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Press Releases
This section contains all current press releases on topics and news items concerning Volkswagen.
Volkswagen to continue support for Formula Student Germany in next racing season
Volkswagen is continuing its involvement in Formula Student Germany (FSG) in the next racing season and will once again sponsor selected university teams entering the international design competition. In future, the company will focus more strongly on the “Driverless” category than has previously been the case in order to bring the innovation areas of electric drive systems and autonomous driving even closer together. At the Hockenheimring, the company also recruits new career entrants. Trainees and interns who were active in Formula Student have repeatedly joined Volkswagen.
Success factors for the I.D. R Pikes Peak: 4.000 kilometres of test drives
It was all over after exactly 7:57.148 minutes. With Romain Dumas at the wheel, the I.D. R Pikes Peak crossed the finish line in the world’s most famous hill climb. A record-breaking sprint that lasted 19.99 kilometres, preceded by numerous tests over a distance of 4,000 kilometres – spread over six months.
Success factors for the I.D. R Pikes Peak: teamwork between racers and technicians from production development
Motorsport is a team sport. At the same time, the individual team members sometimes do their thing on different playing fields – under certain circumstances, they can usually be found playing a completely different sport. A prime example of this is the I.D. R Pikes Peak, with which Volkswagen driver Romain Dumas set a new record of 7:57.148 minutes at the most famous hill climb in the world on 24 June 2018. As well as Volkswagen Motorsport, a whole host of departments from within the Volkswagen Group were involved in making the project a success. “The help we received from production development was crucial to the success,” says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets.
The new T-Cross – “I am practical”: Small SUV stands out with high level of variability
It is Volkswagen’s smallest SUV and yet it has what it takes to become a great one: the new T-Cross. It is still under wraps, but the development to series production is running at full speed. The world première will take place this autumn and the launch will follow in spring 2019. Until then, Volkswagen will give more and more details about the new small but great SUV. Just like now with the clip in which professional players from the “Grizzlys Wolfsburg” ice hockey team throw all their equipment into the T-Cross which easily fits the equipment plus players.
Volkswagen continues growth in July
The Volkswagen brand continues on its growth path: with 505,900 vehicles delivered in July, the brand reported a rise of 8.4 percent compared with the same month of the previous year. All in all, the brand handed 3,624,600 cars over to customers from January to July, representing an increase of 6.5 percent compared with the corresponding period of the previous year. Jürgen Stackmann, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Sales: “This was the best July in the history of the Volkswagen brand. We are continuing our upward trend and are significantly ahead of the prior-year figure after seven months. With cumulative deliveries of 3.6 million vehicles, we have outperformed the Volkswagen brand’s previous record for this period. However, the next few months will be more challenging. The changeover to the WLTP test procedure will probably lead to delays in deliveries affecting certain model lines in Europe.”
Online now: Volkswagen launches digital newsroom
Volkswagen announces the launch of a new digital offering for journalists, bloggers, online multipliers and brand fans: starting today, the Volkswagen Newsroom (www.volkswagen-newsroom.com) brings users the most important information, stories, images, videos and social media content from the world of Volkswagen. The new online service offers media professionals a central research and information platform and brings brand fans an interactive brand experience.
High-tech for the future: Volkswagen Design focuses on working digitally
LED screens, interactive design, collaboration in virtual reality: Volkswagen Design is forging ahead with the process of digital transformation and has completely changed its working methods over the past two years. And with success: from the creation of new products right up to the point of their acceptance, work is now consistently carried out digitally, which significantly increases the efficiency of individual work steps and facilitates collaboration across locations. The new processes also give employees much more room for personal and professional development.
Volkswagen aims to break the land speed record on the United States salt flats with its new Jetta
Volkswagen is still on the hunt for new records: only a few weeks after the success of the electric I.D. R Pikes Peak in the “Race To The Clouds” held in the Rocky Mountains and in the UK’s Goodwood Hill Climb and it’s already time for the next sporting highlight. Between 11 and 17 August, Volkswagen of America will be aiming to break the land speed record in the BGC/G class of the Southern California Timing Association on Lake Bonneville – the salt flats in the US state of Utah – with its specially prepared but near-production version of the new-generation Jetta.
Success factors for the I.D. R Pikes Peak: Pacemaker Dieter Depping, test and development driver
He is the unsung hero and secret pacemaker behind the successful Pikes Peak project: Dieter Depping. The man from Hannover (Germany), who celebrates his 52nd birthday today on 7 August, has been a motorsport test and development driver for Volkswagen for 16 years. Without him, the twelve titles in the World Rally Championship (WRC), a further two titles in the FIA World Rallycross Championship (WRX), the three Dakar victories with the Race Touareg, and the many class wins at the Nürburgring 24 Hours would have been inconceivable. Or, as Romain Dumas puts it: “Dieter was my second throttle foot. Without him, the record on Pikes Peak would not have been possible”. The fact that this quote from Dumas came just moments after the ground-breaking 7:57.148 minutes, in which he had made motorsport and electromobility history, speaks volumes of the key role that Dieter Depping has played in the Volkswagen Motorsport success story.
A strong first half for the Volkswagen brand
Following the good start to the year, the Volkswagen brand continued its successful development in the second quarter. In the first half of the year, the brand recorded significant increases in sales revenue, operating profit and return on sales. From January to June, sales revenue reached €42.7 billion, 8 percent over the prior-year figure, largely driven by the strong rise in vehicle sales. With 3.12 million vehicles delivered, a new half-yearly record was achieved. After eliminating special items, the operating profit rose by 20 percent to €2.1 billion. The operating return on sales improved to 5.0 percent (compared with 4.5 percent in 2017). In connection with the processing of the diesel crisis, the brand recorded one-off expenses in the amount of €1.6 billion in the first half. The operating profit after special items was therefore €0.5 billion.
Volkswagen Truck & Bus increases sales in first half of 2018
Volkswagen Truck & Bus has remained firmly on its growth trajectory and achieved a substantial increase in the sale of its commercial vehicles* in the first half of 2018. MAN Truck & Bus, Scania, and Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus sold 112,130 vehicles, equivalent to a considerable improvement of 16% for the Group in a year-on-year comparison. Volkswagen Truck & Bus is making great strides in the implementation of its Global Champion strategy. The Company’s transformation into a stock corporation, which took place in June 2018, and the imminent name change to TRATON AG represent further key milestones.
