What pushed you the most as you were developing the ID.3?
The schedule for developing the ID.3 was extremely tight. Our aim during this project was to build a data control model made from Ureol as well as two design experience vehicles (DEV) based on the digital data control model for Sales as a teaser. Producing this design experience vehicle required intensive discussion with the specialist departments and team meetings. What challenged and pushed me the most was keeping everything up to date up to the last second, which allowed us to reach production status with the model. This phase continues to impress me to this day, as we were really able to achieve great things together, working with Design and Sales.
At which point did you realise that a breakthrough in electric mobility for everyone is on the horizon?
That’s a social issue and currently a topic of debate in the public sphere. Still, it’s up to us to put visually and technically attractive and yet affordable electric cars on the road. And that’s exactly what we did with the ID.3 – and will do again with future vehicles in the ID. range.
In detail, what do you think is the most fascinating technology in the new ID.3?
When my kids get in the car, they expect very different things than I do. Comprehensive connectivity, a cosy, open and stylish space, large displays and a high degree of suitability for everyday use are a must. Reconciling these ‘new’ demands with proven structures has been a challenge for all of us and requires innovative thinking, processes and technologies. And I think – and so do my kids – we’ve taken a huge step forward.
When you look at the project as a whole, what was the biggest challenge you faced?
Promptly accommodating the desires of the designers and the Sales department and adapting the model during the many revision loops – until all the departments involved were satisfied – was an absolute challenge which ultimately came to an end when Klaus Bischoff personally carried out the final inspection and approval. Those days and weeks required extreme perseverance. It was unbelievably fascinating to all of us as a team. Who else can claim to have been so significantly involved in the new era of a global company?
What have you personally taken away from the project?
During the project, we as a team realised that we at Volkswagen can rely on each other. We made it possible to complete this model with a high degree of effort. We were extremely strong mentally because we wanted to create something exceptional – or at least were part of an extraordinary development. And ‘good’ wasn’t good enough for my team, which is just one of the reasons why I’m so proud of everyone.
What noticeable benefits have the digital simulation solutions resulted in?
Our work is supported digitally – we develop these models digitally. We have laptops on the model so that we can compare the data set with the hardware. We thus work manually on the car, but also re-examine the outer skin of the model with each new update. Digitisation in model construction not only allows you to work faster overall, but also to present processes at the same time.
