All Press Releases
This section contains all current press releases on topics and news items concerning Volkswagen.
Volkswagen and Bosch want to industrialize manufacturing processes for battery cells
The Volkswagen Group and the Bosch Group have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the establishment of a European battery equipment solution provider. The two companies plan to supply integrated battery production systems as well as on-site ramp-up and maintenance support for battery cell and system manufacturers. The companies are aiming for cost and technology leadership in the industrialization of battery technology and the volume production of sustainable, cutting-edge batteries. Through the “local for local” production approach, this will also be a step towards the objective of carbon-neutral mobility. In Europe alone, the Volkswagen Group plans to build six cell factories by 2030.
Available to order now: the new T-Roc R
The T-Roc R has been the powerful flagship of the compact SUVs from Volkswagen since 2019. Pre-sales of the new edition of this performance model are now underway. The new T-Roc R impresses with a 221 kW (300 PS) 4-cylinder TSI engine, 7-speed DSG gearbox and the intelligent 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. This combination and other technical features ensure exceptional agility, which is reflected in both the dynamic exterior design and the high-quality interior. The dynamic crossover model now also features innovative technologies from higher vehicle classes, including the high-output IQ.LIGHT system, new assist systems and advanced digital services.
Volkswagen Group on course for NEW AUTO: deliveries of battery-electric vehicles doubled in 2021
Volkswagen drove forward its transformation into a sustainable, software-centric mobility group in the year now ended and approximately doubled its BEV deliveries year-on-year to 452,900 units. These now account for 5.1 percent of total deliveries, up from 2.5 percent in the previous year. The Group is the European market leader for battery-electric vehicles by a large margin and achieved the second-largest share of the key US market with about 7.5 percent. In China, 92,700 BEVs were delivered, more than four times the figure for 2020. Sales of plug-in hybrids worldwide also rose significantly to 309,500 units (+61 percent). In total, the Group delivered 8,882,000 vehicles to customers around the world. As forecast, the global semiconductor shortage led to a slight decrease of 4.5 percent versus 2020 despite high customer demand and full order books.
Volkswagen doubles deliveries of all-electric vehicles in 2021
“Volkswagen is continuing to press ahead with the transition to e-mobility despite the limited supply of semiconductors,” said Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the Volkswagen brand. Last year, the company delivered more electric vehicles worldwide than ever before, handing over more than 369,000 electric cars (+73 percent versus 2020), including approximately 106,000 PHEVs (+33 percent) and 263,000 all-electric vehicles (+97 percent) to customers. Volkswagen thus doubled its BEV deliveries year-on-year. “In a very short time, we have reached a top position for all-electric vehicles in Europe. With our ACCELERATE strategy and the expansion of the model portfolio, we will continue to increase the pace of the e-mobility offensive. Before the end of this year, the ID. BUZZ will represent yet another emotional model in our ID. family,” said Brandstätter.
Brose and Volkswagen launch joint venture Brose Sitech for seat systems
Brose Sitech has been operating on the global market as an independent supplier of seat systems since January 1, 2022. The cooperation partners Brose and Volkswagen each hold a 50 percent stake in the joint venture. The headquarters is Polkowice in Poland. Around 5,000 employees work at a total of eight sites in Poland, Germany, China and the Czech Republic. Brose Sitech expects to double business volume to 2.8 billion euros by 2030. The number of employees is expected to rise to around 7,000.
70th anniversary of UNHCR – Volkswagen donates 70 university scholarships
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the Volkswagen Group will award 70 young refugees scholarships for a university degree. While according to UNHCR approximately 30 percent of young people around the world have access to higher education, only 5 percent of refugees do. The Volkswagen Group’s new commitment also heralds the start of a longer-term partnership with UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe, the German partner of UNHCR. The Volkswagen Group has been providing assistance to refugees for quite some time, particularly with integration. Its work focuses on preparing them step by step for occupational training and the German labor market.
Enhanced power and speed: Volkswagen takes voice control in the Golf to a new level
Faster, more powerful, more stable: Volkswagen optimises infotainment in the current Golf. The new software and hardware now going into series production enhance a wide range of functions. In particular, voice control now responds up to four times faster, taking performance up to the premium level. Numerous customer requests have been incorporated.
Convenient, networked and sustainable: new solutions for charging electric Volkswagen models
Volkswagen is the first high-volume manufacturer to offer its customers a universal and seamless eco-system for charging their electric models. The service with the name We Charge will be enhanced step-by-step to offer higher performance, convenience and sustainability – with new charging solutions for home and mobile charging, new functions in the ID. models and soon also with the technology of bidirectional charging.
Significant CO2 savings possible: latest-generation diesel engines approved for fuels made from residual and recycled materials
Volkswagen plans to reduce the carbon footprint of its fleet in Europe by 40 percent by the year 2030. The company is therefore increasingly focusing on fully and partially electric vehicles. As a further alternative, Volkswagen is now officially approving models with the latest-generation 4-cylinder diesel engines for use with paraffinic fuels. These newly developed diesel fuels containing bio-components permit significant CO2 savings of 70-95 percent compared with conventional diesel. Alongside its accelerated ramp-up efforts in the area of electric mobility, Volkswagen is systematically further developing the existing range with combustion engines. In this way, the company is responding to different customer needs while at the same time taking into account the internationally varying drive system preferences and the respective general conditions.
'Volkswagen Art4ALL' as major element of partnership with Nationalgalerie – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
The reopened Neue Nationalgalerie introduces the 'Volkswagen Art4ALL' event series as a new visitor experience. The monthly event format was developed as part of the multi-year partnership between Volkswagen and Nationalgalerie – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin with the mutual commitment to create encounters with culture and the arts for as many people as possible. This approach is perfectly put into practice through 'Volkswagen Art4ALL' as it continuously establishes new relations and discourses with visitors.
Volkswagen Group creates European company for its battery business
Volkswagen establishes a European company (Société Européenne) to consolidate activities along the value chain for batteries – from processing raw materials to developing a unified Volkswagen battery to managing the European gigafactories. The company’s scope will include new business models based around reusing discarded car batteries and recycling the valuable raw materials they contain. The Group is thus creating efficient and future-proof structures for the rapidly growing battery business. As part of its NEW AUTO strategy, the Volkswagen Group is aiming to become the world’s leading manufacturer of electric vehicles. To this end, it is expanding its battery-related activities and making these into one of its core competencies.
Planning Round 70: Volkswagen drives forward electrification of its European plants and presents its plan for transforming the Wolfsburg site
Within the framework of Planning Round 70, the Volkswagen Group today resolved to further electrify its European plants in pursuit of its goal of becoming global market leader in electric mobility by 2025. Thus, the Group vigorously drives forward the implementation of its NEW AUTO strategy. The Group headquarters and manufacturing site in Wolfsburg will be transformed and the Group’s competitiveness boosted through higher spending on future technologies. The future-oriented investments, which will be primarily in e-mobility and digitalization, will account for the largest proportion of total investments of EUR 159 billion for the first time, at 56 percent or EUR 89 billion. Volkswagen expects that by 2026 one in four vehicles sold will have a battery-electric drive system.
