One model series, two versions! Volkswagen is presenting the new Arteon in a world premiere and is unveiling a second version – the new Arteon Shooting Brake – at the same time. This model is a completely new interpretation of the estate concept. “Volkswagen will launch 34 new models this year. There has never been such an extensive model initiative in the history of the brand,“ says Ralf Brandstätter, Chief Operating Officer und designated CEO of the Volkswagen Pkw brand. “The Arteon Shooting Brake extends our model range in the important midsize-segment. It will set standards in its class with its dynamic design, high functionality and modern technologies.“

 

Stylish and dynamic. The Arteon has been the Volkswagen Gran Turismo since 2017.Volkswagen is now unveiling a far-reaching update to the model series. The new Arteon and Arteon Shooting Brake are characterised by an expressive and avant-garde design. The distinctive features include in particular the front end with a new continuous light strip, striking chrome bars and new air intakes at the bottom. The radiator grille and the long, wide bonnet are combined as a formal unit and make both Arteon versions stand out as the face in the crowd – also at night thanks to a unique LED light signature at the front and rear.

 

The two new models – the Arteon and Arteon Shooting Brake – are both characterised by athletic lines. However, they differ significantly from each other from the B-pillars to the rear. Whereas on the fastback model, the roof and window contours are swept down in parallel from the B-pillars and therefore become part of the coupé-shaped rear, the roof and window lines are extended towards the rear on the Shooting Brake and end in the new roof spoiler. At the top, the window line runs parallel to the roof. However, at the bottom the lines move upwards towards the D-pillars, thus making the window area at the rear narrower and more striking. All elements together form the sporty rear profile typical for a Shooting Brake.

 

Arteon eHybrid. All new technical developments are applied in both body versions. For the first time in the Arteon, this includes a plug-in hybrid drive. With the long purely electric range many Arteon eHybrid02 and Arteon Shooting Brake eHybrid02 drivers will be able to cover their daily driving distances with zero emissions locally. As a fastback version and Shooting Brake, the two Arteon models are among the first of their kind to be available with a plug-in hybrid drive in the luxury mid-sized vehicle segment.

 

Arteon R – dynamic performance for the business class. The Arteon R will be the flagship in the model series. With this model, Volkswagen is pushing further into the premium performance segment. It is not just the unadulterated output that is fascinating here, but also the way that the vehicles convert their power into propulsion. Thanks to a new progressive technology known as R-Performance Torque Vectoring, the torque is distributed variably both between the axles and also between the rear wheels depending on the driving situation by means of selective wheel torque control. And this creates a new level of driving dynamics in this category.

 

Plenty of space for driver, occupants and luggage. The Arteon is characterised by a highly functional overall concept. All occupants in the front and rear of both Arteon versions benefit from the modular transverse matrix (MQB). The maximum legroom at the rear is 1,016 mm and is a benchmark value in this class. Thanks to the unique design of its roof section, the Shooting Brake offers more headroom at both the front and rear. As standard, the rear seat backrest can be folded asymmetrically in both models. Behind the Arteon Shooting Brake’s rear seat bench is a luggage compartment capacity of up to 565 litres when loaded up to the rear seat backrest and luggage compartment cover (fastback: 563 litres). Loading the vehicle up to the front seat backrests increases the loading capacity to 1,632 litres (fastback: 1,557 litres). In both cases, the load space has a maximum length of 2,09 mm (up to the front seats).

 

New assist systems: Travel Assist – assisted driving up to 210 km/h. The range of technical innovations involves powertrains as well as further IQ.DRIVE assist systems. New in this product line: the optional Travel Assist system. The system enables partly automated driving within a speed range from 0 km/h to 210 km/h (within the system limits). Travel Assist makes driving in stop-and-go traffic and through roadworks in particular noticeably more convenient. An integral part of Travel Assist is the ACC with predictive speed control. The adaptive cruise control reacts to speed limits, towns, bends, roundabouts and junctions with corresponding speed adaptation. The Lane Assist lane keeping system that keeps the vehicle in the centre of the lane and Autonomous Emergency Braking Front Assist with Pedestrian Monitoring also form part of the range of Travel Assist functions. The Rear View reversing camera (optional) was further enhanced and now also features among other things a Corner View (which expands the camera image on the infotainment system screen from 90 degrees to a wide angle of 170 degrees) and a special trailer view (of the tow bar from above to facilitate hitching up the trailer).

