The stage is set for the ID.7! At the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas between 5 and 8 January 2023, Volkswagen Group of America will showcase its first fully electric sedan based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB). It will be clad in smart camouflage, which uses unique technology and multi-layered paintwork to create light effects on parts of the vehicle. This is an interactive feature and symbolizes the next step in the digitalization of the future flagship model of the ID. family. The ID. AERO concept vehicle initially presented in China already provided a preview of the new model, which embodies an aerodynamic design concept and is able to achieve ranges of up to 700 kilometers (WLTP). After a six-year break, Volkswagen Group of America is returning to the CES – the world’s largest trade show for electronics – with a very special product.

“With the new ID.7, we are extending our electric model range into the upper segments. The sedan will offer top-class technology and quality. The ID.7 is one of ten new electric models that we are planning to launch by 2026. Our goal? To deliver suitable products for our customers in every single segment,” says Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.

The ID.7 offers an innovative climate and comfort experience

With its latest model based on the MEB, VW has responded to customer feedback and improved the user experience in the relevant areas. A host of innovations come as standard in the ID.7:

• the new display concept
• the augmented reality head-up display
• a 38-centimeter (15-inch) screen
• new air conditioning controls integrated into the first level of the infotainment system
• illuminated touch sliders

The new air conditioning concept with intelligent vents offers a number of functions. For instance, the ID.7 can detect when the driver is approaching based on their key and will already start to cool the interior on hot summer days or heat the interior on cold days before the driver gets into the vehicle. Newly designed “Smart Air Vents” control the flow of air and move dynamically to distribute the air over large areas as quickly as possible. If there are passengers in the car, the air can be directed straight to the body or ventilate the interior indirectly. These functions are visible at all times on the new large display and can be activated and saved individually for each user. Special requests can be activated using voice commands. If the user says “Hello Volkswagen, my hands are cold!”, the ID.7 responds by starting the steering wheel heating function. At the same time, warm air is directed towards the hands.

Unusual camouflage concept is interactive

At the CES in Las Vegas, VW will show the intelligence of the ID.7 in a quite special way. The camouflaged sedan features a digital design with unique paintwork, which lights up the ID.7 interactively. 40 layers of paint have been applied, of which some are conductive while others have insulating properties. A total of 22 areas of the vehicle can be controlled separately and are electrified below the top layer of paint (electroluminescence) so that they light up. If all this is connected to a sound system, the rhythm is visualized by illumination of individual areas.

The QR codes on the hood and on both sides provide an interface between the physical and digital worlds. The entire camouflage also takes the QR code theme further and thus hides the contours of the final production vehicle.

MEB permits realization of an aerodynamic design and a generous interior concept

In terms of its style, the ID.7 follows the design language of the fully electric ID. model family. The characteristic features of the sedan include the aerodynamic front section and roof, which both help to reduce energy consumption and increase the range. Air intakes located in the front end guide the air flowing through them down the sides of the vehicle to the rear in a targeted way. They therefore form an air curtain, which calms the air flow at the sides of the vehicle. The roof slopes to the rear and thus contributes to the very good drag coefficient of the ID.7. The range is up to around 700 kilometers2 (WLTP).

Like all other models in the ID. family, the ID.7 is based on the MEB of the Volkswagen Group. The advantages of the modular matrix with short overhangs and long wheelbase (2.97 meters) provide benefits for the interior. In the ID.7, this results in the character of a luxury sedan with an especially spacious feel.

Volkswagen’s electric mobility campaign: 500,000 vehicles based on the MEB already delivered

With its ID.7 sedan, Volkswagen is expanding its successful fully electric ID. family into the upper middle class of the high-volume segment and advancing its electric mobility campaign with the ACCELERATE strategy. VW has already reached a first milestone: Since the first ID.3 models were handed over to customers in September 2020, Volkswagen has delivered 500,000 vehicles from its ID. family worldwide through its subsidiaries – around one year earlier than planned and despite the ongoing difficulties in the supply chain.

After the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.6 (only in China) models and the new ID. Buzz, the ID.7 will be the sixth model from the ID. family and is Volkswagen’s second global car to be based on the MEB after the ID.4. It is planned to launch the electric sedan in the three primary markets of China, Europe and North America. The ID.7 for the European market will be produced at the Volkswagen Emden plant. After the ID.4, it will be the second model based on the modular electric drive matrix to be built in Emden.

Where ranges are stated, the values for consumption and CO₂ emissions depend on the selected vehicle equipment.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Volkswagen AG and its charging and energy brand Elli have reached their next milestone: With 400,000 charging points, Elli is now operating the greatest charging network in Europe, with more than 800 providers in 27 countries. Over the past 18 months, the network has doubled in size by adding about 200,000 new charging points. Elli most recently expanded its network in western and northern Europe by adding the Swedish energy company Vattenfall and the Dutch fast-charging specialist Fastned.

