ID. product family, the future range of purely electric-powered production vehicles from Volkswagen.
New Passat breaks record on debut: Number one mid-range model with 30 million vehicles worldwide
On April 3, the Passat broke the 30-million-model mark for production in the Volkswagen plant at Emden, with the result that the bestseller set a new record in its segment: no other mid-range model and no other business vehicle globally has been sold more often than the Passat. The 30,000,000th vehicle – a Passat GTE Variant with a plug-in hybrid drive and a Pyrite Silver Metallic exterior – is already one of the first models in a new evolutionary stage to feature an extensive technical update (European presales will begin in May). The 30 millionth Passat will be used as a press and test vehicle for the international media over the coming months.
Volkswagen tests highly-automated driving in Hamburg
Volkswagen Group Research is testing automated vehicles in urban traffic in Hamburg. This is the first time Volkswagen has begun to test automated driving to Level 4 at real driving conditions in a major German city. From now, a fleet of five e-Golf, equipped with laser scanners, cameras, ultrasonic sensors and radars, will drive on a three-kilometer section of the digital test bed for automated and connected driving in the Hanseatic city. The results of the test drives, which will be continuously evaluated taking full account of all data protection rules, will be incorporated in the Group’s numerous research projects on automated driving, and will test customer-centric services and optimize individual transport.
The ID. family is growing: In Shanghai a new concept car shows the electric full-size SUV of the future
The Volkswagen Brand celebrates the world premiere of the ID. ROOMZZ at Auto Shanghai, one of China’s biggest car shows. The multi-variable all-round model is the next member of the ID. family and gives you a taste of what is to come in the upcoming series version of the zero-emission SUV that will hit the Chinese market first in 2021. Auto Shanghai will have its doors open from April 16th to April 24th 2019.
Prince Carl Philip of Sweden visits Volkswagen
Sweden is the Partner Country of Hannover Messe 2019. During his official visit to Germany, Prince Carl Philip was welcomed by Volkswagen Group representatives in Wolfsburg and found out more about the company’s e-mobility strategy. The Swedish Prince was one of the first to test the Group’s new generation of electric cars, including models from the Volkswagen ID. family. Sweden is one of Europe’s largest markets for electric vehicles.
Dr. Ralf Brunken is new Director of AutoUni
Dr. Ralf Brunken, formerly CIO at ŠKODA, has taken over as Director of the AutoUni effective April 1. He succeeds Prof. Dr. Mark Gonter, who assumes responsibility for value analysis in the future fields of e-mobility, autonomous driving and connectivity in Procurement at Audi AG.
Volkswagen starts “Faculty 73” training program for IT specialists
The newly-established “Faculty 73” at Volkswagen has begun its training program for software developers. In the four weeks since the program got underway the 100 participants have already developed and programmed the first model vehicles and built a software-controlled miniature production line. Today, the Federal Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Hubertus Heil, was joined at the AutoUni in Wolfsburg by Human Resources Board Member, Gunnar Kilian, and the Chairman of the Works Council, Bernd Osterloh, to find out more about the successful start to the Group’s internal IT training program. Under the innovative program, participants are trained as software developers at Volkswagen over a two-year period. Students include employees who have completed their vocational training as well as PhD graduates.
Volkswagen also to cooperate with Siemens for Industrial Cloud
The Siemens technology group is to be the integration partner for the Volkswagen Industrial Cloud. This was announced by Volkswagen and Siemens today. Siemens will play a key role in ensuring that machinery and equipment of different manufacturers at the 122 Volkswagen plants are networked efficiently in the cloud. The resulting data transparency and analysis will lay the technological foundations for further productivity improvements at Volkswagen plants. In addition, Siemens and machinery and equipment suppliers will make applications and apps from the MindSphere Internet of Things system available in the Volkswagen Industrial Cloud. Volkswagen and Siemens intend to develop new functions and services for the Industrial Cloud together with machinery and equipment suppliers; these will then be available to all future partners. The development of the Volkswagen Industrial Cloud is gathering pace.
Golf turns 45 – On 29 March 1974, Volkswagen started making Europe’s most successful car
The Golf, the most successful European car, is turning 45. On 29 March 1974, the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg officially started production of what would become its bestseller. Back then, nobody at Volkswagen had any idea that the successor to the legendary Beetle would end up selling more than 35 million units all over the world – and still selling to this day. In purely mathematical terms, a new Golf has been ordered somewhere in the world every 41 seconds, every day, without interruption, since the start of production (SOP) 45 years ago. That is an average of around 780,000 vehicles per year.
Girls’ Day 2019: 1,092 girls find out more about technical trades at Volkswagen
Volkswagen welcomed 1,092 female students from grades 6 to 10 for Girls’ Day 2019 on Thursday, March 28. The girls gained an insight into technical trades at ten locations throughout Germany and found out from young women and training staff why technical trades are varied, exciting and future-proof. Volkswagen is steadily working on increasing the share of women in technical trades.
