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All Press Releases
This section contains all current press releases on topics and news items concerning Volkswagen.
Volkswagen trains further software developers — Applications start for second “Faculty 73” course
Volkswagen is training a new cohort of software developers on its Faculty 73 program. Applications can be submitted from this week onwards and must be received by September 22. Once again, the program offers places for 100 trainees. The two-year program will start following the comple-tion of selection tests on March 1, 2020. 100 more participants will join the program on September 1, 2020. By that stage, a total of 300 trainees will have joined. Human Resources Board Member Gunnar Kilian says: “Our experience with the first year has been very positive and shows that the program is a resounding success. We will therefore be continuing it very intensively.”
Record attempt by the Volkswagen ID.R supports the electric model offensive in China
Tianmen Mountain is deeply rooted in Chinese mythology. The 1,519-metre mountain in the south of the country is believed to be a gateway to heaven. As such, Volkswagen’s project – to take the fully-electric ID.R and set a record for ascending the almost eleven-kilometre road to the summit, via no less than 99 corners – is of great symbolic importance. With the spectacular outing of the zero-emission ID.R, Volkswagen brand is supporting an extensive electromobility offensive in China.
Sachsen Classic 2019: Volkswagen goes rallying with vintage coupes
From Dresden to Leipzig: thousands of spectators are expected to line the 580-kilometre route to cheer on the 200 vehicles at the 2019 Sachsen Classic, which is supported by Volkswagen. Volkswagen Classic lines up with five cars: the Karmann Ghia TC 145 (1970), Karmann Ghia Type 14 (1974), SP 2 (1974), Scirocco I SL (1981) and Passat B2 CL Formula E (1983).
ID. BUGGY at Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance
For the first time the Volkswagen ID. BUGGY hits the roads and beaches of California. The concept car will also be shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance during Monterey Car Week. Since its world debut at the Geneva International Motor Show in March, the ID. BUGGY has created buzz about the future possibilities of e-mobility.
Volkswagen Group delivers fewer vehicles in July
In July, there was a drop of 2.4 percent in deliveries by the Volkswagen Group compared with July 2018, to 886,100 vehicles. In Europe, deliveries fell by 3.6 percent to 393,600 vehicles. This development had been expected as deliveries in July 2018 had been especially high as a result of the WLTP changeover. In the regions of North America (-0.9 percent) and Asia-Pacific (-0.3 percent), deliveries were slightly below the levels for July 2018. There was a pos-itive development in South America (+3.2 percent) compared with the same month last year. Dr. Christian Dahlheim, Head of Volkswagen Group Sales: “The Volkswagen Group has made a solid start to the second half of the year and has once again slightly increased its market share in a global market that is generally shrinking. It is especially gratifying to note that we have grown in our most important market, China, despite the general downward trend in the market.”
New T-Roc R is available to order now
For years, the letter "R" has adorned the Volkswagen brand's extremely sporty models. With the T-Roc R, Volkswagen is now bringing the new top model from the successfully launched T-Roc product line onto the road. Thanks to its four-cylinder TSI engine with a displacement of 2.0 litres, the compact performance CUV has an output of 221 kW / 300 PS and a torque of 400 Nm. The new T-Roc R is available to order now.
ID.3 gets its own YouTube series
Challenges, personal experiences, moments of success: All this is included in the new weekly video series about the development of the ID.3 – Volkswagen's upcoming electric model. The new format illuminates the people behind the finished car and goes into more detail about specific details and backgrounds of the development work. The first episode is led by Klaus Bischoff, chief designer of the Volkswagen brand.
Lower deliveries for Volkswagen brand in July
In July, the Volkswagen brand delivered 489,000 vehicles to customers throughout the world, 3.3 percent fewer than the same month last year. From January to July, Volkswagen handed over 3.49 million vehicles, down 3.8 percent on the previous year. In a generally declining global market, Volkswagen succeeded in maintaining a stable market share both in July and for the year to date. As expected following the record values of July 2018, Volkswagen in Europe once again delivered fewer vehicles (-8.8 percent) in July 2019. In China, Volkswagen delivered 2.0 percent more vehicles in a shrinking overall market and further expanded its market share. In Brazil, Volkswagen recorded a marked increase in deliveries of 13.5 percent.
“Accept no roof!” – The new T-Roc Cabriolet
Volkswagen breathes fresh air into the SUV segment with the world premiere of the new T-Roc Cabriolet. The open-top version expands the range of the popular crossover model, adding yet more lifestyle to the booming SUV market. The new T-Roc Cabriolet sees its official presentation at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) from 12 to 22 September. The launch will take place in spring 2020.
2019 Beetle Sunshine Tour: a sea of lights at the Volkswagen icons’ summer festival
The 15th Beetle Sunshine Tour – an event attracting more Beetle, New Beetles and Type 1s than anywhere else in the world – will start in Travemünde, near Lübeck at the Baltic Sea, on Friday 16 August. Around 500 vehicles have registered to take part this time around. The highlight this year is a “sea of Beetle lights”, where hundreds of these popular Volkswagen models will come together with light chains on Saturday evening. Some of the most beautiful examples will be presented at the same time as a “Beetle light chain” on the promenade in Travemünde.
Volkswagen scouts for talents at Hockenheim
Under the motto of “FEEL GOOD @ Volkswagen”, Europe’s largest automaker is presenting itself as an attractive employer at Formula Student Germany (FSG) in Hockenheim from August 7 to 11, 2019. At the Hocken-heimring, the company has been convincing prospective career entrants for several years. Repeatedly, former members of an FSG team have joined Volkswagen as trainees or interns.
Efficiency record in the “Green Hell” – The Volkswagen ID.R’s ground-breaking lap of the Nordschleife in figures
The electric record on the iconic Nordschleife with a remarkably low amount of energy: Exactly two months ago, Volkswagen achieved an electromobility milestone with the ID.R. The fully-electric ID.R raced through the 20.8-kilometre “Green Hell” in a time of just 6:05.336 minutes and at an average speed of 204.96 km/h – and all whilst using just 24.7 kWh of energy. This meant the ID.R was not only significantly faster than a GT3 sports car, but also consumed only a quarter of the energy over the course of one lap. The ID.R is the sporty forerunner and prototype for the ID.R family, with which Volkswagen will bring E-mobility to the streets for everyone from 2020. Technology used successfully during the record attempts with the ID.R will be incorporated in production vehicles.
Record-breaker: Volkswagen to present legendary automobiles during the 2019 Classic Days at Schloss Dyck
Volkswagen Classic will be presenting five automotive highlights during the 2019 Classic Days at Schloss Dyck: the race-proven “Mille Miglia” Beetle, the VW-Porsche 914/4 celebrating its anniversary, and the record-breaking W12 Nardo. The “World Champion” Beetle also represents the pinnacle of performance in the world of Volkswagen, while the Apal Buggy provides plenty of summer driving fun.
Volkswagen and software expert has·to·be cooperate for expansion of charging infrastructure
Volkswagen is expanding its activities in the field of charging infrastructure and is to cooperate closely with has·to·be GmbH, a leading provider of operating systems for e-mobility. Volkswagen Group company Elli is to acquire a minority stake in the company. Together, has·to·be and Volkswagen will forge ahead with the expansion of the pan-European charging network and participate in the rapidly growing market for charging solutions. Some of the Group’s own charging stations are already operating using has·to·be software and are therefore part of a holistic, integrated charging ecosystem.