Volkswagen Group records strong first half: growth in sales revenue and earnings
The Volkswagen Group continued its profitable growth course in the first half of 2018, post-ing record figures for deliveries, sales revenue and earnings (before special items). In the period from January to June, Group sales revenue rose from EUR 115.3 billion to EUR 119.4 billion year-on-year. Operating profit before special items increased from EUR 8.9 billion to EUR 9.8 billion, however, expenditures of EUR 1.6 billion in connection with the diesel crisis were recognized in the second quarter. The operating return on sales before special items rose from 7.7 to 8.2 percent. The Group’s profit after tax for the first six months was up 2.1 percent year-on-year to EUR 6.6 billion.“ The Volkswagen Group per-formed successfully in the first half of the year, with very solid growth in sales revenue and earnings. We also delivered more vehicles than ever before,” said Dr. Herbert Diess, CEO of Volkswagen AG, commenting on the results for the first six months. “However, we cannot rest on our laurels because great challenges lie ahead of us in the coming quarters – especial-ly regarding the transition to the new WLTP test procedure. Growing protectionism also poses major challenges for the globally integrated automotive industry.”
I.D. R Pikes Peak makes Germany debut at Classic Days
From 03 to 05 August the time has come: the Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak will make its debut in Germany at the 13th Classic Days at Schloss Dyck. The Autostadt in Wolfsburg will present Volkswagen’s first all-electric powered racing car at their “Passion | Pace | Performance” exhibition. With around 40 exhibits, ranging from the 1920s Bugatti to the current Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak, the motorsport brand diversity of the Volkswagen Group will be presented, focussing on the past, present day and future. The 500 kW (680 PS) I.D. R Pikes Peak is the sporting forerunner of the I.D. family, the series of all-electric powered production cars that Volkswagen will be launching as of 2020.
Unique, sporty, passionate: Volkswagen presents classic cars and the automotive future at Classic Days 2018
Volkswagen Classic will showcase six carefully selected vehicles at the Classic Days classic car and motor festival held at Schloss Dyck in Jüchen from 3 to 5 August. Volkswagen Classic is sending three rare prototypes to Jüchen for the 13th edition of this classic car event: the Golf Mk3 A59 ‘Rallye’ and the twin-engine Golf Mk2 ‘Pikes Peak’, both motorsport vehicles, together with the elegant Volkswagen Type 3 convertible. In addition, the rare Volkswagen SP 2 will bring a touch of Brazilian exoticism to the Rhineland, while a convertible 1303 Beetle and a ‘Yellow Black Racer’ promise summertime driving fun.
Ralf Brandstätter named Chief Operating Officer of the Volkswagen brand
Ralf Brandstätter (49), Volkswagen brand Board member for Procurement, has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Volkswagen brand effective August 1, 2018. In this newly-created function, Brandstätter will lead the Volkswagen brand’s operating business. At the same time, he continues as the brand’s Board member for Procurement.
Success factors for the I.D. R Pikes Peak: Computer is important factor for development in record time
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is unique in many ways. One thing that makes the most famous hill climb in the world so special is the heavily restricted test drives. Volkswagen Motorsport wasn’t able to complete hundreds of laps during the development of the I.D. R Pikes Peak, like Formula 1 teams are allowed to do on certain racetracks, for example. Before driver Romain Dumas reached the 4,302-metre summit in a new record time, he wasn’t even able to complete one full test run of the actual track with Volkswagen’s first all-electric powered racing car.
Success factors for the I.D. R Pikes Peak – a record breaker, thanks to 3D printing
It is less than four weeks since Romain Dumas and the I.D. R Pikes Peak set a new all-time record of 7:57.148 minutes for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. For the Volkswagen Motorsport engineers, the race against the clock lasted far longer – about eight months. In motorsport, this is an extremely short period in motor racing terms, yet this is all the technicians were given to develop Volkswagen’s first fully-electric racing car.
Markus Duesmann is to become a new member of the Volkswagen Group Board of Management
At its meeting yesterday, the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft decided to offer Mr. Markus Duesmann a position on the Group Board of Management.
Record-breaking run of the I.D. R Pikes Peak from different perspectives
Volkswagen made motorsport history at the 2018 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on 24 June. At the wheel of the 500-kW (680-PS), fully-electric I.D. R Pikes Peak, Romain Dumas (F) defeated cars powered by conventional drivetrain technology. The 40-year-old’s time of 7:57.148 minutes, not only smashed the previous record for electric cars, but also bettered the all-time record set in 2013 by Sébastien Loeb (F) – by fully 16.730 seconds.
Volkswagen’s main plant in Wolfsburg wins the Automotive Lean Production Award for the first time
Volkswagen’s main plant in Wolfsburg is heading for greater productivity and efficiency with an exemplary pace of change. This is the assessment given by a team of independent experts in its European competition study for the Lean Production Award 2018. The internationally renowned award for slim and agile production systems in the automotive industry has gone to the Wolfsburg plant for the first time. At Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg plant, the jury assessed solutions at more than 50 stations in the press shop, body shop, paint shop, assembly and logistics as well as with respect to Industry 4.0.
Five tips for relaxing summer holidays with the car
A relaxing holiday starts with a pleasant journey. These days holidaymakers use their satnav and smartphone for a safe and stress-free journey. When these devices work as a team, they greatly enhance the holiday experience. The Volkswagen Car-Net is the key here. These five tips help drivers reduce stress levels when on holiday.
Volkswagen Group deliveries grow 7.1 percent in first half year
The Volkswagen Group recorded the best ever first half year in its history, delivering 5.5 million vehicles to customers. Deliveries in June grew 4.1 percent to 958,600 new vehicles. “This was the best-ever first half year in our company’s history. Group deliveries increased significantly in all core regions. Our core brands recorded strong growth in the first half year”, Fred Kappler, Head of Group Sales at Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, said. “We expect deliveries in the second half of 2018 to be affected by the introduction of the new WLTP standard. Some vehicles will probably be handed over to customers later than planned”, Kappler went on to say.
I.D. R Pikes Peak thrills fans with record run at Goodwood
The I.D. R Pikes Peak has wrapped up its next record. Romain Dumas (F) set a new record for electric cars of 43.86 seconds in Volkswagen’s first fully-electric racing car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Following his record-breaking exploits at the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb just three weeks ago, Dumas beat the previous fastest time for electric cars on the Goodwood Hillclimb, which has stood since 2013, by 3.48 seconds. The all-time record still belongs to Nick Heidfeld (D). The former Formula 1 driver completed the 1.86-kilometre route in 41.6 seconds at the wheel of a McLaren-Mercedes MP4/13 Formula 1 car in 1999.