Volkswagen and Nationalgalerie add two further years to their partnership
Volkswagen and Nationalgalerie – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin have agreed on a two-year extension of their partnership. By aiming to provide the largest possible audience with chances to engage with culture, the collaboration helps society to strengthen cultural education efforts. Originally launched in 2013, the alliance has made Volkswagen a significant supporter of the Nationalgalerie, one of Europe’s leading museum institutions covering with its internationally renowned collection the evolution of art from 1800 until today. Works from the collection are on view in five museums: Alte Nationalgalerie, Hamburger Bahnhof, Neue Nationalgalerie, Museum Berggruen and Sammlung Scharf-Gerstenberg.
Volkswagen exchanges more than 300,000 old diesels
The Volkswagen Group can give a positive interim report on its exchange incentives for diesel vehicles. Since August 2017, more than 300,000 old diesel vehicles to exhaust emissions standards Euro 1 to Euro 5 have been exchanged throughout the Group. They have been replaced by new or nearly new cars from the participating Group brands with efficient powertrains of the latest generation to exhaust emission standard Euro 6. Dr. Christian Dahlheim, Head of Group Sales: “The exchange incentives have significantly exceeded our expectations. We have kept our promises to politicians and made a key contribution to the renewal of the fleet and to a rapid improvement in air quality in German cities. Our customers have recently increasingly opted for used cars, which is why we are extending the relevant incentives until further notice for VW and Audi. The incentives for new cars will expire at the end of April, as already announced.”
“China Challenge”: The Volkswagen ID. R on the “Road to Heaven”
The fully-electric Volkswagen ID. R will take on another special challenge in September 2019. Romain Dumas (F) will be back at the wheel of the 500-kW electric sports car for the “China Challenge” on the Tianmen Shan Big Gate Road – a unique stretch of tarmac, featuring 99 corners, which winds its way up Tianmen Mountain, located roughly 1,500 kilometres southwest of Beijing. As no official record exists for the eleven-kilometre mountain road, which is not accessible to public transport, Volkswagen China will run a competition prior to the record attempt, in which participants can set their own virtual time on the Tianmen Shan Big Gate Road. Dumas will then attempt to better the time of the fastest participant under real conditions in September.
Volkswagen and Amazon Web Services to develop Industrial Cloud
Volkswagen and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are to develop the Volkswagen Industrial Cloud together. Both companies Services announced a multi-year, global agreement to jointly de-velop this project. In future, the Volkswagen Industrial Cloud will combine the data of all machines, plants and systems from all 122 facilities of the Volkswagen Group. This will cre-ate new prospects for the optimization of processes in production and allows considerable productivity improvements at the plants. The Volkswagen Industrial Cloud thus creates the essential prerequisites for achieving the productivity goals in production. In the long term, the global supply chain of the Volkswagen Group with more than 30,000 locations of over 1,500 suppliers and partner companies could also be integrated. By leveraging Amazon Web Services technology and services, Volkswagen is creating its Industrial Cloud as an open industry platform which other partners from industry, logistics and sales may use in the future.
New management at Volkswagen Group Components
The new Volkswagen Group Components brand is using its cross-brand and international structure to fill some of its management positions. As of 1 March 2019, Heiner Lanze has taken over as Head of Procurement of the newly independent business unit. He succeeds Stephan Beyse, who, as part of a regular rotation, now holds the position of Head of Procurement of Genuine Parts in Kassel.
From 1 May 2019, Frank Engel will become Executive Vice President of Components, Logistics, Quality for all Volkswagen Group China's component activities. Christian Bleiel will succeed Mr Engel to become Head of Component Production for the Group brand ŠKODA AUTO. At the same time, Andreas Salewsky, as Mr Bleiel’s successor, will become the new head of the component site at Salzgitter.
Volkswagen forms European Battery Union with Northvolt
The Volkswagen Group and further European partners are joining forces to form the Euro-pean Battery Union (EBU) with a view to forging ahead with battery research throughout Europe. The new consortium is to be led by the Volkswagen Group and the Swedish battery producer Northvolt. The joint research activities of the European Battery Union will cover the entire battery value stream – from raw materials through cell technology to recycling. The prime objective is to accumulate much broader know-how on battery cell production.
Diess: “Safeguarding our future can only succeed together”
The Chairman of Volkswagen called for better cooperation on future topics at Volkswagen during a works meeting held at the main plant in Wolfsburg. He gave a round-up of 2018 and looked ahead to 2019. Diess expressly thanked employees for their strong performance last year. At the same time, he emphasized that Volkswagen could only safeguard its future through joint efforts. He expressed his optimism that this endeavor would be successful. Diess said that Works Council Chairman Bernd Osterloh fought hard for the workforce, while at the same time taking an entrepreneurial approach.
