All Stories
This section contains stories on topics concerning Volkswagen.
A production facility that has become part of the family - Happy Birthday, Salzgitter!
When the Volkswagen plant in Salzgitter went into operation half a century ago, Georg Schoske was already an old hand at the company. “I had been manufacturing the Beetle in Wolfsburg since 1962. It was fun. But when Salzgitter opened, you didn’t have to ask me for long,” the 81-year-old recalls. Even then, Schoske lived with his family in Steinlah – 60 kilometers from the Wolfsburg plant, but only 20 kilometers from the Salzgitter plant. Even before the official inauguration, he switched. Since then the factory has become a family affair. Son Rainer Schoske (55) started his professional life in Salzgitter, as did grandson Marvin Schoske (23). Three generations – one factory.
On the way to becoming a climate-neutral company
The fight against global warming is one of the most important global challenges. We explain what Volkswagen is doing for climate protection. We have also compiled assessments of climate change by leading scientists in a dossier.
No more doubt – mankind is responsible
We have compiled a dossier with assessments on climate change by leading scientists. For them, one thing is clear: mankind bears a crucial responsibility for global warming.
Food supply at risk
We have compiled assessments on climate change by leading scientists in a dossier. They warn: Unabated global warming has dramatic consequences for the whole of humanity – whether through crop failures, wars or the spread of disease.
“What matters is the political framework”
We have compiled assessments on climate change by leading scientists in a dossier. Gunnar Luderer is Deputy Chair of the Department for Sustainable Transformation Pathways at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). In an interview, he explains how individuals can act to protect the climate – and what politicians should do. In addition to his duties at PIK, Luderer is Professor for Global Energy Systems Analysis at the Technical University of Berlin.
“Technology alone will not solve the climate problem”
Prof. Barbara Lenz heads the Institute of Transport Research at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). In an interview she talks about mobility after corona, climate protection and alternative propulsion systems.
“Diversity is a strong competitive advantage”
On Christopher Street Day (CSD), the LGBTIQ* movement has been campaigning for tolerance and against discrimination for more than 40 years. This year, the demonstration will take place as an online event under the motto “Pride Live” in light of the corona pandemic. In an interview, Elke Heitmüller, Head of Diversity Management, and Thore Masekowitz, LGBTIQ* and friends network spokesperson, talk about Volkswagen’s involvement in the CSD movement and the importance of diversity within the company.
“A wonderful long-distance travelling companion”
Coinciding with the world premiere there is a lot of praise for the new Arteon and the new Arteon Shooting Brake. Those fans include Jürgen Stackmann, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen brand responsible for Sales, and Klaus Zyciora, Head of Volkswagen Group Design. With the Fastback and Shooting Brake there will be two versions of the Arteon in future. The entire series will receive a comprehensive technical update.
“We want to develop our own software platform”
Here we go! That is the message that runs through Christian Senger’s speech on this day. In less than two weeks, the Car.Software organization within the Volkswagen Group switches from the start-up phase to operational mode. Starting in July, it will use its own budget and staff to develop a powerful digital platform for all Group brands and markets. “We are moving from planning to doing,” says Senger, CEO of the Car.Software organization.
“Disappointment has quickly given way to a more optimistic mood”
In an interview, Jürgen Stackmann, member of the Brand Board of Management at Volkswagen Passenger Cars in charge of Sales, Marketing and After Sales, explains why he can now see the positive side of the postponement of the European Football Championship.
Medical aid supplies: Last consignment landed in Germany
Volkswagen Group is supporting the fight against the corona pandemic with medical supplies worth €40 million – the last major consignment by air freight recently arrived at Hanover Airport. A total of eight million protective masks, six million pairs of disposable gloves, 300,000 protective suits, 200,000 protective glasses, 10,000 handheld infrared measuring devices and 320,000 liters of disinfectant have arrived in Germany.
Ordering a car around the clock
As soon as possible. As simple as possible. Around the clock if possible. The digital vehicle business is gaining in importance – this is particularly visible during corona times. Examples from Sweden and the Netherlands.
„We need a climate partnership between governments and car manufacturers“
Rob de Jong is head of the Air Quality and Mobility Unit at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). In the interview he talks about lessons learned from the Corona pandemic, climate-friendly transport and the responsibility of the automotive industry.