TRATON increases operating profit to over €1 billion in first half of the year
The TRATON GROUP announces strong first half-year results. During the first six months of this year, the Group increased its operating profit by €212 million compared with the prior-year period to over €1 billion. The Group generated sales revenue of €13.5 billion (previous year: €12.6 billion), representing a 7% increase compared with the first six months of 2018. The previous year figure still includes sales revenue of Volkswagen Gebrauchtfahrzeughandels und Service GmbH (VGSG), which was disposed of as of January 1, 2019, in the amount of €348 million. Adjusted for this sales revenue, the increase for the current fiscal year was 10%. During the first six months of 2019, TRATON GROUP sold 123,336 vehicles worldwide, which was also up around 10% against the prior-year figure. This growth was driven primarily by the continued favorable development of the core markets in Europe, especially Germany, and Brazil. At the same time, however, the level of order intakes in the Industrial Business segment at 120,491 units during the first six months of 2019 was 6% below the same period of 2018, driven by a decline in truck orders in the EU28+2 region, Russia, India, and Turkey as well as lower orders for buses in Mexico, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. The ratio of order intake to sales (book-to-bill ratio) was 0.98 in the first half of 2019.
For diversity: Volkswagen with own truck at CSD parade in Berlin
This year, Volkswagen is taking part in Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Berlin for the first time with its own truck at the CSD parade– and thus taking a clear stance in support of diversity and against discrimination. Volkswagen employees and the Group’s Diversity Management have founded the “We Drive Proud” LGBT* and friends network that not only represents the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, inter* and queer people: it also intends to help shape cultural change in the company.
Volkswagen brand boosts sales revenue and profit
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand was able to increase its sales revenue and operating profit in the first six months of the year despite a slight fall in deliveries. Driven by the improved product mix, the sales revenue of the Volkswagen brand grew by 3.4 percent to €44.1 billion. Operating profit before special items after six months was 7.4 percent higher than in the first half of 2018, at €2.3 billion. The operating return on sales increased to 5.2 percent. In the second quarter, there were no further special items resulting from litigation risks, after about €400 million had been booked in the first quarter. “In a difficult market environment, the Volkswagen brand developed very satisfactorily in the first half of the year. We were able to record improvements in operating profit and return on sales compared with the very good figures for the first half of 2018. The operating profit was supported by factors including the continuing product offensive, the optimization of fixed costs and progress with the turnaround in the regions. We intend to use this positive momentum to secure our return on sales targets. We will further strengthen our competitive position through targeted investments in e-mobility and digitalization,” says Board Member for Finance Dr. Arno Antlitz.
Volkswagen Group boosts sales revenue and profit in first half of year
The Volkswagen Group has confirmed its targets before special items for the year as a whole. In the first six months of the current financial year, the sales revenue of the Volkswagen Group grew by 4.9 percent to €125.2 (119.4) billion compared with the first half of 2018. Despite the negative development in volumes, sales revenue was boosted especially as a re-sult of improvements in the mix and price positioning in the passenger cars business area as well as the good business development in the Financial Services Division and at TRATON. The operating profit before special items improved by 1.9 percent to €10.0 (9.8) billion and operating return on sales before special items amounted to 8.0 (8.2) percent. Improvements in the mix and price positioning as well as lower special items compared with the previous year were more than sufficient to compensate for higher fixed costs, negative currency trends and lower vehicle sales. As a result, the operating profit of the Volkswagen Group in the first half of 2019, at €9.0 (8.2) billion, was 10.3 percent higher than the figure recorded for the first half of 2018. The operating return on sales rose to 7.2 (6.8) percent. The profit of the Chinese joint venture companies, which is included in the result of equity-accounted investments, fell only slightly in a shrinking general market. The pre-tax profit rose by 6.5 percent to €9.6 (9.0) billion. The net liquidity in the Automotive Division was €15.9 billion. Frank Witter, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG responsible for Finance, said: “In the first half of the year, the Volkswagen Group performed very well in a generally weaker overall market. The development of sales revenue and profit in the first six months is gratifying. We also confirm our outlook for the Volkswagen Group for the year as a whole.”
Volkswagen ID.R: Records in the rear-view mirror, sights set on Chinese challenge
Their names alone are enough to send shivers down the spine of any automobile fan: The legendary hill climb on Pikes Peak, the famous Nürburgring-Nordschleife, and the iconic Goodwood Festival of Speed. The fully-electric Volkswagen ID.R holds spectacular records at each of these prestigious motorsport venues. But that’s not all. The sports car will take on its next record attempt in September: The ID.R will set a target time on Tianmen Mountain in China. The goal for this extraordinary outing in the Far East is to set a milestone for electric cars and, in doing so, to support Volkswagen’s e-strategy in China, which is really picking up speed this year. By 2035, Volkswagen intends to increase the percentage of e-cars within its annual deliveries in China to 50 percent.
One million Touaregs: milestone to be celebrated by special model with elegant extras
First-class, superior and sophisticated – Volkswagen celebrates the production of one million Touaregs with the special “ONE Million” model. The anniversary model now joins the flagship’s model range and has an impressive range of exclusive equipment.
New gearbox generation enables CO2 savings of up to five grammes per kilometre
Volkswagen has developed a new state-of-the-art manual gearbox: the MQ281, as it is known, works efficiently and saves up to five grammes of CO2 per kilometre depending on the engine-gearbox combination. The new Passat is the first vehicle to be equipped with the MQ281, followed by almost all vehicle classes of the Volkswagen Group.
SEAT Componentes produces new gearbox for Group brands
SEAT Componentes, together with Martorell and Barcelona, one of the three production centres for the Spanish brand and simultaneously part of the production portfolio for Group Components, has started production of the new MQ281 gearbox. Up to 450,000 units can be built per year. It will be used by the brands Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA and Volkswagen. Re-sorting gearbox production goes hand-in-hand with the production start of the new MQ281. While the new six-speed gearbox is being produced in El Prat de Llobregat and Córdoba (Argentina), the MQ200 manual gearbox has been primarily relocated to ŠKODA Components in Mlada Boleslav (Czech Republic). At the same time, the component plant in Kassel is concentrating on the production of the dual clutch gearbox DSG, and above all on the production of the electric drive for future vehicles built on the MEB platform.
Ford – Volkswagen expand their global collaboration to advance autonomous driving, electrification and better serve customers
Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen AG today announced they are expanding their global alliance to include electric vehicles – and will collaborate with Argo AI to in-troduce autonomous vehicle technology in the U.S. and Europe – positioning both companies to better serve customers while improving their competitiveness and cost and capital efficiencies.
Volkswagen Group boosts deliveries in June
In June, there was a rise of 1.6 percent in deliveries by the Volkswagen Group compared with June 2018, to 974,400 vehicles. This positive development was chiefly driven by Chi-na, where 15 percent more vehicles than in June 2018 were handed over to customers. The new emissions standard C6 has applied since July 1, 2019, which led customers to bring purchases forward to June. There had been similar effects in Europe in June 2018. Vehicle deliveries in this region had reached a high level as a result of WLTP last June; as expected, there was therefore a fall (-4.8 percent) in June 2019. In North America (-0.5 percent) deliv-eries were slightly below those of the same month last year, South America (-0.1 percent) developed almost unchanged. Dr. Christian Dahlheim, Head of Volkswagen Group Sales: “In June, the brands of the Volkswagen Group achieved good performance and boosted deliveries in overall markets that continued to shrink. In China, we benefited especially strongly from the positive impetus given by the changeover in emissions standards. It remains to be seen whether this will lead to a general turnaround there. All in all, we can look back on a successful first half of the year: the Group has maintained its position in a challenging market environment and expanded its global market share.”