Volkswagen Brand China and FAW-Volkswagen establish new joint venture for connected services
Volkswagen Brand China and its Chinese joint venture FAW-Volkswagen are scaling up their cooperation in the area of digitalization and connectivity. MOS Intelligent Connectivity Technology Co. Ltd., a joint venture between Volkswagen Group China and FAW-Volkswagen, will be established in the Chinese city of Chengdu. The partners are investing a total of RMB 1 billion in the company that will operate under the MOSI brand (Mobile Online Services Intelligent). The objective is to develop and offer digital services for all future Volkswagen models of FAW-Volkswagen from 2019 onwards, including vehicles based on the modular electric toolkit (MEB) from 2020. With the new joint venture, the Volkswagen brand is forging ahead with the development of its automotive ecosystem in China.
Volkswagen Group boosts market shares in February
In February, the Volkswagen Group handed 724,400 vehicles over to customers throughout the world, corresponding to a fall of 1.8 percent compared with February 2018. Volkswagen developed better than the overall world market, which continues to shrink, and the Group once again won market shares. This was the case in the regions of Western Europe, South America and Asia-Pacific. In the largest single market of China, deliveries fell significantly compared with the previous year (-7.4 percent), but the Group still performed better than the overall market, which remained weak. Dr. Christian Dahlheim, Head of Volkswagen Group Sales: “In February, the Volkswagen Group delivered slightly fewer vehicles than last year, but we were able to gain market shares in a shrinking overall market. Despite the market environment, which continues to be challenging as expected, we have therefore continued our solid start to the new year. With our broad-based product offensive, we are confident that we will once again record a slight increase in deliveries this year”. In 2019, the brands of the Volkswagen Group will launch over 90 new models.
New Golf Variant TGI natural gas model now available to order
Volkswagen’s natural gas strategy continues to gain ground: only recently available to order, the Polo TGI and Golf TGI are now joined by the Golf Variant TGI1) with eco-friendly natural gas engine. The new model now boasts three natural gas tanks – instead of just two as before – once again increasing the already long range of the CNG drives. And there’s no need to compromise on space either to accommodate the three tanks on-board, as the natural gas tanks are integrated as a space-saving underfloor solution. At the same time, the additional tank increases the range in natural gas mode by up to 80 kilometres compared to its predecessor. You’ll now also reach your destination faster, as the bonnet conceals an overhauled, powerful 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 96 kW (130 hp). This engine is primarily powered with compressed natural gas (CNG) – the petrol tank is smaller as a result and thus only serves as a backup.
Volkswagen Group Components presents SPEED+ Award
Volkswagen Group Components recognised its best plants yesterday with the “SPEED+ Award” at the Phaeno Science Centre in Wolfsburg. Thomas Schmall, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Group Components, and Dr Stefan Sommer, Group Board of Management member for Components and Procurement, presented this year’s TOP plants with their awards in front of around 250 guests from seven countries.
Volkswagen 4.0 – the production systems of tomorrow are being developed in the Gläserne Manufaktur in Dresden
The Gläserne Manufaktur in Dresden is continuing to develop into the Volkswagen Group’s primary test location for trialling innovative technologies. In conjunction with the Wolfsburg and Emden factories, the Gläserne Manufaktur is part of a “technical centre” project. The primary idea is to achieve automation of complex work steps within assembly. The special challenge is that the testing and development takes place on an ongoing basis during production of the e-Golf in the Gläserne Manufaktur. The first project at the Dresden site is a world first – the headliner for the e-Golf is now being fitted by a robot as standard. This manufacturing step will also be used in production of the ID. from the end of 2019 at Volkswagen’s Zwickau plant.
Volkswagen brand steps up pace of transformation
Volkswagen will be boosting the pace of its transformation following a solid fiscal year 2018. The brand is taking important steps this year to strengthen competitiveness on a sustained basis. This includes the start of the electric offensive, efficiency measures in production and further progress in productivity and margins. At the same time, the brand is rolling out an earnings improvement program aimed at achieving a sustained contribution of €5.9 billion from 2023. Measures include reducing complexity and optimizing material costs. The program will gradually start delivering results in the period from 2019 to 2022. Furthermore, efficiencies in administration are to be leveraged by a stronger focus on process digitalization. Furthermore, efficiencies in administration are to be leveraged by a stronger focus on process digitalization.
VW delivers fewer vehicles but gains market shares
In February, the Volkswagen brand delivered 398,100 vehicles throughout the world, 2.2 percent fewer than in February 2018. In an overall market which shrank even more strongly, Volkswagen was able to gain market shares throughout the world. The brand delivered more cars in Germany (+3.4 percent), Europe (+1.8 percent) and South America (+45.6 percent). Falls in deliveries were recorded in North America (-4.2 percent) and China (-8.8 percent). In China too, the brand won further market shares despite strong shrinkage in the overall market.
