Motor Trend Long Term Arrival - 2009 Infinti FX50S

Motor Trend Long Term Arrival - 2009 Infinti FX50S

Infiniti's FX is not a practical vehicle. It doesn't hold three rows of people, can carry only 25 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row, and has minimal off-road capability. No, it isn't practical, but it isn't supposed to be.

Volkswagen launches “60 years of value” anniversary campaign

Quality “made in Germany” for Federal Republic’s anniversary

Brand fans encouraged to actively participate

Wolfsburg, 19 December 2008 - We’ve seen a lot together and we’ve great plans for the future. This is Volkswagen’s claim for a double jubilee next year: the 60th anniversary of the Federal Republic of Germany and the handing over of the Volkswagen factory by the British Military Government. “The Beetle, Bulli or the new Golf – Volkswagen stands for the democratization of mobility. No other brand has set its stamp on the history of the country in this way,” Jochen Sengpiehl, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen, commented.

The brand campaign in Germany gets underway on December 20 with TV spots, followed a little later by print ads which will function as an umbrella for product and brand themes throughout 2009. An emotional look back links key national events such as the Wirtschaftswunder or German reunification with highlights from Volkswagen’s product history. The spotlight not only shines on Volkswagen’s classic models, but also on present and future models such as the "New Small Family", because Volkswagen also symbolizes the future capability of Germany as an industrial location.

"We are setting the standard in the development of affordable, environmentally friendly vehicles and technologies. Our young model range gives our customers the right choice of models at the right time. The success of our company is based on a strong brand and the Volkswagen values which also symbolize Germany’s strengths: valuable, innovative, responsible," Sengpiehl added.

One special feature of the campaign is that all customers and fans are being asked to tell their own personal Volkswagen story. This story can take the form of texts, photos or video clips sent to www.volkswagen-60-jahre.de, a website specially set up for the campaign. Volkswagen is also contacting its brand friends through Internet communities such as "YouTube" or "MySpace", thus breaking new and innovative ground in online marketing. "We want to contact people via an online community platform and to thank the brand’s customers and fans for making "60 years of value" possible" Ralf Maltzen, Head CRM and Internet Marketing at Volkswagen, explained.


The communication agency DDB Berlin is responsible for the creative side of the campaign, cooperating with Tribal DDB Hamburg for online activities.

MAN acquires Brazil-based VW Truck & Bus

-Expansion into South American market
-Market leader for trucks in Brazil
-Synergy potential within MAN production network

MAN AG is to acquire VW Truck & Bus, which is based in Resende (Brazil), from Volkswagen AG. The company with an enterprise value of €1,175 million is set to be transferred on January 1, 2009. The executive bodies of MAN and VW have already granted their approval.

Volkswagen Truck & Bus has been producing trucks and buses in Resende since 1996. The company is Brazil’s largest truck manufacturer and leads the market for trucks with a gross vehicle weight of more than five tons. The vehicles are primarily sold in Latin America and South Africa. Around 47,000 trucks and buses were supplied in 2007. The company has a comprehensive sales and service network in Brazil and neighboring countries. Around 5,000 employees work at the Resende plant – one of the most modern truck production facilities – for VW Truck & Bus and its partner suppliers.

Acquiring the Brazilian company and its strong brand enables MAN to expand into the South American market, one of the fastest-growing regions, thus consistently strengthening its commercial vehicles business.

The CEO of MAN AG, Håkan Samuelsson, sees the acquisition as an important step for the MAN Group: “Having concentrated on our core business units, MAN is now focusing on expansion in all business areas. The acquisition of VW Truck & Bus in Brazil marks another milestone in our international growth in trucks and buses. The new business area with its strong market position will provide MAN with access to the Latin American market. At the same time, we can see considerable synergy potential for our production network. VW Truck & Bus has a strong regional sales network and a state-of-the-art truck and bus plant at its Resende site. We look forward to further strengthening the company’s position together with its President Mr. Roberto Cortes, his management team and the employees.”

Source: MAN AG

Volkswagen sells heavy truck business in Brazil to MAN

Truck business concentrated in MAN and Scania shareholdings

Long-term perspective for further development of VW CO

Wolfsburg, 15 December 2008 - Volkswagen AG is to sell its heavy truck business in Brazil to MAN AG, Munich. MAN will purchase Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus Indústria e Comércio de Veículos Comerciais Ltda (VW CO), Resende, for an enterprise value of €1.175 billion. Volkswagen anticipates that the sale will be completed in the first quarter of 2009.

With the sale of VW CO, the Volkswagen Group is focusing its involvement in the truck business on its existing shareholdings in MAN and Scania and on its own business with light commercial vehicles which is not affected by this transaction. VW CO produces trucks and buses designed for use in developing countries and has become the largest truck maker in Brazil since it was established in 1981. In the 2007 financial year, the fast growing company, with 5,000 employees working in Resende and at partner suppliers, built approximately 47,000 vehicles exported to over 30 countries. The product portfolio comprises medium- and heavy-duty trucks as well as urban buses and long-distance coaches.

"This decision is a further logical step for us in the truck business and at the same time brings our Brazilian commercial vehicle activities an attractive perspective in an alliance with a leading truck maker. It is obvious that VW CO and MAN complement each others activities very well and have significant synergy potential. We are convinced that VW CO customers and employees will benefit from this step," Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, commented.