“We are realizing that we don’t have to travel for every appointment”
State Minister Dorothee Bär (CSU) is the Federal Government Commissioner for Digitization. In an interview she talks about obstacles regarding broadband expansion, mobility during corona times and the demand for a right to home office.
Volkswagen´s Commitment in South Africa: “If we don’t do it, nobody will”
Thomas Schäfer, Head of Volkswagen Group South Africa, talks in an interview about the automaker’s extraordinary dedication in the fight against the corona pandemic.
“The distinctive JETTA design should enter the mind”
Less than a year after entering the market, the new JETTA brand is on the road to success in China. Since September, JETTA has already delivered about 81,000 vehicles to customers and has achieved one of the best start-up phases for new automobile brands in China. In an interview, Volkswagen Group Head of Design Klaus Bischoff talks about brand values, the preferences of Chinese customers and the secret of an unmistakable identity.
Highlights from three decades of Wörthersee GTI meeting
From 100 to 100,000 international fans: We are referring to the legendary Wörthersee GTI meeting. The Coronavirus situation has led to the cancellation of this year’s “madness on the lake”. To heighten anticipation of a swift reunion, we are using this Ascension Day to look back on some selected Wörthersee highlights from the last 39 years.
“The lights are now set on green for most suppliers”
Production has restarted – not only at Volkswagen, but also at thousands of suppliers who supply the car factories with components. In Europe, companies from the two countries that were particularly hard hit by the corona crisis play an important role: Italy and Spain.
Golf GTI – eight generations, each with that distinctive front
The powerhouse in the compact class: in the 1970s, the Golf GTI – now in its eighth generation in 2020 – was a cult car from the word go. We reveal what makes the punchy front of the GTI so special, and how this has developed over the past half century. Marco Pavone, Head of Exterior Design for the Volkswagen Brand, explains the generations and the latest GTI model.
China’s shift to online sales
When Michael Mayer steps outside his front door, the street market is not far away. Within a matter of minutes, he reaches the Sanyuanli fruit and vegetable market, located in the heart of Beijing. He has not taken his wallet with him for three years. “Across the entire market, people pay only by smartphone. That’s still in its infancy in Europe – here it works across the board,” says Mayer, Head of Sales and Marketing for the Volkswagen brand in China – this is the country where the corona pandemic first spread.
On the trail of MacGyver
The Volkswagen plant in Emden normally produces the Passat and Arteon. These days, the employees produce self-designed disinfectant dispensers in addition.
“Digitalization makes many paths avoidable”
Prof. Irene Bertschek is a digitization expert at the ZEW – Leibniz Center for European Economic Research in Mannheim and advisor to the German government on innovation issues. In an interview she explains how artificial intelligence can steer our mobility sector and which digital solutions of the corona era will be long-lasting.
“The restart will be just as demanding as the shutdown”
With the restart of production, Volkswagen Group logistics specialist Fred Maretzke and his fellow colleagues are faced with a tough job: some plants are waiting for deliveries, others have a full stock, while others are preparing for a cautious restart. “We now have to bring everything under one roof and synchronize it bit by bit,” says the 53-year-old. Maretzke’s advantage is that he has a well-established network of hauliers and other partners behind him with whom he has mastered complicated tasks in recent weeks.
New signing from Osnabrück – the T-Roc Cabriolet
What makes spring the best of seasons? Having the soft top down and cruising leisurely through the countryside, of course. A host of Volkswagen models have had their top down for more than 70 years, and many of these were developed and produced in Osnabrück, a site that specialises in producing convertibles. The same is true of the new T-Roc Cabriolet, currently Volkswagen’s only convertible, which has recently started rolling off the site’s production lines as the latest model in a rich history of successful Volkswagen convertibles.
Young reporters at the Karajan Music Tech Conference: "And suddenly you're online"
For the Karajan Music Tech Conference, the Karajan Institute, with the support of Volkswagen, organised a workshop with JungeReporter, which gave prospective editors insights into journalistic working techniques. The workshop and conference took place entirely online.
“The shift to electric mobility continues”
Following the Corona-related break, Volkswagen in Zwickau is slowly ramping up production of the fully electric ID.3 this week. With the restart on Thursday, Zwickau will be the company’s first vehicle plant in Germany to be gradually brought back into operation.
