• Volkswagen

    The new Golf is ‘World Car of the Year 2013’ 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 02-04-2013 03:22 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Volkswagen

    Europe’s best-selling car also a big success globallyFour overall titles in five years: Volkswagen model again voted world’s best car

    The new Golf just keeps on winning: an international expert jury named the bestseller from Wolfsburg ‘World Car of the Year 2013’. The globally sought-after prize was awarded at the New York International Auto Show. The ‘World Car of the Year’ title is a further milestone in the growing list of awards for the Golf.
    Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, explained: “We at Volkswagen are all delighted that the Golf has been named ‘World Car of the Year’. To win this award again shows that the Golf is and remains in a class of its own all around the world. This car sets new benchmarks again and again, not least in terms of efficiency and environmental credentials. Soon, for instance, the Golf will also be launched as a plug-in hybrid and as a 100% electric car.”
    For over 30 years, the Golf has been an established feature of the motoring scene around the globe. For the seventh generation of the bestseller today’s prize represented its 17th award since being launched in November 2012. In giving their reasons for the award, the jury said: “The Golf is just the right size –it’s spacious, practical and comfortable. It has got a fresh, progressive design, a new range of engines, plus an impressive list of equipment and safety systems. If there is a car for everyone, the Golf is it.”

    It was only three weeks ago that the compact car from Wolfsburg was crowned European Car of the Year. Further accolades from home and abroad, such as ‘The Best Cars of 2013’, ‘Auto Trophy 2012’ and the ‘Top Gear –All the car you’ll ever need’ award, round off the list of successes.
    The ‘World Car of the Year’ jury consists of 66 motoring journalists from 23 countries, who rate new cars appearing on the world market not only for the award, but also in their daily reporting work for millions of drivers and car enthusiasts. Volkswagen has for a long time been a firm fixture in the ‘World Car of the Year’ awards: the model before the current Golf for instance, won the renowned prize back in 2009. In 2012, the cherished international trophy went to the company’s smallest car, the up! And 2010 was also dominated by Volkswagen: the Polo was crowned overall winner and the BlueMotion models of the Polo, Golf and Passat took the title ‘World Green Car of the Year’.
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    New Volkswagen SUV Concept Makes Global Debut at Detroit Show 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 17-01-2013 09:28 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Volkswagen
    Article Preview

    • Six-seat SUV concept designed specifically for North America
    • Innovative diesel-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain offers fuel economy of 2.1 l/100 km (134.5 mpg) (NEDC for plug-in hybrid vehicles)
    • Concept is built using the MQB Modular Transverse Matrix components set
    • Range in all-electric mode is 20 miles (NEDC)
    • 306 PS; 700 Nm (516 lbs ft); 0 to 60 mph estimated at 7.0 seconds
    Volkswagen has unveiled a new SUV concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Called the CrossBlue, it has been developed specifically for the U.S. and Canada, and if it goes into production would sit above the Tiguan and below the Touareg in the Volkswagen SUV line-up.
    The CrossBlue features a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a TDI engine with two electric motors, a DSG transmission, and an electric all-wheel-drive system dubbed ‘propshaft by wire’, and offers economy of 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres.
    The CrossBlue was designed in Germany under the leadership of Walter de Silva (Head of Design, Volkswagen Group) and Klaus Bischoff (Head of Design, Volkswagen Brand), in close co-operation with Volkswagen of America. Painted in ‘CrossBlue Glass Flake’, the concept is 4,987 mm long, 2,015 mm wide, and 1,733 mm high. A wide track of 1,686 mm (front) and 1,696 mm (rear) give it a confident stance on the road, as do 21-inch alloy wheels shod with 235/45 tyres, and flared wheelarches. Contrasting with the body colour is a stainless-steel trim that runs all around the SUV’s lower section.
    The CrossBlue has two ‘fuel doors’: one for the diesel tank on the passenger side, and one covering two electrical sockets on the driver’s side. The first socket is to charge the lithium-ion battery and the second can be used to connect electrical devices.
    While the CrossBlue concept car is equipped with six individual seats in three rows, in a production version, the second row would have the option of three seats to make it a full seven-seater. Headroom is excellent throughout the vehicle: 1,077 mm up front, 1,020 mm in the middle row, and 954 mm in the rear. Legroom is ample, too, with 947 mm in the middle row and 917 mm in the back. Convenient access to the rear seats is assured by sliding second-row seats that can be managed with a single hand movement.
    Behind the third seating row is a cargo area of 335 litres (length 600 mm). With the third row folded, cargo capacity grows to 815 litres and load length to 1,387 mm, figures that increase to nearly 2,000 litres and 2,230 mm with the middle row stowed. A forward-folding front passenger seat makes for a maximum 3,110 mm load length.

