All Press Releases
This section contains all current press releases on topics and news items concerning Volkswagen.
Volkswagen extends suspension of production
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Volkswagen Group Components are extending the suspension of production at their German plants for a further five working days especially as a result of the continued fall in demand for vehicles and the challenges still faced by the supply chain. For a total of about 80,000 employees of Volkswagen AG, it is planned to end the resulting short-time working with the night shift of April 19 to 20. The plants affected are Dresden, Emden, Osnabrück, Wolfsburg and Zwickau as well as the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles plant in Hanover, the plants of Volkswagen Group Components at Brunswick, Kassel, Salzgitter, Chemnitz and Hanover and the German plants of SITECH. At the same time, the company continues to prepare intensively for the resumption of production. In this context, the protection of employees will once again be significantly strengthened.
Increasing demand for electric mobility in Germany: Significant growth for e-up! and Passat GTE
Volkswagen is focussing on stepping up electric mobility and is significantly expanding its range of fully electric models and hybrids. Even before the launch of the new ID.3 this summer, the demand for electric mobility has considerably increased in Germany: already every second order for the up! model series is for the fully electric version, around 20,000 orders have been received. The GTE versions of the current Passat generation have also become increasingly more popular amongst buyers: Every seventh customer now opts for the plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
First consignment of medical supplies for hospitals and doctors has arrived from China
On Saturday, the Minister-President of Lower Saxony, Stephan Weil, and the HR Board Member of Volkswagen, Gunnar Kilian, took delivery of a first consignment of face masks from China in Brunswick. The Volkswagen Group is organizing medical equipment with a total value of about €40 million in China which will then be made available to doctors and hospitals in Germany. The supplies are to be delivered as soon as possible. The products or-dered include face masks, gloves, disinfectants, clinical thermometers, protective goggles and protective clothing. The first consignment, which arrived on Saturday, consisted of 400,000 face masks, 240,000 for medical facilities throughout Germany and 160,000 for hospitals and doctors in Lower Saxony. The distribution of the equipment is to be organized by public bodies.
Volkswagen postpones Annual General Meeting 2020
Volkswagen has decided to postpone the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for fiscal year 2019 due to the spread of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and the measures in connection with containing the virus. Group CFO Frank Witter said: “The health of our shareholders, employees and service providers has top priority. For that reason, we will be arranging a new date for the Annual General Meeting originally scheduled for May 7.”
Volkswagen releases medical personnel with full pay for voluntary work in the public health service
Volkswagen AG is releasing employees with medical qualifications for up to 15 working days with full pay if they volunteer for work in the public health service. The target group includes medical practitioners and paramedics of various categories as well as nursing and surgery personnel working at the German facilities of Volkswagen AG. In addition to people working in these areas for Volkswagen, employees with appropriate qualifications who work as paramedics on a voluntary basis, for example, will also be released if the need arises.
TRATON SE postpones Annual General Meeting due to coronavirus outbreak
The Executive Board of TRATON SE has decided to postpone the Annual General Meeting for fiscal year 2019, previously scheduled for May 28, 2020, due to the strong spread of the coronavirus.
Volkswagen extends suspension of production
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Volkswagen Group Components are extending the suspension of production at their German plants for four working days especially as a result of the continued fall in demand for vehicles and the challenges faced by the supply chain. An application for an extension of short-time working for a total of 80,000 employees of Volkswagen AG has been submitted. It is planned to end short-time working with the night shift of April 9 to 10. The plants affected are Dresden, Emden, Osnabrück, Wolfsburg and Zwickau as well as the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles plant in Hanover, the plants of Volkswagen Group Components at Brunswick, Kassel, Salzgitter, Chemnitz and Hanover and the German plants of SITECH. At the same time, the company is preparing intensively for the resumption of production. In this context, the protection of employees will once again be significantly strengthened.
Volkswagen Group supports doctors and hospitals with major donation of medical supplies from China
To ensure supplies for doctors and hospitals in Germany, the Volkswagen Group is organ-izing medical materials in China in the short term. The total value of the goods to be donated by the Group is about €40 million. The equipment – in-cluding face masks, gloves, disinfectants, clinical thermometers, protective goggles and protective clothing – is to be made available to medical personnel providing emergency treatment and care. Last week, Volkswagen had already donated about 200,000 FFP-2 and FFP-3 face masks for public health protection.
Volkswagen brand offers dealers extensive liquidity support
Together with Volkswagen Bank, the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand has created a comprehensive package of measures to strengthen the liquidity of its dealers. In addition to offering extended payment deadlines, temporary increases in credit lines and improved interest conditions, bonuses and incentives are to be brought forward and audits are to be suspended.
TRATON generated good results in 2019 amid increasingly challenging market conditions
The TRATON GROUP increased both sales revenue and operating profit during the challenging year of 2019 and is now preparing to meet emerging economic challenges and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The brands of the TRATON GROUP have temporarily closed a number of plants in response the pandemic. MAN Truck & Bus filed an application for short-time work (Kurzarbeit) for workers in its German plants today. “In this crisis, the commercial vehicles industry will play an important role in the provision of food and medication to people,” said Andreas Renschler, TRATON CEO and member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG.
Volkswagen Group donates protective face masks
The Volkswagen Group will be providing about 200,000 category FFP-2 and FFP-3 protec-tive face masks for public health protection in the near future. The donation is being made in close cooperation with Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn. The city of Wolfsburg is also to receive further medical material.
Technical milestone in road safety: experts praise Volkswagen’s Car2X technology
The new Golf can help drivers to prevent accidents, thanks to its innovative Car2X technology, allowing it to wirelessly connect with other vehicles and the traffic infrastructure. The Euro NCAP consortium gave special recognition to the traffic hazard alert function with the Advanced Award for ground-breaking safety fea-tures. The German automotive association ADAC tested the new technology and declared it a “technical milestone”.
Brands of the TRATON GROUP take action as a result of the corona pandemic
In response to the corona pandemic, the European brands of the TRATON GROUP will temporary close several plants in Europe and request temporary unemployment assistance (so called “Kurzarbeit”) to support its workers in Germany during the shutdown. “It is becoming harder and harder to supply our plants due to the spread of the coronavirus in Europe,” said Andreas Renschler, CEO of TRATON and member of the Management Board of Volkswagen AG. “Because we also want our workforce to remain healthy, we will significantly slow production or temporarily halt it completely. At the same time, we are doing everything we can to keep service and replacement parts flowing to our customers. Supporting overland transportation and thus the delivery of food and medication has rarely been as critical as it is today. We as one of the largest commercial vehicle manufacturers in Europe hold a special responsibility in this unprecedented situation.”