Volkswagen Group brands deliver a solid performance
In fiscal year 2018, the Volkswagen Group again benefited from its broad positioning and the sustained solid performance both of its brands and its financial services. Dr. Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, explained: “2018 was a successful year for the Volkswagen Group. We performed very well in spite of strong headwinds. Our Group brands worked very hard to help achieve this result. We must now redouble our efforts, step up the pace and resolutely continue the transformation we have begun.”
Volkswagen plans 22 million electric vehicles in ten years
The Volkswagen Group is forging ahead with the fundamental change of system in individual mobility and systematically aligning with electric drives. The Group is planning to launch almost 70 new electric models in the next ten years – instead of the 50 previously planned. As a result, the projected number of vehicles to be built on the Group’s electric platforms in the next decade will increase from 15 million to 22 million. Expanding e-mobility is an important building block on the road to a CO2-neutral balance. Volkswagen has signed off a comprehensive decarbonization program aimed at achieving a fully CO2-neutral balance in all areas from fleet to production to administration by 2050. Volkswagen is thus fully committed to the Paris climate targets.
Geneva Motor Show: Four world premieres provide powerful and electrifying highlights
With no less than four world premieres, the Volkswagen brand presents itself at the 89th Geneva International Motor Show (7–17 March). Four highlights focus on two topics: electric mobility and performance. At today’s press conference, Ralf Brandstätter, COO of Volkswagen Brand, announced that: “The transformation of the Volkswagen brand is in full swing. We are making excellent progress in the areas of digitalisation of our company and the electrification of our models.”
Volkswagen to pay performance-related bonus of €4,750
For 2018, the employees of Volkswagen AG covered by collective bargaining agreements are to receive a performance-related bonus of €4,750 gross. Compared with 2017, the bonus is therefore to rise by €650 gross. Human Resources Board Member Gunnar Kilian and Works Council Chairman Bernd Osterloh praised the performance of the team in the challenging year of 2018. They said that joint efforts would now pay off for each individual employee in the form of the bonus.
Comeback of an attitude towards life: The world premiere of the electric ID. BUGGY in Geneva
Volkswagen presents the ID. BUGGY at the Geneva International Motor Show. On the evening prior to the first press day, the concept car will celebrate its world premiere at the Volkswagen Group Night. The ID. BUGGY is a zero-emissions high-tech vehicle for summer, on the beach or in the city, based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB). “The ID. BUGGY demonstrates the broad spectrum of emission-free mobility that can be achieved with the MEB within the Volkswagen brand. But we want to open up the platform for third-party suppliers”, explains Ralf Brandstätter, COO of the Volkswagen brand.
Trade fair launch: Near-series design study of the flexible quick charging station
The Volkswagen Group Components brand will be showcasing the near-series design study of its flexible quick charging station at the Geneva Motor Show. With compact dimensions, it can be installed wherever there is demand or where there is still no charging infrastructure. Connected to the grid or even off-grid – the station can charge up to four electric cars simultaneously, based on the principle of a ‘power bank’, two with DC quick charging. The charging station can also be used as interim storage for eco-power, enabling CO2-neutral mobility, however when connected to the mains power grid, it becomes a permanent charging point. Series production will start from 2020 onwards in Germany at the company’s Hanover site.
Volkswagen opens electric platform to third-parties
The Volkswagen Group is opening its Modular Electric Toolkit (MEB) developed in recent years to other manufacturers. The purpose is to achieve a significant reduction in the cost of e-mobility through the widest possible deployment of the MEB and the associated economies of scale, thus enabling broad access to individual mobility to continue in future. The Volkswagen Group is currently projecting a first wave of some 15 million pure electric vehicles based on the MEB. e.GO Mobile AG based in Aachen, Germany, is to be the world’s first external partner to use the electric platform to launch further electric vehicles in addition to Volkswagen’s model range. A dedicated vehicle project is already being planned. Volkswagen is highlighting the MEB’s variability even for small series with the ID. BUGGY on show at the Geneva International Motor Show.
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Sporty limited edition: World premiere of the new Passat Variant R-Line Edition at the Geneva International Motor Show
Countdown to the launch of the extensively upgraded Passat has begun: The update to the Volkswagen bestseller that has sold almost 30 million units over the years, will be unveiled to the public for the first time on 7 March at the Geneva International Motor Show. Volkswagen celebrates the launch with the world premiere of an equally exclusive sporty limited edition: the Passat Variant R-Line Edition. Limited to 2,000 units. All-wheel drive (4MOTION) with optional top-of-the-range engine with 176 kW/240 PS (TDI) or 200 kW/272 PS (TSI). Pre-sales of the limited edition will begin in Europe in May.
Volkswagen and Microsoft share progress on strategic partnership
Volkswagen and Microsoft are sharing progress on the development of the Volkswagen Automotive Cloud, discussed today by Dr. Herbert Diess, CEO of Volkswagen AG, and Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO, during a joint visit to the Volkswagen Digital Lab in Berlin. The Volkswagen Automotive Cloud is to be extended step-by-step to further regions of the world and to be available in Europe, China and the USA – the core markets for the future full-electric, fully connected ID. model family. Volkswagen and Microsoft are also working together on first lighthouse projects for connected vehicle services, and progress has been made in the set-up of Volkswagen’s new Development Center in North America.