    As soon as the driver starts the CrossBlue, controls for the lights, climate control and four-wheel-drive system emerge from their flush resting positions. The controls have aluminium surrounds: aluminium is one of the predominant interior materials, along with leather and dark-stained banana tree wood accents. In the centre console is a 10.2-inch touchscreen, while there is an Apple iPad Mini in the back of each front head-restraint.

    As well as excellent fuel economy, the CrossBlue has impressive performance from a powertrain that produces up to 224 kW and 700 Nm: 0 to 100km/h is estimated to take 7.0 seconds, while the top speed is 204km/h, or 121km/h in electric mode. The CrossBlue runs in zero emissions mode at the press of a button or automatically. With a fully charged battery, the CrossBlue can travel up to 23km in electric mode in the US test cycle, or 33 km using the European driving cycle. It has a potential range of 1064km from a combination of the 70-litre fuel tank and battery power.
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    Amarok Wins 4x4 Australia’s Ute of the Year Award Again 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 05-12-2012 12:34 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. Volkswagen

    The Volkswagen Amarok has defended its title as 4x4 Australia Magazine’s 2012 4x4 Ute of the Year, confirming its benchmark position in the segment.
    4x4 Australia’s Ute of the Year award, judged by Australia’s most experienced 4x4 road testers, comprises of a mix of freeway, secondary back-roads, dirt roads and very steep, challenging national park and state forest tracks during a rigorous four-day test route.
    Throughout judging, the Amarok was praised for its effortless off-road abilities and remarkable new eight-speed auto transmission; while its roomy interior, class-leading dimensions and car-like handling sealed the Amarok’s position in the top spot.
    On the Amarok’s success, the judges commented:
    “It was no surprise that the Amarok auto, like the manual last year, impressed with its roomy cabin, large tray, composed and comfortable on-road handling, car-like refinement, and quiet, smooth and effortless bi-turbo engine’’.
    The Amarok launched in Australia in February 2011, and saw the 8-Speed Automatic transmission along with Single Cab Amarok variant join the range in July this year. Loaded with specialist features such as ESP with brake assist, “Off-Road Mode” – activated by the press of a button, Hill Descent Assist – which holds driving speed constant on steep descents by means of targeted brake actuations, electronic differential lock (EDL) and a standard mechanical rear diff lock, the Amarok is equipped to withstand the toughest challenges off the beaten path; all while claiming one of the best fuel consumption figures in its class, as well as being the first dual cab ute to receive a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
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    Volkswagen’s Polo and Touareg win again at Australia’s Best Car Awards 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 27-11-2012 08:41 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. Volkswagen
    Article Preview