Volkswagen brand suspends production on Thursday due to corona crisis
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand is gradually suspending production at its European plants. This will also affect Volkswagen Group Components plants. This is the brand's response to the impending rapid decline in demand on the automotive markets. Risks in connection with suppliers’ supply chains are also increasing. This is due to the significantly accelerated rate of infection by coronavirus and the resulting measures taken by the authorities. Initially, the factories are therefore expected to remain closed for two weeks. For the affected German sites, the measures are to apply from the end of the late shift on Thursday.
Volkswagen Group and its brands bring 2019 to successful conclusion
The Volkswagen Group brought fiscal year 2019 to a successful conclusion with improved financial results in almost all brands. Dr. Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, said, “2019 was a very successful year for the Volkswagen Group. We have laid vital groundwork for all relevant changes. 2020 is a very difficult year. The corona pandemic presents us with unknown operational and financial challenges. At the same time, there are concerns about sustained economic impacts. We will succeed in overcoming the corona crisis by pooling our strengths and with close cooperation and high morale in our Group.”
ID.3: just as inexpensive as a car with an internal combustion engine
With the market introduction of the ID.3 this summer, Volkswagen will make e-mobility affordable for many people. The basic version of the ID.3 will be less expensive in Germany in terms of acquisition and operation than comparable internal combustion models. As regards operating expenses alone, ID.3 drivers in Germany will save about €840 per year. “With the ID.3, the electric car will finally become affordable. This model is entirely fit for everyday use and even costs less than an internal combustion model thanks to the environmental bonus,” says Thomas Ulbrich, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen brand responsible for E-Mobility. Currently, preparations for the delivery of the ID.3 are well underway. “The time schedule will be met,” Ulbrich confirms. ”The ID.3 will be introduced to the market in the summer, as announced.”
Volkswagen AG annual media conference 2020
The Volkswagen AG annual media conference will be broadcasted live on Tuesday, March 17th 2020, from 09:00am – 11:30am CET (08:00am GMT – 10:30am GMT)
Volkswagen pays performance-related bonus of €4,950
For 2019, the employees of Volkswagen AG covered by collective bargaining agreements are to receive a performance-related bonus of €4,950 gross. The CEO of Volkswagen AG, Dr. Herbert Diess, and the Chairman of the General Works Council, Bernd Osterloh, praised the team performance of Volkswagen employees last year.
The new T-Roc Cabriolet – refreshingly different
At some point in March motorists begin to feel the urge to take to the roads in a convertible. Volkswagen has recently added a lifestyle-oriented version to its range – the T-Roc Cabriolet will celebrate its official market launch in German dealerships from March 20th onwards. In the run up to the big day, Volkswagen is providing comprehensive information material, photos and footage at www.volkswagen-newsroom.com.
Students from seven nations: Volkswagen starts the second generation of Faculty 73
On March 2, 2020, 100 students started their “Faculty 73” qualification program at the AutoUni. During a full-time two-year course, they will be trained as junior software developers for the automotive industry. The Volkswagen Group Academy launched its innovative concept with the first generation of students beginning of March 2019 and is doubling the number of students in 2020 up to two generations. The third generation is due to start on September 1, 2020 and internal and external IT talents can apply for a place on the courseup to March 8 2020.
Volkswagen presents Green Finance Framework
With the Green Finance Framework (GFF), the Volkswagen Group today presented further guidelines for sustainable financial instruments. In future, it will therefore be possible for investors to invest in a targeted fashion in sustainability projects of the Volkswagen Group such as e-mobility. A new corporate body, the Green Finance Committee, will select appropriate projects and can adapt the GFF to reflect changing requirements. Furthermore, regular reporting will ensure transparency in the use of funds. The objective is to ensure independent external verification of the use of funds.
Volkswagen mobilizes fans at the UEFA EURO 2020™: Shirt is also ticket for e-scooters, bicycles and more
The countdown has started: The opening game of UEFA EURO 2020 will begin 100 days from tomorrow in Rome. For the first time, the European football championship will be held in twelve different countries. As the official mobility partner of the tournament (June 12 to July 12), Volkswagen is giving fans Mobility Shirts in the locations where games are played. With their striking design, the shirts not only look cool, they also mobilize the wearer.
Volkswagen provides first insights into its new all-electric compact SUV ID.4
The ID. CROZZ showcar evolves into its series production version, the ID.4: Volkswagen is forging ahead with its electric mobility strategy by providing a detailed insight into the brand’s first all-electric SUV during a webcast following the cancellation of the Geneva Motor Show. The new ID.4 will be launched this year. Following in the tracks of the ID.3, the countdown has already begun for the second model based on the new modular electric drive matrix (MEB). “Just like the ID.3, the ID.4 will also come onto the market as a carbon-neutral vehicle”, explains Ralf Brandstätter, Chief Operating Officer of the Volkswagen brand. “We will produce and sell the ID.4 in Europe, China and the U.S..”
Volkswagen webcast from Wolfsburg
Volkswagen will present a webcast on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020, from 09:10 until 09:25 am CET (08.10 am GMT – 08:25 am GMT) and will show its innovations.
Following the cancellation of the Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen will be presenting its innovations as part of an online stream
Volkswagen welcomes the decision of the Geneva State Council to cancel this year’s Geneva Motor Show. This is a decision in the interests of the health and safety of all participants and employees. As an alternative to the originally scheduled press conference on Tuesday, March 3rd, at 9.10 am, the Volkswagen brand will showcase its automotive innovations in an online stream.
TRATON seeking to execute a squeeze-out of the non-controlling shareholders of MAN SE in accordance with merger law
Commercial vehicle producer TRATON SE (TRATON) intends to merge MAN SE (MAN) with TRATON in order to simplify the TRATON GROUP’s overall structure. In connection with this merger, TRATON plans to execute the procedure for transferring the shares held by the non-controlling shareholders of MAN to TRATON in consideration of payment of an appropriate cash settlement (squeeze-out in accordance with merger law). Consequently, the Executive Board of TRATON has today served on the Executive Board of MAN a proposal to commence negotiations for a merger agreement as well as a formal request to initiate proceedings for the execution of a squeeze-out in accordance with merger law.