 

 

New cockpit environment in the interior. In the interior, the model series impresses with a newly designed cockpit environment that lends the Arteon an even greater feeling of exclusivity. Operation has been made easier through touch sliders for the automatic air conditioner and a new multifunction steering wheel with touch controls. Also new: the now wireless integration of apps via “App-Connect Wireless” for “Apple CarPlay” and “Android Auto” (Google), and a powerful 700 watt high-end sound system from the audio specialists harman/kardon, which has been customised specifically for the Arteon and Arteon Shooting Brake (both optional). Background lighting that can be adjusted in up to 30 colours is also optionally available to give the new interior an attractive finishing touch. Here, the trims in the dash panel and doors are illuminated – in this way, light becomes the new chrome.


Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

The Volkswagen Group is increasing its stake in QuantumScape and making an additional investment of up to US$200 million in the US battery specialist. The goal is to drive forward the joint development of solid-state battery technology. In future, solid-state batteries are expected to significantly increase range and shorten charging times further. “We are making technological progress with our partner QuantumScape. The additional investment will effectively strengthen and accelerate our joint development work”, said Thomas Schmall, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Group Components, which has end-to-end responsibility for batteries. The Volkswagen Group and QuantumScape have also been collaborating in a joint venture to enable industrial-level production of solid-state batteries since 2018.

 

“Volkswagen is taking e-mobility to the mainstream. A strong position in the field of batteries is a decisive factor in this regard”, said Frank Blome, Head of the Battery Cell business, Volkswagen Group Components. “We are securing our global supply base with efficient producers, gradually building up manufacturing capacities and driving the development of cutting-edge solid-state battery technology. Our focus in this context is on long-term strategic partnerships.”

 

Solid-state batteries are seen as the most promising technology for the next-but-one generation of e-mobility. With the same size of a current battery pack, the solid-state battery could enable electrical ranges at the level of conventional drives. Moreover, charging time could be significantly shortened.

The Volkswagen Group has already been collaborating with QuantumScape since 2012, and is the largest automotive shareholder with its previous investment of over US$100 million. Closing of the new additional investment of up to US$200 million and the associated increase of Volkswagen’s stake in QuantumScape is still subject to various conditions. The two partners formed a joint venture in 2018 to enable industrial-level production of solid-state batteries for Volkswagen. Both partners envisage setting up a pilot plant. The plans are envisaged to be firmed up in the course of this year.

 

Expanding e-mobility is an important building block on the road to a carbon neutral balance for the company as a whole. This goal is to be achieved by 2050. The Volkswagen Group is therefore fully committed to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.

 

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

 

Today, for the third consecutive year, Volkswagen Group Components awarded the Speed+ Award to its best performing plants. Thomas Schmall, CEO of Volkswagen Group Components, presented the coveted awards from the international and cross-brand competition for efficiency for the first time in an online event. The nominated plants from sites around the world tuned into the live event; thousands of employees followed the announcement of the winners by webcast. The component plants of the Audi, SEAT and ŠKODA brands also took part in the competition for the first time. The Tianjin components plant in China was the big winner this year, scooping three gold awards.

 

Fierce competition in eight categories.

The award categories – plant efficiency, assembly efficiency, shop floor management, process excellence, cost of tools and networking – were supplemented this year by two further categories, namely lead time and hours per unit (HPU). The new lead time category focuses on process orientation and cross-divisional consideration of the whole value stream. HPU is the key performance indicator for net staffing in production and non-production areas down to assembly line level. The winner in the special networking category was decided for the very first time by online votes submitted by employees. Three plants which had been nominated beforehand were up for election.

Thomas Schmall, CEO at Volkswagen Group Components, said, “In its third year, we have not only added more suspense by incorporating two new categories into the SPEED+ Awards, but have also increased the number of participating plants. The inclusion of more Group brands has added to the sense of competition surrounding the awards. However, the focus continues to be on creating standards that enable us to learn from the best in our company. The company won’t benefit from the best examples if we don’t share them and make them available for all to use.”