Following the purchase, MAN will continue to conduct this business under the Volkswagen brand name and will cooperate closely with the management and employees in Brazil. The company’s registered office and jobs will not be affected.

Going forward, the Volkswagen brand will be concentrating on its core business with passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. As an independent brand in the Volkswagen Group, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will focus exclusively on light commercial vehicles. "With its present vehicle program and a new robust pickup model range, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will continue on its profitable growth course and develop new markets," Stephan Schaller, Speaker for the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, pointed out, adding that the brand’s core competence as a manufacturer of light commercial vehicles would be strengthened.

The shareholdings in MAN and Scania underscore Volkswagen’s strategic interest in the truck business. Volkswagen and its shareholders will continue to benefit indirectly from the future growth and earnings potential of VW CO via the 29.9 percent stake in MAN.

Source: Volkswagen

Can it be Done? via YouTube

Volkswagen of South Africa captures passenger market leadership despite tough conditions - November 2008

During November 2008 a total of 21 943 new passenger cars were sold in South Africa. Total new passenger car sales in November declined by 14.1 per cent when compared to October 2008, and were 33.6 per cent down on November 2007, bringing the market for January to November 2008 to 24.1 per cent below the same period for 2007.

Volkswagen of South Africa captured passenger market leadership in November with 5 113 passenger units sold - a market share of 23.3%. “Sales for the Volkswagen Brand were once again bolstered by significant performances from Citi Golf, with 1 410 units sold, and Polo/Classic, which sold 2 096 units,” said Volkswagen of South Africa Sales and Marketing Director Mike Glendinning.

“In addition, more than 800 units were sold in the premium segment by the Audi Brand,” he added.

Sales of new passenger cars and the selling rate per day of new cars in November 2008 dropped to levels last experienced in 2003, at the very beginning of the boom that took place in the sale of new cars that peaked in June 2006, Mr Glendinning stated.

“The combination of high inflation and interest rates, household financial stress, the stock market meltdown, the global financial crises and rapid deterioration in the exchange rate, a rapidly weakening economy with seasonally adjusted and annualized third quarter GDP growth the lowest since the third quarter of 1998, and recent sharp increases in new vehicle prices - reflecting the fastest rate of new vehicle price increases since June 2003 - are all taking their toll on demand for new passenger cars,” he explained.

“Furthermore, with the full impact of the global financial crises and steadily emerging, possibly deep, global economic recession, yet to fully impact on the South African economy, 2009 - in particular the first half of 2009 - will undoubtedly present challenging trading conditions in the new passenger car market, despite reductions in interest rates and a drop in inflation.

“With 2008 drawing to a close it is probable that the new car market will end up some 24 per cent down on the market recorded last year, and the outlook going forward seems to suggest that the market in 2009 could decline by a further 10 to 15 per cent before some consolidation and recovery possibly occurs in the latter half of the year,” Mr Glendinning concluded.

The first Volkswagen trucks to integrate in a peace mission for United Nations

In January 2009 eleven units of VW Worker 15,210 4X4 are ready for duty from the Port of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to the city of Port-au-Prince in Haiti.

The trucks will be used by the Brazilian Military Command who are co-ordinating 6700 soldiers from 16 countries participating in the mission.

The Volkswagen fleet in Haiti in the coming year will reach 40 units; which will be used for transporting troops and equipment/

In September last year Volkswagen Trucks and Buses was the winner of a new contract for the supply of 150 trucks operating with 4X4 for the Brazilian Army.

Most will be used in border areas of difficult access in the North and Centre-West of Brazil as well as missions abroad. The new UN vehicles are part of this deal.

"The trucks will face a situation of war: deteriorated roads and areas of armed conflict; for which we must move with agility and strength.

The 15,210 VW 4X4 was chosen by the Army by bringing together those characteristics and also for having gone through a rigorous testing process for its approval.

The 15,210 VW 4X4 was tested by the Brazilian Army in harsh conditions such as boggy sand, muddy roads and boarding capabilities in air and sea conditions.

The use of biodiesel with B2 blend (2% mixture of the conventional diesel) and ballistic tests which tests resistance to the cabin were also requirements.

The Volkswagen fleet in Haiti will have technical assistance from the Brazilian Army mechanics; who trained together with the Technicians from Volkswagen Trucks and Buses.

With an area of 27,750 square kilometres, Haiti occupies the western third of Hispaniola, the second largest island of the Greater Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. The Dominican Republic occupies the other two thirds of the island.

The United Nations Mission for the Stabilization of Haiti - MINUSTAH - was created by the Security Council of the Organization on April 30, 2004. The main objectives are to stabilize the country, pacify and disarm guerrilla groups and rebels, promote free elections and promoting institutional development and economic.

Brazil took command of operations in Haiti for having the largest military contingent in the operation. Also part of the mission: Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Canada, Chad, Chile, Croatia, France, Jordan, Nepal, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Turkey and Uruguay.