Audi with enhanced role in Volkswagen Group
Volkswagen AG is enhancing the role of Audi in the Group. To that end, Audi headed by its new CEO Markus Duesmann will take over the lead for research & development in the brand alliance. Furthermore, Ingolstadt is to be the organizational focus of the Car.Software organization. In the context of more efficient steering, Volkswagen AG plans to take over the 0.36 percent of Audi free-float shares. Volkswagen AG is currently the majority shareholder, holding approx. 99.64 percent of the subscribed capital of AUDI AG.
Human Resources concludes structural reform
The Human Resources Board of Management function at Volkswagen has completed its new leadership team lineup, thus rounding off the structural change initiated at the beginning of 2020. Under the new arrangements, Human Resources is aligning its processes, workflows and responsibilities to future HR work. Gunnar Kilian, Volkswagen Group Board Member for Human Resources, commented: “E-mobility, connectivity and digitalization will have a lasting effect on the world of work. More than ever, teamwork, an open error culture, a keenness to discuss and take decisions, a high level of integrity and compliance are crucial factors. HR is shaping and driving the change, supporting the technical departments as they make the transformation, and taking the workforce on board. We have realigned the structure at HR in order to perform these tasks effectively.”
Volkswagen Group with positive business performance in 2019
The Volkswagen Group has completed fiscal year 2019 successfully. Sales revenue in-creased by EUR 16.8 billion to EUR 252.6 billion and operating profit before special items rose to EUR 19.3 (17.1) billion. At 7.6 (7.3) percent, the operating return on sales before special items slightly exceeded the forecasted range for 2019. Operating profit also improved to EUR 17.0 (13.9) billion. Negative special items in connection with diesel decreased to EUR 2.3 (3.2) billion. In the Automotive Division, net cash flow increased markedly to EUR 10.8 (-0.3) billion, with net liquidity reaching EUR 21.3 (19.4) billion. Board of Management and Supervisory Board propose an increase of the dividend to EUR 6.50 (4.80) per ordinary share and EUR 6.56 (4.86) per preferred share. This would raise the payout ratio to 24.5 (20.4) percent.
vzbv and Volkswagen agree on a fair settlement solution in the declaratory model action
The Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv) and Volkswagen today reached agreement on the negotiated settlement of €830 million in connection with the class-action suit. The agreement was made possible on the initiative of the president of the Higher Regional Court of Braunschweig.
World premieres of sports car icons in Geneva: new Golf GTI, Golf GTE and Golf GTD
Three Golf versions, three characters, three efficient drive systems – one design and equipment philosophy. We are approaching the world premieres of the new Golf GTI, Golf GTD and Golf GTE at the Geneva Motor Show (5 to 15 March 2020). 44 years ago Volkswagen invented the Golf GTI, a sports car icon. It was followed in 1982 by the first Golf GTD and in 2014 by the first Golf GTE featuring plug-in hybrid drive.
In brief: The all-rounder – the 1-speed gearbox
The ID.3 from Volkswagen enters the new era of e-mobility – quietly but with full power. After all, the typical properties of the electric drive system change the way in which power is transmitted. The powerful APP310 e-drive unit transmits power to the driven wheels using an extremely compact gearbox. The ID.3’s single gear is able to cope with all driving situations. The mechanism used has only a small number of cogs. This 1-speed gearbox is part of the electric drive system for the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) and is manufactured by Volkswagen Group Components at the Kassel plant. But why is a single gear enough for the drive motor?
Hybrid world premiere in Geneva: the new Touareg R
Volkswagen ramps up its hybrid campaign in 2020: with the world premiere of the new Touareg R at the Geneva Motor Show (5 to 15 March 2020), the brand’s top-of-the-range model now also features a plug-in hybrid drive. The Touareg R with a power output of 340 kW (462 PS) offers an innovative blend of superlative performance and electric efficiency. When the battery is sufficiently charged, the new SUV always starts in electric E-MODE for zero emissions. The all-round talent can be driven at up to 140 km/h using electric power; above this speed, the turbocharged V6 petrol engine (TSI) supplements the electric drive motor. The Touareg R will cover most commuter distances fully electrically.
TRATON starts cooperation on cybersecurity and AI with RISE
TRATON and the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE) will start a long-term cooperation that will initially focus on cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI). TRATON and RISE have therefore signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will serve as a platform for a long-term and strategic relationship. As the first step, the cooperation will concentrate on cybersecurity and AI, but the project portfolio will be flexible over time. “Innovation is an important pillar of our Global Champion Strategy. The cooperation with RISE will foster our development of new competences on very important technologies,” says Christian Levin, TRATON Board member responsible for R&D and Chief Operating Officer.
The eighth generation of an icon: World première of the new Golf GTI in Geneva
World première with impact: When Volkswagen launched the first Golf GTI 45 years ago at the International Motor show (IAA) in Frankfurt, no one could have guessed that the three letters G, T and I would go on to identify an icon. But that is exactly what happened. Anyone referring to GTI today is talking about an icon: the Golf GTI. Now Volkswagen is presenting the eighth generation of this worldwide success at the Geneva International Motor Show from 5 to 15 March. This marks the launch of a pure, intelligent and superior high-tech sports car for the digital age.
Volkswagen shows pioneering rural mobility study as contribution to major exhibition in New York
Volkswagen is delighted to show an e-mobility project developed by Volkswagen Group Innovation and Volkswagen Group South Africa. A study of an electric tractor developed in and for Africa to facilitate small-scale agriculture and to increase the productivity of subsistence farmers while also improving power supply and mobility in sub-Saharan Africa. This study is shown for the first time within the exhibition Countryside, The Future at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York.
Volkswagen and partner association agree new sales model for ID. family in Germany
Volkswagen and “Volkswagen und Audi Partnerverband” (Volkswagen and Audi partner association) have agreed a new sales model for the all-electric ID. family in Germany. A format similar to the agency model for major customers that has already proven its worth over many years will also apply for ID. models sold to private customers and small commercial enterprises. Following the go-ahead from retail partners, the agency agreement is to be added to the new dealer contracts that come into effect from April.
Class-action suit: Volkswagen offers settlement solution
The Group Board of Management at Volkswagen AG approved a settlement package during an extraordinary meeting today. The Board said the collapse of settlement negotiations with the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband – vzbv) should not have a negative impact on the company’s customers. For this reason, Volkswagen will offer the previously negotiated settlement to customers who joined the class-action suit and who meet the terms of the settlement package without seeking the support of the vzbv.