JETTA to become new brand of Volkswagen in China
With the new JETTA Brand, Volkswagen intends to exploit its market potential in China even more effectively. In many cities with millions of people outside the metropolitan regions such as Beijing or Shanghai, vehicle ownership levels are still very low, in some cases below 100 cars per 1,000 inhabitants. At the same time, members of a growing middle class are striving for individual mobility with the first car of their own. With the new JETTA brand, Volkswagen especially intends to target these young Chinese customers. The JETTA model range, which is to be produced by FAW-Volkswagen in Chengdu, will include one sedan and two SUVs. Sales are scheduled to start in the third quarter of this year.
World premiere of the new Touareg V8 TDI in Geneva
Volkswagen is celebrating the world premiere of the new Touareg V8 TDI at the Geneva International Motor Show (7–17 March). Its output of 310 kW / 421 PS makes it the most powerful SUV with a diesel engine from a German manufacturer. The maximum torque of the high tech turbo diesel engine reaches the level of a super sports car: 900 newton metres. Whether cruising at low speeds, moving fast or going off-road – this power provides superior drive characteristics. The new flagship vehicle will come on the market at the end of May.
New T-Roc R combines performance and lifestyle
Volkswagen is set to present the T-Roc R, new top model for the successfully launched crossover product line, at the Geneva International Motor Show (7– 17 March 2019). Developed by Volkswagen R, this powerful vehicle boasts some impressive performance data: its four-cylinder TSI engine with 2.0 litre capacity and an output of 221 kW/300 PS as well as torque of 400 Nm. The standard combination with 7-gear DSG and 4Motion all-wheel drive ensures excellent acceleration without any loss of traction. The Volkswagen T-Roc R can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
Christian Senger becomes Brand Board of Management Member for new Digital Car & Services function
Christian Senger (44) becomes the Member of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars Board of Management with responsibility for the new Digital Car & Services function effective March 1, 2019. He has also been appointed Head of the Digital Car & Services function for the Group. Senger thus assumes overall responsibility for the coordination and design of the Volkswagen Group’s digital activities, including software.
New management structure for Volkswagen brand
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand is consistently orienting its management structure towards future-oriented topics. In connection with the redistribution of tasks within the Volkswagen brand Board of Management, there are to be various changes including the creation of a new “Digital Car & Services” division with effect from March 1. This way, the brand aims to increase its implementation power and speed in view of the breathtaking pace of development in digitalization and automobile connectivity.
Volkswagen Group brings 2018 to successful close
The Volkswagen Group has brought the 2018 fiscal year to a successful conclusion. Based on sales revenue of EUR 235.8 billion – a rise of EUR 6.3 billion – the operating profit before special items of EUR 17.1 (17.0) billion was on a level with the previous year. At 7.3 percent (7.4 percent), the operating return on sales before special items was at the upper end of the target range set for 2018. The operating profit stood at EUR 13.9 (13.8) billion; as in the previous year, the figure was negatively impacted by special items of EUR 3.2 (3.2) billion in connection with the diesel issue. Net liquidity in the Automobile Division was again robust, at EUR 19.4 (22.4) billion. The Board of Management and the Supervisory Board propose an increase in dividend to EUR 4.80 (3.90) per ordinary share and EUR 4.86 (3.96) per preferred share.
Successful start to the ID. R electric race car test programme
The countdown has begun: at the sun-drenched “Circuit de Almería” in Andalucía, the purely electric powered ID. R began the preparatory phase for its record attempt on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. Driver Romain Dumas, who in summer 2019 will seek to break the current record for electric vehicles on the 20.832 kilometres racetrack in the Eifel, completed the first test runs in Spain with Bridgestone tyres this week.
TRATON remains on growth path in 2018
TRATON SE maintained its growth path in 2018. The Group sold 233,000 vehicles of the MAN, Scania, and Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus brands, exceeding the prior-year figure by 14%. This is the highest number since the Group was established in 2015. This positive development was driven partly by continuing robust growth in Europe and sharply rising demand in Brazil. Growth was very dynamic in the first six months of 2018, but weakened slightly in the second half the year, coming in at 10% in the fourth quarter of 2018. “We fully achieved our growth targets,” said Andreas Renschler, TRATON CEO and member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG. “This success was driven by outstanding products, good customer proximity, a strong team, and a continued stable and attractive market overall.”
Second Environmental Audit successfully closed
The EMS Audit Report 2018 is a report on a special audit of the Environmental Management System that was conducted in 2018. This audit is a requirement arising from Volkswagen's agreements with the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which came into force in 2017. The auditors did not find any deviations at any of the audited companies but made some suggestions for improvement.
