The Greek island of Astypalea is serving as a test bed for sustainable, smart mobility initiatives. The Volkswagen Group and the Hellenic Republic have partnered to slowly transform the island’s transportation system to include e-mobility, digital mobility solutions, and green energy. The initial results are promising. The digital mobility solutions, such as the ASTYBUS ride sharing service, show positive acceptance rates with 25% of the island’s population taking advantage of the service. In the last year alone, the service has completed over 200,000 customer kilometers. Electrification of the transportation system is also making strides. Almost all of the new cars registered on Astypalea are now fully electric.
The Volkswagen Group is investing its knowledge and expertise in mobility to help Astypalea achieve its goals. Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Ducati, and SEAT MÓ have all provided vehicles to support the project. The transformation of Astypalea’s mobility sector is nearly complete. This includes the implementation of a public charging infrastructure, a special subsidy scheme for private customers and companies, the electrification of authority vehicles (such as police and airport vehicles), as well as mobility services such as ASTYBUS and astyGO. The number of electric vehicles on the small island has gone from zero to 84 in a short period of time.
ASTYBUS, the ride-sharing service, displace the limited traditional bus line that was the only means of local transportation on Astypalea. Unlike the bus line, ASTYBUS operates all year round, connecting many more places on the island. Depending on the season, up to five vehicles are used for this service. With astyGO, customers can rent electric cars from Volkswagen, e-scooters from SEAT MÓ, and e-bikes from Ducati. Users can easily book these vehicles through their smartphones by using the integrated astyMOVE app.
Maik Stephan, Head of Business Development of the Volkswagen Group, has commented “Over the next two decades, we will see many of the changes that make up the Astypalea project in other regions of Europe as well. Particularly impressive is the people’s change in mood from initial skepticism to great approval. This shows that rapid transformation is possible if companies, politicians, and society work together.”
Green Energy: 3 Megawatt Solar Park
The next phase of the project includes the renovation of the energy system, with a gradual switch towards locally produced renewable energy. The smaller existing solar plants currently power parts of the island’s electrical fleet with renewable energy. The construction of a hybrid power system is the next milestone in the project. This system is set to begin operating in 2024 and will consist of a 3.5-megawatt solar park and battery storage system. This park will provide 100% of the island’s energy needs for e-mobility transportation and 60% of its general energy needs. The Greece-first tender for this energy project has just recently closed.
By 2026, the island aims to have an energy system that covers around 80% of the total energy demand. Previously, Astypalea relied mainly on diesel generators to generate electricity that emitted up to 5,000 tons of CO2 per year.
Accompanying Scientific Study
An accompanying scientific study shows that people on the island overwhelmingly support the transformation – with 80% of the island residents having a positive view of e-mobility and mobility services. This signifies a significant improvement compared to the first survey taken at the beginning of the project in 2021, proving that providing relevant information about new technologies and services is crucial. Particularly impressive, the flexible and affordable ASTYBUS ride-sharing service is rated with a remarkable 97% approval. The study took place in two phases: in the winter of 2022-2023 and the summer of 2021, with a total of 211 and 221 people participating. Scientists from the University of the Aegean (Greece) and the University of Strathclyde (Scotland) will evaluate the project over several years.
Sustainability in the Volkswagen Group
Sustainability is among the 10 strategic fields of action that the Volkswagen Group is significantly prioritizing under the leadership of CEO Oliver Blume. This is evident in their emphasis on e-mobility and their ramp-up plans for all of the Group’s brands. In 2021, Volkswagen also strengthened their CO2 targets in production and intends to reduce CO2 emissions from passenger cars and light commercial vehicles by 50% by 2030.
Volkswagen has partnered with ZAG and Mediawan Kids & Family to bring fully electric vehicles to the upcoming animated family movie “Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie”. Nelly Kennedy, Volkswagen CMO, said the collaboration was a perfect match, where the movie’s beloved characters will experience their adventures with different fully electric cars of Volkswagen ID family. The blockbuster is expected to play in more than 100 markets globally, after the global success of “Miraculous” series, which has become a pop culture phenomenon in over 130 countries with more than 33 billion views on YouTube and number one TV-rankings in many countries.
The movie, launching on July 5th, 2023 in theaters globally and July 28th, 2023, on streaming platform Netflix, will integrate fully electric vehicles in a meaningful way into the storyline. Two city cars with a futuristic look will be attributed to the main heroes: Cat Noir with the ID.4 and Ladybug with a concept car electric Beetle. The ID. Vizzon will be associated with the successful stylist Gabriel Agreste, and the iconic Volkswagen ID. Buzz will be Tom’s bakery delivery vehicle.