World première at Geneva Motor Show: First glimpse of the new Golf GTD
Volkswagen will celebrate the world première of the Golf GTD at the Geneva International Motor Show from 5 to 15 March. Among the technical highlights is the most powerful and – thanks to twin dosing – cleanest turbo diesel injection (TDI) engine ever to be installed in a Golf. It harmonises the confident dynamism of the Golf GTD together with higher efficiency and lowest emissions. The charismatic design of the Golf GTD reflects a unique combination of dynamism and self-confidence.
Volkswagen looking for IT talents for third generation of Faculty 73
The second generation of Faculty 73 begins the qualification program at the AutoUni in Wolfsburg on March 1, 2020. The application phase for the third generation closes on March 8, 2020, with training scheduled to commence on September 1, 2020.
New, innovative solution for ultra-fast charging electric vehicles
The establishment of a dense public network of ultra-fast e-vehicle charging stations can be realized much faster than previously assumed. E.ON and Volkswagen Group Components are giving a new impetus with the prototype of a new, flexible ultra-fast charging station that will be presented in Essen. By integrating a battery system, it will be possible to install ultra-fast charging stations almost anywhere and at significantly lower cost without civil engineering or mains connection.
Wolfsburg plant is investing heavily in digital solutions
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand is further bolstering the future viability and competitiveness of its main plant in Wolfsburg in the current business year. “We already accomplished a great deal in 2019. To become even more efficient, we want to invest in the digitalisation of our processes and Industry 4.0 measures with a euro sum in the middle double-digit millions range in 2020 alone,” said Stefan Loth, Manager of the Wolfsburg Plant at this year’s production site symposium.
Volkswagen to sell RENK shares to Triton
The Board of Management and Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG have approved the sale of the 76 percent stake or approximately 5.3 million shares in the listed company RENK AG to Triton for a purchase price of 97.80 EUR per share which is subject to adjustments in relation to dividend. The planned disposal results in a book value gain according to IFRS of approximately 150 million EUR for the Group and implies a cash inflow of approximately 530 million EUR.
In the agreement of the disposal a long-term location and employment guarantee for the three German sites in Augsburg, Rheine and Hanover until December 31st 2026 was agreed between RENK and Triton. Furthermore, Triton agreed to keep the present legal form of the enterprise and the headquarters of RENK AG. All business divisions at the drive technology specialist are to be continued.
The transaction is subject to foreign investment control and merger control approvals and is independent of the outcome of the voluntary takeover offer to outstanding shareholders of RENK announced by Triton. The transaction between Volkswagen and Triton is expected to be completed by early 2021.
TRATON Proposes To Acquire All Outstanding Common Shares Of Navistar For USD 35 Per Share
TRATON SE (“TRATON”), one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers, today offered to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Navistar International Corporation (“Navistar”) (NYSE: NAV) not already owned by TRATON at a price of USD 35 per share in cash. This represents a 45% premium over Navistar’s closing share price of USD 24.11 on January 29, 2020 and a 19% premium over Navistar’s 90-day volume weighted average price of USD 29.40. TRATON currently owns 16.8% of the outstanding common shares of Navistar.
Season-opener: Volkswagen Classic showcases Italian elegance in Bremen
This year’s classic season opens with a genuine highlight for Volkswagen: from 31 January to 02 February, Volkswagen Classic is celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Karmann Ghia Type 14 at the Bremen Classic Motorshow. Italian elegance combined with solid Beetle technology – represented by the last Type 14 Coupé ever made.
R Experience Ice: Perfect drift near the Arctic Circle
Having a ball in the snow with the T-Roc R – during the R Experience Ice in Sweden, drivers drift across snow and ice on frozen Lake Arvidsjaursjön. Their challenge: to pilot the powerful Volkswagen T-Roc R on glaze in the bitter cold of a region located just south of the Arctic Circle.
17,500 participants in Volkswagen dealer congress
Following more than one and a half years of intensive preparations, the “Brand Experience New Volkswagen” dealer congress is starting at the Autostadt. Up to March 18, 2020, a total of 17,500 dealers from more than 50 countries are to come to Wolfsburg, especially to learn about the new Golf 8, the all-electric ID. 3 and Volkswagen’s New Brand Design.
Matthias Rabe CTO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand
Dr. Matthias Rabe, Head of the Technical Development Operations area at the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, is to take on additional responsibilities in Technical Development at the brand effective February 1, 2020. Under the leadership of Dr. Frank Welsch, Board Member for Technical Development, he will be responsible for steering the Technical Development departments and for the transformation of Technical Development in his role as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Volkswagen Passenger Cars. Rabe takes over these responsibilities from Welsch, who heads Technical Development at the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand and also leads Group Research and Development in his role as CTO of Volkswagen AG. At the brand, Welsch will concentrate on design, concepts and strategy at Technical Development.
Social responsibility: Volkswagen Group and Microsoft expand partnership
The Volkswagen Group and Microsoft Germany have agreed to work together on long-term sustainability and social initiatives. The aim is to promote and jointly implement projects in the context of social responsibility issues, such as sustainability, digital education and training, as well as corporate employee engagement for the common good. A framework agreement between the two companies has been signed.
Holocaust Remembrance Day - Volkswagen remembers the victims of National Socialism and the liberation of Auschwitz 75 years ago
Today, on Holocaust Remembrance Day, Volkswagen remembered the millions of people who were deported, consigned to forced labor, persecuted and murdered during the National Socialist dictatorship. At the invitation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Site, HR Board Member Gunnar Kilian took part in the international commemoration event in Poland together with Christoph Heubner, Vice-President of the International Auschwitz Committee. Guests attending the commemoration events at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg included Sharon Nazarian, Ph.D., Senior Vice-President, International Affairs of the US human rights organization Anti-Defamation League (ADL) from New York, and Rabbi Dr. Yakov Yosef Harety from the Jewish Orthodox community in Wolfsburg.
170,000 tons of CO2 saved: Carbon Fund strengthens climate protection
2020 The Volkswagen Group has launched its own Carbon Fund. The CO2 fund, which is endowed with €25 million annually, is available to all twelve Group brands. They use it to finance their own climate protection projects at their locations worldwide.
Volkswagen donates $2.5 million to Australian bush fire relief and recovery
Volkswagen has today announced the donation of AUD$2.5 million to aid in the relief and recovery of the catastrophic bush fires that continue to burn in eastern and southern Australia.