    Volkswagen has received two industry accolades at this year’s Australia’s Best Car Awards event earlier today. The frugal Volkswagen Polo 66TDI was once again named Best Light Car over $20,000 for a third consecutive year, while the well-appointed Volkswagen Touareg V6TDI defended its 2011 title as Best Luxury SUV Over $60,000.
    Volkswagen Group Australia’s Managing Director, Anke Koeckler, was delighted to accept the awards for these two vehicles.
    “This is the third time the Polo 66TDI has won its category and the fifth time a diesel Polo has collected an Australia’s Best Cars award,” said Ms Koeckler.
    “Our Touareg also showed why it is such a remarkably capable vehicle, with back-to-back titles in the Best Luxury SUV category. “
    Since its launch in May 2010, the Polo 66TDI has outclassed its rivals in a hotly-contested segment with remarkable fuel efficiency and class-leading build quality. The Australia’s Best Car judges once again lauded the Polo 66TDI for its third win.
    “On the road the Polo continues to be a standout...On winding sections of road, the Polo is nimble and fleet footed.”
    “From the moment you step in, and hear the reassuring thud when you close the door you know you’re in a special vehicle.”
    Volkswagen’s Touareg emerged as Best Luxury SUV Over $60,000 among more expensive competition. The Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI was praised by Australia’s Best Cars judges for its outstanding fuel-efficiency and value for money.
    “The Volkswagen Touareg has done it again and with a country mile between it and the rest of the field”, commented one of the judges.
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    Volkswagen and Porsche Create Integrated Automotive Group 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 07-07-2012 10:56 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Porsche
    4. Volkswagen
    Article Preview

    • Accelerated integration model permits combination of automotive business with expected effect as from August 1, 2012
    • Porsche’s automotive business will be contributed in full to the Volkswagen Group ahead of schedule for around €4.46 billion plus one Volkswagen ordinary share
    • Net synergies of approximately €320 million from the accelerated integration will be split 50:50 between the two companies
    • CEO Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn: "Good for Volkswagen, good for Porsche and good for Germany as an industrial location"
    Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft and Porsche Automobil Holding SE (Porsche SE) are to create the integrated automotive group through the contribution in full of Porsche’s automotive business to the Volkswagen Group, with the move expected to already take effect as of August 1, 2012. The relevant governing bodies of the two companies approved the plan for this today. The move will allow the integrated automotive group consisting of Volkswagen and Porsche to become reality some two years earlier than would have been economically feasible under the put/call options provided for in the Comprehensive Agreement signed in August 2009. Porsche SE will receive around €4.46 billion and one Volkswagen ordinary share as consideration for contributing the 50.1 percent of Porsche AG not yet owned by Volkswagen. "The unique Porsche brand will now become an integral part of the Volkswagen Group. That is good for Volkswagen, good for Porsche and good for Germany as an industrial location. Combining their operating business will make Volkswagen and Porsche even stronger – both financially and strategically – going forward. We can now cooperate even more closely and jointly leverage new growth opportunities in the high-margin premium segment through targeted investments in pioneering products and technologies. This will benefit our customers, our employees and our shareholders", said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft.

    The two companies announced last September that it would not be possible to implement the merger of Volkswagen AG and Porsche SE provided for in the Comprehensive Agreement signed in 2009 by the end of 2011, as had been agreed. In addition, the tax treatment of the put/call options provided for in the Comprehensive Agreement does not allow the automotive business to be integrated on economically feasible terms before the second half of 2014. The two companies have therefore been exploring alternative ways of achieving their common goal of an integrated automotive group that can be implemented by all parties at an earlier point in time.

    The accelerated integration model that has now been agreed is based on the Umwandlungssteuergesetz (Reorganization Tax Act) and the Umwandlungssteuererlass (Taxation of Reorganizations Circular) which was published at the end of 2011, as well as advance rulings from the relevant tax authorities, and can be implemented on economically feasible terms. Under the structure developed jointly by the two companies, Porsche SE will contribute its operations as a holding company, including its 50.1 percent Porsche stake, to Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, which already holds indirectly 49.9 percent of Porsche AG. Once the transaction has closed, Volkswagen will hold 100 percent of the shares of Porsche AG via an intermediate holding company. In return, Porsche SE will receive a consideration totaling around €4.46 billion plus one ordinary share of Volkswagen. The cash consideration is based on the equity value of €3.88 billion for the remaining shares of Porsche AG set out in the Comprehensive Agreement, plus a number of adjustment items. Among other things, Porsche SE will be remunerated for dividend payments from its indirect stake in Porsche AG that it would have received as well as for half of the present value of the net synergies realizable as a result of the accelerated integration, which amount to a total of approximately €320 million.
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    Volkswagen Announces New Pricing for Award Winning Polo Range 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 02-02-2012 06:05 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. Volkswagen

    Volkswagen’s revised Polo range is now even better value for money with a starting price for the five-door Polo Trendline of $16,990* and $18,990* for the Polo 77TSI Comfortline.