Volkswagen ID. will be a pioneer of sustainable mobility
Volkswagen is committed to the Paris Climate Agreement and is laying the groundwork for sustainable mobility with its electric offensive. The new ID. that goes into production in Zwickau at the end of the year will play a pioneering role: It will be the Group’s first electric car which is CO2 neutral throughout the entire life cycle if the customer consistently charges with green power. Regarding the manufacturing phase alone, the carbon footprint of the ID. will be improved by more than 1 million tons of CO2 per year. This is roughly the climate impact of a coal-fired power plant that supplies 300,000 households with electricity. In addition, Volkswagen is working on a comprehensive decarbonization program that includes measures for other models. The brand will offer more than 20 fully electric models by 2025.
Volkswagen Group makes solid start to new year
The Volkswagen Group made a solid start to the new year, delivering 882,200 vehicles to customers worldwide in January, 1.8 percent down on the same month last year. At the same time, the Group succeeded in winning market shares in a broadly declining world market. This was the case in Europe, South America and Asia/Pacific. Particularly in the largest single market of China, the Group was not entirely immune to the persistent weakness in the overall market, however, with deliveries only down 2.9 percent, it put on a far better performance than the market as a whole. Dr. Christian Dahlheim, Head of Volkswagen Group Sales, commented: “The Volkswagen Group made a solid start to the new year with relatively stable delivery figures. The fact that we won market shares in a broadly declining overall world market is a good result. It shows the strength of our brands and their products. The persistently volatile geopolitical environment and looming economic risks in individual markets will have a decisive impact on our business this year, and I believe China and Brexit will present us with special challenges, particularly in the first few months of the year.”
Trade fair premiere in Geneva Volkswagen T-Roc R top model
At the Geneva International Motor Show (7 to 17 March 2019), Volkswagen is presenting the new top model for the crossover series successfully launched in 2017: the T-Roc R. The powerful Volkswagen R vehicle not only convinces with impressive performance data. The sporting characteristics of the Volkswagen T-Roc R are accentuated by the unmistakable “R”-specific exterior and interior design.
Volkswagen sees deliveries in January decline
The Volkswagen brand delivered 515,500 vehicles to customers worldwide in January, a drop of 3.4 percent compared with the same month in 2018. Positive delivery trends in Russia (+10.9 percent) and Brazil (+10.8 percent) could not offset decreases in China (-3.1 percent), Western Europe (-4.8 percent) and North America (-8.6 percent). Volkswagen Board Member for Sales Jürgen Stackmann: “As expected, we could not quite match the January 2018 record level this year. Volkswagen won market share in China in a persistently uncertain overall market, despite the decline in deliveries. The order balance is high and, as announced, we are working hard on expanding capacity for our petrol engines in order to better serve high demand during the course of the year. New models such as the T-Cross and the Passat facelift that debuted recently will be launched in the coming months and provide a tailwind.”
Volkswagen Touareg wins gold at the German Design Award
The Volkswagen Touareg won the top gold award in the “Passenger Vehicles” category at the German Design Awards. The prestigious prize was accepted by Klaus Bischoff, Head of Volkswagen Design, at the award ceremony in Frankfurt am Main. There was a great deal of praise from the expert jury for the SUV model, especially for the technology, the high quality and the fun factor.
Premiere at Geneva Motor Show: the new Passat will be the first Volkswagen to offer partially automated driving at cruising speed
Production record for the debut of the new Passat: the bestseller will pass the 30 million mark this spring. This makes it the most successful mid-size model worldwide. One thing is certain: the 30 millionth Passat will come from the progressively enhanced 8th generation. A major technical update – a Passat that incorporates the latest brand innovations. The new Passat will make its trade fair debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Pre-sales will start in the first countries in May. The market launch will take place in September (Germany).
Volkswagen idea management increases maximum incentive for improvement ideas to €75,000
Volkswagen has updated its idea management with a new works agreement. The new system came into effect on February 1 and has already been very well received by the workforce: Volkswagen AG employees submitted more than 750 ideas for improvement in the first few days alone. The incentives have also been upgraded: the maximum reward has been increased by almost 50 percent to €75,000.
German President receives Holocaust survivor and Volkswagen apprentices at Schloss Bellevue
At the invitation of the International Auschwitz Committee (IAC), four apprentices from Volkswagen yesterday accompanied Leon Schwarzbaum, a Jewish survivor of Auschwitz extermination camp, to a reception given by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The 98-year-old from Berlin honored the German head of state with the “B” statuette. With this statuette, Auschwitz survivors and the IAC honor women and men who stand up for democracy, tolerance and human dignity and keep remembrance of Auschwitz alive. Last year, the budding Volkswagen specialists had helped to maintain and preserve the Memorial Site at Auschwitz Concentration Camp.