Jürgen Rittersberger named General Secretary and Senior Vice President Group Strategy
2018. Jürgen Rittersberger (46), formerly General Secretary and Vice President Corporate Development at Porsche AG, has been named General Secretary and Senior Vice President Group Strategy at Volkswagen AG effective September 1, 2018. He succeeds Dr. Thomas Sedran, who becomes CEO of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand from September 1.
Technology in the new Touareg – Part 6: Always on – In the digital fast lane with the eSIM
The new Touareg is “always on”. This is due to the factory-installed eSIM (fixed SIM card) built into the luxury SUV. It changes everything. The Touareg calls up the traffic situation online; Internet radio stations provide news, podcasts and music; navigation maps are updated online; buildings are displayed in 3D in the digital cockpit, providing a completely new navigation experience; and all passengers can go online via Wi-Fi hotspot.
The new T-Cross will be manufactured in Volkswagen Navarra
Volkswagen Navarra will manufacture the T-Cross, the new compact SUV of the Volkswagen brand. This was announced by Dr. Andreas Tostmann, Head of Volkswagen Production & Logistics today. Thus, the plant, which is producing the Polo since 1984, will build a second model for the first time in its history.
Volkswagen steps up commitment to Formula Student and supports six university teams at Hockenheim
Volkswagen is stepping up its commitment to the international design competition Formula Student Germany (FSG). This year, Volkswagen is supporting six university teams which are entering nine racing cars – more than ever before. The Wolfsburg company is focusing on two categories: “Driverless” for autonomous vehicles and “Electric” for racing cars with electric drive systems. Just before the works holidays, Volkswagen invited the selected racing teams to a warm-up training session at its Ehra-Lessien proving grounds for initial test laps and the fine tuning of their cars. Formula Student Germany is to be held on the Hockenheimring from August 7 to 12, 2018.
Volkswagen is systematically and vigorously advancing its electromobility offensive in China
The Volkswagen Group is expanding its successful
business relationships in the People’s Republic of China. As part of the 5th German-Chinese government consultations, the Volkswagen Group China signed letters of intent with a long-time joint-venture partner, the FAW Group, and with the China Intelligent and Connected Vehicles (Beijing) Research Institute Co. Ltd. (ICV). The agreements cover the areas of e-mobility, connectivity, mobility services and autonomous driving. A day earlier, the Volkswagen Group China joined the automakers JAC and SEAT in signing letters of intent in which the three underscored their commitment to e-mobility. The aim of the partnerships is to draw on the support of the Chinese partners and to systematically and vigorously fuel the company’s far-reaching electro-offensive and to apply new technologies.
Thomas Sedran to become CEO of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand
Dr. Thomas Sedran, General Secretary and Senior Vice President Group Strategy at Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, has been appointed CEO of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand effective September 1, 2018. In this function, he takes over from Dr. Eckhard Scholz, who is stepping down at his own request. Thomas Sedran’s successor will be announced at a later date.
Supervisory Board appoints Dr. Stefan Sommer Group Board Member for Procurement
The Supervisory Board of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft has appointed Dr. Stefan Sommer (55) as the Board Member with responsibility for Procurement effective latest January 1, 2019. Sommer was Chief Executive Officer of ZF Friedrichshafen AG until the end of 2017. In his new function he succeeds Dr. Francisco Javier Garcia Sanz, who left the Company in April at his own request.
Volkswagen Expands E-Mobility Engagement in China
Volkswagen Group China today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp., Ltd. (JAC) and SEAT in Berlin, in the presence of German Chancellor An-gela Merkel and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. The three groups will together establish a new R&D center with a focus on developing electric vehicles, connectivity and autonomous
driving technologies, as well as a competitive platform for battery electric vehicles (BEV). SEAT brand will be introduced to China by 2020/2021. The move is a significant step in reinforcing Sino-German cooperation, as well as supporting Volkswagen Group China’s drive to be a leader in
e-mobility.
Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak goes in search of more records at Goodwood
Memories of victory at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb are still fresh: Volkswagen made motorsport history on 24 June, when Romain Dumas (F) and the I.D. R Pikes Peak set a new all-time record of 7:57.148 minutes at the most famous hill climb in the world. From 12 to 15 July, the pursuit of records continues at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The iconic motorsport event is the largest event of its type in the world and is celebrating its 25th birthday this year. More than 200,000 visitors from all over the world are expected to flock to the south of England for this unique homage to motorsport.
Federal Constitutional Court ruled an appeal about constitutional issue related to Munich prosecutor’s raid of Jones Day’s Office
Volkswagen AG welcomes the fact that the Federal Constitutional Court decision has now provided clarity with regard to the outstanding legal issues
Product Milestone as Volkswagen R delivers 200,000th ‘R’ model
Volkswagen R has handed over the jubilee car to a UK customer. Volkswagen R stands for performance, sport and emotion. Since it was established in 2002, Volkswagen R has developed and retailed 200,000 cars.
Video: Helicopter footage of the I.D. R Pikes Peak’s record-breaking run
Volkswagen made motorsport history at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on 24 June. At the wheel of the 500-kW (680-PS), fully-electric I.D. R Pikes Peak, Romain Dumas (F) defeated cars powered by conventional drivetrain technology and, with a time of 7:57.148 minutes, not only smashed the previous record for electric cars, but also bettered the all-time record set in 2013 by Sébastien Loeb (F) – by fully 16 seconds.
Top performance for Volkswagen in first half year
The Volkswagen brand continued on its growth path in the first half year, delivering 3.12 million vehicles in the first six months, an increase of 6.3 percent compared with the same period last year. Jürgen Stackmann, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Sales, commented: “We can look back on a successful first half year. The fact that the Volkswagen brand grew 20 percent in Brazil is worthy of special mention. In Europe, over 100,000 orders for the T-Roc have already been placed since the market launch. In Germany, the 5 models with the highest registrations in May all came from Volkswagen. The second half of the year will be significantly more challenging. We anticipate delays of certain model lines in Europe as a result of the switch to WLTP.”
Volkswagen receives the Plus X Award as "Most Innovative Brand" for the third time in 2018
Volkswagen is continuously setting new standards in product design at a world-class level. This is why the Wolfsburg-based company has received the Plus X Award as “Most Innovative Brand” for the third year in a row. Because the most impressive car models were also produced by Volkswagen, the jury also awarded the company the title of “Best Automotive Brand 2018”.