75th anniversary of the liberation – International Auschwitz Committee and Volkswagen remember Holocaust victims
On Monday, January 27, the liberation of Auschwitz 75 years ago will be commemorated throughout the world. During these days, the International Auschwitz Committee (IAC) and Volkswagen will be holding commemorative events in remembrance of the millions of people who were deported, consigned to forced labor, persecuted and murdered during the Nazi dictatorship. On Monday, HR Board Member Gunnar Kilian will be laying a wreath for the victims of National Socialism on the stone of remembrance at Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg plant. In the afternoon, Kilian will be taking part in the international commemoration event in Poland.
WeShare expands in Europe
WeShare, Volkswagen and ŠKODA’s free-floating car sharing service, is to expand into seven further cities in Germany and other European countries in 2020. Prague and Hamburg in the spring are to be followed by Paris, Madrid, Budapest, Munich and Milan in the course of the year. In all these cities, WeShare will be offering an all-electric fleet with a total of about 8,400 electric vehicles. In Prague and Budapest, WeShare will cooperate with ŠKODA. In the other major cities in Germany, France, Spain and Italy, WeShare vehicles on offer will include Volkswagen’s e-Golf and e-up! as well as the ID.3 from the end of the year. WeShare already started operations in Berlin with 1,500 e-Golf cars in 2019 and the company now has 50,000 registered customers in the city.
Volkswagen upping use of green electricity at its plants
The Volkswagen brand is making good progress towards its target of CO2-neutral production by 2050. The company has now set itself further ambitious targets for 2020 in order to expand the percentage of externally sourced energy from renewable sources at its plants. Andreas Tostmann, Volkswagen Brand Board of Management Member for Production and Logistics, said: “We want to significantly increase the amount of green energy bought in at our plants this year from 70 to 90 per cent.” Besides that, Volkswagen is consistently focussing on natural gas for its own power generation and is switching its power plants in Wolfsburg from coal to gas.
“I’m cold” – The new Golf responds with intelligent climate control
Volkswagen models represent modern functionality and the brand’s typically easy orientation inside the vehicle. With the new Golf, operation is now even more intuitive. A visible and tangible example is the control for the 3-zone automatic air conditioner “Air Care Climatronic”. This newly designed air conditioning system has a Smart Climate menu that can be used to activate specific individual functions such as “Warm feet” or “Clear view” – not only at the press of a button, but also using voice control. The new model is therefore the first Golf to respond interactively to the wishes of the driver and passenger.
Volkswagen Group Refugee Aid: Package of measures helps 5,000 people in need
In Wolfsburg today, Frank Witter, Group Board Member for Finance and IT and Volkswagen Group Refugee Aid sponsor, welcomed the participants of the third intake under the “Train-ing Perspectives for Refugees” project. They will take part in an entry-level qualification program at Volkswagen tailored specifically to their requirements that includes an intensive language course and practical and theoretical vocational preparation as well as an internship at the company where they are training.
TRATON with strong vehicle sales in 2019
In 2019, TRATON SE in its Industrial Business sold 242,200 vehicles of the MAN, Scania, and Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus brands, exceeding the prior-year figure by 4%. This positive development was driven among other things by high demand for trucks in Europe in the first half of the year and a sharp increase in demand in Brazil. However, the market for trucks cooled further in the course of the year, especially in Europe (EU28+2). That is reflected by the fact that the Group’s order intake declined during the year, falling by 7% compared to 2018.
Volkswagen Group records higher deliveries in 2019
Despite shrinking overall markets, the Volkswagen Group grew its worldwide deliveries by 1.3 percent to 10,974,600 vehicles in 2019. Market shares were expanded in all regions, in some cases significantly. Volume growth was achieved in Europe (+3.9 percent) and South America (+3.2 percent) while there were slight falls in North America (-0.5 percent) and Asia-Pacific (-0.4 percent). Strong growth was recorded with electric vehicles. As a re-sult of many new models within the framework of the Group’s electric offensive and grow-ing interest on the part of customers, there was a rise of around 80 percent to more than 140,000 vehicles.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars brings 2019 to a successful close
In 2019, the Volkswagen brand delivered 6,278,300 vehicles throughout the world, exceeding the prior-year figure by 0.5 percent. In a shrinking overall market, the brand therefore significantly expanded its market share. Volume growth was achieved in Europe, South America, Asia-Pacific and the USA. Compared with the previous year, customers’ interest in electrified models grew considerably. More than 80,000 electric vehicles were delivered, corresponding to a marked increase of about 60 percent.
Volkswagen ART4ALL – opening the world of art and culture for everyone
Like every first Thursday of the month and most recently on January 2, visitors to Hamburger Bahnhof – Museum für Gegenwart in Berlin have benefited from a special opportunity: thanks to the 22nd edition of Volkswagen ART4ALL they enjoyed free admission to the internationally renowned contemporary art museum between the hours of 4 and 8 pm. These well-attended monthly exhibition days are supplemented by an individually curated cultural program as well as guided tours and workshops. The feedback coming from visitors of all age groups and backgrounds have been positive throughout.
In the year of the European Football Championship: Volkswagen launches UNITED special edition models
Volkswagen is getting into European Football Championship 2020 fever by offering new special edition models: up!, e-up!, Polo, T-Cross, Golf Variant, Golf Sportsvan, T-Roc, Tiguan Allspace, Touran and Sharan are now all available as a special edition UNITED model. Optional equipment includes the UNITED Plus package and the R-Line Exterior package. Depending on the particular models, customers will also enjoy maximum savings of up to €3,400.
Volkswagen and diconium further expand their corporation
The Volkswagen Group and the founding shareholders of diconium have agreed on the acquisition by Volkswagen of the remaining shares in diconium. By acquiring all of the shares in the company, Volkswagen is strengthening its capabilities in the field of digital sales solutions. These include the development of a global online sales platform which will allow customers of all Group brands to purchase and manage digital services and on demand functions for their fully connected vehicles in the future. For this purpose, diconium will be contributing its key know-how to the Car.Software organization of the Volkswagen Group, which is responsible for developing software for the vehicle, digital ecosystems and customer-oriented functions for sales across the Group brands. The completion of the transaction is still subject to approval by the anti-trust authorities.