Emerging stronger from the crisis – with calmness, consideration and serenity
The outbreak of Covid-19 presents Volkswagen with challenges worldwide. In China, Volkswagen's largest single market, the most severe effects of the virus for the Volkswagen Group China have been overcome - also regarding production in its 33 factories across the country. Almost all of the plants have started up again and are already well utilized. Karsten Schnake and Frank Engel and their teams worked hard for this success. Schnake heads up purchasing at Volkswagen Group China, while Engel is responsible for component activities, logistics and quality assurance. In the interview, they talk about their experiences in coping with the crisis in China.
The Sharan – your office on the move
Germany is stuck in the home office. The team meeting via video call has barely started, and that’s when the phone rings and the children come in for playing: anyone managing their job from home and perhaps also looking after the children as well has the urge for a ‘time out’ now and again. Simply to see something different, and simply to get some fresh air when they take a break from looking at the computer screen. And precisely that is possible with the Sharan: because, with just a few adjustments and a little creativity, the Volkswagen people carrier converts into the office on wheels.
When the vision becomes reality
While production at the Zwickau vehicle plant is at a standstill, work on Volkswagen’s electrical future continues in the pilot hall there. Not only are the distance rules strictly adhered to – the motivation of the employees is also high.
How a VW service center operates during corona times
Avoiding personal contact with the customer? This is actually a no-go for employees in Volkswagen service centers. In the fight against corona, they have to rethink in order to ensure that customers, especially the rescue services, remain mobile. This can only be achieved through consistent measures.
How Volkswagen is navigating its charter ships through the crisis
Suspended production, closed ports, sick sailors – Nina Cordes-Klasing and her colleagues from Overseas Vehicle Logistics at Volkswagen face all kinds of challenges in times of corona.
The benchmark of its time – for decades
Clear lines, pure design – the new Volkswagen was a revolution in 1974. It was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, who created a genuine icon. Since then, the Golf has inspired time and time again – the latest generation, the eighth, was designed by Volkswagen Group Chief Designer, Klaus Bischoff, and his team. 46 years passed between the first and the latest model. The two designers were faced with very different challenges, and yet one question connects them both: how do you create a design that stands the test of time?
“Our fight against corona is like a long-distance race”
For the treatment of corona patients, clinics and medical practices lack equipment. Volkswagen is donating respiratory masks and other materials worth 40 million euros. A team of experts has organized the first delivery of 400,000 protective masks from China. We present four people behind the operation.
Chinese customers rely on the safety of their own cars
Mobility in the city – that also means: little space on the subway, shared taxis, lots of people, in a limited area. In China, there are indications that the corona pandemic is increasing the desire to travel in a protected space. In a recent study by the market research institute Ipsos, two out of three respondents say that they prefer their own car to public transport. Twice as many as before the corona outbreak.
“On the Chinese market, hope is returning”
Just two months ago, China was considered the center of the corona pandemic. Meanwhile, there are signs of relaxation, with the car industry also slowly returning to normality. Production of vehicles and components has resumed at 22 of 24 Volkswagen locations.
“It was clear to us that human lives were at stake”
It is Monday morning when Anna Levina first learns of her huge task: As quickly as possible the Volkswagen logistics expert and her team are to bring respiratory masks, disinfectants and other medical products from China to Germany. Every day counts because the spread of the corona virus is causing hospitals and doctors’ surgeries to run out of material. The company is therefore donating urgently required equipment. “I had to take a deep breath first,” confesses Anna Levina. “We are used to short-term requests. But this job was special.”
“We have a sound foundation”
The corona epidemic poses major challenges for the entire global economy. In an interview with the German daily financial newspaper, Börsen-Zeitung, CFO Frank Witter explains how the Volkswagen Group is dealing with the situation.
Car2X in the new Golf: A “technological milestone”
German Automotive Association ADAC tested one of its functionalities, traffic hazard alert, and called it a “technological milestone”. Euro NCAP, as an independent organisation, has particularly honoured it – with the “Advanced Award”, the special award for ground-breaking safety features.