Volkswagen’s Supervisory Board strengthens Group Board of Management team
Volkswagen AG is strengthening its Group Board of Management to deal with the next phase of the transformation. As part of this, the structure of the management body and its functions will be reorganised to make the company even more effective in tackling the challenges of the years ahead. The Group’s Supervisory Board adopted the corresponding resolutions at its meeting in Wolfsburg on Thursday. The Chairman of the Board of Management, Herbert Diess, will take over responsibility for the automotive software division CARIAD within the Group Board of Management from Markus Duesmann at the beginning of 2022. The CEO of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand, Ralf Brandstätter, will join the Group Board of Management at the same time and will be responsible for the activities of the core brand. Herbert Diess will continue as the Board of Management member with responsibility for the Volume Brand Group. On 1 February 2022, Manfred Döss will take over “Integrity and Legal Affairs” from Hiltrud Werner. Hauke Stars will take up the position of Group Board of Management member responsible for “IT” on the same day. In addition to being the member of the Board of Management of Audi for Sales, Hildegard Wortmann will assume the same role on the Group Board of Management as from 1 February 2022 as well.
Press conference on the Supervisory Board meeting of Volkswagen AG
The press conference on the Supervisory Board meeting of Volkswagen AG will be broad-casted live on Thursday, December 9th 2021, at 02:30pm CET.
Volkswagen drives expansion of renewable energies with a new wind farm in Sweden
Volkswagen intends to be net carbon neutral by 2050. That is why the company is going well beyond electrification of the car with its holistic decarbonization program “Way to Zero”. Volkswagen is the first car maker to support expansion of renewable energies on an industrial scale – and will drive expansion of European wind farms and solar plants with around €40 million up to 2025. Volkswagen has now signed an agreement with wpd wind farm Onshore Aldermyrberget in Skellefteå, the largest project in its portfolio to date. Volkswagen’s share of the wind farm generates some 100 GWh of electricity, or enough for 27,000 households. As a result, Volkswagen is living up to its responsibility as the market leader for electric vehicles in Sweden. In connection with net carbon neutral manufacturing of its ID. models, Volkswagen is now taking another big step towards its goal of net carbon neutral e-mobility over the entire life cycle.
Volkswagen enters into strategic partnerships for the industrialization of battery technology
The Volkswagen Group has entered into three more strategic partnerships, further strengthening its position in the field of batteries. The new partners are the leading materials technology group Umicore, the battery specialist 24M Technologies, and cleantech company Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd. Although these three partnerships are independent from each other, they share a common goal: The industrialization of battery technology and the volume production of even more sustainable, cutting-edge batteries. The Volkswagen Group is consistently implementing its technology roadmap for the in-house development and production of battery cells, as presented at its Power Day earlier this year. In Europe alone, the Group plans to build six Gigafactories by 2030.
Volkswagen Group ties loan to sustainability target for the first time
The Volkswagen Group has for the first time concluded a loan with terms tied to achieving a sustainability target (sustainability linked loan). The interest rate on the three-year €1.8 billion agreement depends on the Volkswagen Group achieving its CO2 fleet emission targets in Europe. The funds will be used for refinancing and to cover new liquidity requirements. The loan is provided by a consortium of banks comprising Crédit Agricole (coordination), Banco Santander, Bayerische Landesbank, Commerzbank, Intesa Sanpaolo and Société Générale.
All-new Taigo available in dealerships now
With the launch of the Taigo, a totally new model arrives in Volkswagen showrooms – with a sloping roof like a coupé and a slightly elevated seating position. However, its modern character is not only reflected in the elegant shape of its body, but also in the many intelligent comfort, operating and assist systems. On request, the small car can be upgraded with a black roof, large tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, and technological features like IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist for partly automated driving. The entry price for the all-new Taigo (with 1.0 TSI engine, 70 kW/95 PS, 5-speed) is € 19,350.
Note to editors: New brand communications line-up at Volkswagen
Changes to Volkswagen Communications: The structural separation of Brand and Group Communications that was initiated in July 2020 at the Wolfsburg site has been completed effective December 1. In this connection, key areas of communicating the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand have been realigned and strengthened. Robin Aschhoff remains Head of Communications.
Science for all: Volkswagen helps phaeno Science Center to launch new communication formats linking scientists and audience
Reaching the public with scientific topics: this goal is set by many modern scientists and research institutions. Launching two new formats, Volkswagen and phaneo, which is among the leading science museums in the world, expand the dialog between experts and audience.
Volkswagen and „Hamburger Bahnhof“ continue successful „Volkswagen Art4ALL” program
„Volkswagen Art4ALL“ was introduced in April 2018 as a result of the joint efforts of Volkswagen and Nationalgalerie – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin. Made possible by Volkswagen, the “Hamburger Bahnhof – Museum für Gegenwart – Berlin” can be visited by everyone for free on the first Thursday of every month. During the late afternoon und early evening hours, guests are invited to explore the current museum program with exhibitions, tours and workshops, and participate in additional events like performances, artist talks or lectures.
Bidder consortium publishes further information on takeover offer for Europcar
Following the approval of the takeover offer of Green Mobility Holding S.A. for the shares of Europcar Mobility Group by the French financial market regulator Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), the bidder consortium of Volkswagen Group, Attestor Limited and Pon Holdings B.V. has published further information on the takeover offer in accordance with French regulations.
French financial market regulator AMF approves takeover bid for Europcar
The Volkswagen Group, together with its partners Attestor Limited and Pon Holdings B.V., has reached an important milestone in the planned acquisition of Europcar: The French financial market regulator Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) today approved the takeover offer of Green Mobility Holding S.A. for the shares of Europcar Mobility Group.
Pre-sales launched for the new ID.5: Volkswagen’s first e-SUV coupé available for order now
Pre-sales of Volkswagen’s first ever e-SUV coupé with long distance suitability have now got underway. The top-of-the-range electric model of the ID. family based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) is available in Germany from an entry-level price of 46,515 euros. In addition to its expressive design, the ID.5 features an exclusive interior complete with all the latest Infotainment and assist systems. The ID.5 offers full connectivity and can be updated over-the-air.
Volkswagen is developing the chassis of the future
The ACCELERATE strategy is systematically driving the advancement towards becoming a software-oriented mobility provider. Software is also key in the development of chassis and steering systems for the highly automated driving of the future. Volkswagen is currently developing the next generation of a regulated chassis, and a new steering system.
The new Volkswagen T-Roc: expressive design and innovative technology
World premiere for the new T-Roc: With a fresh design, innovative assist systems and numerous digital services, Volkswagen is continuing the success story of its compact crossover model. A sharpened exterior defines the unmistakable appearance of the new T-Roc, T-Roc R and T-Roc Cabriolet. The interior was refined with high-quality materials, a redesigned Infotainment display and the Digital Cockpit as standard. Innovative technology from higher vehicle classes has now been integrated into the compact SUV model family – in the shape of IQ.Light, with LED matrix headlights, and the assist systems of IQ.Drive with Travel Assist, as well as predictive ACC cruise control. In this way, Volkswagen is making great strides towards becoming a software-oriented mobility provider as part of its ACCELERATE strategy.
New Tiguan Allspace now available from dealerships
The new Tiguan Allspace is now available from dealerships, offering all the most popular strong points of a spacious SUV, space for up to seven people, an updated design and new efficient engines. The long version of Volkswagen’s best-selling SUV model is also available with new technological features, such as IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist for semi-automated driving assistance, We Connect mobile online services and IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights. Customers can choose between five engines, front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and the three equipment packages Life, Elegance and R-Line. The entry price for the new Tiguan Allspace (1.5 l TSI, 110 kW / 150 PS, 6-speed manual gearbox) is 36,900 euros.