Source: Volkswagen Trucks and Buses
Translation: via google and author

Euro NCAP now also presents innovative head restraint system in the new Golf with award

Wolfsburg, 04 December 2008 - Following the five stars given to the new Golf by Euro NCAP six weeks ago in the classic disciplines, the sixth generation of the bestseller has received further recognition. On this occasion, the independent testers at Euro NCAP have presented the whiplash-optimised head restraint system (WOKS) in the new Golf with an award.

Various different accident-related over-extensions of the neck are referred to as "whiplash syndrome" internationally. With WOKS, Volkswagen has succeeded in developing a seat belt system that considerably reduces the risk of injury in an accident: the defined rate of deceleration for the upper body and head achieves excellent levels of protection.

A decisive element can be seen in the special contours of the head restraint and seat backrest as well as the hardness of the foam used. Volkswagen has applied for a patent for the head restraint contour. The major advantage of this geometrically and dynamically-optimised system is that a level of potential protection has been achieved that was better in tests than the bio-mechanical results of many active systems. WOKS has been fitted as standard in the new Golf since October.

The new Golf was already graded with an excellent rating for safety at the end of October: it achieved 36 of 37 possible points and received five stars for occupant safety. It received four stars for child safety and three stars for pedestrian protection. Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Program) is an association of European transport ministries, automobile clubs and insurance agencies which has regularly carried out independent crash test programmes since 1997.

Source: Volkswagen

Magic Bus is now available as a miniature Campervan designed by „The Who“ obtainable worldwide

Hannover, 9 December 2008. The iconic campervan „Magic Bus“ is now available as a miniature. The original Volkswagen T1 from 1965 had been restored and designed for a raffle held by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, british charity Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) and The Who at the beginning of this year. Meanwhile the german manufacturers Wiking and Schuco have each done a miniature of the „Magic Bus“. The bigger miniature is on a scale of 1:43 and the smaller one on a scale of 1:87. The smallish miniature can be delivered from 15 December, the bigger one is shippable from February 2009. The campervan will be obtainable in selected Volkswagen dealership stores worldwide.

Campervan lovers and fans of The Who, who are interested in the bigger miniature should order now, as this version comes as a limited edition with 1000 pieces.
1 Euro out of the gains for the small „Magic Bus“ and 2 Euro out of the gains of the big one inure to the benefit of Teenage Cancer Trust. The charity supports british children and teenagers suffering from cancer.

The design of the Van is done by Richard Evans, Art Director of The Who. A raffle with the original „Magic Bus“ generated 40.000 Euro for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

HIV activists reached South Africa in Volkswagen California campervans

German Joachim Franz climbs Tafelberg at World AIDS Day

Hannover/Kapstadt, 1 December 2008. 18 men and women, 19 summit ascents and a 24.000 kilometre route: Today german HIV activist Joachim Franz and his team have reached the destination of their current expedition, the “cape2cape”-Tour. A fleet of five Volkswagen California Beach campervans were the official tour vehicles. Franz climbed the Tafelberg on World AIDS Day and placed a flag at the summit showing the estimated figure of unreported cases of HIV infections in South Africa. 18 others flags had been placed in Europe and Africa by the team during the last two month.
German ambassador to South Africa, Dieter Walter Haller, and representatives of several international world health organisations received the team in Kapstadt.

Joachim Franz thanked his partner Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The company has been supporting the team and their projects for more then seven years now.
„Those Volkswagen California are the most reliable vehicles to use for a tour like this. The vans have been essential when it was about the saftey of the expedition“, Franz said.

„cape2cape“ is the current part of the ongoing „aids awareness expeditions“, which the German Joachim Franz started in 2001 to gain attention for the topic of AIDS around the world.

High Quality and Residuals make the Transporter a Double Winner

The Volkswagen Transporter van has been described as ‘head and shoulders’ above its rivals by the judges who chose it as the Best Medium Van in the inaugural Fleet Van Awards 2008, while the latest issue of Commercial Motor magazine has named the Transporter winner of a Medium Van group test against five rivals, with particular praise for its quality and fuel economy.

‘In such a tough category, the winner had to have a supremely strong offering. But there was no doubt in the judges’ minds that one van stood head and shoulders above the rest, with superb build quality, road manners and residual values – the Volkswagen Transporter,’ said the judges of the Fleet Van Awards 2008.

The unsuccessful contenders compared against the Transporter included the Ford Transit, Vauxhall Vivaro, Mercedes-Benz Vito and Citroën Dispatch.

‘In these difficult economic times, this award is a great help to van buyers,’ said Simon Elliott, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. ‘Choosing a van is not just about the purchase price, but also its quality, durability and competitive whole-life costs. Buying a Volkswagen van also includes the reassuring back-up of a dedicated Van Centre network and fully trained, professional staff,’ he continued.

In its group test of medium vans, Commercial Motor magazine praised the Volkswagen Transporter T30 TDI PD 130 PS, saying: ‘It comes as no surprise that its main strength is in the quality of its construction and design – something the manufacturer is noted for – and this is evident not just in the overall build, but in the way everything works together. The interior was the highest scoring in the group. And on fuel economy it also comes top.’

The Transporter range offers load volumes from 5.8 m³ to 9.3 m³, payloads from 802 kg to 1,282 kg, short and long wheelbase, low, medium or high roof and four diesel engines from 84 PS to 174 PS. Basic retail prices start from £14,480 (excluding VAT) with contract hire or finance lease currently available from £205 a month with three years free servicing. It is the best-selling Volkswagen van in the UK and most of Europe, and one of the most popular vans ever with over 10 million produced since 1950.

