Production record for the debut of the new Passat: the bestseller will pass the 30 million mark this spring. This makes it the most successful mid-size model worldwide. One thing is certain: the 30 millionth Passat will come from the progressively enhanced 8th generation. A major technical update – a Passat that incorporates the latest brand innovations. The new Passat will make its trade fair debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Pre-sales will start in the first countries in May. The market launch will take place in September (Germany).

“Travel Assist” is celebrating its world premiere in the Passat. Making a parallel debut with saloon and estate versions, the Passat will be the first Volkswagen that is capable of partially automated driving at any speed (0 to 210 km/h) with this new IQ.DRIVE system. In addition, the new Passat will also be the first brand model worldwide with a capacitive steering wheel. This detects touch by the driver, providing an interactive interface to systems such as Travel Assist. Another new feature in the Passat is “Emergency Steering Assist”, which increases safety when performing evasive manoeuvres by means of braking interventions. The new, interactive “IQ.LIGHT – LED matrix headlights” turn night into day – this is an innovative light technology that has been exclusively available for the current Touareg so far.

The third generation of the Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB3) also has its debut alongside the new Passat. App Connect – the interface for integrating smartphone apps – therefore offers wireless integration of iPhone apps via Apple CarPlay™ for the first time at Volkswagen. If desired, the Passat can from now on be permanently online via MIB3, because the new Infotainment systems come with an integrated SIM card as standard. As well as improved navigation-related services with real-time information, this encompasses new technologies and offers, music streaming services, Internet radio, natural (online-based) voice control, seamless use of “Volkswagen We” online services and future cloud-based portable vehicle settings. It will also be possible to use the first smartphones as a “mobile key” for opening and starting the Passat.

The MIB3 is closely integrated with the new Digital Cockpit. The digital instruments have been considerably enhanced compared to the previous system (Active Info Display). The enhanced high-contrast graphics display is clear and high-quality. The range of functions has been lifted to a whole new level. Three different display configurations can now be customised via the new multifunction steering wheel with just one button.

The drive range has also been enhanced. A perfect example of this is the Passat GTE1) – the plug-in hybrid model in the model line: It will have a considerably extended electric range. This is now up to approximately 55 km3) in the new WLTP cycle, corresponding to around 70 km3) according to the NEDC. At the same time, the combination of the electric motor and turbocharged engine (160 kW / 218 PS system power) means the Passat GTE provides the benefits of a comfortable, safe long-distance vehicle. The Passat GTE already achieves the limits set out in the Euro 6d emission standard, which applies to new vehicles from 2021. All other TSI and TDI units fulfil the requirements of the Euro 6d-TEMP emission standard. In addition, every new Passat – whether a petrol or diesel engine – is equipped with a particulate filter.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Volkswagen can already celebrate an impressive production anniversary right at the start of 2019: in the middle of January, the five millionth Tiguan left the assembly line at the Wolfsburg plant. The compact Tiguan has enjoyed worldwide success since its market launch in 2007, and has thus made a valuable contribution to the brand's growth strategy and SUV offensive.

The harmonious design concept of the Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace (since 2017) has been enthusiastically received by customers all over the world. The Tiguan stands for striking exterior and interior design, state-of-the art technologies and outstanding all-round characteristics. The just under 800,000 Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace vehicles delivered in 2018 are proof of the popularity and success of the compact SUV. Dr. Andreas Tostmann, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Production: “The Tiguan has passed the historic mark of five million vehicles produced. The know-how of our team, the exceptional team spirit and the enthusiasm with which we produce our Volkswagen models form the basis for this magnificent success and provide a strong foundation for our SUV strategy.”

Bernd Osterloh, Chairman of the General and Group Works Council: “The Tiguan secures the jobs of tens of thousands of highly qualified workers around the world and makes a significant contribution to earnings. For this reason, it is important that we do not reduce our investments in the development and production of the Tiguan, as we should seek to inspire our customers with this car well into the future.”

Production of the Tiguan started in 2007 in the main plant in Wolfsburg and represented the beginning of the success story of this compact SUV. More than 120,000 units already left the assembly line in the first full year of production in 2008. This was followed by steep continuous growth – in 2015, more than 500,000 Tiguan had already been sold worldwide.

The second Tiguan generation was introduced in 2016. This was the first Volkswagen SUV to be based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB). This was followed in 2017 by the especially spacious Tiguan Allspace, almost 22 centimetres longer and also available as a seven-seater model. 

The new generation and extension of the range by the Tiguan Allspace provided a renewed positive stimulus: over 700,000 units were sold in 2017, and 2018 was the most successful year yet for the Tiguan product line with almost 800,000 vehicles.

The Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace are currently produced in four Volkswagen locations (China, Germany, Mexico and Russia) and offered in the most important markets worldwide.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

The trade magazine auto motor und sport chose the winners of its “Best Cars 2019” Reader’s Choice Awards in Stuttgart today. Three models of the Volkswagen brand, the up!, Polo and Golf, were among the winners. The award, one of the top automotive awards of the year, was received by Volkswagen’s Brand Board of Management members Ralf Brandstätter (Chief Operating Officer), Dr Frank Welsch (Development) and Jürgen Stackmann (Sales, Marketing and After Sales).

The Volkswagen up! took first place in the “Mini Cars” category. With the all-electric e-up!2, the natural gas powered eco-up!3 and the extremely sporty up! GTI4, the model impresses with its highly diversified line-up. The up! is also one of the most successful compact cars in Europe and inspires young and old alike.

The Polo won the “Compact Cars” category again making this the 22nd award for the popular model in the 43-year history of the “Best Cars” awards (previously known as “The Best Cars”). The latest sixth Polo generation made its début in autumn 2017 with many innovative assistance and safety systems generally only found in higher vehicle classes. It continues the success story of the model that has sold more than 16 million units worldwide to date.

Another firm favourite in the ams Reader’s Choice Awards is the Golf which won the coveted award in the “Compact Class” for the 25rd time since the launch of the Reader’s Choice Awards in 1977. Worldwide, Volkswagen has sold more than 35 million Golfs in 45 years. This makes the Volkswagen bestseller one of the most successful vehicles in automotive history. 

In addition, the Multivan from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles achieved the top spot in the “Van” category: the VW bus from Hanover has now beaten the competition a total of 19 times. Since 2004, 16 times in succession, making it a true record breaker. 

The auto motor und sport international Reader’s Choice Awards were held for the 43rd time this year. The opinions of readers from 15 European and three non-European magazines of the auto motor und sport Group were surveyed. A total of 385 models in eleven categories were available to choose from.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

The latest evolution of a true motoring icon – the Golf GTI – can now be ordered: the Golf GTI TCR1. This 213 kW / 290 PS sports car can reach speeds of up to 260 km/h, and is fitted with a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG), petrol particulate filter and highly exclusive equipment as standard. Price: EUR 38,950 (in Germany, incl. VAT.).

The new Golf GTI TCR was derived from the racing car of the same name – the two-time overall winner of the international TCR racing series. The street version passes the 100 km/h mark after just 5.6 seconds, while the maximum speed is 250 km/h. The Vmax can optionally be increased to 260 km/h.

The Golf GTI TCR is even more exclusive than the Golf GTI Performance23 (which produces 180 kW / 245 PS) and features technology such as Front Assist, Active Info Display and LED headlights. The standard equipment includes a front-axle differential lock, perforated brake discs, driving profile selection, premium front sport seats with a new microfibre/fabric design, seat belts with red edging plus an exclusive sports steering wheel. As with the racing series, its leather is specially imprinted (perforated leather) at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions as well as with a red mark at 12 o'clock.