Change of leadership at Volkswagen Financial Services – Lars Henner Santelmann leaves, Dr. Christian Dahlheim joins
Lars Henner Santelmann, Chairman of the Board of Europe’s largest automotive financial services provider since September 2015, is leaving the company at his own request as of January 31, 2022, to assume a role in the field of environmental protection and conservation. His successor will be Dr. Christian Dahlheim, currently Head of Group Sales at Volkswagen AG. The Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen Financial Services AG, Volkswagen CFO Dr. Arno Antlitz, said: “We would like to thank Lars Henner Santelmann for his many years of service to our company. He has played a key role in its evolution. Among his particular achievements are the organizational realignment and the focus on a new digital business model. Volkswagen Financial Services is a mainstay of our NEW AUTO Group strategy. With his expertise in sales and financial services, Dr. Christian Dahlheim will enable us to continue along this successful path,” continued Antlitz.
Winter tips: Volkswagen’s how-to guide for the cold season
When winter comes around once again, old rules of thumb are dusted off and tips on de-icing, protecting engines and tyres are shared – but many of these are wrong, or misunderstood. Which is why Benjamin Leuchter, racing driver and Volkswagen test and development driver, and the head trainer at Volkswagen Driving Experience, Peter Bunke, are sharing top tips for the cold season.
Digital skills for the future: Volkswagen and CARIAD fund the new coding school ‘42 Berlin’
As a founding partner of ‘42 Wolfsburg’, Volkswagen recognized at an early stage the powerful role that the innovative coding school ‘42’ could play in the company’s transformation to a software-focused technology company. The non-profit coding academy opened its doors last spring and is being strategically and financially supported by Volkswagen in the company’s role as lead partner. Volkswagen is now drawing on this positive experience with ‘42 Wolfsburg’ to expand this commitment to IT training even further. The automaker has now joined forces with its software subsidiary, CARIAD, and such companies as Bayer, Microsoft, SAP and T-Systems to set up a second coding academy in the German capital of Berlin. The first students are scheduled to begin their studies at ‘42 Berlin’ next summer.
Volkswagen to invest some €1 billion by 2026 – South America region to be geared to sustained profitability
Despite the continuing challenges of the corona pandemic and the worldwide semiconductor shortage, Volkswagen expects to report a positive result in Latin America for the first time since 2013. Volkswagen is to invest some €1 billion over the next five years to further strengthen its competitive situation in this important market and be geared to sustained profitability. In addition to further local vehicle projects, in particular digitalization and decarbonization in South America are to be given an additional boost. This includes a research center for biofuels as a bridging technology for this market to complement Volkswagen’s global electrification offensive.
Symbolising an entire industrial region: Heidersberger’s photography “Kraftwerk der Volkswagen AG” turns 50
In the 1960s, photographer Heinrich Heidersberger had captured the atmosphere in the Wolfsburg region with its people, places and production sites in a number of outstanding and timeless images. Providing different impressions of the young industrial city of Wolfsburg, his series of black and white photography includes “Kraftwerk der Volkswagen AG” which Heidersberger took in 1971. It has become not only an artistic icon but also plays a key role for Heidersberger’s body of work and for Volkswagen.
FIVA honors former Volkswagen CEO Prof. Dr. Carl H. Hahn
Prof. Dr. Carl H. Hahn, former Chairman of the Volkswagen Board of Management, has received the highest recognition for his contribution to the international development history of the automobile. Tiddo Bresters, President of FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) presented the Heritage Hall of Fame award in the Zeithaus at Autostadt.
The successful ID family continues to grow: the new ID.5 is the first electric SUV coupé from Volkswagen
On the “Way to ZERO”: The new ID.5 does more than just expand the successful ID. family; the new Volkswagen launch moves the electrification of its new car fleet forward and into a new market segment. The elegant, expressive E-SUV coupé is equipped with the new ID. software version 3.0, which includes improved charging performance and voice control among other features. With the use of swarm data and latest-generation driver assistance systems, Volkswagen is also taking the next step towards automated driving.
For a carbon-neutral mobility - Volkswagen enters into a strategic partnership with EIT InnoEnergy
EIT InnoEnergy, the world’s leading innovation engine for sustainable energy, and Volkswagen AG have announced a strategic partnership. Both companies are planning joint innovation and investment activities designed to help innovative technologies and business models achieve economic breakthroughs which will contribute to the decarbonisation of the transport sector and accelerate the shift to electromobility. The partnership involves Volkswagen becoming a new shareholder of EIT InnoEnergy.
Volkswagen Q3 earnings impacted by massive semiconductor shortage – nine-month performance up on the prior year
Despite the ongoing structural shortage of semiconductors throughout the industry, Volkswagen delivered around 3.8 million vehicles to customers worldwide in the first nine months (+3.3% compared with the prior-year period). During the reporting period, sales revenue grew to EUR 55.5 billion (+18%) and the operating profit increased by EUR 2.6 billion year on year to EUR 1.6 billion (operating return on sales: +2.9%). The net operating cash flow before special items stood at EUR -0.7 billion after nine months, due especially to the increased inventories of unfinished vehicles, battery cells, and raw materials, auxiliaries and consumables that resulted from supply issues. As expected, the third quarter was impacted by the difficult semiconductor situation. During this period, Volkswagen delivered around 1.1 million vehicles (-26%). The operating profit in the third quarter was EUR -184 million. The company already anticipates a return to a significantly positive performance in the current fourth quarter.
Volkswagen Group’s Q3 result down year-on-year due to semiconductor bottlenecks – profitability target for 2021 confirmed
The global semiconductor bottlenecks particularly impacted on the business performance of the Volkswagen Group in the third quarter. Operating profit before special items came to EUR 2.8 (3.2) billion in the period from July to September, a drop compared with the first two quarters of this year and the pandemic-related weak prior-year period. The operating return on sales before special items declined to 4.9 (5.4) percent in the third quarter. The volume brands were affected most in this period, recording operating losses in spite of having full order books. Owing to the semiconductor shortage, the high level of customer demand in China could also not be met. In the first nine months of the year, the Group’s brands lifted deliveries to customers by 6.9 percent to 7.0 (6.5) million vehicles. Sales revenue saw a more significant increase, rising by 20.0 percent in the same period to EUR 187 (155) billion. Due to the strong first half, operating profit before special items, which stood at EUR 14.2 (2.4) billion after nine months, remained at a solid level and exceeded the pandemic-related weak prior-year figure. The operating return on sales was 7.6 (1.5) percent. The Automotive Division achieved an adjusted net cash flow of EUR 12.4 (4.5) billion by the end of September, thus contributing substantially to the financing of the Group’s transformation. Despite the impact on working capital caused by the semiconductor shortage, adjusted net cash flow for the third quarter was slightly positive at EUR 33 million. Net liquidity in the Automotive Division fell by EUR 9.4 billion compared with the first six months to a still robust level of EUR 25.6 billion. Here, the Navistar transaction completed by July had a perceptible effect of around EUR 6 billion. In addition, a dividend of EUR 2.4 billion was distributed to Volkswagen shareholders in the third quarter. The Volkswagen Group confirmed its outlook for the operating return on sales for full year 2021 of 6.0 to 7.5 percent.