Volkswagen gives some gas with new TGI models
Volkswagen has completely overhauled its natural gas models and is equipping its Polo and Golf TGI with a third natural gas tank. This allows the Polo TGI to now travel up to 60 kilometres further in pure CNG mode than its predecessor. The gain in range in the Golf TGI is up to 80 kilometres. In the Golf, a new 1.5 litre TGI four-cylinder engine with 96 kW / 130 PS ensures that none of the driving pleasure is lost. Driving with natural gas significantly reduces CO2 emissions because the combustion of CNG generally produces less CO2. An even better CO2 balance can be achieved by fuelling with biomethane or e-gas. Biomethane is extracted from plant residues; e-gas is produced from surplus green energy (power-to-gas), which are added to the fuels.
Curriculum vitae: Dr. Stephan Wöllenstein
CEO, Volkswagen Group China
Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand
CEO, Volkswagen China Passenger Cars Brand
Destined to win: up!, Polo and Golf are the winners in the “Best Cars 2019” Reader’s Choice Awards
The trade magazine auto motor und sport chose the winners of its “Best Cars 2019” Reader’s Choice Awards in Stuttgart today. Three models of the Volkswagen brand, the up!, Polo and Golf, were among the winners. The award, one of the top automotive awards of the year, was received by Volkswagen’s Brand Board of Management members Ralf Brandstätter (Chief Operating Officer), Dr Frank Welsch (Development) and Jürgen Stackmann (Sales, Marketing and After Sales).
The buggy is back – and now it’s electric!
Volkswagen is bringing a legend back to life! At the beginning of March, the Wolfsburg-based Group will reveal the first fully electric version of a new buggy. Taking its cues from popular American dune buggies, the concept vehicle is based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB), demonstrating how multifaceted the new platform truly is.
40 years of the fresh air generation: Volkswagen at the Bremen Classic Motorshow
The Bremen Classic Motorshow traditionally kicks off the classic season, and Volkswagen Classic is celebrating an anniversary: four decades of the Golf Cabriolet. From prototype to production – under the slogan “40 Years of Sunny Outlooks”, two exhibits from the company’s own automobile collection at Volkswagen Osnabrück tell of the start of a success story.
Volkswagen Sachsen GmbH Chemnitz Plant
Information for the Press
Volkswagen customers order more diesel vehicles
Customers of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand in Germany are once again placing more orders for diesel vehicles. In 2018, the share of incoming orders for vehicles equipped with the latest diesel technology as a proportion of the overall vehicle portfolio was 43 percent compared to 39 percent in 2017. Demand for diesel cars was particularly strong among private customers, where the share almost doubled from 15 percent in 2017 to 27 percent last year. “In Germany, the diesel debate is emotionally charged – and frequently strays from the facts. Given its high efficiency and its performance and in light of climate change, the diesel engine will remain an important technology for years to come, especially for those who travel long distances,” Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Sales, Jürgen Stackmann, said.
WTCR quartet complete: Benjamin Leuchter to drive fourth Golf GTI TCR
The driver quartet of Volkswagen and Sébastien Loeb Racing for the FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) is complete: Benjamin Leuchter (D) moves from ADAC TCR Germany to the pinnacle of touring car racing and will compete in the Golf GTI TCR alongside his team-mates Mehdi Bennani (MA), Rob Huff (GB) and Johan Kristoffersson (S). Sébastien Loeb Racing will field four cars supported by Volkswagen for the first time in 2019.
Electric Life: Volkswagen subsidiary Elli offers Volkswagen Naturstrom® throughout Germany with immediate effect
The Volkswagen Group is taking a further consistent step towards sustainability. The new Group subsidiary, Elli Group GmbH, is offering an eco-power tariff that is available throughout Germany with immediate effect. The first product from Elli is called “Volkswagen Naturstrom®”, comes from 100-percent renewable sources and is intended for private households and small businesses. The new tariff is expressly intended not only for current customers of Volkswagen Group brands or owners of electric vehicles.
Volkswagen Board Member for Human Resources: only a united Europe can master structural change and safeguard social accord
The Volkswagen Board Member for Human Resources, Gunnar Kilian, gave a clear affirmation of the company’s commitment to Europe and announced Volkswagen would be formulating a clear call for votes in the European elections in May at the Group New Year Reception in Brussels. At the same time, Kilian underscored that the transformation to e-mobility and digitalization was a joint task for industry and policy makers. Kilian pointed out that Volkswagen was making massive investments in e-mobility, and commented that the transformation would only be successful if there is also progress in other areas such as establishing energy networks and charging infrastructure, European payment systems and the framework for battery cell production. “Even then, the transition to e-mobility still creates an enormous challenge in terms of employment policy”, Kilian said. That was why prudence was important when implementing regulations. “If we lose sight of the social factor, we are threatening the success of e-mobility.”
Volkswagen develops automotive industry in Ethiopia
Volkswagen brand continues its engagement in emerging countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. In the presence of Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Thomas Schaefer, Head of the Volkswagen Sub-Saharan Africa Region, and the Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), Abebe Abebayehu, today. Thereby, Volkswagen is taking the fast development of the country into account. Over the last ten years, the GDP growth rate in Ethiopia was above 8 percent – one of the highest worldwide. Moreover, Ethiopia is a priority and focus country for Germany under the G20-“Compact with Africa” initiative.