Press and investor conference: Volkswagen and Ford expand global alliance
Volkswagen and Ford expand their global alliance.
Emden plant manager moves to China
Andreas Dick, plant manager at Volkswagen’s Emden factory, moves to China as Vice President (Technical) and Board of Management member at FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Co. Ltd. In his new function, he succeeds Dr. Jürgen Unser, who takes on new responsibilities in the Group. Dick’s successor as plant manager in Emden will be appointed at a later date.
Volkswagen with New Corporate Mission Statement Environment "goTOzero"
The Volkswagen Group is bundling all its measures in environmental protection under the new "goTOzero" environmental mission statement. Oliver Blume, Member of the Group Board of Management responsible for environmental protection, says: "With the new Group Environmental Policy, the Group is giving itself and its stakeholders a clear orientation. Our efforts to improve environmental protection cover the entire product cycle, from development, production and operation to the subsequent recycling of our vehicles and administration. We also involve our suppliers. Only together can we achieve our goals".
Dr. Frank Welsch: “The ID.R is an important ambassador for Volkswagen”
Volkswagen has added two more chapters to the ID.R’s success story: the lap record for electric powered vehicles on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife was followed by the absolute track record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This once again impressively demonstrated the performance capabilities of electro technology. But the ID.R is more than a record holder – it is the racing spearhead to the ID. family of fully electric powered production vehicles, which will appear on the market from 2020. In an interview, Dr. Frank Welsch, Chief Development Officer of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, speaks about the significance of the records for the brand’s electro-mobility offensive.
Volkswagen Group Components supplies numerous components and parts for the production of the Volkswagen ID.3
Pre-series production of the ID.3 has already begun at the Volkswagen plant in Zwickau. The core components for electric cars are developed and produced for the new electric vehicles at the Volkswagen Group Components plants: the electric drive comes from Kassel, the Salzgitter plant supplies its colleagues in Hessen with rotors and stators. The Brunswick plant develops and produces the battery system, further sites deliver castings and other parts.
The new Passat: more comfort as standard thanks to better connectivity
The new Passat is the car for frequent drivers. Volkswagen is now bringing this popular company car to market equipped with the next development stage of operating and Infotainment systems. Hardware and software together form an intuitive interface with which onboard convenience and communication can be optimally adjusted by means of online-based functions and services. In the Passat, five components combine to form the current level of connected mobility: a new generation of Infotainment, an online connectivity unit (OCU) with integrated eSIM, “Volkswagen We” as an online ecosystem, the “Digital Cockpit” and a head-up display.
Higher deliveries for Volkswagen brand in June
The Volkswagen brand completed June with higher deliveries. Throughout the world, 542,300 vehicles were handed over to customers, 1.6 percent more than the same month last year. in predominantly shrinking overall markets, Volkswagen succeeded in maintaining stable market shares or further expanding them. As expected, Volkswagen once again delivered fewer vehicles in Europe following the record values of June 2018. The strong rise of 14.2 percent in China is a one-off effect resulting from regulatory changes in the overall market. With increases in deliveries by the brand of 9.6 percent and 13.0 percent respectively, the USA and Brazil were the strongest individual markets in June. In its home market of Germany, Volkswagen recorded a slight rise in deliveries (+1.0 percent).
Group Awards 2019: Volkswagen Group Honours International TOP Suppliers
On Thursday evening the Volkswagen Group presented its best suppliers with the "Volkswagen Group Award 2019" at the Porsche Visitor Centre in Leipzig. More than 200 guests from 19 countries attended this year's 17th award ceremony.
Faster than Formula 1: New record for the Volkswagen ID.R in Goodwood
The first electric race car to beat Formula 1: The Volkswagen ID.R has made motorsport history again by setting a new all-time record at the ‘Goodwood Festival of Speed’. Romain Dumas completed the 1.86-kilometre track in the south of England in just 39.90 seconds. In doing so, the 500-kW (680-PS) electric race car broke the previous record, which had stood for 20 years, by 1.7 seconds. He also took victory in the Sunday Shootout. The previous record at the famous hillclimb was set in 1999 by Nick Heidfeld in a 574-KW (780-PS) McLaren-Mercedes MP4/13 with a combustion engine.
Volkswagen inaugurates “We Campus” in Berlin
Volkswagen today inaugurated the “We Campus” in Berlin. The digital launch command for the new facility was given by Ramona Pop, Deputy Governing Mayor of Berlin and Senator for Economy, Energy and Enterprises, and Christian Senger, Volkswagen brand Board Member responsible for Digital Car & Services. The new “We Campus” will bring together about 900 experts from Volkswagen and its technology partners who have previously worked at different locations. In future, they will develop new added value and mobility services which will be offered within the “Volkswagen We” ecosystem. This also includes the full-electric car sharing service WeShare which has been launched in Berlin with 1,500 e-Golf vehicles. Volkswagen is continuously expanding its ecosystem and intends to create further future-oriented jobs at the campus.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars strengthens IT competence worldwide
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand is laying the groundwork for efficient and tailor-made digitalization within the company going forward with a new IT organization. Abdallah Shanti has been named Global Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Volkswagen brand and leads the IT function set up at the end of April this year. He will be in charge of IT at in excess of 50 locations belonging to the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand worldwide.
Goodwood Festival of Speed: Volkswagen ID.R electric race car sets sights on Formula 1 record
It is a battle of the technology concepts at the “Goodwood Festival of Speed” (04 to 07 July 2019) – electric drivetrain versus petrol engine. Volkswagen travels with the ID.R electric race car to the famous motorsport revival in southern England, where it will take aim at the course record, which has stood for exactly 20 years. Back in 1999, Nick Heidfeld (D) set the fastest time of 41.6 seconds in a Formula 1 car, the McLaren-Mercedes MP4/13, driven by a V10 naturally-aspirated engine generating roughly 574 kW (780 PS). Only last year, the ID.R, which has a system performance of 500 kW (680 PS), set a new record for electric cars in Goodwood. Romain Dumas (F) was at the wheel of the ID.R, the sporty spearhead of the fully-electric ID. family of production vehicles. In doing so, he also set the third fastest time in the history of the event.
Comprehensive changes at Human Resources
The HR division at the Volkswagen brand is making new leadership appointments in human resources at several sites and companies this summer. In addition, a new function will coordinate personnel work at the brand’s production sites. The Volkswagen Board Member for Human Resources, Gunnar Kilian, said: “For the transformation of the Volkswagen brand to succeed, we need optimal structures in our HR division. That is why we are overhauling our processes, moving forward with digitalization, restructuring and focusing on the top know-how of our leadership team. The present personnel changes deepen the know-how of every manager, broaden their experience and foster collaboration between sites and companies.” The changes will be successively implemented by September 1, 2019 at the latest.