Quick and easy to use and, above all, available throughout Europe: The charging network of the Volkswagen subsidiary Elli is expanding. In the process, the company has entered into a large number of alliances and partnerships, including ones with such energy suppliers as Enel and Iberdrola, the petroleum group BP and the joint venture IONITY. The aim of this work is quite simple: to provide drivers of electric vehicles with a tightly knit international charging network which is easily accessible. About 800 providers are currently integrated. Most recently, Elli added about 24,000 Vattenfall stations in Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden along with 1,000 high-power charging points (HPC) operated by Fastned in the Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Belgium, France and Switzerland. A few months earlier, the network was massively expanded in Great Britain with the addition of 6,800 charging stations managed by BP Pulse.

“The key to everyday electric mobility is easy charging without any range anxiety,” said Elke Temme, the CEO of Elli and Senior Vice President of Charging & Energy at Volkswagen AG. “We have taken a huge step closer to our vision by offering 400,000 charging points in Europe. In line with our NEW AUTO strategy, we now offer the largest ecosystem for drivers of electric vehicles in Europe and are continuing to press full speed ahead in our work to expand the charging network.”

As a mobility service provider, Elli offers its services to the drivers of electric vehicles made by all manufacturers. Customers of Elli and those of the brands SEAT, CUPRA, ŠKODA AUTO and Volkswagen may use the network further on that. The charging service offered by AUDI will be integrated into the portfolio next year: Charging with Audi | Audi MediaCenter (audi-mediacenter.com)

Charging and energy are a promising new business area for the Volkswagen Group
The Volkswagen Group has made charging and energy a part of its core business in its NEW AUTO strategy. With a workforce of some 250 employees, Elli takes care of the things that matter to 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 mobile 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. Electric vehicles can be easily charged with the help of an app and a charging map. Three transparent charging rates are offered: “Drive Free”, “Drive City” and “Drive Highway”. The rates are geared towards drivers who need to charge their vehicles rarely, frequently or quickly. Elli was founded in 2018 and has offices in Berlin, Wolfsburg and Munich. You will find more information at https://www.elli.eco/de/startseite

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

In time for spring, Volkswagen is launching the T-Roc Cabriolet as a limited “Edition Grey” small series. The car for open-top driving features a special matt paint finish in the colour Indium Grey as well as interior and exterior accents in black. The special-edition model also includes numerous driver assist systems and a range of high-quality equipment, with a price advantage of up to 1,400 euros. The first cars in the limited edition of 999 vehicles will be delivered from February 2023.

Matt paintwork is the trend of the times and emphasises sporty elegance. Volkswagen already launched its first model with matt paintwork last year with the T-Roc “Edition Blue”. The character of the new T-Roc Cabriolet “Edition Grey” is now also defined by this special paintwork. Instead of a gloss paint finish, the basic paintwork in Indium Grey has a matt clear coat. This offers the same level of protection as the conventional clear coat, particularly with respect to its resistance to ultraviolet radiation and stone chipping.

Black accents for a special appearance. The sporty R-Line specification (including sports running gear and progressive steering) provides the basis for the new special edition model. The standard equipment also includes the Black Style design package with black trim strips and mirror covers and a black rear spoiler. The door handles and T-Roc lettering on the rear are also in Deep Black. Black-painted 18-inch wheels in Grange Hill design round off the overall appearance.

Extensive technical equipment as standard. The “Edition Grey” special-edition model comes with convenient assist systems and attractive equipment details as standard. These include:

• Discover Media navigation system (including Streaming and Internet),
• IQ.DRIVE driver assist package, including the semi-automated driving assistance Travel Assist, the lane keeping system Lane Assist and the lane change system Side Assist
• IQ. LIGHT LED matrix headlights, including advanced main-beam control Dynamic Light Assist
• Winter package, including heated steering wheel
• Rear view camera system

The special-edition model offers savings of up to 1,400 euros compared with the R-Line equipment.

The model is also optionally available with the additional Edition Plus package. Among other things, this includes:

• Black 19-inch wheels in Suzuka design,
• Adaptive chassis control DCC,
• Discover Pro navigation system,
• BeatsAudio sound system.

The price advantage here is 2,400 euros.

Limited edition. The small series of the T-Roc Cabriolet is limited to 999 vehicles. The numbering is shown on a sill panel moulding designed especially for this special-edition model. The T-Roc Cabriolet “Edition Grey” (with 1.5 TSI 110 kW / 150 PS) is priced at 46,470 euros in the “Edition” base specification or 51,600 euros with the “Edition Plus” package Deliveries are expected to start in February 2023.