Volkswagen to offer “zero-emission” car sharing services in future
The Volkswagen brand will also be offering its customers car sharing services in future. The WE customer platform is to begin rolling out various vehicle-on-demand services, in particular car sharing, in Germany in 2019. These services are to be extended to major cities in Europe, North America and Asia as early as 2020. This was announced by the Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Sales, Jürgen Stackmann, at an event held in Berlin.
Volkswagen celebrates German premiere of I.D. VIZZION in Berlin
The future flagship of the electrically driven I.D. family is presented in Germany for the very first time. From today on, the concept study I.D. VIZZION is a major highlight at the exhibition DRIVING VIZZIONS TO REALITY at DRIVE. Volkswagen Group Forum in Berlin. Having had its world premiere at the Geneva Motorshow this March, the limousine embodies the brand’s realistic vision of tomorrow’s Volkswagen: pioneering in design, technology, quality – and unconditionally made for e-mobility. The most personal, Volkswagen-Studie I.D. VIZZION emotional and indivual Volkswagen of all times is one out of many attractions at the mobility exhibition that displays innovative concepts for an emission-free and fully-connected mobility future until 14th October 2018, in a 650-square- meter-show.
The new T-Cross – “more than one thing”
The T-Cross is set to launch a new form of SUV from the Volkswagen brand. Presented in 2016 at the Geneva Motor Show as a much-anticipated study, the series version is now making its way in the direction of actual production. With the T-Cross, Volkswagen is expanding the spectrum of Sport Utility Vehicles to include a small model. “I am more than one thing” – that is the claim with the introduction of the T-Cross. “More” is thus to be understood as a program: offering more, but nevertheless not costing more. The world première of the new T-Cross will take place in the autumn. Until then, Volkswagen will shorten the waiting time with a first look at the future SUV in the small vehicle class.
Volkswagen Group Components makes progress with realignment
In future, Volkswagen’s component development and production activities are to become even more efficient and flexible. By analogy with the Volkswagen Passenger Cars and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brands, Components is to become an independent corporate entity under the umbrella of Volkswagen AG with effect from January 2019. The realignment process which is currently in progress is focusing on aspects such as changes in the structure of the business areas, slimmer management and board systems and a Group-wide added value strategy.
Programmers at Volkswagen — generalists for tailor-made digital applications
For Volkswagen customers, there are many ways of configuring their ideal Golf. This plays a key role for programmer Lars Gohr. At Volkswagen’s Software Development Cen-ter (SDC) in Wolfsburg, he contributes his expert knowledge to the development of soft-ware applications. These include the “Car Configurator”, which customers can use to configure their new car quickly and conveniently. Volkswagen is adding a growing number of qualified IT specialists to its team so that customers and users within the company itself benefit from more and more digital applications.
80th anniversary of Wolfsburg: CEO Herbert Diess presents an electrifying gift from Volkswagen to the city of Wolfsburg
The CEO of Volkswagen AG, Dr. Herbert Diess, congratulated the city of Wolfsburg on its 80th anniversary today and gave it a truly electrifying gift to celebrate the occasion. The executive presented the city with 12 mobile charging stations and a long-term investment of in Wolfsburg’s electronic charging infrastructure that will be expanded step by step in accordance to the city’s needs – for a total amount of €10 million. Residents of the city can already see one of the charging stations: at Volkswagen’s booth set up as part of the festival being held on Porsche Street.
Milestone in Africa: Volkswagen launches local assembly and Car sharing in Rwanda
The Volkswagen brand is expanding its engagement in Africa: today saw the start of its Integrated Mobility Solution in Rwanda that includes local vehicle assembly, innovative mobility services and a sales and service retail outlet CFAO Volkswagen Rwanda. Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Group South Africa and responsible for the Sub-Sahara region, officially launched the project in the capital Kigali in the presence of Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame. Volkswagen is thus taking the next step toward developing new up-and-coming markets. In a long-term perspective, the brand intends to play a leading role in the emerging automotive industry in Africa. With this engagement, Volkswagen is making a substantial contribution to Africa’s economic development.
Volkswagen Truck & Bus completes transformation into a stock corporation
The legal transformation of Volkswagen Truck & Bus into a German Aktiengesellschaft (AG) has been successfully completed. The new legal form became formally effective with yesterday's entry in the Commercial Register of the Munich District Court. Volkswagen Truck & Bus will now operate under the name Volkswagen Truck & Bus AG until the name change into TRATON AG will be implemented in a few weeks.
The production process of the future: exoskeletons provide support for employees at the Bratislava plant
At its Bratislava plant, the Volkswagen brand is forging ahead with the modernization of its production processes with a project focusing on the future of work. This includes physical and behavioral ergonomic support systems which are firmly anchored in corporate strategy in connection with the topic of demographics and ergonomics. Ergonomically unfavorable workplaces are being continually reduced. Where the ergonomics of an operation cannot be improved, devices such as “exoskeletons” can provide support for production workers. These external supporting structures, which are worn somewhat like a rucksack, are currently being tested by Volkswagen in series production at its Bratislava plant. 30 workers are benefiting from a considerable reduction in physical effort in their assembly work.
Technology in the new Touareg – Part 5: the head-up display projects information onto the windscreen
The Innovision cockpit in the new Touareg – an interactive digital landscape consisting of display and control elements – is the blueprint for the cockpit of the future. A head-up display lends the perfect finishing touch: it projects a virtual summary of the latest key information into the driver’s selective field of vision.
All time record: Volkswagen makes history with the I.D. R Pikes Peak
Volkswagen and the I.D. R Pikes Peak have made history at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Driving the 500-kW (680 PS) I.D. R Pikes Peak, Romain Dumas (F) defeated a field including cars with conventional drivetrain technology. In doing so, he not only broke the previous record for electric vehicles, but also bettered Sébastien Loeb’s (F) all-time record from 2013 – by a full 16 seconds. Dumas’ new record of 7m 57.148s minutes is now top of the list of Pikes Peak champions, which includes such acclaimed drivers as Loeb, Walter Röhrl (D), Michèle Mouton (F), Stig Blomqvist (S), Nobuhiro Tajima (J) and also Rod Millen and his son Rhys (both NZ).
Volkswagen Group China’s mega-factory in Foshan will strengthen e-mobility strategy in China
Through the completion of the Foshan Plant Phase II, the Foshan production site’s capacity will double from 300,000 to 600,000 cars annually. As the first SUV-model of the Volkswagen brand built by FAW-Volkswagen, the T-Roc successfully rolled off the line in April this year. Together with the Audi Q2L, which will also start production this year, it is a vital building block in the fast growing SUV segment.