Speaking on the collaboration, Kennedy said it was an important element of the realignment of the brand and marketing activities of Volkswagen, which includes other successful partnerships in the past few months such as Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania,” and Disney’s Obi-Wan-Kenobi, Andor, and “Mandalorian.” The partnership also aligns with Volkswagen’s commitment to becoming climate-neutral by 2050 and its plan to launch ten new all-electric models until 2026, including the already presented ID.3, ID.7 and ID. Buzz.
The producers of the film, Aton Soumache and Emmanuel Jacomet, and director Jérémy Zag said they had a lot of fun adapting the iconic vehicles of the Volkswagen brand in the Miraculous universe and seamlessly integrating them into the film and the Parisian settings. They added Ladybug and Cat Noir represent the new generation, and the vehicles in the film embody modernity.
Volkswagen is organizing its first “International Health.Care.Run.” this year, with employees from a total of 21 locations in 11 countries around the world taking part. The initiative is more about supporting a good cause than having a good time, for the proceeds will go to charity.
The event kicked off in mid-May, with some 500 employees taking part at the plant in Bratislava, Slovakia, where Volkswagen produces models such as the Touareg and the up!. As things currently stand, the inter-site series will finish at the end of June with the run in Anchieta, Brazil, where, for example, the Polo is manufactured for the South American market.
“We have three difficult years behind us due to Covid – years in which it was virtually impossible to hold large-scale events,” said Dr. Lars Nachbar, Head of Volkswagen Group Health Care and Occupational Safety. “This is why we are delighted that with the Health.Care.Run. format we can finally organize another shared sporting experience for our employees – one that will be held at all sites.” The team organizing the event expects up to 20,000 people around the world to take part.
The length of the run will vary from plant to plant. In Wolfsburg, where the run will take place on June 17, employees can choose between a 3,300-meter and a 5,800-meter lap. “The fact that the runs will generally take place on the company premises is likely to be an additional motivating factor for many employees,” Nachbar said. “After all, it’s not every day that you get the chance to jog through the plant, possibly even past your own workplace.”
The patron of the international run is the Volkswagen brand Board of Management member for Production Christian Vollmer, himself an enthusiastic athlete. “Sport connects people. Many employees also see it as a chance to unwind from work. This is one of the reasons why I have supported the idea of Health.Care.Run. right from the start. Not to mention that it’s also for a good cause!” added Vollmer, who himself will be taking part in the run at the Wolfsburg headquarters in mid-June. “I hope that many colleagues around the world will do the same and that we will collectively make a very substantial donation.”
Volkswagen will calculate a donation based on the total number of kilometers its employees run during the Health.Care.Run. “That in itself is a good reason to take part in the run and may even motivate colleagues in Wolfsburg to opt for the longer distance,” said Daniela Cavallo, Chair of the Group Works Council. The money will go towards the ‘a chance to play’ project, which helps disadvantaged children and young people close to the Volkswagen plans and focuses on preventing violence as well as providing opportunities for learning and education.
“Children are our future. Projects that help improve their chances of living an independent life free of violence make an important contribution to society. With ‘a chance to play’ we can be certain that our donation will go where it is needed and be put to good use,” Cavallo underlined.
The projects funded by the ‘a chance to play’ initiative have been implemented with local partner organizations for over 20 years through cooperation between the Group Works Council and the international children’s charity Terre des hommes, and meet internationally recognized standards.
Comeback in the USA and Canada: Volkswagen celebrates the long-awaited return of the VW bus to North America with the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase.
June 2: day of the world premiere becomes new US holiday. The European premiere of the long ID. Buzz follows at the VW Bus Festival in Hanover from June 23 to 25.
Spacey: the new ID. Buzz with long wheelbase is one of the most spacious electric vehicles, with room for up to seven people and a large luggage compartment
High-efficiency drive system: at its launch, the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase will be optionally available in Europe and North America with new 85 kWh battery (net) and new 210 kW electric drive motor
Samba Bus for the modern age: newly developed panoramic sunroof with electronically controlled tinting is the largest glass roof ever produced by Volkswagen
A vehicle like a rock song. Good vibrations. Whenever it appears, people smile: the ID.Buzz. The icon among electric vehicles. The latest addition to the family is now here: the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase. It is “Made in Germany” for Europe – as well as for Canada and the US. Because Volkswagen is starting the comeback of the VW bus in North America with the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase. The world premiere will also take place there on June 2, at surfer hotspot Huntington Beach, on the Pacific Coast Highway near Los Angeles. The vehicle will be revealed as part of the largest VW Bus festival in the USA as a tribute to the fans and the country. At the same time, America will welcome the ID. Buzz with a generous gesture: from New York to San Francisco, June 2 will in future be celebrated as a holiday, “Volkswagen Bus Day”. This bus tour will continue in Germany in just three weeks with the European debut of the long ID. Buzz. The date and location are also perfect: June 23 to 25 at the international VW Bus Festival in Hanover – Europe’s largest VW Bus meetup.