Test track on the A39 now operating: Volkswagen collects anonymised data for assisted driving
Starting signal for a forward-looking cooperative project called “Testfeld Niedersachsen” (Lower Saxony Testing Area) On the A39 motorway (Autobahn 39) between the Wolfsburg-Königslutter junction and the municipality of Cremlingen, a seven kilometre-long test track for collecting traffic flow information opened today. On the section operated by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), cameras will record anonymised data on the driving behaviour of different kinds of road users. Using the stretch of road, which has been financed by the State of Lower Saxony and the DLR, Volkswagen hoped to gather new knowledge for the purposes of assisted driving.
Limited to 1000 units: new Arteon R-Line Edition is the most exclusive model in the series
Volkswagen launches Arteon boasting a unique character: with the Arteon R-Line Edition, limited to 1000 units, Volkswagen focuses even more on the dynamics and travel qualities of the Gran Turismo. Exclusive design features, extensive standard equipment and a selection of four powerful turbocharged engines with 140 kW/190 PS to 200 kW/272 PS characterise the special edition, which is available from EUR 55,970 (in Germany).
Volkswagen passes the mark of 250,000 electric vehicles
In mid-December at the Autostadt, the Volkswagen brand delivered the 250,000th electric car since the introduction of the e-up! in 2013. The brand’s electrified model range has been continually expanded in the following years: e-Golf and Golf GTE followed in 2014, the Passat GTE and Passat Variant GTE in 2015. Since 2018, the Passat and Tiguan have been available as plug-in hybrids in China, where they were followed by battery electric versions of the Bora and Lavida this year. The best-selling electric car has been the e-Golf with 104,000 units delivered, followed by the Golf GTE (51,000), Passat Variant GTE (42,000) and e-up! (21,000). Half of the customers opted for a battery electric vehicle and the other half for a plug-in hybrid.
Volkswagen significantly raises electric car production forecast for 2025
Volkswagen’s electric offensive has picked up speed as planned. With the world premiere of the new all-electric ID.3 in September and the start of production at the Zwickau electric vehicle plant in November, the Volkswagen brand has already reached major milestones. 2020 will be dominated by the market introduction of the ID. family. The first ID.3 cars will appear on Europe’s roads in the summer. Over the next few years, Volkswagen intends to become the world market leader in e-mobility and is investing €33 billion in these efforts throughout the group by 2024, including €11 billion in the Volkswagen brand. Under the latest plans, the strategic target of one million electric cars is expected to be reached end of 2023, two years earlier than previously predicted. The Volkswagen brand expects 1.5 million electric cars to be produced in 2025.
World première: Revolution in the underground car park – Volkswagen lets its charging robots loose
Volkswagen provides a glimpse into the future in which the search for charging stations for electric cars comes to an end. Volkswagen Group Components’ mobile charging robot takes over this task – and drives to the electric car completely autonomously.
Volkswagen making good headway with transformation
The Volkswagen brand will be launching 34 new models worldwide next year, including twelve SUVs and eight electric or hybrid vehicles. Volkswagen COO Ralf Brandstätter commented: “We are at the beginning of a new era. We mean business with e-mobility. The brand will be investing €19 billion in future technologies through 2024, €11 billion alone in the further development of e-mobility. And Volkswagen starts the biggest electric offensive in the automotive industry next year: The ID.3 goes on sale in the summer, soon followed by the ID.Next, our first electric SUV. Our ID. family makes emission-free mobility accessible to many people for the first time. That is New Volkswagen.”
Top marks for the new Golf: five stars in the Euro NCAP test
Dream start with five stars: the new Golf has achieved the highest score in the Euro NCAP crash test (European New Car Assessment Programme). Auditors gave the new compact model very high ratings on all criteria – for the protection of adult occupants, children and vulnerable road users as well as in terms of assistance systems.
Car.Software organization strengthens Board of Management
The Volkswagen Group’s Car.Software organization is strengthening its Board of Management. With effect from January 1, 2020, Björn Goerke is to be the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the Car.Software organization. To date, Goerke has been Chief Technology Officer and President SAP Cloud Platform with the software company SAP. In his new function, he is to report to Christian Senger, Volkswagen brand Board of Management Member with responsibility for Digital Car & Services and CEO of the Car.Software Organization.
20 years of Place of Remembrance: permanent exhibition investigates early history of Volkswagen and Nazi forced Labor
This December, the “Place of Remembrance of Forced Labor in the Volkswagen Factory” reaches its 20th anniversary. The historic exhibition explores the early history of Volkswagen and forced labor during the Nazi dictatorship. The permanent exhibition in a former air raid shelter of the present Volkswagen plant at Wolfsburg is visited by about 3,500 people each year. Guests from across the globe not only come from the Volkswagen Group but also from other companies, schools and universities. They are guided through the exhibition by members of the Volkswagen Heritage team. To register for a tour, potential visitors only need to send an email to history@volkswagen.de.
‘Project Qatar Mobility’: Self-driving shuttles set to take Doha's local public transport to the next level in 2022
For the first time ever a cutting-edge fleet of self-driving Level 4 electric shuttles will usher in a new era of urban mobility in a capital city in 2022: Earlier today in Doha, representatives of Volkswagen AG and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) signed the ‘Project Qatar Mobility’. The goal is to develop a ground-breaking autonomous transport project and transform the future of urban mobility to a sustainable and commercial deployment of AD shuttles and bus services – even beyond 2022. Fostering a cross-brand collaboration as blueprint for future Autonomous Driving (AD) solutions, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania, MOIA and AID-Autonomous Intelligent Driving will play an important role in this project. During the largest sporting event in the world, Qatar will thus be the venue for the world’s first emission-free, electric and autonomous public transport system.
Volkswagen Group honors its best apprentices
The Volkswagen Group today presented its “Best Apprentice Awards 2019” to its best apprentices from all over the world, honoring their outstanding performance and professional competence. The prizes for the 49 young talents with 19 vocations were presented by the Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, Dr. Herbert Diess, the Member of the Board of Management with responsibility for Human Resources, Gunnar Kilian, and the President of the Global Group Works Council, Bernd Osterloh.
Volkswagen introduces new remuneration model for 18,000 managers worldwide
Volkswagen is introducing a new remuneration system for managers in the Group from 2020. The new model applies for some 18,000 managers worldwide and is based on the revised system for the Board of Management and top management already in effect. The central goal is to strengthen entrepreneurship. The new model takes return targets into account and establishes a link to share prices, it reinforces the Group idea, fosters cooperation between Group brands, companies and regions. At the same time, the system strengthens integrity and compliant conduct because it includes the possibility of taking individual wrongdoing into account when determining the variable remuneration element.
