A successful launch year for the new Passat: just a few weeks after its release, the Passat, refined with a far-reaching update, wins the “Best Company Car in 2019” award. The new edition of this Volkswagen best-seller had already secured first place in important comparative tests, underlining that the new Passat is also among the best business models on the market.

The “Best Company Car” award, initiated by the editorial team at AUTO BILD as a reader’s choice competition, was won by the new Passat in the high-volume “mid-size” category. The Passat is the blueprint for vehicles in this award category. Direct quote from AUTO BILD: “These company cars are mostly driven on national highways and motorways, in mid- to long-range journeys. Extensive comfort and assistance systems make long trips more pleasant and safer...” In fact, with the equipment details that come fitted as standard – such as LED headlights and LED tail light clusters, the Front Assist area monitoring system plus Pedestrian Monitoring, Lane Assist lane keeping system, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Keyless Start, an infotainment system including a mobile phone interface, smartphone connection via App Connect, and many mobile online services – the new Passat offers an excellent price/performance ratio even in the basic version (from €31,930).

The engines of the Passat are efficient and sustainable – from turbocharged petrol engines (TSI) through turbo diesel engines (TDI) to the Passat GTE with plug-in hybrid drive (160 kW/218 PS). In comparative testing by renowned automotive trade journals, the new Passat came out on top time and time again. Two examples: In the AUTO ZEITUNG test, the Passat Estate 2.0 TDI with 140 kW/190 PS beat its key competitors: As judged by the testers: “With the model maintenance measures undertaken, the VW Passat Estate has cemented its dominant position in the mid-size category...” In the comparison performed by AUTO BILD, the Passat 2.0 TSI with 140 kW/190 PS also takes top place. The panel members summarised its quality features as follows: “A roomy vehicle interior, balanced driving characteristics, fantastic multimedia and safety...” – In short: a perfect business car.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

The Volkswagen Wolfsburg plant receives the "Lean & Green Management Award 2019" in the "Automotive OEM" category for its efficient and sustainable production. More than 250 plants from more than ten countries and 20 different industries participated in this competition.

"We are proud that our persistent work has been successful in saving resources and that we have been awarded the prestigious 'Lean & Green Management Award'," said Stefan Loth, Plant Manager of Volkswagen's Wolfsburg plant. "At the Wolfsburg location, we prove that efficient vehicle production and conserving resources at the same time is not only possible, but makes sense. For the production also carries an ecological responsibility. The deliberate use of raw materials and energy plays a key role in our environmental commitment. „

In terms of production efficiency, Volkswagen's main plant focuses on its "PQM" strategy - productivity, quality and crew. Every year more than 400 workshops take place, where the Wolfsburg workforce improves processes and thus reduces the production costs per vehicle. The plant consistently uses the Volkswagen production system, which describes the basics, standards and methods by which the manufacturing processes are designed, executed and constantly further developed.

The Volkswagen main plant is also on course for sustainability and the implementation of the environmental program “Zero Impact Factory”. An important building block for protecting the environment and promoting biodiversity are, for example, the process water basins located on the plant site. Thanks to the internal operating water cycle, every drop of water passes through the system about four to six times, helping to keep water consumption per vehicle very low.

The "Lean & Green Management Award" is awarded annually with the consultants Growtth® Consulting Europe and Quadriga Consult and the trade publication AUTOMOBIL INDUSTRIE. The award was recently ranked as one of the highest rated sustainability awards in Germany in a study by the University of Hohenheim.

The Volkswagen plant Wolfsburg will receive the award at the beginning of November at this year's congress in Regensburg.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Powerful like a genuine sports car, casual like a versatile CUV – the new T-Roc R is the new star of the T-Roc family. Generating a mighty 221 kW/300 PS, the compact Volkswagen R powerhouse accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. The vehicle reaches a top speed of 250 km/h before the electronics limit the forward thrust of the new top-of-the-range T-Roc version.

The cutting-edge 2.0-litre power unit featuring TSI technology and intelligent 4MOTION all-wheel drive lends the most powerful T-Roc outstanding handling characteristics. Turbocharging and direct injection already generate an impressive torque of 400 Nm at low engine speeds. Thanks to its ample speed range, the T-Roc R is always within the ideal performance spectrum in practically every situation, The high-performance brake system guarantees effective deceleration. A standard function called Launch Control makes sure the vehicle accelerates perfectly. When pushing it to the limit, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) can be manually deactivated. The standard 7-speed DSG gearbox has been specifically adapted to the impulsive mapping of the T-Roc R. The tried and tested 4MOTION all-wheel drive distributes the standard overdose of power between the front and the rear wheels within milliseconds, as required and depending on the wheel slip. This results in the best-possible traction – including in adverse weather, such as in wet conditions or in snow, as well as on challenging terrain.