With the T4 generation, the VW bus left the USA and Canada 20 years ago. However, it still holds a cult following from New York to San Francisco to this very day. The T1, T2, and T3 rear-engine generations are still a familiar sight at beach parking lots in California, Florida, and Long Island in 2023. Volkswagen is now closing the circle again with the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase and is bringing the VW bus back to North America – this time with an electric rear-wheel drive. Thomas Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, Brand Group Volume, says: “Volkswagen is an extremely strong global brand with a great history, millions of loyal fans and legendary products. This is clearly evident here at the largest VW Bus festival in the USA. I am therefore delighted that the team at Volkswagen Group of America is celebrating the premiere of the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase here. With this model, we are taking a big step towards becoming a true love brand again.” Pablo Di Si, President and CEO of the Volkswagen Group of America, underlines the importance of the electric VW bus for the US market:“The ID. Buzz and the USA – it’s a perfect match! The VW bus has a long history in the USA and enjoys real cult status. Our aim today is to further strengthen the Volkswagen brand in America. The ID. Buzz with long wheelbase is exactly the right model to fulfill this task.” Lars Krause, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, also says that the ID. Buzz is the comeback of a certain automotive feeling for life: “In the USA, Canada, and Europe, the VW bus has embodied a unique attitude on life for decades. The picture of the legendary T1 Lightbus in Woodstock is unforgettable. The DNA of this symbol of freedom lives on in our ID. Buzz. It is of utmost importance to us that we can now offer the people of North America a modern, all-electric new edition with the ID. Buzz in an iconic design.”
With a length of 4,962 mm and up to seven seats, the large ID. Buzz is perfectly primed for its launch in North America. At the same time, it is also expanding its range of possible applications in Europe. The extra length due to the increase in the wheelbase by 250 mm creates room for a third row of seats, providing up to 2,469 liters of storage space, and for a new, larger 85 kWh battery (net capacity), giving even more range. And the new heat pump increases efficiency in winter. The large ID. Buzz will also be available with a new 210 kW (286 hp) electric drive motor. This electric drive motor increases the maximum speed to the electronic limit of 160 km/h (European ID. Buzz with 150 kW: 145 km/h). The large ID. Buzz can reach a speed of 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds. But that’s not all: an all-wheel drive version (GTX) with an output of 250 kW (339 hp) has been announced for 2024. The ID. Buzz GTX will be able to complete the 0–100 km/h sprint in 6.4 seconds, making it perfect for rapidly merging with traffic on the highway.
Other new features of the large electric VW Bus include a head-up display, an upgraded next-generation infotainment system, and remote parking via smartphone. Meanwhile, a newly designed high-tech panoramic sunroof with smart glass brings back memories of the legendary Samba Bus of the 50s.At 1.5 square meters, it is the largest glass roof ever built by Volkswagen. The smart glass can be changed from transparent to opaque and vice versa using the touch slider or voice assistant. The North American versions will also feature air-conditioned seats and an illuminated Volkswagen logo on the front.
Delivery of the first ID. Buzz vehicles in America will start in 2024. Almost parallel to the market launch in North America, the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase will also be available in Europe. Like the Multivan and the Bulli T6.1, all ID. Buzz vehicles will be produced at the main plant of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Hanover. This is one of the most state-of-the-art automotive plants in the world and the home of the VW Bus family.
Curtain up for the Golf R 333 Limited Edition. The new special-edition model limited to 333 vehicles is based on the Golf R Performance and packs a real punch with an output of 333 PS (245 kW). The necessary driving stability and traction of the all-wheel-drive special-edition model are ensured by a host of high-quality equipment features such as R-Performance Torque Vectoring including Vehicle Dynamics Manager. The Golf R 333 comes from the factory with eye-catching Lime Yellow Metallic paintwork. Black accents additionally underline the appearance of the special-edition model, which is being launched as a potential collector’s item. The special edition can be ordered in German dealerships from Friday, 2 June. The vehicles will be delivered in October this year.