Bologna Motor Show 2008 - Scirocco Studie R – world premiere

From the Nürburgring race track to the street:

Volkswagen presents street version of the Scirocco GT24

Scirocco Studie R brings race car technology to the streetDesign of the Scirocco Studie R emulates endurance race car

Wolfsburg / Bologna, 03 December 2008
It was a triumphant drive: in May 2008, three Scirocco GT24 cars lined up at the start of the 24-hour endurance race on the Nürburgring track. At the wheel: driving legends the likes of Hans-Joachim Stuck and Carlos Sainz. The teams drove two 238 kW / 325 PS strong race cars to a dual victory at the finish line, first and second in their class. Now Volkswagen is presenting a street version of the race car at the Bologna Motor Show: the Scirocco Studie R. A genuine Grand Tourismo with a 198 kW / 270 PS engine that delivers aggressive propulsive power. This power is distributed by a 6-speed dual clutch transmission. Adapted directly from car racing are the coilovers, the four-piston brake calipers and a sound-optimized exhaust system with its oval, polished tailpipes.

Visually, in many respects the concept emulates the race car version. Take the front end, for example: here the design adheres to the motto “Form follows function”; it features three large air inlet openings that guarantee optimal cooling of the brakes and engine. The front splitter that was added minimizes aerodynamic lift of the front axle. Also adopted from the racing version is the engine hood with its auxiliary air vents.

The rear end is dominated by an integrated rear wing and distinctive diffuser in the lower section of the bumper. These two components reduce lift at the rear axle substantially. Despite the aerodynamic design derived from car racing, a clear stylistic resemblance to the production Scirocco was preserved. Identifying characteristics of its side profile are the new side skirts and polished 19-inch alloy wheels with five sets of triple spokes. The wheels were specially developed for the Scirocco Studie R.

The radiator screen, diffuser and underside of the rear spoiler are treated in high-gloss black, and this provides a strong contrast to the white exterior paint. Supplemented by a “Bologna 08” badge, red and green stylistic elements on a white background create an Italian tricolor. The outside mirrors are also coordinated with this color scheme.

Interior
Italy’s national colors are also represented in the interior. White and black create the basic theme, similar to the exterior car color. The seams of the Recaro racing shell seats, steering wheel, front armrest, gearshift lever trim and floor mat edging are designed in the colors of the tricolor. Inside, nappa leather in “Deep black” and “Berry white” is applied to the uncompromisingly designed racing shell seat.

The shell seats are upholstered with a deep black leather in carbon look. An eye-catching feature here is the conspicuous yet refined contrast of low and high-gloss elements of the carbon structure. Interior accents also consist of genuine carbon composites. The footwell features aluminum pedals specially designed for this vehicle.

Bologna Motor Show 2008 - Golf Plus / Golf Plus Collectors Edition

World premiere of the new Golf Plus: All-around Golf updated – visually and technically

New design of the Golf Plus will launch in early 2009

New common rail engines reduce fuel consumption by up to 0.8 liter

Wolfsburg / Bologna, 03 December 2008
Within just three and a half years, the Golf Plus has made a name for itself as an established product in the Golf lineup. Its brand identity: clever like a van, compact like a Golf. Over this time period, more than 500,000 car drivers across Europe chose a plus in interior and seat heights, a plus in variability, and finally a plus in comfort. This is now being followed up by a Golf Plus that has been improved in many aspects. Volkswagen is presenting it as a world premiere at the Bologna Motor Show (December 03 to 14). European-wide market launch of the new generation Golf Plus will already take place in March 2009.

Visually, the new “Plus” forges a link to the classic body style of the just introduced sixth Golf generation. This is especially apparent at the front end. Also redesigned are the rear bumper and the roof rails. New steel and alloy wheels in a variety of sizes round out the exterior package of visual modifications. Inside, the further improved Golf Plus sports details like new upholstery materials and details also implemented in the Golf such as its instruments, steering wheel options and user interface for the automatic climate control system (Climatronic).

Technically, the Golf Plus also implements details that the new Golf introduced for the first time in this Volkswagen segment. They include the new, fuel-efficient and very quiet common rail turbo-diesel engines (66 kW / 90 PS to 103 kW / 140 PS). The common rail TDIs reduce average fuel consumption by up to 0.8 liter per 100 kilometers.

