Volkswagen of America, Inc. unveiled the new 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport at the Chicago Auto Show today. The refreshed seven- and five-seaters offer enhanced technology, upgraded interior designs and materials, and a livelier powertrain.

“The Atlas was the first modern Volkswagen designed, engineered and produced specifically for American buyers, and since its debut, it has become a major player in the U.S. market,” said Pablo Di Si, president and CEO, Volkswagen of America. “The refreshed Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport continue to build on that success, with an elegant new interior and a sophisticated turbocharged engine that improves both performance and the driving experience.”

While the refreshed Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport maintain the same underpinnings of the successful outgoing models, the spacious interior of each vehicle receives a major upgrade for the 2024 model year. Premium materials are adopted throughout, including a leatherette-trimmed soft-touch dash and center console. Front-row door trim and décor flow seamlessly into the dash panel, creating an upscale cockpit; the door treatment is also mirrored in the second row. Available ambient lighting with 30 color choices pairs with innovative backlit dash décor featuring the model name to elevate the new design. Top-of-range models feature quilted leather seats with a diamond pattern.

Comfort features get a boost as well. A heated steering wheel with shift paddles, ventilated front seats and a height-adjustable passenger seat are now standard fare, along with Climatronic® automatic climate control and Voice Control. The center console is redesigned with a storage cubby underneath. Leather seating surfaces and heated rear seats are now available a trim line lower than previous models.

Enhanced technology in the refreshed Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport offers a more connected experience. A 12-inch floating infotainment display is an elegant focal point in the redesigned cockpit, and drivers of every trim level benefit from the 10.25-inch fully configurable Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro. Connecting devices is easier than ever with standard wireless App-Connect, wireless charging, and six USB-C ports (eight available) with 45-watt fast charging.

IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance technology, featuring hands-on semi-automatic capability, is now standard as well. On the highway, IQ.DRIVE features lane centering and a capacitive steering wheel to make driving easier. Around town, IQ.DRIVE helps alert you to surprise obstacles in front of you, and keeps an eye around you to help make driving safer. A head-up display and predictive Adaptive Cruise Control are also available.

Outside, model year 2024 brings a new front end design and greater differentiation between Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. On both cars, a wide chrome four-bar grille is framed by LED headlights with the newly standard Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). On all but base trims, the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) wrap around the headlights and continue into an illuminated lightbar that sits atop of an illuminated VW logo, giving the vehicle an unmistakable premium look. A new front fascia with integrated air intakes completes the front end treatment. Atlas Cross Sport models feature gloss-black grille details and a gloss-black “X” design element stretching across the lower fascia, similar to Taos.

At the rear, both models add a larger spoiler, lengthening the overall roofline of the vehicles and giving them a sleeker side profile. All but base trims mirror the front lighting signature in the rear with an illuminated lightbar and VW logo sitting between the LED taillights. Atlas Cross Sport models add a more aggressive rear diffuser than the previous generation, further differentiating the two models.

All trims get new wheel designs, ranging from 18 to 20 inches with machined alloy and black finishes available. R-line® trims up the ante with a gloss-black grille, 21-inch aluminium-alloy wheels, and signature R-line badging.

For 2024, the Atlas family will be powered solely by a four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine with 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The new engine provides similar power to the outgoing VR6, a bump in torque—which is available over a broader rev range, improving drivability and acceleration—and is anticipated to provide improved fuel economy. Towing capacity remains the same, at 5,000 pounds. An eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard; Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is available across the model lineup.

Further details, specifications, and pricing will be announced ahead of the launch early Q3.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

The Volkswagen Group has made significant progress in its electric transformation in 2022. Despite supply constraints and temporary production stops, 572,100 all-electric vehicles were handed over to customers around the globe. Compared to 2021, this is a substantial increase of 26 percent. The BEV share of total deliveries thus reached 6.9 percent, up from 5.1 percent a year earlier. The Volkswagen Group remains the BEV market leader in its home market of Europe and reached the fourth position in this segment in the United States. The strongest increase came from China, were BEV deliveries were up by 68 percent y-o-y. Due to abovementioned challenges, overall global deliveries were down 7 percent on prior year to 8.3 million vehicles. In the second half of 2022, a slightly improved supply situation led to an increase of deliveries of 12 percent y-o-y. However, this could not make up for the losses of 22 percent y-o-y in the first half year. The Group’s order bank remains on a high level of 1.8 million vehicles in Western Europe alone, thereof 310,000 BEVs.