“The MEB is a decisive plus point”
The battery is considered the heart of modern electric cars. Frank Blome heads the Battery Cell business unit at Volkswagen Group Components. In an interview, he explains how the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) works and what progress can be expected in battery technology.
When the vision becomes reality
During the visit of the Volkswagen Sustainability Council, the Zwickau facility demonstrates how much the transition to climate-friendly e-mobility is transforming the location. The independent experts are impressed.
The big cost comparison: e-car vs. combustion engine
The ID.3 is intended to make e-mobility affordable and practical for everyone. For customers, its total costs are already on a par with those of comparable combustion engine vehicles – and even lower.
Battery or fuel cell, that is the question
E-battery or hydrogen – what is the most sustainable mobility strategy? We explain where, according to the current state of play, the decisive advantages of the e-drive system lie in comparison to the fuel cell. And why Volkswagen’s decision to consistently promote e-mobility is the right one.
Seven big misconceptions – E-car fact check
Expensive, dangerous, unpredictable: there are many reservations about electric cars. We concentrate on seven – and fact check them.
Lithium mining: What you should know about the contentious issue
Electric cars are significant contributors to climate protection – but the mining of lithium for the batteries is often criticized. The discussion focuses on the extraction of raw materials in the South American salt deserts. Questions and answers for a more informed debate.
Fact-finding expedition to the lithium desert of Chile
Does lithium mining harm the inhabitants of the Atacama Desert in Chile? Repeated reports have been published – but for a reliable overall picture the facts are not available. Franziska Killiches, an expert for sustainable raw materials procurement at Volkswagen, therefore set out to investigate the matter herself.
„The efficiency of pure battery-electric vehicles is much higher” (Frank Welsch)
Battery-powered or hydrogen-powered electric cars? In Germany, this controversy never seems to come to an end. But the facts are clear. We explain the significant advantages of the electric drive over the fuel cell according to latest research. And why Volkswagen’s decision to push e-mobility forward is absolutely right.
Zwickau: flagship of e-mobility
Angela Merkel was a witness today, on 4th of November, when Volkswagen finally entered the age of e-mobility. In the presence of the German Chancellor and Volkswagen CEO Herbert, the first ID.3 production vehicle rolled off the assembly line in Zwickau, in the Free State of Saxony.
For millions, not for millionaires
Volkswagen Group has been converting its Zwickau factory in the Free State of Saxony to e-mobility since 2018. It will be completed in 2020. 1.2 billion euros is the investment in the state-of-the-art location. The three-year conversion is very challenging since it is taking place while production is continuing.
“Programming things no one has ever programmed before”
Nadja Bogdanova works as a UX/UI designer at Volkswagen’s Smart.Production:Lab working on the interface between users and software developers.
T-Roc on the Rocks
The 221-kW (300-PS) T-Roc R is the sportiest version of Volkswagen’s compact crossover. Works driver and professional racing driver Benjamin Leuchter was heavily involved in developing the high-performance model. On one of the Volkswagen Driving Experience’s winter training courses in Arvidsjaur, Sweden, he tested the driving characteristics of the T-Roc R and explained its advantages in icy conditions.
“Our hybrids combine the best of both worlds”
Many new Volkswagen brand models’ feature an electric motor in addition to a conventional drive. In an interview, Frank Welsch, Board Member for Development, explains the advantages of hybrid vehicles.
The customer decides which technology meets their requirements
At the Volkswagen brand, cars such as the Golf GTE and the Touareg R celebrate their world premieres. In an interview, COO Ralf Brandstätter talks about the further development of various drive systems and the switch to climate-friendly e-mobility.
Powering into the future with a single gear
February 29, 2020 is a leap year day. We show how Volkswagen Group revolutionized the automatic transmission with the DSG dual-clutch transmission and and how to change gear on the e-drive.
“NO LIMITS by VW”: Racing pros test their limits
High mountain peaks. Snowy meadows. Three people in a T-Roc R. “What do you think about me switching into sport mode?” asks the young man behind the wheel. “Go for it,” his front-seat passenger agrees and turns to the young woman in the back. “It was nice knowing you,” he says with a grin. A step on the gas. Strong acceleration. Then off they go into the next curve. Loud laughter.