“The Golf R 333 is the first R model with a specification predefined by us that leaves no customer wishes regarding performance unfulfilled – thanks to its extensive equipment,” says Hakim Halimi, Head of Product Marketing at Volkswagen R. The features include R-Performance Torque Vectoring with Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which distributes the drive power not just between the front and rear axles but also between the two rear wheels. This offers a special dimension of sportiness, particularly when cornering. The Drift and Special driving profiles, designed for the Nürburgring racetrack, also offer additional driving pleasure away from public roads. The R Performance exhaust system from Akrapovič with titanium rear silencers and black 19-inch Estoril wheel rims with semi-slick tyres additionally highlight the motorsports character of the special-edition model. The top speed has also been increased to 270 km/h.
The basic idea for limitation of the edition was provided by the engine power of 245 kW (333 PS). This is the most powerful output rating of the Golf with a torque of 420 newton metres. In addition, the optimised engine tuning means that the load change response is extremely spontaneous. The turbocharger is preloaded to keep it at a constant speed during partial-load driving. This then allows faster power development for subsequent acceleration. The open throttle valve in overrun phases also improves dynamics and performance on the road. When the driver takes their foot off the accelerator and then accelerates again, this allows faster build-up of the engine torque and noticeably improves the engine’s responsiveness. With an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, the Golf R 333 Limited Edition delivers the best-in-class value (compared with key competitors).
The paintwork in Lime Yellow Metallic extends the colour range for the Golf R, which comprises Pure White, Lapiz Blue Metallic and Deep Black Pearl Effect. “With the special exterior colour, black-painted roof and design decals with 333 logo on the sides, this Golf R will be offered in a combination that is unique up to now,” says Halimi. “It is the first Volkswagen R model with a strict limitation to 333 units and with a sequentially numbered badge in the interior.”
The standard equipment also includes premium sport seats in Nappa leather (with integrated head restraint) and the powerful IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights (including Light and Vision package). State-of-the-art driver assist systems are contained in the IQ.DRIVE package. These include Travel Assist, the Lane Assist lane keeping system, Emergency Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with stop & go function. The Golf R 333 Limited Edition also comes with a centre airbag (front) and a rear view camera system. A system from Harman Kardon with 8+1 loudspeakers and 480 W total output supplies perfect sound in the interior.
The Golf R has cult status. Since 2002, more than 250,000 orders have been placed for the bestseller from Volkswagen R. “The Golf R 333 Limited Edition is extremely important for our brand,” says Peter Jost, Head of Marketing & Sales, Volkswagen R. “It is precisely such limited and high-performance vehicles that turbocharge the Volkswagen R brand – a genuine eye-catcher and extremely attractive. Every customer can be sure that they have an extremely rare vehicle and a potential collector’s item in their garage.”
With prices starting at 76,410 euros, the special-edition model can be ordered at German dealerships from 2 June. Production of all 333 vehicles in Wolfsburg is scheduled for September this year so that the first models can be handed over to customers from October. In addition, a customer event in the Autostadt is planned for all buyers of the Golf R 333 Limited Edition who pick up their vehicle in Wolfsburg (Germany) in October.
Energy and charging solutions provider Elli is changing its charging tariffs effective June 1, 2023. The new price system will provide even more flexibility for Elli’s customers: price-per-minute charging will no longer apply anywhere in Europe, vehicles can be connected to AC chargers for longer before a blocking fee is charged, and the minimum contract period for charging plans will be reduced to one month. These measures will help to cushion the price increases for new customers that rising costs have made unavoidable.
Customers of Elli and the SEAT/CUPRA, ŠKODA, Audi, Volkswagen and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brands will benefit from a new price system starting June 1. The specific terms will vary from country to country and from brand to brand but will be clearly shown in the relevant apps. The switch from billing based on charging time to consumption-based charging in kilowatt hours (kWh) will now benefit all users without exception. Going forward, the blocking fee for vehicles parked at AC (alternating current) charging stations that are not being charged will be imposed after four hours instead of three. The blocking fee at AC charging stations will continue to be suspended between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.
Depending on the plan, the minimum contract period will also be reduced from twelve months to just one or three months. This will allow customers to choose the best plan for their needs, even at short notice – for example for longer trips taken during the summer holidays. The convenient Plug & Charge technology for automatic registration, charging and billing will also continue to be part of all brands’ plans.
Another new feature planned is a selected partner network that will make charging even more convenient. This will be rolled out as part of the plans offered by Elli, SEAT, ŠKODA, Audi and Volkswagen and will allow additional partners to benefit from the lower prices that up to now were the preserve of IONITY users.