Volkswagen Group again delivers more vehicles in November
In November, the Volkswagen Group delivered 988,800 vehicles to customers throughout the world, corresponding to a rise of 5.1 percent compared with November 2018. The Group therefore once again grew its market share in all key regions, in some cases considerably. The regions concerned included China, the Group’s largest single market. The Group boosted deliveries there by 5.1 percent despite shrinkage in the overall market. Significant growth was also recorded in Europe (+6.4 percent) and Germany (+9.1 percent). These rises were markedly higher than the moderate falls as a result of WLTP in November 2018. The Volkswagen Group also succeeded in expanding its market shares in the regions of North and South America. Dr. Christian Dahlheim, Head of Volkswagen Group Sales: “In November, the brands of the Volkswagen Group once again showed strong delivery performance. For the period from January to November, we exceeded the prior-year level for the first time this year, despite considerable adverse effects from the markets. We are confident that we will bring 2019 to a successful close.”
Refreshingly different: the T-Roc Cabriolet is now available for order
Volkswagen is opening up a whole new dimension in its model range as pre-sales of the new T-Roc Cabriolet now get underway. The open-top variant of the successful crossover T-Roc embodies a concept that is unique in the compact class: the raised seating position of an SUV, a strikingly extrovert design and the open-air feel of a convertible. On top of this, the new T-Roc Cabriolet features the latest generation of infotainment. Enhanced comfort is ensured by numerous assistance systems, some of which are optional. Prices for the new compact CUV start at €27,495 with the 1.0 TSI 85 kW/115 PS and 6-speed manual gearbox.
The sound of e-mobility: ID.3 attracts attention with its own driving sound
As of July 2019 all newly registered electric vehicles must produce an artificial driving sound. Yesterday, the ID.3’s sound design was presented at the DRIVE. Forum in Berlin as part of the Future Sounds event. The almost silent, electric drive offers great potential for brand-specific sound design that not only draws attention to the car, but also to the brand. Consequently, Volkswagen-branded electric vehicles could soon be recognisable by their sound.
Further improvement in mood among employees
Volkswagen employees see the company on the right track as regards cooperation, leadership and integrity. This is the conclusion drawn from the most recent Volkswagen Stimmungsbarometer (opinion barometer), an employee survey that regularly gives employees throughout the company the opportunity to express their views on topics such as leadership, cooperation, integrity and culture while retaining their anonymity. The survey was conducted for the eleventh time in 2019 over a period of several weeks in October and November, and the results for Volkswagen AG’s German plants are now available.
Volkswagen passenger cars grows deliveries in November
The Volkswagen brand delivered 586,400 vehicles worldwide in November, 3.9 percent more than in November 2018. Volkswagen made further gains in market shares in a shrinking overall global market. That also applies to China, the brand’s largest single market, where Volkswagen grew deliveries by 4.0 percent despite the shrinkage in the overall Chinese market. Significant growth was also recorded in the USA (+9.1 percent) and Brazil (+12.3 percent). Developments in Germany were even more gratifying, with growth of 20.2 percent.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars introduces new maintenance concept
This week, the Volkswagen brand is introducing a new maintenance concept for its vehicles with the launch of the Golf 8. Over the course of next year, the concept will be extended to all the models of the brand. Achim Schaible, Head of the After Sales & Dealer Network of the Volkswagen brand, explains: “The high quality of our vehicles allows us to double the inspection service interval in Europe to 24 months. We are therefore one of the few volume brands to call our customers into the workshops less frequently. In addition, our new standard inspection service is to replace the previous service. This way, we are considerably simplifying the maintenance program and making it more transparent for our customers and partners.”
The new benchmark in the compact class: sales of the new Golf get underway
Sales of the new Golf get underway in Germany today. Volkswagen dealerships will be presenting the latest edition of Europe’s most popular car in their showrooms, starting this Friday. It is the most progressive Golf of all time. The standard features of the basic version of the new Golf include a digital cockpit, access to online services, LED headlights and LED tail light clusters as well as a number of assist systems. The Golf is also the first ever Volkswagen to make use of traffic swarm intelligence via Car2X to enable advance hazard warnings. The new Golf will be available with four sustainable TSI and TDI engines at its launch, with fuel consumption reduced by up to 17%. During the launch phase, the engines can be configured with the new “Life” equipment line. The basic price of the Golf Life 1.5 TSI with 96 kW/130 PS: €27,510.
JETTA brand successfully launched in Chinese market
Volkswagen has successfully launched its sub-brand JETTA in China with the new SUV VS5 and the VA3 sedan. Since market entry in September, nearly 30,000 vehicles were delivered to customers. This makes the JETTA launch the most successful recent brand introduction in China, taking into account the first three months of sales. Almost 80 percent of JETTA deliveries were SUVs. With the new JETTA brand, Volkswagen is targeting young Chinese customers who are looking for an entry into the world of Volkswagen.
Personnel changes at Volkswagen Design
There are to be leadership changes at Volkswagen Design: Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer at the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, will take over as Head of Group Design effective April 1, 2020, initially serving in both capacities. Jozef Kabaň will lead Design at the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand from July 1, 2020. Michael Mauer, who currently heads both Group Design and Design at Porsche, will concentrate on his responsibilities at Porsche once the changes have come into effect.
In brief: Key components for a new era – the battery system
Up to 550 kilometres with just one battery charge: Volkswagen’s fully electric ID.3 has impressive driving dynamics and great ranges. It is the first model of a product line of vehicles based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB). Its fast charging capability allows the ID.3 to be recharged with 100 kW charging power within 30 minutes for a range of around 290 kilometres (WLTP). This is made possible by the heart of the electric vehicle: the battery. The ID.3 is fitted with a high-voltage battery system which looks similar to a bar of chocolate. Up to twelve battery modules are fitted and connected with each other inside the system. The Volkswagen Group Components plant in Brunswick will produce up to 500,000 of these energy storage devices per year in future. But how does such a battery system work?
Production of the T-Roc Cabriolet begins in Osnabrück
Production of Volkswagen's new T-Roc Cabriolet starts today at the Osnabrück plant. The plant's facilities, including the production and logistics operations, were extensively optimised in advance for the Volkswagen brand's only convertible.