Green energy supplier Elli draws a positive conclusion
The switch to e-mobility only makes sense if there is a consistent expansion of renewable energy at the same time. With Elli, Volkswagen has established its own green energy provider. For a year now, the company has been helping its customers achieve their own personal energy transition – time for an initial interim assessment.
‘Volkswagen is entering a new age with the ID.3’
The ID.3 is the first model in the fully electric ID. family. In an interview, Jürgen Stackmann explains why electric vehicles are now the right choice for many people and talks about the role played by the long-term communication strategy.
75th Anniversary: Volkswagen Remembers the Liberation of Auschwitz
Volkswagen Group commemorates the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp with a wreath-laying ceremony and exhibition in memory of the victims of the Holocaust.
In good shape for the winter
Winter is here and hopefully your car is prepared for it. If not, that’s not a problem! The following tips and utensils ensure your car is prepared for (almost) every situation involving ice and snow.
100% E: the mega conversion in Zwickau
The ID.3 represents the dawning of a new era. Not just because it is based on a new vehicle platform, but because the car also sees the launch of new developments and a paradigm shift. Reinhard de Vries, managing director of technology and logistics at Volkswagen Sachsen, talks about the challenges and special moments on the path towards electric mobility.
Why the ID.3 is New Volkswagen
Dr Silke Bagschik’s role in the ID. project is to look after the interests of customers, dealers and employees by generating and maintaining interest in electric vehicles. In episode 17 of ‘Becoming ID.’, the 45-year-old head of e-mobility sales and marketing tells us how she is achieving this and why the ID.3 represents New Volkswagen like no other model.
‘I love this car’
Few other cars are so deeply rooted in the lives of their drivers as the Golf. In the series entitled ‘It’s my Life’, we present people who drive the Golf – and live for it. In part 7, Benny Leuchter confesses his love for the Golf VII GTI Clubsport S.
On the trail of the future
To explore technologies and discover trends that will shape the future – that is the mission of Florian Neukart, Director of Advanced Technologies and IT Innovation at Volkswagen Group of America.
“This data is doubly valuable”
The “Lower Saxony testing ground” has been taken into operation between Wolfsburg and Brunswick (Braunschweig). Volkswagen is also using this new, 7 km test route. There are two reasons for this: in the short term, the aim is to gain further knowledge for assisted driving such as Car2X, and in the longer term the software for developing automated driving is to be improved.
Why the ID.3 will be a bestseller
From the MQB to the MEB, the biggest transformation since the Golf is set to begin at Volkswagen with the launch of the ID. family. Head developer Frank Bekemeier had to completely rethink electric mobility in order to build up to three million fully electric vehicles by 2025 as planned.
One for five
Few other cars are so deeply rooted in the lives of their drivers as the Golf. In the series entitled ‘It’s my Life’, we present people who drive the Golf – and live for it. In part 6, Ulrike Gerwin explains why her Golf VI is just the right car for her family of five.
The future begins in Los Angeles
With the “Building an Electric Future” exhibition, Volkswagen and the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles are offering an insight into the development of the mobility of tomorrow.
Volkswagen lets its charging robots loose
Volkswagen Group Components presents a new and visionary charging concept. Mobile robots will charge electric vehicles completely autonomously in future. Every parking space can become a charging point.
“Football means all of us”
For the past year now, the Volkswagen brand has been supporting football in all its diversity as a partner of both the German Football Association (DFB) and the German national team. A look back.
On the road with Santa Claus
Professional Santas are working non-stop right now – and are sometimes pretty stressed out too: so many children, so many presents, so many stops city-wide where people need to be made happy. So it’s good if these Santas have the right sleigh to ride.
Behind the scenes: A VW Christmas with the Fokken family
Volkswagen employee Michael Fokken and his family play the leading role in Volkswagen's new Christmas film.
Smiling faces at Christmas
Think of others and give joy: At Christmas time, numerous Volkswagen Group employees’ collect and donate money for good causes. We provide an insight into various Christmas initiatives.
"We are in the first wave of transformation"
Prof. Ferdinand Dudenhöffer from Duisburg’s CAR-Center Automotive Research is one of the best-known automotive experts. In an interview, he talks about the upheaval in the industry, the prospects for e-mobility and Germany as an automotive location.