Volkswagen tests 5G for production on its way to smart factories
Volkswagen is taking a further step in the direction of fully networked factories. A local 5G standalone network (“campus network”) is now available at its main plant in Wolfsburg that initially covers the main production development center and the pilot hall. The pilot project will test whether the 5G technology meets the demanding requirements of vehicle production with a view to developing this for industrial series production in the future. A dedicated 5G radio frequency will be used to safeguard secure, delay-free transmission of data. The Transparent Factory in Dresden has also put a so-called “5G island” into operation. Volkswagen undertakes setup and operation of the 5G infrastructure itself in a move designed to build up competitive expertise in using this important technology of the future and ensure data security.
Volkswagen Group doubles deliveries of pure e-vehicles in third quarter
The Volkswagen Group successfully continued its global electric offensive in the third quarter of 2021. Despite a shortage of semiconductors, 122,100 BEVs were delivered to customers from July to September, an increase of 109 percent compared with the prior-year quarter. Particularly the market ramp-up in China accelerated significantly in Q3, where 28,900 BEVs were delivered, compared with 18,300 in the first half of the year. The BEV share of total deliveries rose to more than 6 percent in Q3. A total of 293,100 BEVs were delivered worldwide by the end of September, more than twice as many as in the prior-year period (+138 percent). There also continued to be strong demand for vehicles with a plug-in hybrid drive (PHEVs). A total of 246.000 PHEVs were delivered in the first nine months, more than twice as many as in the prior-year period (+133 percent).
Volkswagen to Combine Group Functions Treasury and Investor Relations
Volkswagen will combine the Group functions Treasury and Investor Relations, effective December 1, 2021, to further strengthen the relationship to its banking partners and other capital markets participants. Dr. Jörg Boche, Head of Group Treasury at Volkswagen AG, will end his career after 15 years and retire at the end of 2021. Rolf Woller, Head of Treasury and Investor Relations at Volkswagen subsidiary TRATON SE, will move to Volkswagen AG effective December 1 to take over the newly formed Group function.
Volkswagen and documenta fifteen: fostering sustainability
For the fifth time Volkswagen supports documenta. The largest exhibition for contemporary art takes place in Kassel which is also home of one of Volkswagen’s production sites. As a leading partner, the company stands behind the joint approach of documenta and Museum Fridericianium gGmbH in improving the environmental footprint of the international art event. Documenta fifteen is going to be curated by the Indonesian artist collective ruangrupa using lumbung, a practice based on collectivity, resource building and sustainable exchange. Between June 18 and September 25, 2022 the exhibition will invite visitors on more than 100 days to experience artworks from all over the world.
Award-winning! – Volkswagen’s electric platform wins renowned TU Wien prize
Big award for Volkswagen: today, Thomas Ulbrich, member of Volkswagen brand Board of Management, “Technical Development” division, accepted the 22nd Porsche Prize awarded by the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) for the development of the modular electric drive matrix (MEB). With the MEB, Volkswagen has brought the platform concept into a new era of mobility: through its systematic focus on pure electric drive and usability for vehicles of different classes, the MEB enables huge economies of scale, reduces the cost of e-mobility and accelerates the transition to zero-emission mobility. The internationally renowned “Porsche Prize” has been awarded for pioneering research and development in automotive engineering since 1977.
Volkswagen Group drives forward intelligent mobility solutions
The Volkswagen Group will present solutions for the efficient, sustainable, safe and convenient movement of people and goods at the ITS World Congress in Hamburg, the world’s largest industry event for intelligent transportation systems, from October 11 to 15, 2021. The focus will be on autonomous driving, the intelligent use of vehicle data and the integration of electric vehicles into the power grid. Together with its Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, MOIA, CARIAD, Elli and MAN Truck & Bus brands, the Group will provide a forum for interested parties and experts with live demonstrations of pioneering pilot projects, discussion panels, lectures and expert talks.
Volkswagen gains some 70,000 new customers with best-selling ID.3 in the first year
Strong performance of the all-electric Volkswagen ID.3 after its first year in the European market: “The car is an absolute hit. It appeals to customers and has shot from zero to take top positions among new registrations in a large number of countries,” says Klaus Zellmer, Board Member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales at Volkswagen. By the end of September, the car had already been ordered around 144,000 times in Europe – 50 percent of buyers had not driven a Volkswagen before and were new to the brand, found a study commissioned by the company. “The ID.3 has tapped into an above-average number of new buyer groups for Volkswagen. Some 70,000 new customers are strong proof that we are exactly on the right track with this vehicle and our electric mobility strategy,” continues Zellmer.
Second life or recycling? BattMan rescues batteries from a needlessly short lifespan!
The question is on the minds of everyone who is interested in e-mobility: What happens to the battery when an e-vehicle has reached the end of its service life? The answer is simple: The new analysis software BattMan ReLife checks their state of health in just a few minutes. Starting immediately, the quick check system will be used as a means of initial diagnosis in battery recycling at the pilot plant that Volkswagen Group Components has been operating in Salzgitter since the beginning of the year.
Powerful estate with all-round talent – the new Golf R Estate
The new Golf R Estate is Volkswagen’s most powerful and dynamic Golf Estate so far. Sportiness meets everyday practicality. Top performance meets flexibility, with a spacious interior. The 235-kW (320-PS) Golf R Estate remains true to the tradition of its predecessors: a flexible all-rounder, comfortable leisure and family estate, and a sporty companion with impressive dynamics – thanks in part to the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, including R Performance torque vectoring with wheel-selective torque control on the rear axle.
Volkswagen Group China builds battery system factory in Anhui to strengthen BEV value chain
Volkswagen Group China is commencing construction of a battery system production factory in Hefei (Anhui province). VW Anhui Components Company is the first battery system plant to be wholly owned by the Group in China. Its initial annual capacity will be 150,000 to 180,000 high-voltage battery systems for Volkswagen Anhui’s all-electric vehicles based on the Group’s Modular Electric Drive Toolkit (MEB platform). With an area of over 45,000 square meters, the plant will be located next to the production facilities of Volkswagen Anhui, Volkswagen’s first majority-owned joint venture for all-electric vehicles. Volkswagen Group China is investing over EUR 140 million until 2025 in the new plant and its facilities, with the start of production (SOP) targeted for the second half of 2023.
E.ON and Volkswagen launch fast charger with storage battery
E.ON Board Member for Customer Solutions Patrick Lammers and Volkswagen Group Board Member for Technology Thomas Schmall put in operation the first E.ON Drive Booster in Essen. The innovative product makes fast charging easier and more affordable for operators and customers. As a flexible fast charger, it requires no civil engineering work or adjustments to the grid connection and can charge two electric vehicles simultaneously with 150 kW. This means the expansion of a dense public network of fast-charging stations – as is essential for the future success of e-mobility – can become a reality much sooner than was previously assumed.
Consortium of Volkswagen Group, Attestor Limited and Pon Holdings B.V. files takeover offer for Europcar
The consortium of Volkswagen Group, Attestor Limited and Pon Holdings B.V., together acting as Green Mobility Holding S.A., has filed its proposed tender offer for the shares of Europcar Mobility Group with the French Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) today.
New battery laboratories: Volkswagen takes the next step towards developing and producing own battery cells
Volkswagen Group Components today opened one of the most modern laboratories for cell research and development in Europe in Salzgitter. Thus, the company is further expanding its expertise in battery technology and taking the next step towards developing and producing its own battery cells for electromobility. From 2025 onwards, the Volkswagen unified cell is scheduled to roll off the production line in Salzgitter. In the future, around 250 experts will conduct research in the areas of cell development, analytics and testing in a total of four laboratories. Volkswagen is investing around 70 million euros in the facilities.