A highly distinctive exterior too 

Bumpers in R styling, air intakes with black fins and the R logo in the black radiator grille are typical hallmark features of the high-performance Volkswagen R family. LED headlights guarantee perfect illumination of the road and exemplary visibility of the vehicle. The daytime running lights have been integrated vertically into the front bumper that has been specifically designed for the T-Roc R. This already makes the product line’s top-of-the-range version unmistakeable from a distance. The LED tail light clusters are glazed in dark red, typical of R styling. The two twin tailpipes on the rear left and right have been chrome-plated. The optional “R” Performance titanium exhaust system made by specialist Akrapovič is characterised by a distinctive sound, striking tailpipe design and a weight that has been cut by approximately seven kilos.

Sports steering wheel with flattened lower section in R trim with paddles
The multifunction sports steering wheel is covered with leather and features a flattened lower section. Striking stitching in Crystal Grey and the R logo make it a genuine eye-catcher. Featuring pleasant, thick padding, it feels perfect in the driver’s hands, providing a very direct sensation for the T-Roc R’s progressive steering. The gear ratio makes for an optimised steering response that is more direct and controlled, conveying perfect contact with the road surface. In combination with the standard sports running gear, this boosts driving dynamics on curvy roads – as well as makes everyday driving more comfortable, for instance when manoeuvring and parking. The rear of the sports steering wheel features two paddles for manual gear changes. Drivers can engage the seven gears of the dual clutch gearbox with lightning speed thanks to these conveniently positioned paddles.

Smart connectivity and modern driver assist systems

The impressive 8-inch TFT touchscreen in tablet design can be paired with a smartphone in seconds. If desired, selected apps for Android and iOS can be displayed in large format and operated using App-Connect. This also applies to elements such as phone book entries, playlists and calendar entries. The optional Comfort mobile phone interface enables contactless high-voltage battery charging. Alternatively it is also possible to link tablet PCs and iPads using Wi-Fi. Select different profiles and displays using the multi-coloured Digital Cockpit.

Like all T-Roc models the R version is equipped with cutting-edge driver assist systems. These include the standard Driver Alert System and the automatic Emergency Call Service as well as the Hill Start Assistant and Hill Descent Control. Further optional driver assist systems make the T-Roc R even safer. The appealing driver assist system package includes elements, such as ACC stop & go adaptive cruise control, Traffic Jam Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, Lane Assist lane keeping system, Blind Spot Monitor and Front Assist Autonomous Emergency Braking.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

The Volkswagen Golf has been awarded ‘Used Car Hero’ at the 2019 Autocar Awards, in recognition of its numerous talents – namely the value it represents to customers on the used car market, from its flexibility and quality to its reliability.

The accolade comes after a successful week, where the Golf also collected the award for ‘Best Car for New Drivers’ at the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2019, it has now picked up the title Used Car Hero from Autocar.

The publication applauded the Golf’s versatile line-up, ranging from high-performance champions like the R and GTI models, to the value-packed Golf Match, the eco credentials of the e-Golf and the real-world usability of the diesel and petrol-engined variants on offer. The Golf’s value for money on the used market was of particular note to Autocar.

Neither the Golf, nor Volkswagen itself, are strangers to success at the Autocar Awards. In 2017 the Golf GTI was crowned ‘Readers’ Champion’ in a huge online poll of Autocar readers, while Dr Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Volkswagen Group and Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen brand, was honoured with the respected ‘Editor’s Award’ at the 2018 event.

Speaking of the Golf’s win, Autocar Editor Mark Tisshaw said: “The Volkswagen Golf has been crowned the 2019 Autocar Used Car Hero. We’ve picked out the nearly-new seventh generation version, which is available in many forms, from the electric e-Golf to the hot R version. Whichever version you choose, the used Golf blends affordability, versatility and reliability. 

“The Used Car Hero award, which we run with our used car guru James Ruppert, this year celebrates nearly new cars, and is awarded to a brilliant used car that's still on sale as a new one. The current Golf was the outstanding choice for the win this year, given there is next to no drop off in appeal for all the reasons you'd buy a new one still apply when buying used.“

Andrew Savvas, Volkswagen UK Managing Director collected the award yesterday evening, held at the Silverstone Wing in Northamptonshire. Barny Francis, National Used Car Manager at Volkswagen UK, who also attended the awards, said: “Over the last 45 years the Volkswagen Golf has built a loyal following. It has long been a favourite of car buyers in the UK, and consistently ranks very highly as one of the UK’s best-selling new cars.

“Buyers have even more choice on the used market with the Golf, which is also one of the UK’s most searched for used cars. From economical diesels to high performance GTI and R models, with electrified powertrains like the all-electric e-Golf in-between, the Golf is truly the People’s Car, and so we are thrilled that Autocar has recognised its position with the Used Car Hero award.”

“With the Das WeltAuto programme offering our customers great benefits and peace of mind in making their used purchase, we’re prouder than ever of the Golf and our used car offering.”

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk