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Volkswagen

Green gentle for collection manufacturing: new Golf begins rolling off meeting line at Wolfsburg plant at present

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Series manufacturing of the brand new Golf has began on the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg: the primary automotive from the technically and visually revamped eighth mannequin era to roll off the meeting line in Hall 12 at present was a Golf Style in anemone blue metallic – nearly precisely 50 years because the very first collection Golf was in-built Wolfsburg.

“The Golf has been at the heart of the Volkswagen brand for half a century, offering affordable mobility for all at the highest technical level. The Golf has constantly adapted to customer needs, thus becoming a global bestseller – made in Wolfsburg. This is precisely what we are building on with the new evolutionary stage – with even higher efficiency, comfort and quality and a new operating concept. The Golf does not get any better than this,” Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, mentioned.

Over the final 5 a long time, Volkswagen’s foremost plant in Wolfsburg has in a way change into the “soul” of worldwide Golf manufacturing: over half of the greater than 37 million fashions of this king of the compact class offered thus far – a mean of 400,000 models per 12 months – have been constructed on the foremost plant. This contains the “classic” Golf, now in its eighth era, with varied derivatives such because the Golf Variant and Golf Sportsvan, and a broad vary of fashions and powertrains.

The new mannequin is well acknowledged by its modified entrance finish. Visually defining options embody the newly-designed LED headlights. The top-of-the-range IQ.LIGHT – LED matrix headlights incorporate a brand new high-performance foremost beam with a really excessive vary. For the primary time in a European Volkswagen, the Volkswagen brand within the radiator grille can be illuminated. The IQ.LIGHT – 3D LED tail gentle clusters have additionally obtained a brand new design – in each the Golf and the Golf Variant.

The inside encompasses a new era of infotainment system with even quicker processors, a free-standing touchscreen (diagonal: 32.2 cm/12.9 inches) and an intuitive menu construction. The contact sliders for temperature and quantity management are actually illuminated. The newest digital devices are additionally all the time on board as normal. Also new is the multifunction steering wheel with easy-to-use buttons and the IDA voice assistant with built-in ChatGPT perform that may not solely be used to manage capabilities such because the air con system, phone or navigation system, but additionally to entry on-line info on virtually any matter – from flight particulars to basic information questions.

In phrases of the powertrain vary, along with the confirmed, environment friendly TSI, TDI and eTSI delicate hybrid drives, the Golf replace additionally provides two new plug-in hybrids with an electrical vary of nicely over 100 km and a mixed vary of some 1,000 km, in addition to a DC quick-charging perform.

The Volkswagen Group’s largest automotive manufacturing plant had one more reason to have a good time this week, too. Just just a few days earlier than the brand new Golf went into manufacturing, the manufacturing facility celebrated the 48 millionth automobile to go away the meeting line; no different automotive plant worldwide has constructed wherever close to as many autos because the manufacturing facility in Wolfsburg. It goes with out saying that the anniversary mannequin was a Golf. The mannequin in urano gray is already on its option to a buyer within the United Kingdom. “48 million is an impressive figure that would never have been possible without a motivated and skilled workforce,” Jürgen Mahnkopf, Deputy Chair of the General and Group Works Councils, mentioned. “Our employees have put their heart and soul into every single vehicle that has been built here over the last 50 years.”

With a manufacturing quantity of some 20 million autos, the Golf is the most-built mannequin on the plant. Second place goes to the Beetle, with nearly 12 million models produced in Wolfsburg between 1945 and 1975. The Tiguan now occupies third place, with just below 3.5 million fashions rolling off the meeting strains since begin of manufacturing in 2007. It has overtaken the Polo, the place manufacturing of greater than three million models on the web site on the Mittelland Canal started in 1975. “The connection between the Golf and the Wolfsburg plant is quite unique: Wolfsburg is the Golf – and the Golf is Wolfsburg,” Plant Manager Rainer Fessel mentioned. “As a team we have meticulously planned the start of production over the past weeks and months. Now we are delighted we will soon be seeing the new Golf on the roads.”

Volkswagen

A world bestseller celebrates its fiftieth birthday – Volkswagen began manufacturing of the primary Golf on 29 March 1974

On 29 March precisely 50 years in the past, Volkswagen began collection manufacturing of the Golf in Wolfsburg. Nobody knew on that day in March that this compact automobile – the successor to the legendary Beetle – would turn out to be probably the most profitable Volkswagen and best-selling European automobile of all time. It mirrored the spirit of the instances, gave its title to its personal car class, and has accompanied generations of individuals all over the world. To date, greater than 37 million items have adopted 1974’s first series-production Golf. Purely in mathematical phrases, which means over 2,000 folks all over the world have opted to purchase a brand new Golf each single day over the past 50 years. Today, Volkswagen is celebrating the Golf’s birthday – and in addition the beginning of this world bestseller’s future because of a complete technical and visible replace.

Volkswagen – from the spherical Beetle to the angular Golf. The first new Golf fashions could possibly be seen in sellers’ showrooms in July 1974. Where the Beetle and thus rear-mounted engines had beforehand dominated the scene for a lot of many years, a brand new period now lastly started: that of the front-mounted transverse engine. Volkswagen had already initiated this transition shortly earlier than with the Scirocco and Passat. With the Golf, the highest-volume class now additionally used this new expertise.

Volkswagen reinvents itself. As the successor to the legendary Beetle that had been produced greater than 21.5 million instances, the Golf developed by Giorgio Giugiaro and Volkswagen Design needed to dwell as much as excessive expectations so as to proceed the success story of probably the most profitable automobile of all time as much as that time. And it did so in each approach: clients had been so impressed by the trendy drive idea, variable inside and new design that the Golf had already hit the a million mark by October 1976.

The Golf precept. In 1974, Volkswagen wrote the next in regards to the new car with its giant tailgate: “The Golf offers maximum space and safety. It is uncompromisingly geared towards practicality. The low beltline gives drivers a clear overview, and the sloping bonnet ensures that the road right in front of the vehicle is visible. The rear window extends well down, making reversing much easier.” And this all nonetheless applies as much as the current day for each Golf ever constructed.

The Golf and the manufacturing unit. From the very starting, the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg and its workers additionally benefited from the profitable begin of the Golf I. To date, greater than 20 million Golfs have been in-built Wolfsburg alone. The 17 million Golfs constructed to this point exterior Wolfsburg have been produced in different German crops in addition to in Belgium, Brazil, China, Malaysia, Mexico, Slovakia and South Africa. In this sense too, the Golf is a world automobile. However, its applied sciences have at all times been typical examples of progressive German engineering.

Eight generations of the Golf – a 50-year success story with over 37 million constructed.

Golf I – A mirrored image of progress. Just like all following Golf generations, the primary era was additionally a mirrored image of the technical state-of-the-art and present automotive traits. And that was not simply true of the ingenious use of house for the time and the car’s front-wheel drive.With the primary Golf GTI (1976), Volkswagen initiated the dynamic improvement of the compact class. The Golf D (1976) and the later Golf GTD (1982) ensured the breakthrough of diesel within the compact section. In 1979, Volkswagen launched the Golf Cabriolet – for a time the best-selling convertible automobile on this planet. This was like a breath of recent air for this car class, which had by then already lengthy been referred to as the Golf class. A complete of 6.9 million items of the primary era of the Golf, together with all derivatives, had been offered on all continents by 1983 – the Golf I thus proved itself to be a worthy successor to the Beetle.

Golf II – The milestone. Today’s Volkswagen Chief Designer, Andreas Mindt, sums up a very powerful second within the historical past of the Golf: “It was the switch from Golf I to Golf II. Volkswagen’s then Chief Designer Herbert Schäfer did everything right there. He modernised the second Golf but kept the DNA of the first generation. This bridge is extremely important for the Golf’s history. The Golf has always remained a further development of this original model. That is the special thing about the Golf, and the credit for this belongs to Herbert Schäfer.” Technologies such because the managed catalytic converter, ABS and all-wheel drive made their debut within the Golf II. A complete of 6.3 million Golf II automobiles had been constructed between 1983 and 1991.

Golf III – Safety first. From August 1991, Volkswagen kick-started a brand new period of security with the Golf III. This was the product line’s first mannequin out there with entrance airbags from 1992, and nice progress within the space of physique design additionally led to vital enhancements in its crash properties. Plenty of the product line’s different milestones are related to the Golf III, which had been constructed 4.8 million instances by 1997: for instance, the primary six-cylinder engine (VR6), cruise management system and the primary aspect airbags. For the primary time, this Golf was additionally out there as an property mannequin.