As on the classic Golf, the conventional automatic transmission was also eliminated on the Golf Plus and replaced by 6-speed and 7-speed dual clutch transmissions (DSG) that are as fuel efficient as they are agile. Also new aboard the Golf Plus are the optional “Adaptive Cruise Control” (ACC), “Park Assist” parking assistant and rearview camera. Last but not least, the equipment lines were restructured too (Trendline, Comfortline and Highline as top version).
Visual appearance in style of the new “Volkswagen design DNA”

The Golf has always exhibited an unmistakable and linear design. And this not only applies to the original form of the classic car; it is also true of the “specialists” on the Golf team – successful Volkswagens like the “GTI”, “Variant” and certainly the “Plus” as well. With the recent launch of the sixth generation of Golfs, this model series is experiencing a new level of maturity in its timeless and confident styling and design. This is based on the newly developed “Volkswagen design DNA”. A key aspect here is the car’s extremely high level of value. Key elements of the design language developed by the team led by Walter de Silva are now characteristics of the new Golf Plus too. And indeed in the car’s front area:

New front end
Dominant here is the horizontally aligned band of the radiator grille between the new headlight design (with standard daytime running lights); it consists of two high-gloss black cross-bars in which the VW logo is integrated. On the Highline version, each of these bars has a narrow strip of chrome at its upper end. The lines of the new bumper match those of the radiator grille. In the space below the bumper, designed in black, there is another air inlet and the fog lights that are worked into the outer areas as well as a chrome surround around the inlet screen. The fog lights also assume the new function of static turning lights being introduced on this model. This much is certain: the new front end design and distinctive headlights give the Golf Plus a significantly more dynamic and high-end appearance.

Modified rear end
In the rear, designers have restyled the bumper. The results: a plus in dynamics and precision. The bumper is now completely painted in car color. The only exception is the lower area, where there is a high-gloss black segment in the center giving the visual effect of a diffuser. High-visibility reflectors were also integrated in the lower section of the bumper. The taillights with their LED technology were styled in a new dark red (“Cherry red”).

Side profile with new roof rails
The side profile of the Golf Plus has remained largely unchanged. However, new roof rails were integrated more harmoniously into the car’s overall line. Compared to its predecessor, this car is lower in profile, more refined, and it is painted silver starting with the Highline (Trendline and Comfortline: black). In its side profile, the new wheel designs are also conspicuous. Even the base version gets new full wheel covers. In the upscale direction, the lineup of wheel-tire combinations is rounded out by the new 18-inch “Bilbao” alloy wheel design from Volkswagen Individual.

Interior
The Golf Plus, always offered as a four-door with a large hatch is one of the most variable and practical vehicles of its class. Some ways in which these qualities are realized: the slightly elevated and very upright seating position, rear bench seat (split 40:60 and folding, seatback split 40:20:40) with 160 millimeters of longitudinal adjustment, optional folding front passenger seat, variable cargo floor, a storage concept that has been thought through to the last detail and ample space for passengers and their luggage.

New instruments and automatic climate control
The instruments now have the same look as those in the new Golf, Passat and Passat CC. Dominant here are the two round instru­ments in brushed chrome surrounds that are even supplied in the base equipment version. Instru­ment scaling is backlit in white (regardless of whether the headlights are on or off); pointer gauges are designed in red. Also configured in white are the graphics of the multifunctional display (MFA) located between the tachometer and speedometer – standard in all equipment versions effective immediately. Analogous to the Golf and Passat, a new generation of steering wheel is making its way onto the Golf Plus, perfected in touch and appearance.

If the Volkswagen is ordered with automatic climate control (Climatronic), a new user interface developed for control of temperature and ventilation is included.

New technologies I – innovative engines
The new Golf Plus will be offered with five gasoline engines (59 kW / 80 PS to 118 kW / 160 PS) and four new turbo-diesel engines (66 kW / 90 PS to 103 kW / 140 PS). All engines are four-cylinder, all engines are charged starting at 90 PS, all engines fulfill the Euro-5 emissions standard. And with the exception of the base variants, any of the gasoline and diesel engines may be paired with a 6-speed or 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG) – this signifies the retirement of the classic automatic with torque-converter lockup clutch in the Golf Plus and its replacement by DSG technology.

For a better understanding of just how efficiently the DSGs work, consider the 90 kW / 122 PS strong Golf Plus TSI (1.4 liter displacement) with 7-speed DSG: This 200 km/h fast Volkswagen is satisfied with just 6.3 liters fuel per 100 kilometers (146 g/km CO2).

New Common Rail TDI
After the Golf, in early 2009 Volkswagen will also fully convert the Golf Plus over to common rail engines with four valves per cylinder. The TDIs output 66 kW / 90 PS, 77 kW / 105 PS, 81 kW / 110 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS. Right at the car’s market launch, TDIs will be available with 110 PS and 140 PS. Always on board with all diesels: a diesel particulate filter (DPF). Besides being fuel efficient and dynamic, the new TDI engines are also characterized by noticeably good low-noise properties.

Also pioneering are the car’s low fuel consumption values: the 189 km/h fast Golf Plus TDI with 110 PS consumes just 5.1 liters fuel per 100 kilometers on average. CO2 emissio­ns of the 2.0 liter TDI are just 134 g/km.

Running at an equally excellent level underway is the Golf Plus TDI with 140 PS. In this 2.0 liter version, exactly 5.1 liters of diesel flow to the common rail injection per 100 kilometers on average: that is 0.8 liter less than on the TDI with pump-nozzle technology, which was already very efficient. In parallel, Volkswagen has reduced CO2 emissions on the 204 km/h fast Golf Plus TDI from 153 to 135 g/km!

New technologies II – Park Assist
For the first time on the Golf Plus, the updated model generation offers the parking assistant “Park Assist”. The system enables nearly automatic reverse parking parallel to the roadway. The driver only needs to actuate the gas pedal, brake and clutch. Meanwhile, the Golf Plus steers into the premeasured parking space, controlled by sensors.