Volkswagen introduces Over-the-Air Updates for all ID. models
Volkswagen is taking the next big step towards becoming a software-oriented mobility provider with its ACCELERATE strategy. Effective immediately, all ID. models will receive regular software updates via mobile data transfer. The updates had previously only been available as part of a test phase for customers who had registered with the “ID. First Movers Club”. The “ID. Software 2.3” offers new functions and optimises existing ones. Networking the entire ID. fleet will allow Volkswagen to lay the foundation for new, customer-oriented business models. Thus far, Volkswagen remains the only high-volume manufacturer to provide this technology for its customers.
ID. Drivers Club: on course for the future together
Happy Birthday, ID. First Movers Club! Volkswagen has prepared a surprise for all ID. customers to mark the first birthday of its Facebook group: the ID. First Movers Club has opened up, just in time for the IAA MOBILITY in Munich. The group was previously reserved for early adopters of the ID.3 1st but will now be known as the ID. Drivers Club and all European ID. customers will be able to join up. What began in September 2020 as a digital meeting place for enthusiastic electromobility pioneers has developed into an active ID. community that is in a position to benefit from new momentum and additional experience.
A look ahead to entry-level electric mobility: world premiere of the ID. LIFE
Volkswagen is once again speeding up the transformation to electric mobility with its ACCELERATE strategy, making sustainable mobility accessible to even more people by 2025, a whole two years earlier than originally planned, Volkswagen will launch an ID. family model for the small car segment. It will cost approximately 20,000 euros. The ID. LIFE concept car, which was presented at the International Motor Show IAA MOBILITY 2021 in Munich, gives an impression of how a vehicle of this type would look.
Volkswagen launches information platform for stories relating to the future of mobility
Volkswagen is launching a new offering for bloggers and influencers, as well as representatives of NGOs, authorities and politics, science and education in time for IAA MOBILITY in Munich. On the Shaping Mobility Hub (www.shaping-mobility.volkswagen.com), users have access to exclusive stories, controversial discussions, detailed insights and extensive research options in the areas of sustainability, innovation, the fascination of electromobility and digital living.
Volkswagen is picking up the pace of its Business Model 2.0 and offering car subscriptions from today
Volkswagen is making rapid progress in digitalising its sales activities and developing new business models. Today sees the launch of the Volkswagen AutoAbo subscription model in Germany. Customers can take out a monthly subscription for the best-selling all-electric ID.3 and ID.4 models – the ID.3 costs from EUR 499. “This will enable us to achieve a key milestone in our Business Model 2.0. As part of our ACCELERATE strategy, we are continuing our rapid and systematic transformation from car manufacturer to mobility services provider,” explains Klaus Zellmer, Board Member for Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen. In addition, Volkswagen will be launching its online leasing and sales offerings in Germany toward the end of 2021. Initially, to sell models from the ID. family, but the platform will later be made available to dealers to offer combustion engine and hybrid vehicles as well.
Volkswagen steps up global electrification offensive: ID.3 celebrates debut in China
Wolfsburg/Chengdu (China) – Volkswagen is intensifying its e-offensive in China as part of its ACCELERATE strategy. The ID.3, one of the best-selling electric vehicles in many European countries, will also be available on the world’s largest market for e-mobility from the fourth quarter. The compact car celebrates its Chinese premiere today at the Chengdu Motor Show. “Volkswagen’s global electrification offensive is rapidly gaining further momentum. After the ID.4 and the ID.6, we are now launching the ID.3 as the third all-electric model series in China within a mere six months. We are thus underscoring our ambition to occupy a leading position in the market for electric vehicles in China as well as Europe,” Volkswagen CEO Ralf Brandstätter said.
Volkswagen and Nationalgalerie – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin continue long-lasting partnership and foster culture for all
On the occasion of the internationally anticipated reopening of the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin on August 22, Volkswagen and Nationalgalerie – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin are going to announce a two-year extension of their long-lasting partnership. This step underlines stability and sustainability of this collaboration which will particularly aim on prolonging and expanding the Volkswagen ART4ALL visitor program.
Elegant athleticism meets efficiency: Volkswagen to introduce the SUV coupé ID.5 GTX at the IAA
As elegant as a coupé, as strong as an SUV and all-electric to boot: The ID.5 GTX is set to make its international exhibition debut as of 07 September – as a disguised concept at the IAA Munich Motor Show. The first SUV coupé based on the Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) wows with its elegant design and powerful dual engine four-wheel drive. And the ID.5 GTX is fully connected, can receive updates over-the-air and is fitted with Car2X technology.
Volkswagen and TraceTronic establish neocx – a joint venture for automated software integration
Volkswagen is strengthening its expertise in the integration of automotive software. At present, high-performance automotive functions can only be achieved by networking many individual software and hardware components. Integrating these components and testing the resulting assembly is a key development task for Volkswagen. As part of its ACCELERATE strategy, Volkswagen is seeking to grow automotive software integration and the digital customer experience as core competencies. The company has therefore established a joint venture with TraceTronic, a world-leading provider of solutions to test and integrate automotive software. Each partner holds 50 percent in the joint venture, named neocx, which will create a continuous integration/continuous testing (CI/CT) factory.
Volkswagen posts a strong first half
Volkswagen finished the first half of 2021 on a successful note thanks to efficient crisis management, strict cost discipline and systematic implementation of its ACCELERATE strategy. Despite the coronavirus pandemic and the semiconductor shortage, the number of vehicles delivered worldwide rose to around 2.7 million – 500,000 more than in the previous year. This increase was partly achieved through smart warehouse and supply management. Market share was also expanded in nearly all regions. Sales revenue climbed by 42 percent year-on-year to EUR 40.7 billion on the back of significant growth in sales volume (H1 2020: EUR 28.6 billion). Earnings improved by EUR 3.3 billion year-on-year to around EUR 1.8 billion, giving an operating return on sales of 4.4 percent.
The new Taigo makes its European debut
The stage is set for a new body shape from the Volkswagen brand: With the new compact crossover Taigo, Volkswagen is launching an SUV coupé on the European market for the first time. The front-wheel drive Taigo is a real crowd-pleaser with its trendy crossover body style, raised seating positions, pioneering connectivity and unrestricted suitability for everyday use. The rear of the five-seater car slopes backwards in the style of a coupé, without restricting headroom in the back seat. This sees Volkswagen expand the portfolio of the compact Polo (hatchback) and T-Cross (SUV) models built on the MQB platform with a third chassis variant, which has previously been primarily reserved for high-end models. Numerous latest-generation assistance systems guarantee optimum comfort and a high level of safety for all passengers. The Taigo is set to make its virtual European debut on Thursday 29 July at 8:00 a.m. CEST.
