The Special Premiere of the new Flagship in Europe
The new Touareg – A Reason to be Proud
The Special Premiere of the new Flagship in Europe
What a treat for the Volkswagen employees at the Wolfsburg factory. Even before its official European premiere, they get to see the brand’s new flagship with its gleaming rims, shiny finish, and purring engine. The SUV is exhibited at various locations across the expansive factory grounds. It’s a wonderful surprise. Filled with joy, pride and admiration, many employees seize the opportunity to get to know the crown jewel first-hand.
“Can I look at it?” inquires a tall man in a black jacket. A friendly smile, an examining glance, followed by tentative steps. The sun, casting its first warming rays this morning, also illuminates the object of desire. It’s the new Touareg, which, after celebrating its world premiere in Beijing, now makes its first European appearance at the main Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg.
It’s a kind of “preview” for employees, whose skills and devotion play a big part in developing and manufacturing new models, no matter where they are made. Volkswagen factories across the globe work closely together. As do their employees. This time, it’s the Wolfsburg staff who are the first to lay eyes on the new, and now un-camouflaged SUV flagship.
Bigger than a TV
Stephan Bär is one of the first people to see it. Timid at first, he quickly starts exploring the Touareg more thoroughly. He takes a look at the trunk, then steps up to the driver-side window. When he sees the “Innovision Cockpit”, his smile broadens.
“That gigantic screen on the dash is larger than my TV at home,” says the man to his colleague and laughs out loud. “This car if perfect for tall people like myself. I’m 6ft 6 and I could sit in the back and still have enough room. You don’t find that anywhere else.”
Stephan Bär can’t help but give the Touareg a final pat, before he continues his walk to the office.
While the sun makes its way to the south, the silver Touareg continues to attract curious glances, before moving on to its second station. In the production department, the robust, yet stylish SUV, quickly attracts a new crowd. Bettina Stigelbauer is looking for the right words. “I’m not quite sure what to say. I’m flabbergasted. It’s a great car. It’s obvious that Volkswagen went the extra mile here.” Stigelbauer has been a Volkswagen employee for 35 years. “I have seen a lot in my time here. That’s why I’m confident when I say that this car is really something special.” Some of her colleagues nod in agreement.
Nightvision - Nachtsichtunterst¸tzung (erkennt per W‰rmebildkamera Personen und Tiere in der Dunkelheit)
The Result of their own Work
A short time later, the engine quietly comes to life again, taking the innovative SUV to its next location, the vehicle development division. Here, too, people quickly gather around the car and poke their heads through the window. Not surprisingly, they are mostly interested in the premium technical elements.
Striking Design
Many people remark on the distinctive design of this third-generation Touareg. “It looks really sleek,” is one of the comments. “Not as boxy as some of the other SUVs out there,” is another. “I like the steering wheel,” says Bettina Stigelbauer. Christian Felix Müller emphasizes another point. “Volkswagen is commonly known for making smaller vehicles, compared to other brands. Seeing that we are capable of making something like this, too, is a great thing.”
Package
An emotional Day
It was a day filled with emotions and interesting conversations about a vehicle that sets a new benchmark in the automotive market. After the successful world-premiere in Beijing, the presentation in Wolfsburg was a good day for this luxury sedan with the abilities of an off-roader.
In summer, the Touareg will go on sale in Germany. Then, regular people outside the Wolfsburg plant will also get to see new SUV. With the latest hard and software, the Touareg will fulfill the wishes of its loyal fans and make new friends as well. As an SUV for the digital generation.