New technologies III – Rearview camera
Also new aboard the Golf Plus is the optional rearview camera – “Rear Assist”. The camera is located in the VW em­blem in the hatch. As soon as reverse gear is engaged, the VW logo swivels upward, together with the camera, to scan the space behind the Golf Plus from this position. The system may be ordered in combination with the RCD 510 and RNS 510 touchscreen radio and radio-navigation systems. Camera images are transferred directly to the touchscreen.

New technologies IV – Visual Parking Assistant
If the Golf Plus is ordered with “ParkPilot” or “Park Assist” – together with one of the radio or radio-navigation systems RCD 310, RNS 310, RCD 510 or RNS 510 – a new visual display may be accessed as an alternative to the rearview camera. The “Visual Parking Assistant” shows a bird’s eye view of the vehicle in the display and symbolically represents potential obstacles in the front and rear areas, precisely where they are actually located.

New technologies V – Adaptive Cruise Control ACC
Another new assistance system on the Golf Plus is “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)”. When “ACC” is activated, the Golf Plus automatically brakes and accelerates based on laser measurements. The driver preselects a speed between 30 and 210 km/h. Important: “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)” not only maintains the preselected speed, but also the preselected distance to the next vehicle in traffic.

Golf Plus Trendline
Volkswagen will offer this high-roof version of the Golf in the three equipment lines “Trendline”, “Comfortline” and “Highline”. “Highline” replaces the previous top version “Sportline”.

The entry-level “Trendline” is anything but a spartan version. Standard equipment includes safety fea­tures such as six airbags, crash-active head restraints, and ESP on board. Comfort is perfected by such details as a climate control system (Clima­tic), power windows, height-adjustable driver’s seat, new and appealing fabric seat covers (“Flow”), longitudinal adjustment of the rear bench seat, multifunctional display (MFA), a rear window antenna, chrome bezels on the air vents, power steering with speed-dependent control, green tinted glass and central locking. The outside mirrors, door handles and bumpers are also painted in car color. The standard roof rails are kept in black.

Golf Plus Comfortline
The Golf Plus Comfortline is equipped with even more features. Standard equipment supplemental to the Trendline version includes 16-inch wheels with size 205 tires, side guard strips also in car color, chrome accents on the radiator grille, a storage compartment in the roofliner, folding tables and pockets on the seatbacks of the front seats, special seat covers (“Porch Studio F”), comfort seats and height adjustable front passenger’s seat, bag hooks in the cargo area, center armrest in front, cruise control (GRA), ParkPilot in front and rear, leather steering wheel, gearshift knob and parking brake lever, dual cargo floor and the new RCD 210 radio-CD system.

Golf Plus Highline
“Highline” – the top version of a model series – is an equipment designation with a great tradition at Volkswagen. Similar to the Golf, it was adopted again for this model series, to retire the previous “Sportline” versions in parallel with a restructuring of equipment lines. The Golf Plus Highline furnishes additional details such as sport seats (center panels in Alcantara), fog lights with static turn lighting, center armrest in front, Multifunctional Display Plus, automatic climate control (Climatronic), silver painted roof rails, winter package (including heated seats, headlight cleaning system), RCD 210 radio-CD system, multi­functional steering wheel and 17-inch alloy wheels (“Porto” type).

Also available as options on all versions are details such as bi-xenon headlights with curve lighting, multifunctional steering wheels, eight different types of alloy wheels (15 to 18 inch), a sport package (including sport chassis, tire pressure monitoring and tinted side windows), nine metallic and pearl effect colors, three radio-CD and two radio-navigation ­systems, several hands-free systems, a sound system, Mobile Device Interface (MDI) as an interface for audio devices with USB connector and a digital receiver module (DAB) for the radio systems. So this all-around car not only offers a plus in space, but also a plus when it comes to individualization.

Golf Plus Collectors Edition
On a concept car based on the new Golf Plus, Volkswagen Individual is providing a demonstration of just how limitless the hidden possibilities of individualization are: the Collectors Edition.

This concept car is outfitted with the exclusive “White pearl effect” body color. Providing the necessary contact to the road are size 225/40 tires on new 18-inch “Bilbao” alloy wheels. Inside and out, the Golf Plus Collectors Edi­tion exudes a kind of lounge ambiance. And not only because of the espresso machine integrated in the center console. The interior is trimmed in high-end nappa leather in “Titanium black” and “St. Tropez” (cream white) – this creates a very contemporary and urbane ambiance. Perfection right down to the last detail is evident in the decorative “Viaggio” seams between the individual sections of nappa leather trim.

Furthermore, it is the contrasts between low and high gloss surfaces that define the interior. All accents, for example, are in high-gloss black piano paint, which encounters the silky matte of the nappa leather in the instrument panel area.