Volkswagen Group raises outlook for 2021 after a record result in the first half of the year
The Volkswagen Group continued its positive business performance and posted a record result despite challenging conditions in the first half of 2021. This positive development was driven in particular by the premium brands Audi and Porsche and by Volkswagen Financial Services. The impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and global shortage of semiconductors were successfully contained. There was high customer demand for the Group’s attractive model range as markets continued to recover. As a result, deliveries increased by 27.9 percent to 5.0 (3.9) million vehicles over the weaker prior-year period, which was impacted by the pandemic. Sales revenue even rose more strongly by 34.9 percent to EUR 129.7 (96.1) billion. The operating result was EUR 11.4 (first half of 2020 before special items: EUR –0.8) billion, far exceeding the previous record of EUR 10.0 billion (before special items) from the pre-crisis year 2019. The operating return on sales was therefore at a strong 8.8 (first half of 2020 before special items: –0.8) percent. The higher earnings were mainly due to increased vehicle sales, improvements in the product mix and prices as well as positive effects from the valuation of raw material hedges. One-off restructuring expenses of EUR 0.7 billion had a negative impact. Work on ongoing fixed cost programs was vigorously pursued. The Automotive Division generated a very high adjusted net cash flow of EUR 12.3 (–2.3) billion and thus again demonstrated the great efficiency of its business model. The Division’s net liquidity rose further to a very solid level of EUR 35.0 billion. The acquisition of Navistar and its financial impact are not included in the figures. As a result of the extremely good business performance in the first half of the year, the Volkswagen Group has raised the outlook for its operating return on sales for full year 2021 by 0.5 percent to 6.0 to 7.5 percent.
Consortium of Volkswagen Group, Attestor Limited and Pon Holdings B.V. to launch takeover offer for Europcar
The Volkswagen Group is taking a major step forward in its NEW AUTO strategy to become a leading provider of individual mobility in the electric and fully connected age. In a consortium with London-based asset manager Attestor Limited and Dutch mobility provider Pon Holdings B.V., Volkswagen agreed to launch a recommended takeover offer for Europcar Mobility Group (“Europcar”). Europcar is the leading mobility service and rental car company in Europe with over 3,500 stations across 140+ countries and a fleet of over 350,000 vehicles in 2019, serving over 5 million customers per year. The minimum acceptance threshold for the takeover offer is 67% and existing shareholders holding 68% in Europcar have committed to accept the takeover offer.
Volkswagen shareholders formally approve actions of Board of Management and Supervisory Board and adopt resolution on dividend for 2020
The Annual General Meeting of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft took place today online for the second time due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The shareholders voted by a majority of 99.99 percent to approve the recommendation of the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board to pay the same dividend as in the previous two years of 4.80 EUR per ordinary share and 4.86 EUR per preferred share for fiscal year 2020. As in fiscal years 2018 and 2019, approximately 2.4 billion EUR will therefore be distributed to shareholders. The resolution on the formal approval of the actions of the members of the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board who held office in 2020 was passed.
CEO Herbert Diess at the Annual General Meeting: “With NEW AUTO, we will reinvent Volkswagen”
The Volkswagen Group considers itself well equipped for a zero-emission and autonomous future of mobility. “With our NEW AUTO strategy, we will reinvent Volkswagen by 2030," said CEO Herbert Diess at the virtual Annual General Meeting of the Volkswagen Group. "The cars on our roads will be sustainable, safe, smart and ultimately autonomous within the next ten years. Individual mobility has a bright future. With our strong brands and global technology platforms, we have a clear plan to play a leading role in the new world of mobility, too.”
Volkswagen Group more than doubles deliveries of all-electric vehicles in first half year
The Volkswagen Group has continued its successful electric offensive in the first half of 2021. The following new BEV models were launched in this period: Volkswagen ID.4, Volkswagen ID.6, ŠKODA Enyaq iV, Audi Q4 e-tron, Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, Audi e-tron GT and Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo. In total, 170,939 BEV models were delivered throughout the world up to the end of June, more than twice as many as in the prior-year period (+165.2 percent). After 59,948 BEV had been delivered to customers in the first quarter (+78.4 percent compared with the previous year), deliveries increased significantly, as planned, in the second quarter to 110,991 units (+259.7 percent compared with the previous year). In the course of the year, the BEV ramp-up will further accelerate thanks to the expanded model range. The Group has also consistently expanded its portfolio of PHEV models. This vehicle category benefits from considerable customer demand, too. In the first half of the year, a total of 171,300 PHEV were delivered, more than three times as many as in the prior-year period (+204.2 percent).
Volkswagen Group continues switch to low-emission logistics with LNG ships
Volkswagen is the first automaker to transport most of its new vehicles overseas using low-emission LNG ships (LNG – liquefied natural gas). After the first two LNG car carriers entered service in 2020, Volkswagen Group Logistics has now ordered four more ships with dual-fuel engines that can be powered with environmentally friendly liquid gas. They should be traveling the world’s oceans by the end of 2023, serving the North American route between Emden in Germany and Veracruz in Mexico. On the return trip, the LNG ships will transport new vehicles destined for Europe. Soon, six of the nine car carriers crossing the North Atlantic for Volkswagen will be powered by LNG.
NEW AUTO: Volkswagen Group set to unleash value in battery-electric autonomous mobility world
Volkswagen presented its plan for transforming the Group into a software-driven mobility company with a strong focus on its powerful brands and global technology platforms, providing synergies and scale as well as opening up new profit pools. “We set ourselves a strategic target to become global market leader in electric vehicles – and we are well on track. Now we are setting new parameters,” said CEO Herbert Diess during the presentation of NEW AUTO, the Group’s strategy through 2030. “Based on software, the next much more radical change is the transition towards much safer, smarter and finally autonomous cars. That means for us: Technology, speed and scale will matter more than today. The future of cars will be bright!”
Volkswagen Group and Gotion High-Tech team up to industrialize battery cell production in Germany
Volkswagen Group and Gotion High-Tech Co., Ltd. deepen their partnership. Based on a substantial shareholding agreement in May 2020, the Wolfsburg-based automobile company entered a strategic cooperation framework with the major Chinese battery producer headquartered at Hefei. The goals of both partners are to industrialize the planned battery cell production at the Salzgitter site of Volkswagen Group Components and to develop first use cases of the Volkswagen unified cell concept for the volume segment. Both projects are part of the overarching plan of Volkswagen Group ‒ outlined at the Power Day event in March ‒ to significantly reduce battery complexity and costs while boosting range and charging performance in order to make the electric car still more attractive.
Enel X and Volkswagen team up for electric mobility in Italy
Enel X, the Enel Group’s advanced energy solutions business line, and the leading auto manufacturer Volkswagen Group signed an agreement aimed at setting up a full function joint venture of equal partners to enhance the electric vehicle (EV) uptake in Italy (the “JV”). The JV will operate in Italy as Charging Point Operator (“CPO”) by investing in, deploying between 2021 and 2025, owning and operating a high power charging (HPC) network. The network will count on more than 3,000 charging points of up to 350 kW each across the national territory. The charging network will enable a comfortable ride with electric vehicles from North to South of the Peninsula.
Start of goTOzero weeks – Volkswagen Group invites employees around the world to environmental events
Decarbonization, energy, environmental compliance, biodiversity, water, waste and the circular economy – these are the topics of the Volkswagen Group “goTOzero weeks,” a new series of environmental events that is starting today and will be held through November in the company’s brands, regions and departments. The Group-wide campaign is designed to share information and promote cross-brand networking among the Volkswagen Group employees. The program will include events, talks by experts and many digital workshops and information programs provided by the brands Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Porsche, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Volkswagen Group Components, the China region and various departments. The company’s production facilities will be a driving force behind the Volkswagen Group’s transformation into a carbon neutral company. Their use of renewable power will be a critically important element in the company’s entire decarbonization strategy.