Volkswagen takes over leading position for electro-mobility in China
Volkswagen is striving for the lead in transforming the auto industry towards electric mobility in China. This was endorsed by the CEO of Volkswagen AG, Dr. Herbert Diess, at the first World New Energy Vehicle Congress (WNEVC) in the southern Chinese city of Boao. The Boao Consensus, which describes the strategic results of the congress, foresees e-cars accounting for 50% of annual global car sales by 2035. Within the Chinese market, Volkswagen commits to that goal as well, making China pivotal for Volkswagen Group’s decarbonization strategy. Volkswagen intends to offer 14 electrified models to Chinese customers this year. By 2028, more than half of the Group's planned 22 million electric cars will be produced in China. At the same time, Volkswagen is strengthening its local R&D. More than 4,500 engineers work on future technologies in the country.
ID. BUGGY singled out at Concours d’Elegance
The ID. BUGGY made its first big appearance at the "Chantilly Arts & Elegance, Richard Mille" after its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. Together with an haute couture creation by the Belgian fashion designer Ann Demeulemeester, it ventured onto the catwalk and bagged the audience award at the Concours d'Elegance. Volkswagen chief designer Klaus Bischoff, who took part in the parade, is thrilled: "It is a sensational achievement for our design team that international automotive enthusiasts chose the ID. BUGGY at such a top-class event. It shows that our vision of e-mobility has struck a chord."
Volkswagen donates two Multivan minibuses for Memorial Site work at Auschwitz
Volkswagen has donated two Volkswagen Multivan minibuses to the International Auschwitz Committee (IAC). In future, the vehicles are to be used in Oświęcim, Poland, for transporting people including survivors, international guests and voluntary workers to the Auschwitz Concentration Camp Memorial Site. Volkswagen and the IAC have been closely connected for over 30 years by their work on the joint project “Auschwitz – Remembrance and Responsibility”. During this time, about 3,300 Volkswagen apprentices from Germany and Poland have worked together to help maintain the Memorial Site of the National Socialist extermination camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Volkswagen Group commits suppliers to sustainability
As of 1st July 2019, the Volkswagen Group will introduce a worldwide Sustainability Rating for its suppliers. This enables the company to assess the sustainability conduct of its business partners in its supply chain with regard to risks relating to human rights, environmental protection and corruption.
Personnel changes at Volkswagen Passenger Cars and in South America
The Sales division at the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand is making several new senior management appointments in Germany and in the South America Region. Achim Schaible, previously Head Sales International, takes over as Head After Sales & Dealer Network at the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand effective September 1st. He succeeds Peter Maiwald, who retired on June 1st. Thomas Zahn, currently President & CEO Volkswagen Argentina S.A., takes over from Schaible as Head Sales International. Zahn’s successor is Thomas Owsianski, currently President Audi China.
Volkswagen WeShare launched in Berlin as full-electric service
Volkswagen is entering the growing car sharing sector. WeShare is being launched in Berlin today. With 1,500 e-Golf vehicles, the Volkswagen brand is bringing onto the roads a 100 percent electric fleet and all the vehicles will be operated on green power. They are to be followed by 500 additional e-up! vehicles at the beginning of next year and the first units of Volkswagen’s new full-electric ID.3 when it is introduced in mid-2020. WeShare is a “free-floating” system without rental stations and is operated digitally via an app. An expansion of WeShare, initially to Prague, together with ŠKODA, and then to Hamburg, is planned for 2020.
Volkswagen Group and industry partners from the energy economy further expand CNG mobility
Volkswagen Group and its industry partners from the gas supply, network, and filling station operation sectors will showcase their products and services at the 3rd CNG Mobility Days in Berlin (25–26 June 2019), presenting an overview of the current situation and the future of CNG. Volkswagen Group brands will also be exhibiting their latest CNG models in the passenger car, truck and bus segments.
Change on the Volkswagen Supervisory Board: Conny Schönhardt succeeds Birgit Dietze
There will be a change to the composition of employee representation on the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft. Conny Schönhardt (41), who took on responsibility for Strategic and Political Planning on the management board of IG Metall in January 2019, is taking Birgit Dietze’s (46) seat on the Supervisory Board as of 21 June 2019. The Group announced this in Wolfsburg on Monday.
Software Development Center: Volkswagen opens IT-Center in the Gläserne Manufaktur in Dresden
Volkswagen has opened a new IT Development Center today in its Gläserne Manufaktur in Dresden. In Software Development Center Production (SDC Production), up to 80 newly hired IT specialists will be working on the Volkswagen Industrial Cloud. In the future, the Industrial Cloud will link all 122 Group-wide Volkswagen production facilities. The goal is to amalgamate all data, and in doing so consistently digitalise Production and Logistics.
Volkswagen video explains the stricter WLTP test procedure
Euro 6d TEMP EVAP ISC – this is the complicated name of the emission standard that will be mandatory for all newly registered vehicles with the second stage of the WLTP type test from 1 September 2019. The WLTP procedure introduced last year will be further tightened by new technical requirements and the technical procedures involved in type testing will be increased yet further. Volkswagen explains the main innovations in a video (https://youtu.be/lZXdQYSF1Gk).
Works meeting at Wolfsburg main plant: Volkswagen stands for change, future, momentum
Volkswagen Board Member for Human Resources, Gunnar Kilian, and the Group and General Works Council Chairman, Bernd Osterloh, thanked the workforce for their dedication over the last years and months during the works meeting held at the main plant in Wolfsburg today (Wednesday). Speaking to more than 10,000 employees, Kilian said: “More than ever today, Volkswagen stands for a new beginning, future, momentum. Businesswise, too, we have taken Volkswagen a big step forward with the pact for the future. We have a portfolio of first class vehicles. The ID.3 and the Golf 8 celebrate their world premiere in the fall. No other car manufacturer is driving e-mobility forward like Volkswagen. And at the same time, we are also systematically orienting ourselves to the future with digitalization. All of this is only possible because the Volkswagen team delivers a top performance, because the team identifies with our course and helps safeguard our economic success. The entire Board of Management wishes to thank you for that.” Osterloh emphasized: “Our company’s transformation can only succeed if we can get the whole team on board and offer them security. The recently agreed employment guarantee up to 2029 – in other words for the next ten years – means no one needs to be worried about losing their job at Volkswagen.”
Volkswagen and Schwarz Group to be strategic e-partners
Shortly before the market launch of its full-electric car sharing service WeShare in Berlin at the end of June, Volkswagen has concluded a strategic partnership with the Lidl and Kaufland supermarket chains, which are owned by the Schwarz Group. The food retailers are to install 140 public charging stations for the electric vehicles of their customers at 60 Lidl and 10 Kaufland branches in the German capital. Volkswagen is to receive the exclusive right to use the new infrastructure for charging its WeShare fleet overnight outside opening hours, which will make the utilization of the charging stations more efficient. The additional charging points at Lidl and Kaufland outlets will boost the public charging infrastructure in Berlin by almost 20 percent.
Volkswagen sponsors International Weimar Cultural Symposium implemented by the Goethe-Institut
For the second time, Volkswagen is supporting the Weimar Cultural Symposium of the Goethe-Institut, which will be attended by more than 300 participants from all over the world. Intellectuals, artists, scientists and decision-makers will be debating major upheavals of our time in many areas of society. Volkswagen is actively contributing to this debate and so emphasizing how the company invests in creating a livable future.