Bologna Motor Show 2008 - Golf BiFuel – world premiere

First Golf with factory-installed auto gas drive:
Golf BiFuel is economical and low-emissions

100 auto gas kilometers cost just €6.35* with the Golf BiFuel

New Golf BiFuel is safer and more durable than aftermarket solutions

Wolfsburg / Bologna, 03 December 2008
In a world premiere at the Bologna Motor Show, Volkswagen is presenting the first Golf ever to be factory-equipped for operation with auto gas (LPG). The biva¬lent drive – a simple switchover and it can be driven with gasoline – reduces costs and emissions. When the new Golf BiFuel is powered by LPG (liquified petroleum gas), its environmental impact compared to a gasoline engine: a greater than 10 percent reduction in CO2 emissions
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Safer and more durable than aftermarket solutions

Compared to aftermarket auto gas systems, the system now being presented in the Golf BiFuel offers significant advantages. For one, the car together with its fuel tanks – and this is not the case with aftermarket solutions – is crash tested as a total system; so it is very safe. Second, the engine was specially configured for LPG operation, and so it is more durable than engines originally tuned as gasoline engines. The long-term quality of the Golf BiFuel has been verified in extensive durability testing. A full factory warranty and access to the large Volkswagen service network are pluses too. All of this is being offered at the same price as an aftermarket retrofit.

In LPG mode, the 72 kW / 98 PS strong 1.6 liter four-cylinder of the Golf BiFuel consumes 9.2 liters of LPG per 100 kilometers (149 g/km CO2) on average. The bottom line for these 100 kilometers based on average LPG prices in Germany: just €6.38. In gasoline mode, the Golf BiFuel consumes a still economical 7.1 liters of Super per 100 kilometers (169 g/km CO2). Costs for gasoline operation are based on prices at the same date in Germany: €8.60.

1,100 kilometer range
In addition, the auto gas tank (41 liter effective volume at storage pressure of 8 to 10 bar) – with its space-saving installation in the spare wheel recess – and the gasoline tank (55 liter) together propel the car to a theoretical range of greater than 1,100 kilometers. In pure LPG mode, the car’s range is about 420 kilometers. The network of LPG filling stations is tightly interwoven across Europe; in Germany alone there are about 4,500 filling stations. Incidentally, the filling tube for the LPG is easy to access right next to the familiar location of its gasoline counterpart.

* = Average price of LPG in Germany on November 18, 2008

Volkswagen at the Essen Motor Show 2008 - Eos "White Night"

Eos "White Night"

Wolfsburg, 28 November 2008 – The 41st Essen Motor Show will open the gates today to the biggest German tuning Fair. Volkswagen presents itself with two exclusive models - in shiny white, with exclusive and high quality equipment details.

The study Eos "White Night" is the passion of the convertible fans awake. The Eos surprised with an elegant black-white contrast. This is the body in "Candy White" painted, the roof, the grille and mirror caps, are among other details in "Deep Black Pearleffect".

Also inside is the contrast continued: black Nappa leather with bright ornamental edgings meets moldings in "Campanella white". The study Eos "White Night" is a complete and equipped with a 3,2 l V6 184 kW (250 hp ) motor.

In 2009 Volkswagen again features wide-ranging motorsport programme

When the Dakar Rally starts in Buenos Aires on 3 January 2009 with four Volkswagen Race Touareg vehicles it will also give the starting signal for a wide-ranging Volkswagen motorsport programme next year.

In 2009 the brand will extend its activities in Formula 3 and start competing in Great Britain as well. In addition, a Scirocco Cup will be launched in China. Two weeks after its unveiling in China the new competition vehicle – alongside the Race Touareg 2 for the "Dakar”, the Scirocco GT24 that was victorious in the 24 Hours at the Nürburgring and the Formula 3 racing car "powered by Volkswagen” – will be showcased on the Volkswagen stand at the traditional Essen Motor Show (29 November to 07 December).

Besides cross-country rally racing, Formula 3 and the Scirocco Cup in China, Volkswagen Motorsport again plans to enter the Scirocco GT24 in the 24-Hour Race at the Nürburgring. In addition, the commitment encompasses the promotion of young talent in Germany with the ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup and the ADAC Formula Masters powered by Volkswagen, the fielding of the Baja Race Touareg TDI in the USA as well as further one-make cups in various countries.

"Volkswagen can look back on a successful 2008 season in motorsport and can already look forward to a varied year of 2009,” says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. "From junior projects for rookies in formula or touring car racing, professional commitments like the Formula 3 engine programme, all the way to top-calibre sport in cross-country and off-road rally racing as well as at the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring Volkswagen will again prove its motorsport expertise in 2009. There is hardly another manufacturer who has such a wide and varied offering for junior drivers, customer teams and professional racers as Volkswagen had in 2008.”

Volkswagen with many different exploits in the 2008 season that just ended

In the season that just ended Volkswagen Motorsport delivered a convincing performance with numerous different exploits. The highlights: with the Race Touareg the brand achieved two second places with three starts, five further podium positions and 18 of 22 possible stage victories. At the Scirocco’s racing debut, which preceded the sport coupe’s market launch, Volkswagen celebrated a one-two class victory in the 24-Hour Race at the Nürburgring.

In the first full Formula 3 season Edoardo Mortara (I) and the Signature team immediately clinched the "vice champion’s” title in the drivers and teams standings in the Formula 3 Euro Series; three victories and 13 podium positions went to the two-litre engine from the Volkswagen Group. At the world finale in Macau (CN) in November Mortara was victorious in the sprint race and finished the main race as the runner-up. The Formula 3 tally is complemented by two wins and a total of nine podium positions achieved by Laurens Vanthoor (B/Van Amersfoort Racing) in the German ATS Formula 3 Cup.

Dakar Rally’s first round in South America: new year kicks off with season’s highlight

By tackling the 2009 Dakar Rally Volkswagen takes up one of the biggest challenges motorsport has to offer. The world’s longest rally is also considered the most demanding one. At its debut in Argentina and Chile four 280-hp diesel-powered prototypes of the brand will cross the starting ramp of this acid test, which in 2009 – more than at any previous edition – will be marked by the "Dakar” principle, "Expect the Unexpected”. In addition to extremely rough terrain, the Volkswagen pairings Carlos Sainz/Michel Périn (E/F), Giniel de Villiers/Dirk von Zitzewitz (ZA/D), Mark Miller/Ralph Pitchford (USA/ZA) and Dieter Depping/Timo Gottschalk (D/D) will have to master challenges like extreme altitudes, the world’s most arid desert and endless sand dunes during the cross-country marathon covering 9,578 kilometres, 5,656 of which are timed. Kris Nissen: "Our goal has not changed, we continue shooting for the first overall diesel victory in ‘Dakar’ history.”

Complementing its cross-country rally activities, Volkswagen contests select events in the SCORE off-road series. Following the successful debut of the Baja Race Touareg TDI – a vehicle that fundamentally differs from the Race Touareg for the "Dakar” and is fitted with a 550-hp TDI engine from the Volkswagen Group featuring a Clean Diesel concept - in November 2008, the 2009 programme includes the brand’s participation with two vehicles in the world famous Baja 500 and Baja 1000 off-road events.

Formula 3 "powered by Volkswagen” to compete in Great Britain as well

The high level of confidence which Formula 3 teams have in Volkswagen technology – not least due to the quick exploits achieved – is documented by the great interest they show in contesting the 2009 season "powered by Volkswagen”. In 2009 Volkswagen Motorsport’s commitment will involve three series: the Formula 3 Euro Series, the ATS Formula 3 Cup in Germany as well as – for the first time – the British Formula 3 Championship. In the United Kingdom, a total of six vehicles will start from the grid with Volkswagen engines, two of them to be fielded by the T-Sport team. In the Euro Series the Signature partner team will enter three vehicles powered by the 210-hp Volkswagen engine, the newly formed Kolles & Heinz Union team will run two vehicles in the races and a third team will field two vehicles as well. In the German Formula 3 Cup the Performance Power team will join Van Amersfoort Racing as an additional member of the Volkswagen family.

Another successful junior programme will start to its second round in 2009: the ADAC Formula Masters "powered by Volkswagen”. The inaugural season of the series featuring identical cars to which Volkwagen supplies a 1.6-l four-cylinder FSI engine that immediately delivered convincing reliability was won by the Portuguese Armando Parente.


Diverse offering for young international touring car drivers

The "touring car school” success formula will enter its twelfth season in 2009. The ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup will again be staged as the DTM’s partner series in nine races at seven events. 27 drivers from seven nations who have successfully completed the evaluation programme of the one-make cup for rookies will start from the grid in 150-hp Racing Polo cars that are centrally fielded. In 2008 the cup concept proved to be a resounding export success. The Jetta TDI Cup was the first American one-make cup to establish Clean Diesel technology in motorsport and in a sporting sense, as well, the new cup turned into a guaranteed success, as confirmed by over 1,700 applications for the 2009 season.

Debut in China: Cup Scirocco with 200 hp

2009 will see a further expansion of the talent promotion programme that is marked by utmost equality of opportunity. In China, centrally entered Scirocco cars developed by Volkswagen Motorsport in Germany will be used in a one-make cup for the first time. The 200-hp touring car fitted with a 2.0-litre TSI engine was unveiled at the Guangzhou International Motor Show following initial tests at Oschersleben. 30 vehicles are being built as a mini-series for contesting six races in China.

This enhances Volkswagen Motorsport’s "international student exchange” by yet another attraction. In addition to the one-make cups in China and Germany, the championships in Japan, South Africa and the USA participate in the programme which offers the best young touring car drivers the chance of gathering worldwide racing experience. Kris Nissen: "This student exchange is unique in its form and documents Volkswagen’s global promotion of young talent in a special way. No doubt, this is always a plum experience for the drivers.”

Touring car highlight: the Scirocco on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife

The Volkswagen Scirocco GT24 made a successful debut in 2008. The 330-hp touring car celebrated its premiere at the legendary 24-Hour Race on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife even before the official presentation of its road-going counterpart. And it was a successful maiden race at that. In the ultra-competitive SP3T class for 2-litre touring cars the Scirocco GT24 immediately clinched a one-two victory. The three factory-entered and factory-prepared vehicles saw the chequered flag at this circuit endurance race in first, second and fifth place in class. In the overall classification the best Scirocco with drivers Jimmy Johannson (S), Florian Gruber (D), Thomas Mutsch (D) and Hans-Joachim Stuck (D) finished the classic in a strong eleventh place – surrounded by more powerful GT sports cars. In 2009 the GT24 will return to the venue of its first ever exploit. Volkswagen will again contest the race with the car that became a favourite with the audience.

Source Volkswagen Motorsport & www.vau-max.de