Golf IV – The type icon The Golf IV introduced in 1997 is as we speak thought-about to be a mode icon – little question additionally as a result of the truth that it bridged the hole to the Golf I from 1974 with its clear options and the hanging C-pillar design of the product line. With the Golf IV, Volkswagen achieved a brand new normal of high quality throughout the section. In parallel, the debut of ESP made an extra contribution to creating security out there to the plenty. In 2002, Volkswagen additionally introduced the sportiest Golf to this point on the idea of the fourth era: the R32 with a high velocity of 250 km/h. In 2003, this was the primary Volkswagen to obtain a direct shift gearbox (DSG). The Golf IV was changed in the identical 12 months after 4.9 million items constructed.

Golf V – Class limits abolished. With its excellent consolation, the fifth Golf – which was launched in 2003 – was miles forward of many opponents within the higher mid-sized class. The identical was true for high quality. A worth that underlined the steadiness of the laser-welded physique was the 35-per-cent enhance in torsional rigidity. For the primary time, as much as eight protecting airbags had been additionally on board. In addition, the Golf V, which had been constructed 3.4 million instances by 2008, impressed with a brand new four-link rear suspension, bi-xenon headlights and the primary 7-speed DSG.

Golf VI – High-tech compact class. By the top of July 2012, an extra 3.6 million Golfs had been produced in solely 4 years on the idea of the sixth era that was launched in 2008. And security as soon as once more took an incredible leap ahead: the once more laser-welded physique was so steady that it scored the utmost of 5 stars with flying colors within the Euro NCAP crash take a look at. New applied sciences akin to Light Assist (superior main-beam management), Park Assist, Hill Start Assist and adaptive chassis management (DCC) made the 2009 ‘World Car of the Year’ probably the most superior compact automobiles of its time.

Golf VII – Less weight, much less consumption. In September 2012, Volkswagen celebrated the world premiere of the seventh Golf. Its weight was diminished by as much as 100 kg in contrast with its predecessor, which meant that gas consumption was additionally diminished by as much as 23 per cent. New applied sciences such because the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control and Front Assist together with City Emergency Braking System rounded off the vary of help programs. In 2014, Volkswagen set its course for the period of electrical mobility with the brand new e-Golf. A complete of 6.3 million Golf VII automobiles had been produced as much as 2019.

Golf VIII – The progressive trendy period. Volkswagen introduced the Golf VIII in October 2019. With its new gentle and plug-in hybrid drives, it electrified the compact class. And as one of many first compact automobiles, it enabled assisted driving by way of Travel Assist. Even the entry-level model as we speak has options akin to Lane Assist, Front Assist, LED headlights, LED tail mild clusters and automated air conditioner on board as normal. In mixture with the non-compulsory adaptive chassis management DCC and the car dynamics supervisor, the Golf VIII additionally achieves an unprecedented unfold between consolation and dynamics on this class. More than a million items have been offered to this point.

Now – in 2024 – the brand new evolutionary stage of the eighth era has arrived. The new Golf impresses with a next-generation infotainment system, a extra intuitive working idea, a sharper entrance and rear finish design in addition to environment friendly drive programs. These embrace plug-in hybrid drives with an elevated all-electric vary of considerably greater than 100 kilometres. An illuminated Volkswagen emblem additionally adorns the entrance for the primary time in a Golf. In addition, the brand new Golf with voice management and the AI-based chatbot ChatGPT as soon as once more makes technical improvements out there to the plenty.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen R to open its personal model pavilion within the Autostadt in summer season 2024

Volkswagen R will open its personal pavilion within the Autostadt in Wolfsburg in summer season 2024. This will create each a brand new assembly place for the premium efficiency model’s rising fan base and an occasion location the place Volkswagen R’s mannequin variety, the R attract and new applied sciences will probably be introduced sooner or later.

Reinhold Ivenz, Head of Volkswagen R explains: “With our high-performance top models, we have established ourselves as an integral part of the Volkswagen model portfolio – both in the brand and in the Group. With our own pavilion in the Autostadt, we are now taking the next step to further increase the awareness of us as a performance brand. With our transition to an all-electric brand, we will also intensify the R customer experience through exclusive insights into concept cars and new technologies.”