Holocaust Remembrance Day - Volkswagen remembers victims of National Socialist persecution of the Jews, racial hatred and forced labor
On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Volkswagen remembered the victims of National Socialism at its Wolfsburg plant.
Volkswagen Group Components to start series production of flexible fast charging station
The transformation of Volkswagen Group Components towards e-mobility continues to gather pace. Today, the new brand within the Volkswagen Group announced its decision to start series production of the flexible fast charging station from 2020 onwards. This station, based on the principle of a powerbank, can charge up to 4 vehicles at the same time and also be used for the interim storage of eco-power. The station is to be produced at the Hanover components plant, where heat exchanger production, forming part of the engine business area, will be replaced step-by-step by the new e-mobility business area.
Volkswagen Group Components well-positioned for the future
Since January 1, 2019, the Volkswagen Group has had a new brand. With the realignment of Volkswagen Group Components, the Group is reinforcing its in-house supplier of components including engines, gearboxes, electric drive systems, steering systems and seats – at the same time as consistently leveraging synergy effects. 80,000 Group employees at 61 components plants throughout the world develop and produce vehicle components. Right from the start, the units will therefore be among the world’s largest automotive industry suppliers.
ADAC EcoTest 2018: e-Golf and e-up! are the best
The e-Golf wins the ADAC EcoTest, proving it is one of the cleanest cars in 2018. Placing second was the fully electric e-up!, designed for city driving. Volkswagen’s two latest electric models thus claim one of the most coveted prizes for new vehicles. Introduced in 2003, the ADAC EcoTest is one of the toughest car emissions tests.
Kilian: “E-mobility and digitalization mean profound structural change”
The New Year sees Volkswagen systematically forging ahead with its electric offensive and the transformation of the factories in Zwickau, Dresden, Emden and Hanover to become production locations for electric vehicles. The Zwickau facility is the trailblazer for this transformation, with the compact ID. already going into production there at the end of this year. By then, Volkswagen will have qualified thousands of employees to perform their future tasks. Along with further fundamental organizational and structural changes, this is an enormous endeavor for the company and the workforce. Today, Federal Minister of Labour, Hubertus Heil, and SPD parliamentary group leader, Andrea Nahles, will be joined by Volkswagen Board Member for Human Resources, Gunnar Kilian, and the Chairman of Volkswagen’s General and Group Works Council, Bernd Osterloh, on a fact-finding visit to the Zwickau plant to gain a first-hand impression of the progress and challenges of this transformation.
Volkswagen celebrates five millionth Tiguan
Volkswagen can already celebrate an impressive production anniversary right at the start of 2019: in the middle of January, the five millionth Tiguan left the assembly line at the Wolfsburg plant. The compact Tiguan has enjoyed worldwide success since its market launch in 2007, and has thus made a valuable contribution to the brand's growth strategy and SUV offensive.
Dr. Stephan Wöllenstein appointed to Volkswagen brand Board of Management
Dr. Stephan Wöllenstein, CEO of the Volkswagen brand in China, has been appointed to the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand effective February 1, 2019.
Volkswagen invests in US start-up Forge Nano
The Volkswagen Group is investing US$10 million in the startup “Forge Nano Inc.” with a view to reinforcing its specialist knowledge in the field of battery research. Forge Nano is investigating a material coating technology that could further improve the performance of battery materials. As a partner, Volkswagen will provide support for industrial trials of this technology. The transaction is still subject to approval by the authorities.
Holocaust Remembrance Day at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg – wreath-laying and film “Bei uns nichts Neues”
On Holocaust Remembrance Day, Sunday, January 27, 2019 Volkswagen is commemorating the victims of murder, persecution and forced labor during the National Socialist dictatorship with a remembrance event at the Wolfsburg plant.
Volkswagen offers exchange incentive all over Germany
The Volkswagen brand is expanding its exchange incentive for replacing older diesel vehicles to cover all of Germany from 24 January until 30 April 2019. When trading in a Euro 4 or Euro 5 vehicle from any manufacturer, the bonus is paid in addition to the used car value. Until now, the incentive was reserved for customers in cities identified as particularly polluted by the federal government in order to improve air quality there as quickly as possible. The exchange incentive for new vehicles ranges from 500 to 7,000 euros, depending on the model. Jürgen Stackmann, Board Member for Sales and Marketing, said, “With the exchange incentive, the Volkswagen brand is offering all owners of Euro 4 and Euro 5 diesel vehicles very attractive conditions for switching to efficient new cars or nearly new cars with the latest exhaust gas technology. This emphasises our ongoing commitment to improving air quality and to preventing driving bans in German cities.” The environmental incentive for scrapping Euro 1 to Euro 4 diesel vehicles will still be paid all over Germany until further notice.