In making these changes, Elli is doing its part to cushion the price increases that charging station operators are forced to implement to cover rising costs: along with the higher infrastructure costs, the operators will also pass on the electricity price increases to Elli. The new charging plans enter into force on June 1, 2023 for new customers in 28 European markets and will be transparently itemized in the relevant apps for all Elli, SEAT/CUPRA, ŠKODA, Audi and Volkswagen customers. In Germany, the basic monthly fee for the middle plan will also be reduced to EUR 4.99.
Elli provides an extensive portfolio of energy and charging solutions
With a workforce of some 300 employees, Elli takes care of the things that matter to settlements with customers at the touchpoints between energy and mobility. Elli is the Volkswagen Group brand that offers a wide portfolio of energy and charging solutions in Europe and also acts as a provider of mobility services. Its current range of products includes charging solutions for private customers and companies – from the customers’ own wall boxes and the mobile charging station Flexpole to charging services and – innovative and smart green-power rates. Elli offers digital solutions and services designed to create seamless experiences at public charging stations. Elli was founded in 2018 and has offices in Berlin, Wolfsburg and Munich.
Enhanced premium SUV shines with high-tech features
Improved suspension offers winning combination of comfort and performance
New IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights project a light carpet exactly onto the driving lane
Touareg R eHybrid with 340 kW (462 PS) is once again the flagship model in the product line
Volkswagen is upgrading the third generation of the Touareg with extensive improvements: the suspension as well as the display and operating concept of the full-size SUV have been revised, and the front and rear design have been sharpened. Particularly striking features are the newly developed HD matrix headlights at the front and the LED taillights, which are realised as a light strip. For the first time in Germany it incorporates a red-illuminated Volkswagen logo. Presales will begin tomorrow on Thursday, 25 May. Prices start from €69,200.
Imelda Labbé, Member of the Volkswagen Board of Management for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales: “The new Touareg impresses with top quality and outstanding comfort. We have once again systematically implemented the wishes of our customers in this model: We have sharpened up the design, integrated an illuminated rear logo, and made operation even more intuitive. We’ve also enhanced the driving characteristics, making our premium Volkswagen even better. The result is a true all-rounder that will excite on-road, off-road and naturally also as a first-class towing vehicle.”
Future-oriented technologies have always made their debut in the Touareg – know-how that often benefits the smaller vehicle classes. Kai Grünitz, Member of the Volkswagen Board of Management for Development: “The Touareg has always been a technology pioneer for us, allowing us to transfer new developments into other brand models as part of a top-down strategy. And we are following the same approach with the new Touareg. It is the first Volkswagen model to be launched with the newly developed HD matrix headlights – one of the best lighting systems in the world. More than 38,000 interactive LEDs project a light carpet exactly onto the driving lane and illuminate the road more precisely than ever before. We will soon transfer this HD matrix lighting system to next smaller SUV-class models.”
The new lighting system. Another advantage of the new optional IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights is the glare-free main beam: this continuous main beam can permanently be left switched on outside of towns because the interactive LEDs make sure that the masking area for oncoming traffic and vehicles driving in front is more precise than ever before.
Sharpened design. The new premium SUV can be recognised immediately by the new front and rear design. At the front, the unit formed by the radiator grille, headlights and the front apron have been given a new look. The design of the rear end is also sharper: it now has a continuous horizontal LED strip for the taillight clusters and incorporates a Volkswagen logo which is illuminated in red. For the first time this feature has been included on a Volkswagen model in Germany. Previously, the illuminated brand logo was permitted only in markets such as China and the US.
All-in-one – maximum travel comfort & optimum performance. Volkswagen has enhanced the suspension of the Touareg. Among other things, the Touareg is now equipped as standard with a new roof load sensor that is closely integrated with the suspension electronics. If a roof load is detected, it allows the control system such as ESC (Electronic Stability Control) to intervene earlier in order to increase driving stability. In contrast, if there is no roof load, the system allows for even sportier performance. Depending on the version, the Touareg is available with innovative suspension technologies such as active roll compensation (adaptive running gear) and all-wheel steering. This further improves the driving dynamics of the premium SUV.
Update for the interior. The standard equipment of the new Touareg also includes the Innovision Cockpit. This consists of the Digital Cockpit and the high-end infotainment system Discover Pro Max. Various functions of the Innovision Cockpit, such as lane-level navigation and high-resolution HD map data, have been optimised in the new model. The standard voice control has also been enhanced. USB-C connections with a charging capacity of 45 watts (previously 15 watts) permit significantly faster charging of electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets or laptops. In addition, by evaluating customer feedback, the high-quality level of the Touareg interior has been further improved. For example, the centre console trims are now softer than before, providing extra comfort.
Efficient driving assistance systems. The Touareg is equipped with a large number of convenience and assistance systems as standard. In addition, an extensive range of optional systems is available. These include among others the following technologies
“Travel Assist”(assisted driving up to maximum speed)
“Park Assist Plus with remote control” (via app for automatically driving into and out of parking spaces, the driver can even control the parking procedure from outside the vehicle),
“Trailer Assist”(for assisted manoeuvring with trailer)
“Night Vision” (assistance for night drives)
Wide choice of powertrains – as petrol, diesel, or plug-in hybrid. The new Touareg will be launched in five powertrain versions. In addition to a turbocharged petrol engine, there is a choice of two turbodiesel engines and two plug-in hybrids. All highly efficient engines are paired as standard with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and the 4MOTION permanent all-wheel drive.
Equipment.The new model will be launched in Germany in a basic version with the current front design (from €69,200) and in the two exclusive lines “Elegance” (from €75,070) and “R-Line” (from €79,660). Positioned above is the top-of-the-range model: the sporty, elegant Touareg R eHybrid developed by Volkswagen R (from €93,870).
The new Touareg R eHybrid with new matt finish in „Silicon Gray Matt“
The Touareg R eHybrid – the performance model from Volkswagen R. The Touareg R eHybrid is the top-of-the-range model of the product line with the most powerful drive system: a V6 petrol engine plus electric motor with a system output of 340 kW (462 PS). The latest generation continues a long tradition of Touareg R models with high-tech features and customised equipment. They were all developed by Volkswagen R, Volkswagen’s premium performance brand. The standard equipment of the new model includes the following:
Blue painted brake calipers with silver R logo
R logo projection via exterior mirror housings as surround lighting
Blue accents in the interior
Leather seats in “Vienna” design (“Puglia” optional)
20-inch alloy wheels “Braga”
Sill panel mouldings with illuminated R logo
Vehicle key with leather-covered cap and R logo
Panoramic sunroof
4-zone automatic air control
In addition to the traditional R colour “Lapiz Blue Metallic”, a matt paint finish, the new “Silicon Gray Matt”, can now also be ordered exclusively for the Touareg R eHybrid and the Touareg R-Line. Pre-sales of the performance model will start on 22 June.
The success story of the popular premium SUV. In 2002, the Touareg was the first SUV from Volkswagen. With the impetus of the new top model, the Volkswagen brand subsequently developed into one of the leading global full-range providers. The Touareg also became the pioneer of an extremely successful vehicle type that is today offered by Volkswagen in every segment. With its high-quality blend of long-distance, towing and off-road vehicle, the model remains hugely popular. More than 1.13 million units have been sold since the Touareg was first introduced in 2002.
All information about the new Touareg
All information about the new Touareg R eHybrid
The new Touareg
The new Touareg R eHybrid
Touareg R eHybrid 4MOTION 340 kW (462 PS) – fuel consumption in l/100 km combined: 2.4; power consumption in kWh/100 km combined: 24.2; CO₂- emissions in g/km combined: 54; only consumption and emission values according to WLTP and not according to NEDC are available for the vehicle. Information on consumption and CO₂ emissions, shown in ranges, depends on the selected vehicle equipment.
Touareg R eHybrid 4MOTION 340 kW (462 PS) – fuel consumption in l/100 km combined: 2.4; power consumption in kWh/100 km combined: 24.2; CO₂- emissions in g/km combined: 54; only consumption and emission values according to WLTP and not according to NEDC are available for the vehicle. Information on consumption and CO₂ emissions, shown in ranges, depends on the selected vehicle equipment.
Touareg R eHybrid 4MOTION 340 kW (462 PS) – fuel consumption in l/100 km combined: 2.4; power consumption in kWh/100 km combined: 24.2; CO₂- emissions in g/km combined: 54; only consumption and emission values according to WLTP and not according to NEDC are available for the vehicle. Information on consumption and CO₂ emissions, shown in ranges, depends on the selected vehicle equipment.
Touareg R eHybrid 4MOTION 340 kW (462 PS) – fuel consumption in l/100 km combined: 2.4; power consumption in kWh/100 km combined: 24.2; CO₂- emissions in g/km combined: 54; only consumption and emission values according to WLTP and not according to NEDC are available for the vehicle. Information on consumption and CO₂ emissions, shown in ranges, depends on the selected vehicle equipment.
The 18th International Architecture Biennale opens in Venice on 20 May 2023. The Volkswagen Group is a partner of the curatorial team of the German Pavilion and supports the pavilion concept ‘Open for Maintenance – Wegen Umbau geöffnet’, which focuses on sustainable approaches to building construction and urban development. For the first time, the citizens of Venice as well as local and social initiatives will be invited to a grand neighbourhood festival on the eve of the opening to get in contact with artists and experts. Federal Building Minister Klara Geywitz takes part as commissioner of the German Pavilion. In March, materials for the pavilion were sustainably transported from Leipzig to Venice in an ID. Buzz Cargo.
The German contribution to this year’s Biennale takes up curator Lesley Lokko’s chosen theme, ‘The Laboratory of the Future’, with a multilayered conception of the term ‘laboratory’ – including as a workshop in an actual sense. The German Pavilion is orienting itself to local needs and is being transformed into a site of collaborative everyday life. In this spirit, citizens of Venice, artists and Venetian initiatives will come together for the first time in a grand neighbourhood festival on 19 May. The goal is to jointly discuss the interplay of sustainable habitats and resource use and to establish connections between local social initiatives and experts. In the framework of its international cultural engagement, the Volkswagen Group is a partner of the German Pavilion and of the neighbourhood festival.
Benita von Maltzahn, Head of Global Cultural Engagement at the Volkswagen Group: ‘We need spaces in which to live and work, but above all in which to generate ideas. Rethinking how we give shape to these spaces while placing the highest priority on using resources sustainably is one of the greatest challenges of our time. We’re thrilled that we can support the curatorial team of the German Pavilion in opening this topic up for critical artistic and creative examination among a broad public in Venice.’
The curators of the German Pavilion say about their idea: “Transforming the way we build toward sustainability does not depend on changes of economic, financial and legislative frameworks. We have to empower the people to take responsibility for designing their living environment according to social and ecological principles. And that is why the German contribution to the International Architecture Exhibition 2023 also covers questions and solutions discussed by people in Venice, and it promotes the process of making. The support of Volkswagen Group helps us to connect ideas and people in Venice so that our work resonates beyond the Biennale.”
The Volkswagen Group has supported the curators of the German Pavilion since the start of their work on the project. Among other things, the Group provided an all-electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo so that the team could bring equipment and materials for the pavilion workshop from Germany to Italy in a resource-saving manner. For the period of the Biennale, the workshop will serve as the basis for various Venetian and international initiatives and institutions of higher education to engage in the maintenance of socio-spatial structures on-site through 1:1 interventions. The German contribution to the exhibition was conceived by the curatorial team of ARCH+ I SUMMACUMFEMMER I BÜRO JULIANE GREB. The curators were selected in an open competitive process under the direction of the German Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building.
Volkswagen Cultural Engagement
As a promoter of art and culture, the Volkswagen Group supports institutions and actors in enabling impactful and multilayered encounters between the artistic and public spheres, as well as innovative offerings in cultural education. The Group is especially dedicated to providing opportunities for as many people as possible to get to know artistic standpoints, exchange with one another and, through
this, to gain new perspectives. These dialogues are essential for the development of creativity, innovation and strengthened social understanding.
Volkswagen Group has completed the sale of its shares in Volkswagen Group Rus LLC including its local subsidiaries (Volkswagen Components and Services LLC, Scania Leasing LLC, Scania Finance LLC, Scania Insurance LLC) to Art-Finance LLC who is supported by the Russian Dealer Avilon. With the registration of the transaction, ownership of the shares in the authorized capital of Volkswagen Group Rus LLC and its subsidiaries is transferred from the sellers to the buyer.
The new owner will acquire all shares in the Russian subsidiaries. The deal has been approved by the Russian government authorities. The transaction includes the production facilities in Kaluga, the importer structure (distribution and after-sales business) and the warehousing and financial services activities with all its associated employees.
To mark the anniversary, VW is offering a new Polo GTI with an extensive standard equipment package and some special design features
Standard features include sports suspension, electronic differential lock XDS and IQ. LIGHT – LED matrix headlights
The first Polo GTI was launched back in 1998 and these days is regarded as a collector’s item
25 years of the Polo GTI! – To mark this anniversary, Volkswagen is launching the special-edition model Polo GTI Edition 25. It was in 1998 that the Polo first added those three iconic letters to its name: GTI. Now, a quarter of a century after the launch of the Polo III GTI, VW presents a limited edition of the current 152 kW (207 PS) Polo GTI. The powerful drive is impressive, but it’s not the only thing that stands out about this sporty compact car: with features including sports suspension, the electronic differential lock XDS, a comprehensive range of standard equipment and some special design highlights, the anniversary model is something special. The Polo GTI Edition 25 will be available to order in Germany from 1 June, priced at €35,205.