Volkswagen with new software unit
Volkswagen AG intends to group more than 5,000 digital experts together in its new “Car.Software” unit with Group responsibility for software in the vehicle by 2025. The company plans to develop significantly more software in the car and for vehicle-related ser-vices itself and to boost the in-house share of software development from the current figure of less than 10 percent to at least 60 percent by 2025. In future, there is to be one uniform software platform with all the basic functions for all vehicles throughout the Group. This will consist of the vehicle operating system “vw.os” and the Volkswagen Automotive Cloud. By 2025, all new Group models are to run on this software platform. The first vehicle based on this software platform will be the ID.3, which is to make its world debut at the IAA International Motor Show this year. Currently, more than 20,000 potential customers have registered for the pre-booking of this model.
Green Computing Performance: Volkswagen opens carbon neutral data center in Norway
The Volkswagen Group moved into a new, climate neutral data center in Rjukan (Norway) today. The facility was set up in just six months in collaboration with the Norwegian partner Green Mountain. The data center will be 100 percent powered by hydropower in the future, thus saving more than 5,800 tons of CO2 per year compared to a conventionally operated data center. The maximum output of 2,750 kilowatts will be used by the Volkswagen Passenger Cars and AUDI brands for high-performance servers, on which computer-intensive vehicle development projects are processed. These include the simulation of crash tests and virtual wind tunnel tests. The Volkswagen Group focuses on economic and ecological factors in the development of additional computing capacity. Volkswagen already operates a climate neutral data center in Iceland.
WTCR home race for Volkswagen and Benjamin Leuchter on the Nordschleife
Volkswagen Motorsport and the Sébastien Loeb Racing team are looking forward to a highlight of the WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup calendar this weekend: from 20 to 22 June, Mehdi Bennani (MA), Rob Huff (GB), Johan Kristoffersson (S) and Benjamin Leuchter (D) will be driving their Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR on the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife (D). The WTCR drivers will be competing as part of the supporting programme for the 24h Nürburgring and 200,000 fans are expected to line the 25.378 kilometres of the combination of Grand Prix circuit and Nordschleife. After claiming the first podiums of the season at the last race in Zandvoort (NL), Volkswagen can approach the home race with plenty of confidence: this is especially true of local hero Leuchter. The Duisburg native knows the Nordschleife better than any other driver in the 27-strong starting field.
New ID.3 and future ID. models to be equipped with batteries offering the highest capacity – and an eight-year warranty
Volkswagen will launch production of the ID.3 before the year is out. The compact-class model is the first member of the ID. family – a new generation of progressive electric vehicles whose lithium-ion batteries will allow for a range of up to 550 kilometres, making the models perfect for comfortable long journeys. The future owners of ID. models won’t need to worry about the durability of their batteries either, as Volkswagen will guarantee that the batteries will retain at least 70 per cent of their usable capacity even after eight years or 160,000 kilometres.
Volkswagen Group expands market share in May
In May, there was a fall in deliveries by the Volkswagen Group compared with May 2018, but the decrease was lower than in previous months at 3.6 percent. In total, 918,900 cus-tomers throughout the world took delivery of a vehicle from a Group brand. Growth was achieved in some key European markets (Germany +4.6 percent, France +2.7 percent, Italy +2.7 percent), and in the regions of North America (+4.3 percent) and South America (+5.8 percent). However, these rises were insufficient to compensate in full for falls in other re-gions, especially Asia-Pacific (-9.4 percent). Dr. Christian Dahlheim, Head of Volkswagen Group Sales, commented: “In May, our brands asserted their position in shrinking overall markets and slightly increased the global market share. Deliveries developed in different ways in the various markets. In Europe, we almost reached the high level of the previous year and recorded growth in some key markets including Germany. Positive impetus came from North and South America, but this was insufficient to compensate for the continuing weakness of the overall market in our largest single market, China. It is gratifying to note that we once again significantly increased our market share in China.”
Volkswagen ID.R returns to Goodwood to defend its title
The Volkswagen ID.R is set to defend its title at the “Goodwood Festival of Speed” (4 to 7 July). Last year, Romain Dumas, at the wheel of the fully-electric race car, set a new record for electric vehicles at the prestigious race in the south of England. The Frenchman completed the 1.86-kilometre route of the Goodwood Hillclimb in just 43.86 seconds – the fastest time for 15 years. A mere five weeks after breaking the lap record for electric vehicles on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, the ID.R – the sporty spearhead of the ID. family of fully-electric production vehicles – is ready to take on its next challenge.
Volkswagen invests in Northvolt AB
Volkswagen AG is investing some €900 million in joint battery activities with Northvolt AB. Part of the sum is intended for a joint venture with the Swedish battery cell producer, a further share will go directly to Northvolt AB. In return, Volkswagen will acquire about 20 percent of the shares in Northvolt AB and will have one seat on the Board of Directors, subject to approval under antitrust legislation. Furthermore, a 50/50 joint venture to build a 16 GWh battery cell factory in Europe is planned during the course of this year. It is intended to locate the factory in Lower Saxony (Salzgitter) if the preconditions for this are fulfilled. Construction of the production facility is scheduled to start, at the earliest, in 2020. Battery cell production for Volkswagen is slated to commence around the end of 2023/beginning of 2024.
Volkswagen deliveries in May present a mixed picture
In May, the Volkswagen brand delivered 512,100 vehicles worldwide, 5.1 percent fewer than in May 2018. There was a mixed picture in the regions: while deliveries by the brand in North America (+8.6 percent), South America (+5,4 percent) and the individual market of Germany (+2.2 percent) rose, there was, as expected, a fall in Europe (-6.1 percent). The situation in China remained unchanged. In May, Volkswagen succeeded in increasing its market share in a shrinking overall market.
More comfortable, more digital and better connected than ever before: pre-sales of the new Passat begin this week
Pre-sales of the new Passat begin today in selected European countries. With sales totalling 30 million units, the Passat is the most successful mid-range model in the world. A technical update and a refined exterior design have now fundamentally changed the best-selling model. Thanks to its new-generation infotainment system (MIB3), the Passat stays online permanently – and this ground-breaking development enables it to offer completely new services and functions. New assist systems make the model safer than ever, while upgraded running gear and drive systems ensure a high degree of long-distance comfort and exhilarating driving dynamics.
Volkswagen up! receives “Wertmeister 2019” award
Fantastic award for Volkswagen: the city specialist up! TSI has won the “Wertmeister 2019” award (value champion) in the city car category. Each year, the automotive magazine AUTO BILD honors the vehicles with the most stable residual value in several vehicle segments. The award was presented to Holger B. Santel, Head of Sales and Marketing Germany, at a ceremony in Berlin yesterday evening.
Volkswagen plans 36,000 charging points for electric cars throughout Europe
Volkswagen is aiming for a rapid breakthrough for e-mobility and is redoubling its efforts in the field of charging infrastructure. Throughout Europe, the Group will be installing a total of 36,000 charging points by 2025; 11,000 of these are to be developed by the Volkswagen brand. They will be installed at Volkswagen plants and at about 3,000 Volkswagen dealerships in all large towns and cities. With its Group company for charging infrastructure Elli (Electric Life) and its charging service “We Charge”, Volkswagen is also moving into further lucrative business areas connected with charging. All in all, the Group is investing about €250 million at its European locations. At the same time, the Group calls for other measures to take effect rapidly for more charging stations in Germany.