Volkswagen defines new Group structure more precisely: brands assume responsibility for regions
The Volkswagen Group is pushing ahead with the structural realignment of its organization. In future, one lead brand will assume steering responsibility for a clearly defined region of the world across the Group. Dr. Herbert Diess, CEO of the Volkswagen Group, says: “We are distributing the responsibility across several shoulders. This means that it will be possible to take decisions in a significantly more decentralized way in the future and the Group Board of Management will be able to concentrate on overarching strategic topics. This way, we will make Volkswagen faster, slimmer and more efficient.”
Two days to go until the record attempt: kW buzz on Pikes Peak
At 10:00 local time (18:00 CEST) on Sunday, Volkswagen will begin its pursuit of the record for electric vehicles, which currently stands at 8:57.118 minutes, at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the US state of Colorado. Three-time overall winner Romain Dumas will be at the wheel of the I.D. R Pikes Peak, Volkswagen’s first fully-electric racing car. The Frenchman set the fastest time in qualifying on Wednesday. Much is new to many of the Volkswagen crew on Pikes Peak, both on and off the track.
Note for editors: Changes at Group Communications
Marc Langendorf is to become the new Head of Global Corporate Communications at Volkswagen Group Communications. He will therefore assume responsibility for the business and corporate communications of Volkswagen. In this position, Marc Langendorf is to succeed Eric Felber, who has been appointed Head of the newly established Corporate Responsibility Communications Department with effect from July 1, 2018. In their new functions, they will both report to Peik von Bestenbostel (59), Head of Group Communications at Volkswagen.
Volkswagen partners with QuantumScape to secure access to solid-state battery technology
By increasing its stake in the California technology company QuantumScape Corporation and forming a new joint venture, Volkswagen Group is paving the way for the next level of battery power for long-range e-mobility. Dr. Axel Heinrich, Head of VW Group Research, who will take a seat on the board of directors of QuantumScape, says: “We want to accelerate the commercialization of QuantumScape’s solid-state batteries. And we combine forces to leverage Volkswagen’s experience as a production specialist and QuantumScape technology leadership. Volkswagen is thus taking another step toward a sustainable, zero emission mobility for our customers in the future.” Volkswagen will invest 100m USD in US-based QuantumScape and will become the innovative enterprise’s largest automotive shareholder. Closing of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval.
Group CEO Diess in Israel: political talks and meetings with innovative start-ups
One of his first foreign trips in his new capacity as Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen AG took Dr. Herbert Diess to Israel. In addition to meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Diess visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. This was followed by talks with representatives from Israel’s start-up scene and discussions with the CEOs of Gett and Mobileye on innovative mobility services and autonomous driving.
A new Champion for a new era: Volkswagen Truck & Bus to become TRATON GROUP
Today, Volkswagen Truck & Bus revealed to its Top Management that the organization will be renamed into TRATON GROUP. This new branding is another milestone on the Group’s way to increase independence even further and towards capital market readiness.
Technology in the new Touareg – Part 4: “Traffic Jam Assist” now also masters traffic jams and roadworks semi-automatically at speeds less than 55 km/h
Partly automated driving functions take comfort to an unprecedented level. The new Touareg is a ground-breaking example of this: The driver on board this luxury SUV is specifically assisted when steering, accelerating and braking by assist systems if desired. Thanks to the fusion of different systems, the Touareg can semi-automatically master irritating stop-and-go situations when “Traffic Jam Assist” is active.
Volkswagen I. D. R Pikes Peak sets fastest time in qualifying
Romain Dumas and the Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak made a clear statement of intent in qualifying ahead of the 2018 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the US state of Colorado. The Frenchman, at the wheel of Volkswagen’s first fully-electric racing car, was the fastest of all the competitors, setting an eye-catching time of 3:16.083 minutes. The three-time Pikes Peak winner went 11.049 seconds quicker than second-placed Simone Faggioli in his Norma M20 SF PKP with its combustion engine. “That was a very good day for us,” said Dumas. “The I.D. R Pikes Peak is incredible. I have never experienced acceleration and power like that in a racing car. I am noticing how the car and I are becoming more and more of a unit with every kilometer,” said the Frenchman.
Volkswagen AG, Ford to Explore Strategic Alliance to Extend Capabilities, Strengthen Competitiveness, Better Serve Customers
Volkswagen AG and Ford Motor Company today announce they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding and are exploring a strategic alliance designed to strengthen each company’s competitiveness and better serve customers globally.
Rupert Stadler has been temporarily released from his duties as a member of the Board of Management – Supervisory Board accepts Stadler’s request
On Tuesday, the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft accepted the request of member of the Group Board of Management Rupert Stadler to release him from his duties as member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG.
Romain Dumas: “I have a great respect for this mountain”
Romain Dumas has won the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb three times already. On 24 June, the Frenchman will contest the most famous hill climb in the world for Volkswagen for the first time. He has one goal behind the wheel of the 500-kW (680-hp) I.D. R Pikes Peak: The 40-year-old is aiming to break the record for electric cars. This currently stands at 8:57.118 minutes and was set by New Zealand’s Rhys Millen in 2016.
Future Mobility Day 2018
The mobility of the future is being created by consistent research and strategic development. The SEDRIC autonomous concept car, self-driving transport units for goods deliveries, learning assistance systems,augmented-reality technology for enhanced safety in road traffic, 3D printing procedures, the transformation of engine heat into electricity, vehicle sensors to measure air quality and innovative methods for developing batteries for electric vehicles are among the projects that Volkswagen Group Research is presenting at the Mobility Day 2018 and which will define mobile life in the future.
The clock is ticking: Just ten days to go until the start of the I.D. R Pikes Peak
Final preparations are underway and the tension is mounting. Race week at the “Pikes Peak International Hill Climb” kicks off on Monday (18 June) with the Technical Inspection for participating vehicles in Colorado Springs. Attendance is compulsory for the I.D. R Pikes Peak, the first fully-electric racing car from Volkswagen. The official practice session starts the next day. “The adrenaline levels will rise steadily until the race on Sunday,” says Romain Dumas, the three-time Pikes Peak winner who will be driving the I.D. R Pikes Peak.
Constituent meeting of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen Truck & Bus AG: Christian Schulz appointed Chief Financial Officer
The constituent meeting of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen Truck & Bus AG that took place yesterday in Wolfsburg also appointed members to the Company’s Board of Management. Christian Schulz, who has been in charge of Corporate Development, Strategy and M&A at Volkswagen Truck & Bus GmbH since January 2017, will become CFO and member of the Board of Management, taking over from Matthias Gründler, who left the Company in May 2018.
Volkswagen Group deliveries grow 6.1 percent in May
The Volkswagen Group’s upward trend continues: at 953,400 units, Group deliveries in May were 6.1 percent higher than the same month last year. More than 4.5 million vehicles have been handed over to customers worldwide since the beginning of the year – an increase of 7.7 percent. "May was a particularly strong month for the Group and enabled our Company to remain on its growth path in the second quarter. The Group and its brands have seen positive developments in the core regions since the beginning of the year – partly thanks to the comprehensive product offensive,” Fred Kappler, Head of Group Sales at Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, said.
Volkswagen’s incubator programme: three international innovative start-ups move into the Gläserne Manufaktur
Three more start-ups have been decided on for the founders programme in the Future Mobility Incubator at the Gläserne Manufaktur: At CEBIT, the international digital trade fair in Hannover, and at a founders competition in Riga (Latvia), the start-ups CarPay-Diem from Luxembourg, Zouzoucar from France and carVertical from Lithuania were chosen as the winners. They will begin work in the Gläserne Manufaktur in September 2018, where they will have the opportunity to develop their ideas for market readiness with the support of Volkswagen and the city of Dresden’s business development team. Thus with the third founders class, exclusively international start-ups are moving to the capital city of Saxony.
Automobile design changes to mobility design
“Design will play a key role in deciding which automobile brands survive in the future,” commented Michael Mauer. The Head of Design at the Volkswagen Group perceives new challenges for automobile designers over the coming years. This is because they will define no less than the future of mobility and the role that automobile design will play in that process.
A science in its own right: The rapid-charging system for the I.D. R Pikes Peak
The corresponding paragraph in the regulations for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is clear: Should a participant in the most famous hill climb in the world be forced to suspend their run for safety reasons – for example, should it suddenly start to hail or another car require recovering – they have exactly 20 minutes, in which to prepare for their second attempt and to return to the start line. “This time frame was a crucial factor when configuring the battery for the I.D. R Pikes Peak,” says François-Xavier Demaison, Technical Director at Volkswagen Motorsport. “Furthermore, the charging strategy and independent mobile power supply are also important aspects of the rapid-charging system.”
Administrative order imposing a fine being issued by the Braunschweig public prosecutor against Volkswagen in the context of the diesel crisis
The Braunschweig public prosecutor today issued an administrative order against Volkswagen AG in its capacity as secondary party pursuant to sections 30 para. 1, 130 para. 1 of the German Act on Regulatory Offences in the context of the diesel crisis. The administrative order provides for a fine of €1 billion in total, consisting of the maximum penalty as legally provided for of €5 million and the disgorgement of economic benefits in the amount of €995 million.
AutomotiveINNOVATIONS Award 2018: Volkswagen honoured as the most innovative high-volume brand
The Volkswagen brand has been named the Most Innovative High-volume Brand for the third time in a row. The Group’s core brand was also presented with other awards in the categories ‘Alternative Drives’, ‘Autonomous Driving’ and ‘Safety and Conventional Drives’. The awards are presented annually by the Center of Automotive Management (an independent scientific institute), in cooperation with audit firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. The award decisions are based on the study AutomotiveINNOVATIONS, a jointly conducted study that has been analysing the innovation profiles and future trends of various automotive brands for the past seven years within the context of technical vehicle innovations.
Highly-sophisticated and highly efficient – the drivetrain technology in the I.D. R Pikes Peak
The I.D. R Pikes Peak that Romain Dumas will be driving on 24th June 2018 at the “Pikes Peak International Hill Climb” boasts the most sophisticated powertrain ever developed by Volkswagen Motorsport. “We are breaking new ground with the I.D. R Pikes Peak: This is the first time ever that Volkswagen will be competing in a race with a fully-electric car. Alongside the elaborate aerodynamic concept and the special requirements for the sports car chassis, the development of the electric drivetrain was the greatest challenge,” explains François-Xavier Demaison, Technical Director at Volkswagen Motorsport.
CEBIT 2018 highlights: Volkswagen provides glimpses of digital know-how and presents the latest variant of the SEDRIC
With a view to continuing the development of mobility in all its facets for its customers, Volkswagen is steadily expanding its digital capabilities. In this context, Volkswagen is modernizing its IT systems and migrating all applications to cloud platforms. The Group is also acquiring additional IT expertise and using new technologies for products, services and corporate processes.
Volkswagen is forging ahead with key digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and block chain technology. Today, the day before the opening of CEBIT in Hanover, Volkswagen gave the public a first glimpse at its show stand. Also on show at CEBIT is the SEDRIC Active – the latest version of the self-driving technology
platform for individual mobility at the touch of a button, specially designed for water and outdoor sports enthusiasts.
Sporty outfit unveiled: The I.D. R Pikes Peak to bear start number 94
The countdown is on to the 96th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Two weeks ahead of the start of the most famous hill climb in the world, the I.D. R Pikes Peak appeared at the final official test in its final livery and bearing its start number. Volkswagen’s first fully-electric racing car lines up on 24 June in grey – the hallmark colour of the I.D. family.
Prince Albert II of Monaco finds out more about e-mobility at the Gläserne Manufaktur
Prince Albert II of Monaco visited Volkswagen’s Gläserne Manufaktur in Dresden today (Friday). The head of state met with Thomas Ulbrich, member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for e-mobility and spokesperson of the management team at Volkswagen Sachsen, CFO Kai Siedlatzek and plant manager Lars Dittert. The discussions focused on Volkswagen’s route to e-mobility as well as the transformation of the automotive industry, digitalization and new mobility. Prince Albert II – who was accompanied by Dresden’s Mayor Dirk Hilbert – is visiting Saxony’s capital city to receive the “Taurus” European Culture Prize on behalf of his foundation at a ceremony in the Frauenkirche. He is being recognized for his commitment to the preservation of the world’s oceans.
Volkswagen tests quantum computing in battery research
For the first time, Volkswagen experts have succeeded in simulating industrially relevant molecules using a quantum computer. This is especially important for the development of high-performance electric vehicle batteries. The experts have successfully simulated molecules such as lithium-hydrogen and carbon chains. Now they are working on more complex chemical compounds. In the long term, they want to simulate the chemical structure of a complete electric vehicle battery on a quantum computer. Their objective is to develop a “tailor-made battery”, a configurable chemical blueprint that is ready for production. Volkswagen is presenting its research work connected with quantum computing at the CEBIT technology show (Hanover, June 12-15).