Just like its “older sibling” the Golf GTI, the Polo has a long history and a number of sporty predecessors: VW is now marking a quarter of a century of the Polo GTI with the special anniversary model Polo GTI Edition 25, limited to 2,500 units. “Volkswagen has a rich heritage and the Polo is one of our most iconic vehicles”, says Imelda Labbé, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management for Sales, Marketing and After Sales. “GTI fans are very important to us and our anniversary model is a way of marking this milestone together with them: celebrating 25 years of power, performance, sportiness, and fun driving in the Polo class.”
Performance and vehicle handling: The powerful two-litre TSI engine offering 152 kW (207 PS) and a torque of 320 Nm propels the front-wheel drive Polo GTI Edition 25 from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. In addition, the model is equipped with a specially tuned sports suspension as standard. This lowers the body by 15 millimetres and, in combination with the electronic differential lock XDS, ensures the synthesis of excellent driving dynamics, improved traction and precise handling that is typical of GTI models.
Exclusive anniversary equipment: The new special model also visually underlines its exceptional position: It has the classic GTI look, with red brake calipers and trim strips, a honeycomb design on the radiator grille and chrome-plated tailpipes. And that’s not all: the Polo GTI Edition 25 has a host of other exclusive equipment features including 18-inch Adelaide alloy wheels in Black Glossy, a black roof and black exterior mirrors, all of which help create its sporty look. The interior is equipped as standard with premium sport seats in perforated black-red leather finished off with stitched GTI logos, and glossy black decorative trim with red GTI lettering. Owners will be reminded that their vehicle is one of a limited number by the “One of 2500” logo on the sill panel trim. In addition to the GTI colours Pure White, Kings Red Metallic, Reef Blue Metallic, Smoke Grey Metallic and Deep Black Pearl Effect, the Polo GTI Edition 25 is also available in Ascot Grey.
In the video CEO Thomas Schäfer and Board Member Imelda Labbé test the driving characteristics of the Polo GTI Edition 25 together with racing driver Jasmin Preisig.
Innovative technologies: Features that come as standard include IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights with Dynamic Light Assist and LED daytime running lights which ensure highly homogeneous illumination of the road. There is also the multifunction sports steering wheel in leather with paddles and the “25” logo, as well as a number of assist systems that belong to higher vehicle classes. The optional Travel Assist forms part of the IQ.DRIVE assist package and allows for partly automated driving. The Travel Assist system can take over steering, braking and acceleration of the new Polo GTI at speeds from 0 km/h up to the system’s limit of 210 km/h. To do so, Travel Assist relies on familiar systems including Adaptive Cruise Control for longitudinal guidance, and Lane Assist (fitted as standard) for lateral guidance.
The instruments and Infotainment system in the new special-edition model are arranged on one visual axis, making them easy to see and operate at all times. The Infotainment system Ready2Discover is fitted as standard and boasts a high-resolution, 20-centimetre (8-inch) display, ensuring state-of-the-art connectivity. Two other systems are also optionally available.
Archive
The first generation – Polo III GTI
A look back at 25 years of the Polo GTI: When it launched back in 1979, the GT variant of the first Polo product line caused quite a stir. But it wasn’t until 1998 and the third Polo generation that the car was allowed to bear the iconic three letters. VW limited production of the first Polo GTI to 3,000 units and announced not long afterwards that the model was sold out. The next GTI version appeared several years later in 2006. The 132 kW (180 PS) Cup Edition was a true treat for fans as it was visually based on the racing cars used in the Polo Cup.
Then there was the fifth generation from 2010: the 1.4-litre TSI engine with turbo and supercharging proved to be a hit with GTI enthusiasts, and won over new fans too. The successor in 2014 was a force to be reckoned with: the brand new TSI engine offered 141 kW (192 PS) and top speeds of 236 km/h.
The Polo continued to evolve, and the GTI tradition evolved with it: the sixth Polo generation from 2021 set new standards for compact cars. It was based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB), which stands for technological progress across all product lines as well as high body strength, exemplary low vehicle weight and excellent crash properties.
South Africa – The home of the Polo GTI: Like the majority of other Polo models, the Polo GTI Edition 25 is manufactured in Kariega (South Africa). “Our team in South Africa is really proud of this car”, says Martina Biene, Managing Director and Chairperson of Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA). “The Polo has a long tradition here – especially the Polo GTI.” The factory, opened in 1951, is located near Port Elizabeth and is the largest car plant on the African continent. VWSA produces the Polo Vivo, the Polo and – exclusively – the Polo GTI.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