ʺLife happens with a Golfʺ: New Volkswagen marketing campaign starts on 6 December
On 6 December the Volkswagen brand is starting a new marketing campaign for the Golf 8 in Germany. The claim: ʺLife happens with a Golfʺ. In the first quarter of 2020 the campaign will be rolled out to further countries in Europe. It comprises a total of more than 450 elements, including digital assets, social media content, commercials and out-of-home advertising. The campaign was developed by Voltage, the Volkswagen lead agency for Europe.
Volkswagen ID.R is “Electric Racing Car of the Year”
The “Electric Racing Car of the Year” award was presented to the fully-electrically driven Volkswagen ID.R at the “Race Night” on the eve of the Essen Motor Show. This year’s auto show (30 November to 8 December 2019) is once again proving to be a major attraction for car and motorsport fans from all over Europe. The prize, awarded by Auto Bild sportscars and Auto Bild motorsport, acknowledges the technology and successes of the 500 kW (680 PS) electric racing car, which has set five records in four countries, on three continents, in the past two years.
Mobility Makers and Shuttle Fleets: What Volkswagen is planning for the 2020 European Football Championships
The eyes of the football world are set on Bucharest this Saturday: In the Romanian capital, the six preliminary groups of the 2020 European Football Championship will be drawn. As the official mobility partner, Volkswagen is eagerly awaiting this tournament, which is being staged for the first time across the entire continent.
Race car meets production model: Volkswagen ID.R and ID.3 at the Essen Motor Show
The ID.R electric racing car and the new ID.3 will meet at the Essen Motor Show (30 November to 08 December 2019). The prototype for the racetrack and the large-scale production model for road use will be presented to the public in Hall 3 of the largest tuning fair in Europe. At first glance, the two electro pioneers represent two vehicle concepts that could hardly be more different. However, the ID.R, which has been setting records around the world since 2018, and the Volkswagen ID.3, which was presented for the first time in September, share more than just the electric drivetrain. The development of the ID.R and its appearances have provided valuable information for the series development of the ID. family. At the same time, production development supported the Volkswagen Motorsport team with know-how gained during large-scale production.
Volkswagen delivers 100,000th e-Golf
Volkswagen yesterday delivered the 100,000th e-Golf in the Gläserne Manufaktur Dresden. The model was launched in 2014 as the Volkswagen brand’s second battery electric vehicle (BEV) after the e-up! (2013). The e-Golf is one of the most successful electric vehicles in Europe and is also popular with customers in other countries – including the USA. The new ID.3 will be assembled in Dresden from fall 2020. In addition, the location is to be made even more attractive as a destination for visitors and customers.
Volkswagen is making faster progress towards sustainable and efficient production
Volkswagen Group is making faster progress towards sustainable and efficient production. At the same time, the company continues to make good progress towards reducing its production costs. Oliver Blume, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Group and Chairman of the Board of Porsche AG says: "We are producing more environmentally friendly than ever. From 2010 to the end of 2019, the environmental impact per produced vehicle is expected to drop by more than 37 per cent.” To address offsetting trends, performance measures estimated at one billion euros are also being made in production, and productivity is increasing by six per cent. At the same time, however, Blume emphasises that further efficiency measures must not be neglected.
Ready for the electric future: Volkswagen is focusing its motorsport strategy on e-mobility
Volkswagen is focusing its motorsport strategy on electric mobility. A clear emphasis on fully electric racing cars will be backed up by the farewell to factory-backed commitments using internal combustion engines. "The role as a technological pioneer will continue to be taken over by the ID.R electric race car, which has set important milestones for electric mobility with records at Pikes Peak (USA), Nürburgring (D), Goodwood (GB) and Tianmen (CN). In addition, Volkswagen Motorsport will develop new motorsport concepts for the ID. family on the basis of the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB), on which numerous electric production vehicles will be based.
Handover of the first Volkswagen T-Roc R in the Autostadt to customer
High performance combined with exceptionally sporty design – the top-of-the-line products of each Volkswagen model series are christened with the letter “R.” With the T-Roc R, the first top model bearing the characteristic R signet was handed over to its new owner at the Autostadt in Wolfsburg. A new era has just begun for Volkswagen R. The new T-Roc R opens a model offensive for the company’s own sports brand, which will present further Volkswagen R models in 2020.
New engine added to the T-Cross range: high-performance model now available to order
Volkswagen’s T-Cross gets its most powerful engine yet. The compact SUV is now available to order with a 1.5-litre TSI with 110 kW/150 PS. The new power unit adds a unique, sporty option to the existing T-Cross engine range. Prices for the T-Cross with the new top-of-the-range engine start at €25,690 in Germany.
Volkswagen Group China to invest over 4 billion Euro in 2020
Volkswagen Group China, together with its Chinese partners, plans to invest over 4 billion Euro next year, with around 40 percent of this investment going towards e-mobility. This will accel-erate the Group’s electrification strategy, which will be strengthened next year through the start of production of models based on the modular electric drive toolkit MEB in Anting (SAIC VOLKSWAGEN) and Foshan (FAW-Volkswagen). Both factories are specifically designed for manufacturing all-electric cars.
Volkswagen and Hamburg extend strategic mobility partnership
The strategic mobility partnership between the Volkswagen Group and the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg is to be extended. The focus lies on support for e-mobility, innovative mobility services, intelligent transport networking and the use of self-driving vehicles. The aim is to bring about a lasting improvement in inner city quality of life through innovative mobility solutions. In concrete terms, this means that under the second phase of the partnership, WeShare is to be launched in Hamburg from spring 2020, following on from its successful premier in Berlin; the service will consist of an all-electric fleet of e-Golf and e-up!, to be joined by the ID.3 at a later date.
Volkswagen strengthens new software organization
Volkswagen strengthens its Car.Software organization with its Group responsibility for in-car software. Starting January 1, 2020, the Car.Software organization will operate as an in-dependent business unit. As a Group company, the Car.Software organization will centralize the associates and subsidiaries within the Group that develop car software and software for the digital ecosystems. Initially, around 3,000 digital experts from the software-related associates and subsidiaries will be grouped together in this unit. The Car.Software organization will be based at Audi Electronics Venture GmbH, and will incorporate other German sites, for example in Berlin, Bochum, the Ingolstadt area, the Stuttgart area, and in Wolfsburg. International locations of the software organization include Seattle and Beijing. Going forward, digital experts from the different Group brands and regions will also work together under the mantle of the Car.Software organization.