Volkswagen continues growth in May
The Volkswagen brand continues its growth: with 539,700 vehicles delivered in May, the brand recorded a rise of 5.1 percent compared with the prior-year figure for the same month. All in all, the brand delivered 2,584,700 vehicles to customers from January to May.: Jürgen Stackmann, Volkswagen Board Member for Sales: “This was the best individual month of May in the history of the Volkswagen brand. We have continued our upward trend and are significantly above the prior-year figure after five months. The product offensive, with new vehicles such as the Polo, Tiguan Allspace, Virtus and the T-Roc, has been well received by our customers. I am very pleased about this!“
Emotional and functional – the design of the I.D. R Pikes Peak
Development of the I.D. R Pikes Peak started around seven months ago – a multifaceted challenge, including for the Volkswagen Design team. “We already have a wealth of experience with high-performance cars and with racing cars, but a powerful prototype like the I.D. R Pikes Peak was a world first for us,” said Klaus Bischoff, Head of Volkswagen Design. “Our task was to transfer the unmistakable style of the I.D. family to such an extreme and emotional racing car.”
UX designers at Volkswagen ensure that digital customer services can be used intuitively
Volkswagen is developing more and more digital services, which are also available as apps on smart phones. At the Group IT Digital Lab, Melissa Zee is a member of a team which ensures that such apps not only function without any problems but are also easy to understand and operate.
Works meeting in Wolfsburg: Successful start to the year, WLTP a challenge
At today’s works meeting held at the main plant in Wolfsburg, Dr. Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Group and the Volkswagen brand, and General and Group Works Council Chairman Bernd Osterloh reported on the successful start to the year. Diess said to the employees: “The core brand is on the right track and you are one of the main reasons for this. I would like to thank you most sincerely.” Osterloh emphasized: “The workforce have shown that they are still firmly behind Volkswagen, also in challenging times. This a value that cannot be appreciated too highly.” Diess also announced that closure days in production would have to be planned after the works holidays as a result of the changeover to the WLTP test cycle. Osterloh commented: “We will be negotiating with the company concerning the implementation of the arrangement for closure days over the next few days.”
Special investigation into EUGT studies concluded
The comprehensive special investigation conducted by Volkswagen Group Audit concludes there was no non-compliant conduct nor were any infringements of relevance to labor law committed by Volkswagen Group employees with regard to studies commissioned by the now disbanded legally independent entity European Research Group on Environment and Health in the Transport Sector (Europäische Forschungseinrichtung für Umwelt und Gesundheit im Transportsektor e.V., EUGT). The investigation paid particular attention to the processes in the run-up to a study involving monkeys conducted by a US research laboratory. Dr. Thomas Steg, who at his own request was temporarily suspended from his duties at the end of January, therefore returns to his post as Head of Group External Relations at Volkswagen with immediate effect.
Note to editors: Volkswagen at CEBIT 2018
In 2018, Volkswagen will have a more prominent presence at CEBIT than ever before. Digitalization and IT experts from the entire Group will give comprehensive glimpses of the future of mobility and the latest digital technologies. The show will offer exciting talks, fascinating presentations, live demonstrations and first-class exhibits. Every day, specialist visitors, media representatives and interested members of the public can expect new topical highlights.
International Engine of the Year 2018: the innovative 1.0 TSI in the new up! GTIwins the award in its category
The innovative 1.0 TSI in the new up! GTI has been named International Engine of the Year 2018. In other words, the sustainable, yet powerful three-cylinder turbo engine has managed to win one of the most prestigious trophies in the world of engine manufacture. The award was bestowed by an international jury consisting of top journalists. For this year’s edition, the experts reviewed engines in 12 categories, with the 1.0 TSI holding off strong competition in its cubic capacity class (under 1.0 litre) to win.
Volkswagen makes CEBIT a job fair for IT specialists
The Volkswagen Group is making CEBIT 2018 a job fair for IT specialists. People interested in joining Volkswagen or one of its brands will find the right address at the Volkswagen recruiting stand in Hall 27. On the stand, IT and HR experts from Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, MOIA, MAN and RIO will provide comprehensive information on the wide variety of tasks and development possibilities offered by the Volkswagen Group and its brands.
Volkswagen launches European marketing campaign for new Touareg
Volkswagen is taking the next step towards the market launch of the new Touareg. Since June 1, a 360° campaign including TV, printed media and social media channels is to be launched in Germany. Other European countries are to follow from mid-June. The Touareg is the brand’s new flagship and will occupy a leading position in the luxury SUV segment with its innovative operation, comfort and safety systems. The campaign designed by Grabarz & Partner presents these features in an appealing and humorous way.
Romain Dumas completes first test with the I.D. R Pikes Peak in the USA
The I.D. R Pikes Peak has completed the first test for the “Pikes Peak International Hill Climb” on the original track in the US state of Colorado: Driver Romain Dumas was impressed with the performance of the all-electric powered racing car. Since the track to the summit at an altitude of 4,302 metres is a public road, the team only had access to it for three hours. For preparing for the further test runs and the race on 24th June, Volkswagen Motorsport has established a permanent base in Colorado.
Electric offensive: Volkswagen trains top experts for the production of the I.D. family
The Volkswagen brand is moving ahead with preparations for its major electric offensive and launching a comprehensive e-mobility competence program. Within the framework of the “Future Electronic Engineer Program” (FEEP), 100 young engineers and skilled workers throughout the world will be trained as top production experts. As start of production specialists, they will occupy future-oriented positions in planning, the pilot hall, the e-mobility model group, the pre-series center and electronics development. The first participants to complete the three-year program will support the run-up phase of the I.D. family, the new generation of full-electric vehicles based on the modular electrification toolkit (MEB) in Zwickau.
What does a … robotics expert actually do at Volkswagen?
For Volkswagen, cooperation between people and machines in production is becoming more and more important. Increasingly, work on a vehicle or component is carried out by people and robots not separately or in sequence but simultaneously and together. This means that robots need to understand what human workers want and need from them. Johannes Teiwes teaches the robots. He works at the Group IT Smart Production Lab and programs software "brains" for robots so that they can provide the best possible support for people.
What does a … natural language processing expert actually do at Volkswagen?