Volkswagen agrees digital transformation roadmap for administration and production
Volkswagen continues to forge ahead with the company’s modernization and digitalization: Volkswagen will be investing up to €4 billion in digitalization projects through 2023 – mainly in administration but also in production. At least 2,000 new jobs related to digitalization are to be created. This has been agreed by the Board of Management and the General Works Council in their “digital transformation roadmap”. Agile working methods, improved processes and digitalization are to reduce the burden on employees and speed up processes. Tasks that used to be performed manually are to be simplified through improved IT. Consequently, up to 4,000 jobs in non-production units at Volkswagen AG Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Components and Volkswagen Sachsen GmbH will not be restaffed over the coming four years. A precondition for this is that tasks are eliminated as a result of digitalization, process optimization and organizational streamlining. In addition, further investments in Industry 4.0 and an associated increase in productivity of five percent per year in production units through 2023 were also agreed. Furthermore, the budget for training is to be increased by a further €60 million to a total of €160 million to take account of the human resources transformation under Volkswagen’s digitalization offensive. A uniform employment guarantee for Volkswagen AG and Volkswagen Sachsen GmbH through 2029 has also been agreed.
6:05.336 minutes – Volkswagen ID.R sets new electric record on the Nürburgring
Volkswagen has achieved another milestone in electro-mobility: The ID.R, powered by two electric motors, lapped the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in 6:05.336 minutes – faster than any electric vehicle before it. Romain Dumas (F) beat the previous record set by Peter Dumbreck (GB, NIO EP9) in 2017 by 40.564 seconds. With an average speed of 204.96 km/h, the ID.R once again underlined the impressive performance capabilities of Volkswagen’s electric drive. This 500 kW (680 PS) emission-free race car is the racing flagship of the future fully electric ID. product family from Volkswagen.
A vessel for technology beyond motorsport – the charging of the ID.R system
It is a science in itself: the ID.R charging system. Only with optimally charged batteries can the pursuit of the lap record for electric vehicles on the 20.8-kilometre Nürburgring-Nordschleife succeed. To this end, driver Romain Dumas (F) will also have to deploy the full system performance of 500 kW (680 PS) on the three-kilometre ‘Döttinger Höhe’ section at the end of the Nordschleife, which is nearly dead straight.
World premiere: An interplay of light and lightness – a hologram in the GTI
The Golf GTI Aurora, which Volkswagen is currently showcasing at the GTI meeting on Lake Wörth, seems fast and loud at first glance, but innovative and futuristic at the second. Why? Because the technological highlight of the model only becomes visible when you open the luggage compartment. A holographic module, which Volkswagen Group Components’ innovation development has been honing for months, is at work here. It is now possible for the high-end sound system of the show car to be controlled via an intuitively operable hologram – a world first, and not just at Lake Wörth.
Double debut at the GTI gathering: Apprentices from Wolfsburg and Zwickau present self-developed Golf showcars Aurora and FighteR
Double the pleasure at Wörthersee! The 29th of May is the big day for two teams of apprentices at Volkswagen. At the 38th GTI gathering, they will be presenting the showcars they developed and built themselves for the first time to tens of thousands of automobile fans attending the legendary event in 2019. The spotlight will be on the Golf GTI Aurora from Wolfsburg and the Golf Estate FighteR from Zwickau – and both Volkswagens will absolutely delight the fans.
Volkswagen strengthens activities in China with market entry of SEAT and Smart City Project
The Volkswagen Group is expanding its business in its most important market, China. Volkswagen Group China, SEAT and the Chinese auto manufacturer JAC, which together form the joint venture JAC Volkswagen, continue to drive SEAT's market entry strategy. The Spanish brand aims to enter the Chinese market in the coming two to three years. An agreement has now been reached in Martorell, Spain, during a visit by a delegation of Chinese government officials from the Anhui province. Anhui’s provincial capital Hefei is where the headquarters of the JAC Volkswagen joint venture is located, which was founded in 2017 and focuses on the development, production and marketing of pure battery vehicles. China plays a central role in the global transformation of the Volkswagen Group and its decarbonization program. Already this year, the range of electrified vehicles will be expanded. By 2028, more than half of the 22 million e-cars planned by the Group will be produced in China. The goal is to deliver around 1.5 million electrified vehicles, most of them pure e-cars, to customers by 2025.
GTI Meet at Wörthersee Lake: three letters are all it takes to make history
Throughout the year, the picturesque town of Reifnitz is peaceful and idyllic. However, once a year, the town on Wörthersee Lake is transformed into a large bustling automotive playground. This year from 29 May until 1 June thousands of aficionados will flock to this Alpine town for the traditional GTI Meet. The worldwide Volkswagen fan community, powerful innovations within the current model range and the motorsports department will be amongst the dominant subjects of this year’s edition.
Volkswagen launches new service called “We Experience”
Volkswagen has added a new service called “We Experience” to its “Volkswagen We” digital ecosystem in Germany. The new feature provides personalized recommendations and special offers for products and services available in the vicinity of the vehicle. The service rolls out with well-known partners such as Shell, Domino’s or Tank & Rast. IBM technology is used to deliver tailor-made offers based on users’ individual profiles. “We Experience” is available in the “VW Connect” app.
Volkswagen ID.R on the Nordschleife: High-tech meets tradition
20.832 kilometres, 73 corners, many changes in elevation: the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. Volkswagen has chosen one of the most iconic racetracks in the world for its next record attempt with the fully-electric ID.R. A lap record on the rollercoaster track in the Eifel region of Germany is a prestigious accolade for any race or production car. The current record for electric vehicles stands at 6:45.90 minutes and was set by British driver Peter Dumbreck in a NIO EP9 in 2017.
New T-Cross scores five stars in Euro NCAP
It can’t get any better: the most recent member of the Volkswagen family has now scored five stars. The new T-Cross performed outstandingly in the renowned Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) safety test. Independent testers awarded the new SUV in the small vehicle segment top scores in all categories. Consequently, this innovative crossover model meets the most stringent safety standards.
Worldwide Volkswagen Group Accompanies International Biodiversity Day with Initiatives for Species Conservation
On the occasion of the International Biodiversity Day on 22 May 2019, Volkswagen is calling on all corporate brands and locations to provide support to nature conservation projects and especially conserve insects under the motto "Biodiversity as a livelihood".
New top model of the brand: the Touareg V8 TDI is now available to order
The most powerful Volkswagen in the current model range is now available to order: the Touareg V8 TDI. At 310 kW / 421 PS, it’s one of the most powerful SUVs with a diesel engine in Germany. This 4.0-litre eight-cylinder vehicle has a maximum torque of 900 Newton metres – putting it at the same level as sports super cars. Whether cruising at low speeds, moving fast or going off-road, this power provides superior drive characteristics and makes the Touareg V8 TDI a reliable partner in everyday use. As with the product line’s V6 engines, the new V8 version also meets the requirements of the Euro 6d TEMP emissions standard.
Group-wide deliveries fall in April
The Volkswagen Group delivered 866,400 vehicles in April, 6,6 percent below the figure for April 2018. In the month under review, all core regions recorded declines in the overall market. This was a result of the sluggish economy in some markets and the tense geopoliti-cal situation in other markets. Dr. Christian Dahlheim, Head of Volkswagen Group Sales, commented: “In many major countries, the overall market experienced a downturn in April. In our largest single market of China, the customers of many brands continued to be reluctant to purchase despite the reduction in the VAT rate. The Volkswagen Group was not immune to this trend. Over the next few months, we will be introducing key new models and continue to look forward rather more optimistically to the second half of the year.”