    The Polo 66TDI Comfortline’s starting price has also been reduced to $21,490*. Across all models – except the Polo GTI - the 7-speed DSG is a $2,500 option.

    The Volkswagen Polo range has redefined its market segment since its introduction to the Australian market and the new price points make it even more attractive.

    Standard equipment levels have also been enhanced for the entire Polo range. With the addition of popular features such as Bluetooth phone connectivity and Media Device Interface (MDI) as well as daytime driving lights, the Polo will continue to outshine its competitors.

    The sporty Polo GTI has also received additional standard comfort and convenience equipment befitting the top model in the range. The RCD510 touchscreen audio system, automatic climate control air conditioning, rain sensing wipers and automatically dimming rear-view mirror are all now included, adding even more value to an already well equipped model.

    Volkswagen Polo range pricing:
    Polo Trendline 5-speed manual $16,990*
    Polo Trendline 7-speed DSG $19,490*
    Polo 77TSI Comfortline 6-speed manual $18,990*
    Polo 77TSI Comfortline 7-speed DSG $21,490*
    Polo 66TDI Comfortline 5-speed manual $21,490*
    Polo 66TDI Comfortline 7-speed DSG $23,990*
    Polo GTI 3-door 7-speed DSG $27,790*
    Polo GTI 5-door 7-speed DSG $28,990*
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    Powerful, Fast, Fuel Efficient and Clean: The Scirocco R – An Impressive Performance Package 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 31-01-2012 10:00 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Volkswagen
    Article Preview

    The wait is over! The Scirocco R has arrived. Power: 188kW. Character: genuine sports car. Performance: at its fullest. Handling: just as it should be. Fun factor: maximum. The four-seat sports car is ideal as both a dynamic performer and economical companion on the roads of everyday life. Always on-board as standard equipment: the XDL Extended Electronic Differential Lock – first introduced on the Golf GTI – providing optimal traction properties and unbeatable driving fun.

    R – CONCEPT
    The Scirocco R – conceptualised by Volkswagen R GmbH – is an impressive performance package with a brilliant chassis, unique looks, exclusive features and shares a power plant with the impressive Golf R. Its advantages: high power and torque values with minimum fuel consumption. On average, just 8.1 litres* of fuel f lows to the combustion chambers via direct injection per 100 kilometres. That corresponds to CO2 emissions of 189 g/km – top values for a fast sports car. And equally as impressive: when driven with the optional Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), these values are 8.2 litres and 192 g/km.
    * Combined cycle (ADR) 81/02

    R – HISTORY – The Scirocco Story
    As the end of the 1960s approached, so did the end of the golden years of the Volkswagen Beetle. As part of the development of the Golf I, no less a designer than Giorgio Giugiaro drew up a nippy and sporty 2+2 coupé that was presented to the world's public in Geneva in 1973: The Scirocco was born. The Scirocco was the first front-wheel drive coupé from Volkswagen and it appeared in 1974 just ahead of the Golf I. The sports coupé not only offered a sporty alternative to the Golf I, but was also affordable to boot.

    Scirocco I (type 53)
    • Production from March / April 1974 to April 1981
    • 504,153 vehicles
    • Design: Giorgio Giugiaro
    • Development and production: Karmann, Osnabrück
    • Technical basis: Golf I
    • Initial engines 50 / 70 / 85 PS (four-cylinder)


    Scirocco II (type 53/2)
    • Production from April 1981 to September 1992
    • 291,497 vehicles
    • Design: Herbert Schäfer (Volkswagen)
    • Production: Karmann, Osnabrück
    • Technical basis: Golf I
    • Initial engines 60 / 70 / 85 / 110 PS (four-cylinder)
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