More and more frequently, programs and machines are controlled by voice commands. This is why intelligent systems which understand human language are becoming increasingly important for innovative operating concepts in vehicles and corporate processes from Volkswagen. For this purpose, Maria Niessen contributes her specialist knowledge as a natural language processing (NLP) expert to the Group IT data lab. She trains programs to understand what people say and mean.
Technology in the new Touareg – Part 3: High-tech running gear with innovative roll stabilisation
The high-tech running gear in the new Touareg sets new standards for comfort and agility in the SUV segment: The most advanced version of the running gear, which is made largely of lightweight aluminium, features a combination of innovative four-corner pneumatic suspension with adaptive electronic damping control and – for the first time at Volkswagen - a completely newly developed electromechanical active roll compensation system (eAWS). The eAWS features active anti-roll bars which use electric motors and a 48-volt system to adapt instantly to the driving situation, bringing a level of agility and ride comfort that is practically unmatched by any other SUV.
Israeli Startup enters the “Future Mobility Incubator” at the Gläserne Manufaktur in Dresden
Volkswagen supports innovative business ideas for future mobility. A young founder team was selected at the EcoMotion international mobility fair in Tel Aviv, Israel for the startup programme in the Future Mobility incubator at die Gläserne Manufaktur in Dresden: the Make My Day startup was chosen as the victor following a pitch competition. The startup is developing an innovative app, a kind of personal assistant for your car which looks for the optimal route for the driver, the optimised charging for electric vehicles and integrates necessary daily shopping into the route planning. The user will save time and money with Make My Day. The startup will begin work in Die Gläserne Manufaktur in September 2018, where they will have the opportunity to develop their ideas to market readiness with the support of Volkswagen and the City of Dresden’s business development team.
Information issued by Volkswagen: Audit in Ukraine
Volkswagen AG has been informed of irregularities in issuing homologation certificates for 2,800 Golf Variant models in Ukraine.
Group Award 2018: Volkswagen Group honors international top suppliers
The Volkswagen Group presented the “Volkswagen Group Award 2018” to its best suppliers yesterday at a ceremony in ‘Kraftwerk Berlin’. Last year’s 19 best suppliers were presented with their awards in seven categories. As ‘category sponsors’, high-ranking representatives from the Volkswagen Group handed over the awards to the suppliers at a ceremony attended by some 280 guests from 26 countries.
Every gram counts – lightweight design strategy defines I.D. R Pikes Peak concept
It started with simulations. “Before we actually assembled the I.D. R Pikes Peak, we used computers to analyse a multitude of different configurations,” says Willy Rampf, technical advisor to the project and a man with a wealth of Formula 1 experience, recalling the start of the development of the car for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. “It was clear to us that we would not have time to build multiple test vehicles. We had to get it right at the first attempt.”
Green light for research project with HGVs using overhead power lines on public roads in Germany
The German Federal Ministry for the Environment today gave the green light for a subsidised pilot project to conduct research and development on the electrification of long-haul trucks. The electricity supply for the heavy goods vehicles is provided by means of a pantograph from an overhead power line. The two project partners involved – Siemens and Volkswagen Group Research – are sharing the tasks: Siemens is responsible for developing the pantograph while Volkswagen is providing the required hybrid trucks via the Group's Swedish subsidiary Scania and is carrying out the accompanying research. Trial operations will be conducted jointly as from early 2019.
What does a … cloud architect actually do at Volkswagen?
The Volkswagen Group is committed to the use of cloud computing and is transferring more and more applications for corporate processes or customer services to memory that is available online. This way, many programs can be operated even faster and more safely. Cloud architects like Hischam Abul Ola ensure that the systems are transferred smoothly and that users can find a way around as effectively as possible.
„Konnect“ – the Volkswagen Group Campus Tel Aviv
The variety of topics covered is promising and diverse: Connectivity, Smart Navigation, Cyber Security, E-mobility or Big Data. Volkswagen Group has officially opened the Volkswagen Group Campus Tel Aviv in the presence of the Israeli Minister of Economy, Mr. Eli Cohen. The Campus named „Konnect“ will provide local partners and start-ups direct access to the Volkswagen Group and its many brands. It will support in business collaborations with the highly innovative tech scene in Israel as well as support in mentoring and consulting.
What does a … VR-Developer actually do at Volkswagen?
Virtual reality (VR) is not just game-playing. At Volkswagen, VR is contributing to faster and more efficient development of vehicle models. VR developers such as David Kuri program the powerful software for it. The 26-year-old previously worked for an international computer game company. He is now contributing his specialist knowledge to Group IT's Virtual Engineering Lab.
Volkswagen Group delivers more than 900,000 vehicles in April
The Volkswagen Group and its brands continued on their growth path in April. At 927,200 units, deliveries by the Group in April were 10.2 percent higher than the same month last year. Over 3.6 million vehicles have been handed over to customers since the beginning of the year (+ 8.1 percent). “The Volkswagen Group’s upward trend continues into the second quarter. Positive developments in Europe and the home market of Germany as well as in South America are particularly encouraging. We will continue to work on the attractiveness of our brands and products in the second quarter”, Fred Kappler, Head of Group Sales at Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, said.
Up in the air – Volkswagen Motorsport breaking new technological ground with the aerodynamics of the I.D. R Pikes Peak
At first glance, it is clear to see that the I.D. R Pikes Peak has been developed for extreme conditions. The aerodynamic aspect of Volkswagen’s first fully-electric racing car is also uncompromisingly designed to tackle the most famous hill climb in the world. “The start line is located at an altitude of almost 2,900 metres, with the finish at 4,300 metres above sea level. The low air pressure up there means that the aerodynamic conditions are different to those at a racetrack on flat land,” explains François-Xavier Demaison, Technical Director at Volkswagen Motorsport and the man responsible for developing the I.D. R Pikes Peak as project manager. The relatively open regulations gave the engineers far more leeway, with which to design the chassis and rear wing of the I.D. R Pikes Peak, than in other racing disciplines.
Volkswagen showcases new digital technologies from Group IT
At this year’s IT symposium held in Wolfsburg today, the main focus was on digital technologies and innovative projects from all areas of Volkswagen Group IT. The event was attended by members of the Volkswagen Group and brand Boards of Management, top management representatives and the Works Council. The main emphasis of the symposium was on IT innovations to make work and processes within the company even simpler and more efficient. Specifically, the symposium dealt with further digitalization in production, self-learning programs (bots) to support employees with administrative tasks and the “IT for all” initiative.