Hildegard Wortmann, Member of the Extended Executive Committee for Sales, said: “Our brands have shown a decent performance regarding deliveries in a very challenging environment last year. I am particularly pleased that our electric transformation gained further traction across the brands and that we reached our target share of around 7 to 8 percent for all-electric vehicles despite these headwinds. The high order bank is a clear proof that customers love our entire strong product portfolio. That gives us confidence for 2023 despite weakening macroeconomics and ongoing supply shortages. The latter are expected to improve step by step in the course of the year.”

The Volkswagen Group is in the midst of its transformation from a car manufacturer to a software-driven provider of sustainable mobility. The electrification of its model range is a cornerstone to achieve that goal and to have a carbon neutral balance sheet at latest by 2050. Despite numerous challenges in the past three years like semiconductor shortages and Covid-related lockdowns, the Group has pursued its electric path very consistently. The share of BEVs has been raised from 2.5 percent in 2020 to 5.1 percent in 2021 and then to 6.9 percent last year. In the course of 2022, additional sites in Emden, Hanover and Chattanooga started to produce BEVs. This year, the Group headquarters in Wolfsburg will follow. Therefore, the Group aims to reach a level of BEV deliveries of around 11 percent in 2023. This will be the base to achieve the medium term goal of around 20 percent in 2025. By 2030, every second Group vehicle delivered globally is expected to be all-electric.

In Europe, overall deliveries declined by 10.4 percent to 3,153,200 vehicles whereas BEVs were up by 13.4 percent to 352,000 units. The majority of 2,711,300 vehicles was shipped to Western Europe where the decline was less pronounced with 5.2 percent. BEVs were in high demand in this region and reached a share of 12.6 percent of all deliveries (2021: 10.5 percent). Thus, the Group remains market leader in this segment in Europe. The order bank in Western Europe remained high at 1.8 million vehicles - including 310,000 BEVs - due to supply constraints. In Germany, the Group’s home market, deliveries were up by 3.8 percent to 1,029,600 units. The BEV share reached a level of 11.6 percent (2021: 11.4 percent). Deliveries in Central- and Eastern Europe declined significantly by 32.9 percent to 441,900 vehicles due to the effects of the war in Ukraine.

In North America, 842,600 customers received their vehicles, a decline of 7.2 percent. The USA saw a similar decrease of 6.1 percent to 631,100 units. The BEVs on the contrary were up 18.8 percent to 44,200 units. That corresponds to rank #4 in the all-electric segment. The local BEV production in Chattanooga, which started in 2022, will provide additional capacity to the region to cater its customers’ demand for all-electric mobility.

The South American market showed a similar trend. It was down by 8.0 percent to 473,700 vehicles. Brazil, the region’s largest market, recorded deliveries of 337,400 units. This corresponds to a decline of 10.4 percent.

Asia-Pacific saw the smallest decline among the major regions with 2.7 percent. Overall, 3,514,000 vehicles were handed over to customers. China, the Group’s largest single market, showed a similar performance. Deliveries decreased by 3.6 percent to 3,184,500 units. After significant losses due to supply shortages and Covid-related lockdowns in the first half year, the Group’s deliveries recovered well in the second half and only slightly missed their prior year level. China was the biggest contributor to the Group’s global BEV increase with deliveries up by 68 percent to 155,700 units.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Marking the release of Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania”, in U.S. theaters starting February 17, Volkswagen is launching a global 360-degree campaign that puts the ID.4 in the limelight with custom content inspired by the movie. The cooperation is based on the product placement of the all-electric vehicle as the Super Hero’s family car in the upcoming film.

“Marvel Studios films rank among the most successful movies of all time and Ant-Man is one of the most likeable characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Integrating the ID.4 in the movie and the accompanying campaign enables us to reach millions of people all over the world,” says Gilbert Heise, Head of Global Brand Management and Consumer Insights at Volkswagen. “What’s more, the Ant-Man character is a perfect fit for our brand: he is likeable, authentic and has a great sense of humor,” he adds.

Global custom content for social media, TV and movie theaters shows Ant-Man and Cassie Lang in an amusing and elaborately staged sequence with the ID.4.

In the run-up to the film’s release, Volkswagen and Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania” are presenting a jointly-created custom spot to kick off the global campaign. The ad, developed and produced by Volkswagen, the Walt Disney Studios partnerships team, and Bullitt, was directed by long-time Marvel Studios collaborator Anthony Leonardi III. Framestore’s award-winning VFX team brought the spot’s shrinking and growing effects to life. The spot will run on social media, TV and in movie theaters: https://youtu.be/5XmuqzfpPU4

“This fun, innovative and integrated campaign brings a relatable storyline to life in an extraordinary way. We are so excited to share it with fans around the world, in celebration of the release of the next installment of the MCU”, said Lylle Breier, SVP Global Marketing Partnerships at Walt Disney Studios.