Volkswagen’s Supervisory Board welcomes new Group strategy – New service contract for Chairman of the Board of Management Dr. Herbert Diess
Dr. Herbert Diess will stay at the helm of the Volkswagen Group until October 2025. On Friday, the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG approved a new service contract with a corresponding term. This means that Dr. Diess will remain the Chairman of the Board of Management until his 67th birthday. The Supervisory Board was also informed of Strategy 2030 on Friday, and sees this strategy as the basis for future growth.
Volkswagen AG announces preliminary figures for the first half 2021
The deliveries to customers of the Volkswagen Group continued to recover strongly in the first half of the current year, leading to a very strong Group turnover as well as a very high operating profit. Also the reported Automotive net cash position showed a very positive development. The bottleneck in semiconductors has shifted and will rather impact us in H2.
Cross-industry CEO Alliance backs EU plan to cut carbon emissions by 55% by 2030
As the EU Commission prepares to present its Fit for 55 legislative package, the European CEO Alliance has issued policy recommendations supporting a progressive and ambitious push to achieve climate neutrality. Tackling climate change requires strong collaboration between the public sector and industry, the Alliance announced after its meeting today in Paris. The Alliance would welcome a review of the EU’s major regulatory instruments, in particular subsidies for technologies with high CO2 emissions. The CEOs’ proposals include sending a strong carbon pricing signal, accelerating measures to decarbonize mobility and transport, buildings and energy systems, speeding up the renewal of key industry sectors in the EU.
The new Golf R Estate: more power, more driving dynamics, more emotions, more space
With 235 kW (320 PS), the new Golf R Estate is the most powerful and dynamic Golf Estate to date. More power and driving dynamics, numerous innovations, more space and strong emotions: this is what makes the new Golf R Estate better than ever before. The standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive with R Performance Torque Vectoring is powered by a 2.0 TSI engine with a maximum torque of 420 Nm.
Power is transmitted via an R-specific 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. With the optional R Performance package, a top speed of 270 km/h is possible. The package also includes 19-inch wheels and the additional driving modes Special (Nürburgring mode) and Drift (for power slides). A host of assist systems and the latest-generation Infotainment system guarantee even more safety, comfort and convenience.
Focus on customers: Volkswagen appoints Chief Experience Officer
Volkswagen is continuing the consistent implementation of its ACCELERATE brand strategy and is creating the framework for strengthening the integrated customer experience in the age of digital mobility. A newly created project unit will serve as the interface to all relevant divisions and regions and establish a holistic user experience management system. Customer requirements and feedback will become the focal point for developing vehicles and services throughout the life cycle. The goal is to create a best-in-class customer experience at every point of contact with the Volkswagen brand. Dr. Markus Kleimann, formerly responsible for the G3 series (mid- and full-size), will head the new unit.
New functions and greater comfort: Volkswagen launches Over-the-Air Updates for the ID. family
Volkswagen is taking the next big step towards becoming a software-oriented mobility provider: from this summer, the brand will regularly send software updates “Over-the-Air” to models in its ID. family. This makes Volkswagen the first and only high-volume manufacturer to make this innovative technology available to its customers on a broad basis. The first model to benefit is the ID.3: the latest software version “ID.Software2.3” will be delivered to “First Movers Club” customers via mobile data transfer in July 2021. The update includes adjustments and improvements to operations, performance and comfort. Updates for all ID.3, ID.4 and ID.4 GTX customers will follow gradually. In the future, Volkswagen will update the software in its ID. cars every twelve weeks.
Special edition Tiguan URBAN SPORT available to order now
The new, special edition Tiguan URBAN SPORT combines exclusive design and technology features with an extensive range of standard equipment and a sporty and stylish overall appearance. The prices for the special edition model starting at 33,125 euros (incl. VAT) for the Tiguan 1.5 TSI with 96 kW (130 PS). The diesel models start at 35,475 euros (incl. VAT) for the 90 kW (122 PS) Tiguan 2.0 TDI.
Volkswagen congratulates former Chairman of the Board of Management, Prof. Dr. Carl H. Hahn, on his 95th birthday
Former Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen, Prof. Dr. Carl H. Hahn, celebrates his 95th birthday on 1st July 2021. This provides the perfect opportunity to take a look back at the career of a man still looking ahead with curiosity and great openness ¬– characteristics that made him highly successful as a manager and defined his ten years as Chairman of the Board of Management at Volkswagen in Wolfsburg. From an early stage, Hahn believed in success in China and was the first to realign the automobile industry in Saxony after the reunification of Germany.
The new Polo GTI: A modern sports car in the best tradition
In April, Volkswagen presented the latest evolutionary stage of the sixth generation of Polo. Now comes its sportiest version: the new Polo GTI. The bearer of the legendary acronym spearheads the Polo segment in terms of performance, technology and sportiness. The powerful TSI engine and sports chassis, tailored specifically to the Polo GTI, transform the best-selling compact car into a dynamic, four-door sports car, which also allows semi-automated driving as an option for the first time in a Polo GTI. A host of the latest generation of assistance systems guarantee even greater comfort and safety for all passengers.
New dealership concept Volkswagen R
Powerful and self-confident – Volkswagen’s premium performance brand showcases itself at dealerships with an independent and expressive highlight presentation.
Configuration now possible: launch of the new Polo with standard Digital Cockpit and Infotainment system
The new Polo is launching with a Digital Cockpit as standard. Volkswagen designed the architecture of the control centre so that all the information relevant for driving is available in a single line of vision. And the clarity of this layout is hard to beat. The digital instruments and the Infotainment system merge into a single unit with intuitive operation. With its standard systematic integration of information, communication and entertainment, the Polo sets a new benchmark in it class.
Volkswagen plans to use new 3D printing process in vehicle production in the years ahead
Volkswagen is pressing ahead with the use of innovative 3D printers in car production. For the first time, the newest process – known as binder jetting – is being used to manufacture components at the company’s main plant in Wolfsburg, Germany. Whereas conventional 3D printing uses a laser to build a component layer by layer from metallic powder, the binder jetting process uses an adhesive. The resulting metallic component is then heated and shaped. Using the binder jetting component reduces costs and increases productivity – for example, the components weigh only half as much as those made from sheet steel. Volkswagen is currently the only car maker using this 3D printing technology in the production process. “Despite the ongoing challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, we’re continuing to work on innovation,” says Christian Vollmer, member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Brand responsible for Production and Logistics. “Together with our partners, we aim to make 3D printing even more efficient in the years ahead and suitable for production-line use.”
Volkswagen actively involved in generational discussions at Kultursymposium Weimar hosted by Goethe-Institut
For the third time, the Goethe-Institut is bringing leading personalities and innovative ideas from around the world together to discuss the pressing issues of our society. Voices from culture, science, politics and economics are set to debate generational issues in many areas of life in the upcoming digital edition.
Volkswagen’s Supervisory Board reaches agreement with Prof. Martin Winterkorn on EUR 11.2 million in compensation
The Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG has reached an agreement with the former Chairman of the Board of Management, Prof. Martin Winterkorn, on compensation in excess of ten million euros in connection with the diesel issue. The agreement between the company and Prof. Winterkorn which was approved by the Supervisory Board last Saturday provides for an amount of EUR 11.2 million. The Supervisory Board also approved an agreement on an amount of EUR 4.1 million from the former member of the Group Board of Management and Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, Rupert Stadler.