Volkswagen at the 40th International Vienna Motor Symposium: autonomous vehicles, hybrid drives and the start of a new era in electric mobility
Levels 3 and 4 of automated driving, a 48-volt drive system and a platform developed exclusively for e-vehicles – Volkswagen will be showcasing its progress toward integrated, CO2-neutral mobility at the 40th International Vienna Motor Symposium. The mild hybrid (mHEV) system makes an important contribution to sustainable mobility. Depending on the driving style, it can save around 0.4 litres of fuel over 100 kilometres and cut carbon emissions in the process. Volkswagen will also provide the first ever in-depth insight into its MEB (modular electric drive matrix), the basis for automated driving.
Volkswagen’s Incubator programme: six start-ups move into the Gläserne Manufaktur
Six new start-ups have been decided on for the founders programme in the Future Mobility Incubator at the Gläserne Manufaktur in Dresden. The winners of the final pitch were the following start-ups: AVILOO from Vienna, Kopernikus from Berlin, NAVENTIK from Chemnitz, Visualix from Berlin, home-IX UG from Stuttgart and LiGenium from Chemnitz. They will start work in the Gläserne Manufaktur in mid May 2019, where they will be able to develop their ideas for market readiness with the support of Volkswagen and the business development team of Saxony’s capital, Dresden. 114 start-ups entered the fourth founders class competition.
Two impressive Beetles and a 1,000-mile adventure: Volkswagen at the 2019 Mille Miglia
The Mille Miglia is the most famous road race in the world. Steeped in history dating back as far as 1927, the event takes participants 1,000 miles (about 1,600 km) from Brescia to Rome and back, this year from 15 to 18 May. To mark the end of production of the Beetle, Volkswagen is resurrecting the success story of the Beetle – and lines up with two contemporary classics at the legendary Mille Miglia.
Volkswagen delivers fewer vehicles in April
In April, the Volkswagen brand delivered 487,400 vehicles worldwide, 6.2 percent fewer than in April 2018. In the month under review, there were gratifying developments in the USA (+8.7 percent), Canada (+11.1 percent), Russia (+7.3 percent) and Brazil (+7.7 percent). Deliveries by Volkswagen in China were down 6.5 percent but the brand was able to further increase its market share in a shrinking overall market. Volkswagen Sales Board Member Jürgen Stackmann: “We offer extremely attractive models in overall markets which are difficult and shrinking in many cases. In North America, our SUV offensive is bearing fruit and has had a positive effect on the monthly figures. China remains a severe challenge for us and all other market players.”
Shareholders formally approve actions of Board of Management and Supervisory Board and adopt resolution on increased dividend for 2018
At the Annual General Meeting 2019, the shareholders of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft voted by a majority of 99.98 percent to approve the recommendation of the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board to pay a dividend of 4.80 (3.90) EUR per ordinary share and 4.86 (3.96) EUR per preferred share for fiscal year 2018. Approximately 2.4 billion (2.0 billion) EUR will therefore be distributed to shareholders. The ordinary shareholders deferred formal approval of the actions of Rupert Stadler for fiscal year 2018 on account of the still ongoing investigations into the diesel issue. The resolution on the formal approval of the actions of all other members of the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board who held office in 2018 was passed by 94.95 percent of the ordinary shareholders represented at the Annual General Meeting.
Already more than 15,000 registrations for the ID.3
Less than one week after the start of pre-booking for the ID.3, more than 15,000 registrations have already been received for the first model in the new full-electric ID. family. That is already more than half of the total pre-booking volume of 30,000 vehicles. Volkswagen has recorded the greatest interest from the markets of Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, the UK and Sweden. The IT systems of the pre-booking platforms are now stable after the initial flood of customers. Jürgen Stackmann, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand responsible for Sales, Marketing and After-Sales: “The positive response shows that many customers are ready for e-mobility. People who want to be among the first to drive an ID.3 should not wait too long with their registrations. The number of pre-bookers is rising steadily.”
Supervisory Board and Board of Management take important decisions for future of Volkswagen Group
The Supervisory Board and Board of Management of Volkswagen AG took important decisions for the future of the Volkswagen Group today. As part of its electrification offensive the Volkswagen Group is to move forward with setting up a battery cell production facility in Europe under a partnership. To that end, the Supervisory Board approved investments of just under one billion euros at today’s meeting. It is planned to locate a battery cell production facility in Lower Saxony (Salzgitter). It was also decided to begin concrete negotiations on the planned new multibrand plant in Europe with the remaining potential locations. In addition, the Supervisory Board requested the Board of Management to start the process to develop a forward-looking, industrially meaningful solution for MAN Energy Solutions (ES) and RENK AG. The focus lies on opening future-oriented growth perspectives for mechanical engineering in the Group, for example though a joint venture, partnerships, or a full or partial sale. Furthermore, it was decided to prepare an IPO of TRATON SE to be launched before the 2019 summer break, subject to further market developments.
Volkswagen resumes preparations for IPO of TRATON SE
Backed by approval from the Supervisory Board, the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG today resolved to go ahead with the planned IPO of TRATON SE before the summer break, depending on further developments on capital markets.
Volkswagen votes for Europe
In a joint election appeal, the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Group and the Group Works Council have called upon the company’s employees in the European Union to vote in the election to the European Parliament. Depending on the country, the election is being held from May 23 to 26, 2019.
Volkswagen has already built 200 pre-production vehicles of the new electric car ID.3
Conversion of the vehicle factory in Zwickau to the largest production site for electric mobility in Europe is right on schedule. The members of Volkswagen’s Group and Brand Boards of Management, as well as the Group Works Council, were able to see that for themselves at today’s site symposium for all three locations in Saxony held at Zwickau. The focus was on preparations for start-up of the new ID.3 and building the expertise required for that. More than 200 pre-production vehicles of the ID.3 have already been manufactured successfully. The first ID. production vehicles are to roll off the assembly line at the end of 2019. Only e-cars will be built at Zwickau by the end of 2020 – up to 1,500 a day for Volkswagen and other Group brands.
Already more than 10,000 registrations for the ID.3
At a press event held yesterday in Berlin, Volkswagen launched pre-booking in Europe for the first model in its new full-electric ID. model family, the ID.3. Customers’ interest in the special edition, the ID.3 1ST, which is limited to 30,000 vehicles, is significantly exceeding the brand’s expectations. Sometimes, the IT systems are unable to handle the large number of users accessing the system at the same time. This leads to long waiting times and interruptions in the registration process in some markets. Volkswagen is working hard to eliminate the hitches. Nevertheless, more than 10,000 registrations were received throughout Europe during the first 24 hours.
Volkswagen offers pre-booking for the first time
Volkswagen is today starting pre-booking in Europe for the first model in its new full-electric ID. family, the ID.3. With immediate effect, potential customers can register for an early production slot for the ID.3 at www.volkswagen.com/id-prebooking by paying a registration deposit of €1,000. The ID.3 1ST special edition, which has been especially configured for pre-booking, includes high-quality, high-performance equipment and is limited to 30,000 vehicles. Volkswagen is equipping the ID.3 1ST with the medium-sized battery option later available for the ID.3 series, which is expected to be most popular. With the three series battery options, ranges between 330 and up to 550 kilometers in accordance with WLTP will be possible. The pre-booking special edition has a range of 420 km (WLTP). While the base recommended price of the ID.3 series model with the smallest battery version starts at under €30,000 in Germany (target price), the exclusive ID.3 1ST special edition will be available for less than €40,000, before the deduction of the state subsidy in each case.