In addition, a behind-the-scenes featurette will give viewers an inside look at the making of the movie with the placement of the Volkswagen e-SUV ID.4 during production of the film. The vehicle will also be presented on the red carpet at the world premiere in Los Angeles.

“Nowadays, emotional storytelling through this kind of cooperation is enormously important for brands,” explains Salim Yüksel, who is responsible for Future Trends, Strategic Partnerships and Global Branded Entertainment at Volkswagen and jointly leads the project alongside Volkswagen of America. “We are very proud to have brought together our global brands with such a creative project.”

About Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania”:

Super Hero partners Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and the Wasp. Together, with Hope’s parents Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), and Scott’s daughter Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton), the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought possible. Directed by Peyton Reed and produced by Kevin Feige and Stephen Broussard, “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania” also stars Jonathan Majors as Kang, David Dastmalchian as Veb, Katy O'Brian as Jentorra, William Jackson Harper as Quaz and Bill Murray as Lord Krylar. The sci-fi adventure opens in US theaters on Feb. 17, 2023.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Air conditioning systems are an integral part of modern cars and ensure pleasant temperatures in all seasons. Volkswagen goes one step further in the new ID.7 and for the first time uses an air conditioning system that performs faster cooling or heating of the vehicle interior before the start of a journey. Among other things, this is made possible by electronically controlled air vents that distribute the air throughout the vehicle interior as soon as the driver approaches with the key. The new, smart automated air conditioning system also reacts to voice commands and takes into account the position of the sun as well as individual user preferences. The result is an increase in comfort with which the new electric saloon will set standards in its class.

With a camouflaged concept vehicle, Volkswagen provided a first glimpse of the new ID.7 at the world’s largest consumer electronics show, the CES in Las Vegas. Kai Grünitz, Member of the Brand Board of Management responsible for Development: “With the ID.7, we are underlining our goal to offer intelligent technologies and customer-oriented innovations in the high-volume premium mid-size segment.”

“Smart air vents” react quickly and function like fans

The ID.7 can activate the air conditioning before passengers get into the vehicleThe vehicle interior is cooled on hot days and heated when it is cold. If the door is opened in conditions with high outside temperatures, smart air vents in the cockpit distribute the air quickly over a large area by means of dynamic horizontal movements. When the passengers are seated in the car, the air flow can beredirected straight at the body or used for indirect ventilation of the interior space, according to the preference. The ID.7 is the first Volkswagen model with such an intelligent control system.

Strong focus on user-friendly operation

The climate control function is located on the uppermost operating level of the new 38-centimetre (15-inch) infotainment display of the ID.7. This means that it is always visible and can be activated by simple tapof a finger. Using the clear air conditioning context menu, all smart air vents can be digitally controlled at the outlets. The strength and direction of air movements can be adjusted intuitively and saved individually. The temperature can be controlled by means of backlit touch sliders.

Digitally controlled air conditioning system reacts to voice commands

The digitally controlled air conditioning system can be activated by voice control. Special wishes are stored as “Smart Climates”. For example, a program is selected that activates the steering wheel heating if the command “Hello Volkswagen, my hands are cold” is spoken. This will initiate warm air directed at the hands on the steering wheel for around five minutes.

Air conditioning according to personal preferences

The individual user preferences are saved as “Personalisations” in the ID.7. This includes the settings made for the automatic air conditioning system. This is especially practical if the vehicle will be used by multiple drivers..

First VW model with detection of the sun’s position

When the automatic function is activated, the smart system reacts to its climatic surroundings. For example, a sensor in the area of the windscreen detects the incident angle of the sunlight in conditions with high outside temperatures and high solar intensity. If the sun is shining strongly onto one side of the vehicle, the ID.7 adapts the air conditioning to an even greater extent for the warmer zones: first towards the respective area of the vehicle interior, and then in a second step specifically towards the vehicle occupants.

Market launch of the ID.7 in 2023

Following the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.6 (only in China) and the ID. Buzz, the ID.7 will be the sixth model of the all-electric ID. family. After the ID.4, it will be the second global vehicle from Volkswagen based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB). The world premiere of the ID.7 is scheduled for the second quarter of 2023. The market launch of the electric saloon in China and Europe is planned for this year. North America will follow in 2024.

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

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com