The T-Roc – a model of success. More than one million vehicles sold since the market introduction in 2017 speak for themselves: the T-Roc is a bestseller and a main pillar in the product range of Volkswagen Passenger Cars. For open-air fans, VW has additionally offered the T-Roc Cabriolet since 2019. With their powerful design, top quality, outstanding equipment (also including the Digital Cockpit as standard) and high-performance assist systems, both models set standards in the high-volume segment. Proven core models such as the T-Roc, Golf and Tiguan provide a decisive basis for the success of Volkswagen in the transformation of the company.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Volkswagen is making the Wolfsburg site fit for the future: the brand will be making an initial investment of some €460 million in the main factory at the Group headquarters by the beginning of 2025. This was announced on Wednesday by CEO Thomas Schäfer during a works meeting in Wolfsburg. The investment is primarily earmarked for preparations to produce the new ID.3. The compact electric car will be leaving the assembly line in Wolfsburg from 2023 – initially in partial production, with full production slated from 2024. Ramp-up is due for completion by the end of 2025. The necessary training measures for the workforce are currently being prepared. Post-ID.3 ramp-up, a further all-electric model for the booming SUV segment is to boost Wolfsburg’s capacity utilization for EV production over the long term. The technical basis for the new model is the Modular Electric Drive System (MEB). Volkswagen’s e-car platform is to undergo substantial further development as the MEB+, thus becoming even more efficient.

This will be followed by a further pillar for the Wolfsburg site, the Trinity vehicle project. It will be based on the future Group-wide Scalable Systems Platform (SSP). By the end of 2033 at the latest, the Volkswagen brand will only build electric cars in Wolfsburg - as in all of its other factories in Europe.

Talking to employees Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand and Group Board Member for the Volume brand group, said: “Volkswagen stands for electromobility for everyone. And Wolfsburg will be part of this success story. Here at our main plant alone, we will be investing some €460 million by the beginning of 2025, getting the factory ready for the MEB. The ID.3 ramp-up is the first important step towards the electrification of our main plant. At the same time, we are working closely with the Works Council to bring a further electric model based on the MEB+ to Wolfsburg – this will be a high-volume model for the booming SUV segment. With these strong decisions and investments, we intend to bolster the competitiveness of this factory further and give the workforce a concrete long-term perspective.”

Turning his attention to the current year, Schäfer thanked employees for their great flexibility and team spirit in a very challenging economic environment.

Works Council Chairwoman Daniela Cavallo said: “Wolfsburg stands for the future. And the Works Council has a clear ambition for the Wolfsburg site: state-of-the-art production, the best workforce, and the biggest pioneering spirit. That means Wolfsburg will remain the brand’s – and the Group’s – powerhouse in the coming years with the transformation to electric production, an additional all-electric model by 2026, along with Trinity and the SSP. We will develop the detailed timetable together. That is how we are creating secure jobs. I would also like to thank the entire production team at our main factory that has weathered many a crisis in this difficult year.”

The first step towards the factory’s electric future involves re-equipping the site for the ID.3. This electric model will begin leaving the assembly line in Wolfsburg from 2023 – in addition to current production in Zwickau. For the largest factory in the entire Volkswagen Group, this is the first all-electric vehicle based on the MEB.

Brand CEO Thomas Schäfer indicated there are plans to produce a further model based on the MEB at the main factory in the future. This model would be an all-electric SUV. “That is the largest vehicle segment worldwide, it is home to our popular Tiguan. The new model would ideally complement our bestselling ID.4 and ID.5. This is how we intend to expand our market position further and give our customers the high-quality vehicles they expect from us,” Schäfer said.

Volkswagen will use the MEB+, the further development of the successful MEB e-car platform, for the e-SUV. Schäfer: “The MEB still has significant potential. Our ambition is to take this platform to the next level. To that end, we are making substantial investments in advancing this technology. The MEB+ puts us in an excellent position for the coming years.” Back in 2020, analysts conducted an in-depth study of Volkswagen’s electric platform, and concluded that it is the “most impressive solution available from an established motor company” on the market for electric vehicles.

Customers will benefit from the MEB+ in many respects. The platform will enable faster charging speeds and longer ranges. Volkswagen plans to use the highly-standardized unified cell manufactured at the Group’s own cell factory in Salzgitter (start of production in 2025) in the system.

With “Accelerate” Volkswagen launched a strong brand strategy for the electric and digital era of mobility. The “Energize” program gives this strategy a further boost as it progresses. This initiative is designed to make the Volkswagen brand shine. The lodestar of the strategy remains the Trinity vehicle project based on the highly-scalable SSP platform. The project will get underway in line with staggered software development. A decision on where the vehicle will be built in Wolfsburg has not yet been taken. That is why Volkswagen is keeping the option to build a new factory in Warmenau open.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com