First member of the ID. family is called ID.3
Months before its official world premiere at the IAA international motor show, the next milestone has already been reached: Today, Volkswagen is officially announcing the name of the first model of the new ID. family. It will be called ID.3. The number 3 is significant in two ways. On the one hand, it indicates the ID. as belonging to the compact segment, which is the class distinction in both internal and industry-wide classification systems. On the other, the ID.3 follows the Beetle and the Golf to introduce the third major chapter of strategic importance for the history of the brand.
Successful first quarter of 2019: TRATON SE begins the year with a plus in profits of 22%
TRATON SE is off to a strong start in 2019. During the first quarter of 2019, the TRATON GROUP increased its operating profit by 21.9% compared with the prior-year quarter to €470 million. All three brands MAN, Scania, and Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus contributed to this positive result. Sales revenue rose by 6.0% year-on-year to €6.4 billion across all brands. During the first three months of 2019, the TRATON GROUP sold 57,160 vehicles worldwide, up 7.4% against the prior-year figure. This growth was primarily supported by the continued favorable development of the core markets of Europe and Brazil.
Cutaway model “eGon” offers insights into vehicle technology at IdeenExpo
In Hanover today, Volkswagen Passenger Cars and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles unveiled details of the multifaceted program in store for visitors at IdeenExpo in Hanover from June 15 to 23. eGon, the cutaway model of an e-Golf, is one of Volkswagen’s highlight projects to be showcased at Germany’s largest youth event for science and technology.
Volkswagen brand boosts sales revenue and result
In the first quarter of the 2019 financial year, the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand performed solidly in a challenging market environment. The lead brand of the Volkswagen Group was able to boost sales revenue and operating profit in the first three months despite a slight fall in deliveries. With an improved product mix, the sales revenue of the Volkswagen brand grew by 7.1 percent to €21.5 billion. After three months, the operating profit before special impacts was 4.8 percent up on the prior-year figure, at €921 million. Here too, Volkswagen benefited from an improved product mix, positive developments in product costs and especially an improvement in fixed costs. In the first quarter, the operating return on sales was at about the same level as in the previous year, at 4.3 percent. In the reporting period, legal risks gave rise to special items in the amount of €0.4 billion in connection with the processing of the diesel issue.
Volkswagen with international e-mobility marketing campaign
At the start of the pre-booking phase for its new full-electric ID. in Europe on May 8, Volkswagen is launching a broad-based international e-mobility marketing campaign. The campaign focuses especially on the ID. and is to start one year before the model’s market launch. Normally, large scale campaigns only start in connection with the launch of a model. This time, more than 600 individual communication elements are being produced for distribution on various channels. The key element and the umbrella campaign will be the “eManifesto: ID. Volkswagen, just electric”, which is to be shown on the occasion of the DFB cup final in Berlin on May 25 and will “electrify” more than 50 percent of the advertising space available in the German capital. Further elements of the campaign will be “influencer”, “barrier”, “teaser” and product films. As the heart of the campaign, the central information pool on e-mobility, the www.volkswagen.de/id website, will go live when pre-booking for the ID. starts. The highlight of the campaign will be the world premiere of the ID. at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt. The media budget for the campaign in Europe will run well into the double-digit million range.
The Volkswagen Group boosts sales revenue and earnings in the first quarter
The Volkswagen Group confirms full-year targets for deliveries to customers, sales revenue and operating profit before special items. Sales revenue of the Volkswagen Group rose 3.1 percent year-on-year to EUR 60.0 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year. The rise, which occurred despite the decline in volumes of deliveries to customers, was mainly the result of mix improvements and the healthy business performance in the Finan-cial Services Division. At EUR 11.7 (11.6) billion, operating profit was in line with the previ-ous year. Operating profit before special items increased by EUR 0.6 billion to EUR 4.8 billion. The operating return on sales before special items rose to 8.1 (7.2) percent. Positive effects arising from the fair value measurement of gains and losses on certain de-rivatives, improvements in the mix and price positioning and the favorable exchange rate trend more than offset the rise in fixed costs and lower vehicle sales. Negative special items arising from legal risks in the amount of one billion euros reduced operating profit, which declined year-on-year by EUR 0.3 billion to EUR 3.9 billion. The share of profits or losses of equity-accounted investments and the share of profits and losses of the Chinese joint ven-tures included in that amount were on a par with the previous year at EUR 800 million. Profit before tax was down on the prior-year period, at EUR 4.1 (4.5) billion. Net liquidity in the Automotive Division amounted to EUR 16.0 billion.
Volkswagen ID. R completes its first test on the Nordschleife
One day after the world premiere for the new ID. R at the Nürburgring, Romain Dumas drove the first test laps on the Nordschleife in the fully electric race car. On the 20.832-kilometre-long circuit, the Frenchman completed an extensive testing programme, driving two alternative ID. R chassis to make optimal use of the available time. In doing so, Volkswagen Motorsport began the final preparation phase for the attempt to set a new lap record for electric vehicles on the tradition-steeped track in the Eifel with the 500 kW (680 PS) race car.
Electric to the max: 56 pages on the ID. R and the electro-mobility strategy from Volkswagen
Volkswagen Motorsport presents its new digital booklet, “Electric to the max – the record-chasing ID. R.”, with all the information on the continuously developed version of the first fully electric race car from Volkswagen. Over 56 pages, there are interesting facts, exclusive insights and explanations on how the ID. R, as the racing flagship for future electric production vehicles from the ID. family, combines Volkswagen’s technical competence in relation to electric drive with the emotions and fascination of motorsport.
Exhibition opening in Berlin: Volkswagen supports "Andreas Mühe. Mischpoche"
2019, Titled "Mischpoche", Andreas Mühe will present his latest series of works in Berlin, centered around photographic family portraits. In these images Mühe joins together the living and dead members of his highly diverse artistic family. Those members that were no longer alive were replicated as stunningly lifelike sculptures in a complex and intensive production process arranged by Mühe. Volkswagen helped to realize this exhibition as part of its ongoing support of Nationalgalerie, thereby also lending support to Andreas Mühe´s internationally renowned body of work.
Motorsport with electric drive: Double world premiere for the new Volkswagen ID. R
Volkswagen has presented the continuously developed version of the ID. R, the fully electric race car. The racing flagship of the future fully electric product family from Volkswagen is to set a new lap record for electric vehicles on the 20.832-kilometre-long Nordschleife. In order for driver Romain Dumas to undercut the until-now best time of 6:45.90 minutes, Volkswagen Motorsport has consistently and continuously developed the ID. R. On 25 April, the ID. R is to complete its first test on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. Virtually speaking, the ID. R will already drive its first laps from today; for the first time, a race car will also be presented at the same time in a near-reality computer simulation that can be downloaded free of charge.
T-Cross and Cara Delevingne are “#MoreThan1Thing”
For the market launch of the T-Cross, Volkswagen is embarking on a campaign for its latest SUV in Europe. The integrated 360° campaign includes a TV spot, printed and billboard advertisements as well as digital and social media content. The campaign face and testimonial of the T-Cross is Cara Delevingne. The claim #MoreThan1Thing describes the versatility of both the vehicle and its testimonial.