New Volkswagen – how does a global brand reinvent itself?
New drive technology, new design, new logo. Volkswagen practically reinvented itself last year. “New Volkswagen” is an expression of this.
‘The Golf is just right’
We present people who drive the Golf. Personal stories of life with the automotive icon. In the fifth part, Reinhold Rupperath from Effelsberg, Germany presents his Golf V GTI.
SUV offensive: How we are strengthening the core business
In 2019, SUVs were fully on-trend. In line with this, Volkswagen celebrated two milestones, unveiled its smallest vehicle in the segment, and will in future be focusing on zero-emission SUVs.
How we are expanding our model range
The year 2019 was dominated by transformation and product offensives. Volkswagen is thus pursuing the major goal of transforming its fleet to e-mobility while at the same time, further expanding its market share and profitability.
A Visit to Paradise
“That is absolutely awesome!” Marco Degenhardt’s eyes lit up as soon as he set foot in the car warehouse at Volkswagen Classic. Even for a massive enthusiast like him, an original GTI in Alpine White and pristine condition is a very special sight.
This is how the ID.3 sounds
How should a car sound that drives almost silently? The Volkswagen sound designers from the team of Design Manager Klaus Bischoff asked themselves the same question. The results are very impressive.
“We” Ecosystem: How we are networking the world
In 2019, flexible mobility services were in high demand. Volkswagen therefore expanded its offering and will continue developing new value-added services at a central location going forward.
Volkswagen is becoming more connected
In 2019, Volkswagen pushed ahead with its drive to digitize its vehicles and production. The establishment of a cross-brand “Car.Software” organization within the Group is one element of this offensive. Volkswagen is also working with strong partners such as Microsoft, Amazon Web Services and Argo to focus on digital transformation in all areas.
Electromobility: Why we are focusing on E
With the ID.3, Volkswagen is ushering in a new era – that of mass electric mobility.
There can only be one ...
There can be few other cars as deeply rooted in the lives of its drivers as the Golf. ‘It’s my Life’; a series introducing people who drive the Golf – and who eat and breath Golf. In part 4, the Austrian Ronny Pitz from Klagenfurt explains why a 2004 Golf MK IV R32 is the perfect car for him.
What we do for the climate
2019 was dominated by climate protection and decarbonization. Volkswagen is all the more committed to e-mobility, clean electricity and a CO2-neutral supply chain. We give you a summary and five info graphics.
That time of year: the car and the tree
There are a few things that are simply essential for Christmas: the dinner, the cookies, and, above all, the tree, of course. These tips reveal how to transport it home safely.
"Enormous potential in the entry-level segment"
Jürgen Stackmann, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen brand responsible for Sales, Marketing and After Sales, speaks about the successful launch of the Volkswagen brand JETTA in China
Rear-wheel drive again at last!
At this job, secrets are on the daily agenda: secrets about the future of car construction. As a vehicle controller, Sven Köhler deals with Volkswagen’s most secret vehicles from an early stage – and this included the first prototypes of ID.3 a few years ago. An interview with vehicle controller Sven Köhler.
Innovation in all walks of life
The eighth generation of the Volkswagen Golf is ready and waiting. And, like its predecessors, it features a wealth of technical innovations. The new generation demonstrates its qualities on an initial test drive through northern Portugal.
‘I wouldn’t want any other car!’
We present people who drive the Golf. Personal stories of life with the automotive icon. This time, we visit Tina Kraßowski, who drives a 1996 Golf III CL in Dragon Green Metallic.
Making EURO 2020 mobile
In tandem to the European Championship draw, we present the venues and show how Volkswagen, as the tournament’s mobility partner, aims to provide fans with unforgettable moments.
Light brings the ID.3 to life
What effects does light have on the emotional character of a vehicle? It can create an emotional charge – and connect with people, making it easier to interact with the machine because it feels more natural. Sandra Sturmat, light designer at Volkswagen, is jointly responsible for the ID.3 lighting. An interview.
The Golf family
Few other cars are so deeply rooted in the lives of their drivers as the Golf. In the series entitled ‘It’s my Life’, we present people who drive the Golf – and live for it. In part two, Anna Webelsiep and Christoph Dalchau talk about how their Golf II ‘Madison’ has become part of the family.