Volkswagen has successfully launched its sub-brand JETTA in China with the new SUV VS5 and the VA3 sedan01. Since market entry in September, nearly 30,000 vehicles were delivered to customers. This makes the JETTA launch the most successful recent brand introduction in China, taking into account the first three months of sales. Almost 80 percent of JETTA deliveries were SUVs. With the new JETTA brand, Volkswagen is targeting young Chinese customers who are looking for an entry into the world of Volkswagen.

"The entry-level segment has so far been served almost exclusively by Chinese brands. The JETTA brand closes the gap between the entry-level segment and the volume segment, at the top end of which the Volkswagen brand is positioned, "says Jürgen Stackmann, sales board member of the Volkswagen brand. "We see tremendous potential there, and the flying start of JETTA proves us right.”

About one third of all passenger cars in China are currently sold in the entry-level segment. Within this segment, around 80 percent customers buy a car for the first time in their lives. First-time buyers in China are on average 20 years younger than in Europe or America. In the entry-level segment they spend from 8,000 up to 15,000 euros.

With JETTA, for the first time in Volkswagen history a model is transformed into a brand with a proprietary model family. JETTA is positioned independently in the market, but with a recognizable proximity to the world of Volkswagen. Innovative sales concepts such as highly digitized showrooms complete the brand experience. JETTA relies on the Volkswagen DNA: quality, safety, value retention and a clear design language. The JETTA range includes a sedan and an SUV. A second SUV will follow in the near future. All models are produced by FAW-Volkswagen in a state-of-the art factory in Chengdu, working closely with FAW-VW’s central hub in the city of Changchun.

With a share of almost 50 percent of worldwide deliveries, China is Volkswagen's largest single market. The brand delivered over 3 million vehicles in China for the second time in a row last year. While the overall market situation in China remains challenging in 2019, the Volkswagen brand has gained market share by maintaining deliveries largely at last year’s level. Therefore the brand is expecting to deliver over 3 million vehicles once again in 2019.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

The ID.R electric racing car and the new ID.3 will meet at the Essen Motor Show (30 November to 08 December 2019). The prototype for the racetrack and the large-scale production model for road use will be presented to the public in Hall 3 of the largest tuning fair in Europe. At first glance, the two electro pioneers represent two vehicle concepts that could hardly be more different. However, the ID.R, which has been setting records around the world since 2018, and the Volkswagen ID.3, which was presented for the first time in September, share more than just the electric drivetrain. The development of the ID.R and its appearances have provided valuable information for the series development of the ID. family. At the same time, production development supported the Volkswagen Motorsport team with know-how gained during large-scale production.

Common ground: Maximum efficiency

The development of both models focused on a shared philosophy: maximising the efficiency of the electric drivetrain to ensure optimum usage of available energy - on the racetrack and on the road. The objective for the ID.R, a racing car that operates at the absolute limit, was peak performance on defined routes, while the ID.3 production module requires the most efficient usage of battery capacity in everyday operation and the ability to achieve the greatest range possible. To develop the batteries, Volkswagen Motorsport worked with the laboratories that are also involved in researching the technology for the ID. product family. The cells are integrated into the vehicle floor in the ID.R and in the ID.3 - producing a low centre of gravity that has a positive effect on handling properties. There are also parallels to be found in the charging strategy – for external charging with a rapid charging system and also during brake energy recovery (recuperation) while the vehicle is in motion. One shared feature, which is clear to everyone, are the aero rims on both cars. These have been optimised specifically to improve the cw value. The 20-inch alloy wheels on the ID.3 not only improve aerodynamic efficiency, but their flatness also fits perfectly into the new design language of the ID. family.

Technology transfer between Volkswagen Motorsport and series production

“The entire development of the ID.R led to reciprocal technology transfer between Volkswagen Motorsport and series development,” explains Dr. Frank Welsch, Chief Development Officer of Volkswagen Passenger Cars. “This primarily concerned the field of electric drive, as well as technologies such as lightweight design and high-efficiency aerodynamics. For example, motorsport benefited from the production development know-how in building battery cells and handling high-voltage components in the vehicle. On the other hand, the production developers watched how the motorsport team dealt with rapid charging technology and the strategy it used to optimise energy deployment and recuperation while driving.”

Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets adds: “We are proud to have supported the development of the ID. production models with the development of the ID.R and its record-breaking appearances. The spectacular performances of the ID.R have also prompted a significant increase in the popularity of the new ID. family and shown that electric cars are not just environmentally friendly, but also fast and fascinating.”

Production of Volkswagen's new T-Roc Cabriolet starts today at the Osnabrück plant. The plant's facilities, including the production and logistics operations, were extensively optimised in advance for the Volkswagen brand's only convertible.

At the ceremonial start of production in front of staff at the plant today, Andreas Tostmann, Volkswagen Management Board Member for Production, said: “The vehicle was in large part developed in Osnabrück. Now it is being produced here too. It is a genuine child of the site. A site that in the process has been able to fully demonstrate its strengths.” He continued: “The team did a lot of work to bring the T-Roc Cabriolet here and are now finally reaping the reward for their efforts. Production, assembly and logistics have been extensively modernised for a high double-digit million euro amount and are of an excellent standard.” Tostmann went on to stress Volkswagen's ongoing commitment: “Over the next five years too we will be investing further in the site on a similar scale – predominantly in the production of the T-Roc Cabriolet.”

Jörg Müller, the management team spokesperson, said: “We’ve got a long tradition of making convertibles here at the Osnabrück site. It’s one of our core areas of expertise.” He continued: “The entire team is proud to have the privilege of making the Volkswagen brand's only convertible. We worked hard for it.”

The T-Roc Cabriolet is the soft-top variant of the successful Crossover T-Roc, which was added to the Volkswagen brand product portfolio in November 2017. The new convertible with SUV genes offers a striking design, elevated seating position and high level of functionality. Open-air enjoyment starts at the press of a button, with the soft top opening in just nine seconds.

In addition to the T-Roc Cabriolet the multi-brand Osnabrück plant also produces the Porsche Cayman.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Volkswagen’s T-Cross gets its most powerful engine yet. The compact SUV is now available to order with a 1.5-litre TSI with 110 kW/150 PS. The new power unit adds a unique, sporty option to the existing T-Cross engine range. Prices for the T-Cross with the new top-of-the-range engine start at €25,690 in Germany.

The T-Cross converts its power into traction both dynamically and efficiently to boast combined consumption figures of 5.2 litres per 100 kilometres. The new engine provides a maximum torque of 250 Nm between 1,500 to 3,500 rpm. The T-Cross accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 200 km/h. The most powerful power unit for the T-Cross is exclusively available with the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG).

The T-Cross – anything but small

For almost a year now, Volkswagen’s T-Cross SUV has been a highlight of the compact segment in the company’s model range. And this compact model is hugely versatile, be it in terms of more legroom for passengers or more space in the luggage compartment – the rear seat bench can be moved by 14 centimetres so any plan can be put into action with no hassle. This expands the loading volume of the small SUV from 385 to 455 litres and, if you completely fold down the rear seat backrest, even up to 1,281 litres.

And the T-Cross is well connected too. It features wireless charging so you can keep your phone fully charged without the need for any cables. You can use the four USB ports (two up front, two in the rear) to connect your smartphone to the car with ease. The optional digital cockpit featuring a latest-generation, eight-inch Infotainment touchscreen and Active Info Display sets new standards in connectivity.

The T-Cross also comes with a range of assist systems which were previously reserved for higher vehicle categories. Standard features include “Front Assist” Autonomous Emergency Braking with “Pedestrian Monitoring” and City Emergency Braking System, the “Lane Assist” lane keeping system, Hill Start Assist as well as the “Blind Spot” Monitor lane change system which warns the driver about vehicles located in the blind spot, with integrated Rear Traffic Alert. 

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com