Volkswagen invests a further €500 million in sustainable battery activities with Northvolt AB
Volkswagen is participating, with a contribution of US$620 million (about €500 million), in a financing round of its Swedish battery partner Northvolt AB with a total volume of US$2.75 billion. The Group will thus maintain its stake in the company constant at about 20 percent. The funds are to be used for capacity expansion in the fields of production, recycling and research and development. Among other activities, Northvolt intends to expand the capacity of its Northvolt Ett gigafactory in Skellefteå, Northern Sweden from 40 GWh to 60 GWh per year, in order to meet higher demand from customers.
Volkswagen Group, BASF, Daimler AG and Fairphone start partnership for sustainable Lithium mining in Chile
Several companies have initiated a “Responsible Lithium Partnership” aiming to work towards responsible natural resource management, including lithium, in Chile’s Salar de Atacama. This cross-industry partnership is funded at its inception by Volkswagen Group, BASF, Daimler AG, and Fairphone. The partnership intends to foster a dialogue among local stakeholders, generating and synthesizing scientific facts and seeking solutions in a participatory manner.
Astypalea: Kick-off for transformation to smart, sustainable island
Astypalea is on course to become a smart, sustainable island. The first electric vehicles, including the first fully electric police car in Greece, were taken into service today in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess and Deputy Foreign Minister Kostas Fragogiannis. The first public and private charging points were also inaugurated. The event marked the launch of the transition to full electrification on Astypalea. In the coming years, the island wants to switch to smart sustainable mobility and completely modernizing its energy system. Volkswagen and the Greek government signed a memorandum of understanding to this effect last November.
A first for small cars: New Polo on the road with IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist partial automation
With the new Polo, one of the world’s first small cars capable of partly automated driving is now coming onto the market. The Volkswagen steers, brakes and accelerates automatically on request. This is made possible by the optional IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist. Volkswagen is consolidating its systems on the road to automated driving under the IQ.DRIVE umbrella brand. These technologies have up to now only been available in larger models such as the Golf, Tiguan, Passat, Arteon and Touareg. As a first in its class, the Polo now also permits partly automated driving across the entire speed range. Especially during motorway travel, IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist adds a truly noticeable level of comfort.
The new Tiguan Allspace – available to order now
Customers love the new Tiguan Allspace for its impressive 1,920 litres of storage and the option of carrying up to seven passengers. The long version of the best-selling Tiguan also stands out with its modified design, new operating and assistance systems, innovative new features like the interactive “IQ.LIGHT – LED matrix headlights” and new touch-sensitive controls for the automatic air conditioning, which comes as standard. The Tiguan Allspace gives customers a choice between three equipment lines (Life, Elegance and R-Line), five engines (three TSI and two TDI engines), and front and four-wheel drive. Presale of the new Tiguan Allspace starts today from € 36,230.
Volkswagen launches sales offensive for the German market
Volkswagen intends to durably improve its good position in Germany in a strong competitive environment with a three-year boost program. Up to the end of 2023, the company will be investing a triple-digit million-euro figure in the expansion of digital and showroom sales in the German market. “Germany is our home market. We will be providing a further significant boost to sales here and will be making Germany a model for other markets, also with respect to digitalization,” says Klaus Zellmer, Board Member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales at Volkswagen. “With ACCELERATE, we intend to make Volkswagen the most attractive brand for sustainable mobility. This also includes an excellent customer experience during the purchasing, leasing or servicing of a Volkswagen. We want to set standards in this area.”
70 years ago today: Volkswagen receives its first Advisory Board
The first Advisory Board of Volkswagenwerk GmbH was constituted on May 22, 1951 as instructed by the German government. The Advisory Board is seen as the predecessor of the Supervisory Board, which superseded the Advisory Board in August 1953 in accordance with the provisions of the Company Constitution Act adopted in 1952. In Wolfsburg, the appointment of the Advisory Board was welcomed as the “first step towards the normalization of conditions.”
Now available to order: the new ID.4 GTX
New intelligent sportiness: the new GTX product brand from Volkswagen. As the first flagship model designed for more performance, presales are now starting for the ID.4 GTX in the first European countries just shortly after its world premiere. Prices start from 50,415 euros in Germany, with customers being able to apply for a (net) subsidy of 7,500 euros.
Volkswagen Supervisory Board elects Daniela Cavallo to succeed Bernd Osterloh on the Executive Committee
The Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG has elected Daniela Cavallo to serve on its Executive Committee, following her appointment as a member of the Supervisory Board by the competent local court effective May 11, 2021.
Volkswagen is setting an example for diversity and respect with “Out At Work” campaign
More than 120 employees of the Volkswagen Group and its brands are celebrating their outing as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, non-binary or queer to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). With a campaign entitled #OutAtWorkVWgroup, the employees aim to send a strong and positive signal in support of diversity and demonstrate just how colorful and diverse the company’s workforce already is today. Campaign participants work for various Group brands and companies in Germany, the United Kingdom, Austria, Poland, Spain, the USA, Canada, Brazil and Argentina.
The new Polo – available to pre-order now
Just a few days after the new Polo was announced, Volkswagen has launched advance sales. The clever compact car has a newly designed front and rear, comfort and assistance systems from higher vehicle classes, a significantly greater range of standard specifications and some digital features. Three different engines will be available to order.
Integration: Volkswagen Sachsen GmbH to be incorporated into Volkswagen AG
Volkswagen Sachsen GmbH, an independent company to date, will be fully integrated in Volkswagen AG by 2027. The company has reached an agreement to that effect with the trade union IG Metall. The integration will help optimise corporate structures and speed up decision-making processes at the three sites of Chemnitz, Dresden and Zwickau. The company is thus taking a further step in the transformation process of the Group. The around 10,000 employees will be gradually transitioned to Volkswagen AG’s company collective agreement. They were previously covered by the regional collective agreement applying in the metal and electrical industry.
The new Tiguan Allspace: new control and assist systems for the bestseller
The Tiguan was given an update back in autumn 2020 and now it is the turn of the long-wheelbase version: revised design, new control and assist systems, new premium features such as interactive IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights and touch panels to control the standard automatic air conditioner take the Tiguan Allspace to the next level. Currently, more than every second Tiguan (55 percent) that rolls off the production line worldwide has a long wheelbase. The XL version of the Tiguan Allspace can, upon request, be fitted to become an SUV with seven seats or boast 1,920 litres of storage space. Pre-sales start in the next few weeks. In Germany, it is available in the new specification packages Life, Elegance and R-Line.
Long range and rapid charging: the battery system is at the heart of the Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4 and ID.4 GTX
What do the fully electric compact Volkswagen ID.3, the ID.4, which was recently singled out for the “2021 World Car of the Year” award, and the recently presented high-performance model ID.4 GTX have in common? They all have cutting-edge technology on board in the shape of the high-voltage battery system from Volkswagen Group Components in Braunschweig. This makes for strong performance, long range, excellent safety and rapid charging. The demand for attractive and affordable electric vehicles based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) is so high that the site recently expanded production to up to 500,000 batteries a year.
The new Polo GTI in the starting blocks
Just in time for the traditional GTI weekend meet on Lake Wörthersee, which is again unable to take place due to COVID-19, Volkswagen is offering a first peek at the new Polo GTI. The compact sports car is based on the new Polo that was recently presented, and will become the premium version of the product line. This GTI model also represents pure dynamism and expressive design – the success factors of the GTI concept. The official world premiere of the new Polo GTI will take place at the end of June 2021.