With the pavilion, Volkswagen R may have its personal model presence within the Autostadt for the primary time. A light-weight-flooded presentation space for automobiles and reveals in addition to a lounge space will probably be created throughout round 100 sq. metres. Motorsport fanatics can compete right here with digital racing professionals in driving simulators. The e-gaming expertise won’t solely be reserved for specialists however can also be meant to supply pleasure for households.

Armin Maus, Chairman of the Autostadt Management Board: “In the new Volkswagen R pavilion, innovation and sportiness will be combined with the fascination for technical perfection. With the premium performance brand Volkswagen R, we have a strong partner that perfectly complements the Autostadt as a centre of automotive enthusiasm and enriches it with a genuine attraction for our guests.”

Exclusive buyer and membership occasions deliberate
In the longer term, the model will current altering exhibitions from the Volkswagen R theme world within the new pavilion. This consists of innovation-related subjects, new efficiency and design ideas, small collection manufacturing automobiles, efficiency elements and life-style equipment. In addition, the brand new location will present the precise setting for unique buyer and neighborhood occasions for the quickly rising Volkswagen R fan neighborhood – such because the ‘Friends of R’ group or the legendary ‘R & Coffee’ fan meet-up. Press conferences, car shows and technical and knowledgeable talks may also happen within the Volkswagen R Pavilion.

Peter Jost, Head of Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen R, says: “The new Volkswagen R pavilion in the Autostadt does not just offer us a new venue where we can showcase ourselves even better as a premium performance brand within the Volkswagen brand world. With this pavilion, we are also creating a meeting point for the Volkswagen R community and are thus becoming even more accessible and authentic as a brand. We will quickly fill this promise to the R Community with life.”

About Volkswagen R
Volkswagen R is Volkswagen’s premium efficiency model and is answerable for the sportiest automobiles that complement the product vary. Five enhanced manufacturing automobiles with elevated energy at present fill clients with pleasure. With greater than 35,000 automobiles produced, 2023 was a report yr for the Volkswagen R. A complete of greater than 300,000 R fashions have been delivered because the model was established in 2002. Volkswagen R is now realigning itself for the longer term. Based on the 4 pillars of efficiency, design, innovation and high quality, the portfolio will probably be progressively modified by the introduction of all-electric R fashions.

Volkswagen R was based in 2002 as Volkswagen Individual GmbH. Since 2020, the division has been a separate enterprise unit throughout the Volkswagen model. The ‘R’ within the title continues to symbolise the eagerness for motor sport and racing as much as the current day.

Volkswagen

Save the date: The Legendary GTI Meeting is Coming to Wolfsburg from July 26 – 28, 2024

Get ready GTI fans, because next summer the GTI fan community will find a new home in Wolfsburg. From July 26 – 28, 2024, the legendary GTI meetup will be held near the VfL Wolfsburg stadium in cooperation with the Autostadt. Alongside vehicle presentations, stage shows, and club meets, there will be a range of exciting activities and surprises for GTI enthusiasts to enjoy.

Imelda Labbé, Member of the Board of Management for Sales, Marketing and After Sales at Volkswagen Passenger Cars, shared her excitement, saying: “The GTI isn’t the only icon – the GTI Meeting has also gained cult status over the years. We believe it’s important to provide the GTI community with a new home at the heart of our brand here in Wolfsburg!” By announcing the date well in advance, Volkswagen is giving fans ample time to plan for the big GTI party, which will take place on the last weekend of July 2024.

For nearly 50 years, the letters GTI have come to represent sportiness, emotions, and dynamics. The global GTI fan community continues to grow, with enthusiasts of this iconic brand gathering regularly in clubs and online communities to share their passion. Since 1982, the largest GTI meetup has traditionally been held at Lake Wörthersee in Austria. However, in early 2023, the Maria Wörth local municipality announced that it would no longer host the annual event. As a result, Volkswagen made the decision to bring the GTI Meeting back to its roots in Wolfsburg. Official GTI meets, which complement the Lake Wörthersee events, were already held outside the Volkswagen factory gates in 2017 and 2018.