Dr Stefan Sommer, Group Board member for Components and Procurement said, “The SPEED+ Awards put the operative performance of our plants under the spotlight and simultaneously promote competition among the participating sites. But it is also about ensuring that our plants remain competitive, and thus viable in the future, in relation to external competitors. This efficiency contest provides our plants with a benchmark and showcases best practices to the entire Group.

High turnout

Now in its third year, the Speed+ Awards presented by Volkswagen Group Components have continued to gain in importance. The number of participants has increased and become even more international. In addition, a further three brands from the Volkswagen Group participated with their component plants in the efficiency contest: Audi, SEAT and ŠKODA. Over 10,000 employees (8,000 last year) from 23 (19) plants in 11 (7) countries competed and learned from one another in a total of eight award categories.

The winners of the SPEED+ Awards presented by Volkswagen Group Components are:

Plant efficiency

1. Tianjin plant, China

2. Braunschweig plant, Germany

3. Dalian plant, China

Assembly efficiency

1. Puebla plant, Mexico

2. Braunschweig plant, Germany

3. São Carlos plant, Brazil

Shopfloor management

1. Braunschweig plant, Germany

2. Kassel plant, Germany

3. SITECH plant in Polkowice, Poland

Process excellence

1. SITECH plant in Wolfsburg, Germany

2. Poznán foundry, Poland

3. Kassel plant, Germany

Cost of tools

1. Tianjin plant, China

2. Dalian plant, China

3. Braunschweig plant, Germany

Lead time

1. Tianjin plant, China

2. SITECH plant in Polkowice, Poland

3. SITECH plant in Wolfsburg, Germany

HPU

1. SITECH plant in Polkowice, Poland

2. Motor Polska Polkowice plant, Poland

3. Poznán foundry, Poland

Networking

 

Kassel plant, Germany


Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

The Arteon is Volkswagen’s Gran Turismo – avant-garde, full of energy and efficient. Volkswagen is now giving a first preview towards the new Arteon. Alongside the classic Gran Turismo, a second product line variant will also be available in future as a Shooting Brake. This model is both dynamic and elegant, and impresses with the flexible concept of an estate. Klaus Bischoff, Head of Volkswagen Group Design and Volkswagen brand’s Design department: “With the Arteon Shooting Brake we have created a new balance between speed, power and space.”

 

Volkswagen will introduce a major update of the model line for the debut of the two Arteon versions. In the vehicle interior, the Arteon will be given a completely new cockpit environment to match the exclusive charisma of these models. Integrated here: the latest modular infotainment matrix (MIB3) systems to ensure the best possible connectivity. From a technological perspective, the drive range has been re-aligned, too.

 

All engines feature high levels of efficiency as well as low emissions and powerful torque. This maximum efficiency is achieved by innovative, future-oriented engine and emissions technologies. Furthermore intelligent assist systems will also be introduced in this avant-garde model line. One example: thanks to “Travel Assist”, highly assisted driving – within the system limits – will be possible in the new Arteon models for the first time if required. Designed particularly with long-distance journeys in mind, these Volkswagen models will take over steering, acceleration and braking up to speeds of 210 km/h – under the control of the driver.

 

The world première and detailed information about the Arteon and Arteon Shooting Brake will follow in June.

 

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Tomorrow, Volkswagen do Brasil will be presenting its most recent model: the Nivus. The new Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) in the small car segment convinces with dynamic design, an ample vehicle interior and an elevated seating position. The virtual world premiere will take place at 4 pm (CEST). The presentation is broadcasted at https://press.live-vwnivus.com/. The event from Sao Paulo will be held in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

 

The Nivus was developed in South America and will initially be launched on the Brazilian market. The vehicle will also be available in Argentina later this year. Other South American markets will follow in 2021. In the long term the new model will also be launched at an international level and a European version will go on sale as well. Consequently, the Nivus is a Volkswagen that has been developed in South America, yet is also intended for production and sale in other world regions.

 

In 2020 Volkswagen do Brasil is planning the brand’s largest product campaign in South America with a total of 20 new product launches. The Nivus is developing a new segment on the Brazilian market with an innovative design that combines SUV elements and coupé lines. It is amongst the largest models within the small vehicle segment with a luggage compartment capacity of 415 litres. The vehicle is based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB) and will be built at the Anchieta plant (São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil) using cutting-edge production processes.

 

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com