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Volkswagen is launching the new ID.3 with an extensive upgrade. The next software and infotainment generation and the improved operating concept are now also entering Volkswagen’s electric compact class. The augmented reality head-up display has been enhanced, a brand new Wellness App and optional premium sound system from Harman Kardon have been added. With the improved drivetrain, the ID.3 Pro S’s output increases to up to 170 kW. Pre-sales for the Pro S model (5 seater) with a 77 kWh lithium-ion battery (net) are now open; further variants will be available to order shortly.

Imelda Labbé, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for Sales, Marketing and After Sales: “The ID.3 Pro S represents the consistent further development of our product portfolio based on the needs of our customers. For example, the model now has an improved e-route planner and the option of preconditioning the battery. These are functions that have already been very well received by drivers of the other ID. models.”

New infotainment system and ChatGPT. The cockpit landscape in the ID.3 product line now has a new design. The latest-generation infotainment system features a larger touchscreen (diagonal: 32.8 cm/12.9 inches) and a new, intuitive menu structure. The multifunction steering wheel has also been enhanced, allowing for simplified and more intuitive operation. The driving mode selector has been removed from the housing for the Digital Cockpit and designed as a separate steering column switch – like in the ID.7, for example. Now illuminated and ergonomically designed, the touch sliders are located under the Infotainment system display and are used to control the interior temperatures and volume. The new IDA voice assistant can be operated with natural language. It not only enables a number of vehicle functions to be controlled, but also answers questions by accessing online databases such as Wikipedia. Another new feature is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) through ChatGPT.

Stronger and more efficient motor. The ID.3 will be equipped with enhanced version of the previous electric motor, which not only impresses with more power but also with economical consumption. In the German market, the ID.3 Pro S now delivers 170 kW as standard, while customers in other markets can decide after purchase whether they want to increase the basic output from 150 kW to 170 kW via function-on-demand. This “power-on-demand” option is new for Volkswagen and another component in its development of digital business models. Increasing the power to 170 kW improves 0 to 100 km/h acceleration to 7.1 seconds. The combined WLTP range for the ID.3 Pro S reaches up to 559 kilometres.

Faster charging on the go. When out and about, an innovative charging and thermal management function makes sure the battery is pre-conditioned ahead of the next DC charging stop. This means that the ID.3 Pro S is supplied with energy as quickly as possible on long distances. The battery is heated to the optimum temperature so that it can be charged with a maximum output of up to 175 kW. This enables the charging time to be reduced by several minutes, particularly in winter. When route guidance by the navigation system with the enhanced Electric Vehicle Route Planner is active, pre-conditioning is started automatically on the way to the next quick-charging station. Without active route guidance, the function can also be manually activated using the charging menu in the infotainment system. Practical: routes with up to 10 charging stops and 10 stopovers can be planned on a smartphone or on the web portal and then transferred to the Infotainment system.

Assistants on board as standard. The ID.3 Pro S already has a wide range of modern assist systems on board. These include Adaptive Cruise Control ACC, Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring, lane keeping system Lane Assist, oncoming vehicle braking when turning function and Dynamic Road Sign Display. Also included as standard: the Car2X traffic hazard alert function. The system supports the driver by providing information on what is happening on the road and is therefore able to give an early warning of situations such as roadworks, accidents, the end of traffic queues or emergency vehicles.

New and enhanced systems. Equipment options include innovative systems such as enhanced Travel Assist with swarm data utilisation. This enables assisted longitudinal and lateral guidance over the entire speed range as well as assisted lane changing on motorways. Park Assist Plus and the memory function for the system (automatic execution of a saved parking manoeuvre over a distance of up to 50 metres) are available as optional equipment. Park Assist Plus has been expanded to include a remote function for remote parking capability via smartphone app. The exit warning system is a new addition to the ID.3 product line: as an extension of the Side Assist lane change system. Within the system limits, it can prevent one of the doors from being opened if a vehicle approaches from behind. The system issues an acoustic and visual warning and, in the event of acute danger, briefly prevents the door(s) in question from being opened.

Innovative Wellness App. The Wellness App is a new feature, developed for increased well-being while driving or during breaks. In the ID.3 Pro S, the app uses features such as background lighting, sound and air conditioning for this. The following wellness modes will be available in the launch phase: Fresh Up, Calm Down and Power Break. The modes can also be customised: a Spotify playlist can be used instead of the pre-programmed sound, for example.

New sound system. The ID.3 Pro S has received yet another highlight in the form of the optional 480-watt sound system from audio specialist Harman Kardon. The 12-channel sound system offers four preconfigured sound settings: Pure (neutral studio sound), Relax (easy listening), Speech (focus on spoken words) and Vibrant (dynamic live sound). The sound can also be individually adjusted according to personal taste by means of an equalizer.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Series production of the new Golf has started at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg: the first car from the technically and visually revamped eighth model generation to roll off the assembly line in Hall 12 today was a Golf Style in anemone blue metallic – almost exactly 50 years since the very first series Golf was built in 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, said.

Over the last five decades, Volkswagen’s main plant in Wolfsburg has in a sense become the “soul” of global Golf production: over half of the more than 37 million models of this king of the compact class sold to date – an average of 400,000 units per year – have been built at the main plant. This includes the “classic” Golf, now in its eighth generation, with various derivatives such as the Golf Variant and Golf Sportsvan, and a broad range of models and powertrains.

The new model is easily recognized by its modified front end. Visually defining features include the newly-designed LED headlights. The top-of-the-range IQ.LIGHT – LED matrix headlights incorporate a new high-performance main beam with a very high range. For the first time in a European Volkswagen, the Volkswagen logo in the radiator grille is also illuminated. The IQ.LIGHT – 3D LED tail light clusters have also received a new design – in both the Golf and the Golf Variant.

The interior features a new generation of infotainment system with even faster processors, a free-standing touchscreen (diagonal: 32.2 cm/12.9 inches) and an intuitive menu structure. The touch sliders for temperature and volume control are now illuminated. The latest digital instruments are also always on board as standard. Also new is the multifunction steering wheel with easy-to-use buttons and the IDA voice assistant with integrated ChatGPT function that can not only be used to control functions such as the air conditioning system, telephone or navigation system, but also to access online information on practically any topic – from flight details to general knowledge questions.

In terms of the powertrain range, in addition to the proven, efficient TSI, TDI and eTSI mild hybrid drives, the Golf update also offers two new plug-in hybrids with an electric range of well over 100 km and a combined range of some 1,000 km, as well as a DC quick-charging function.

The Volkswagen Group’s largest car manufacturing plant had another reason to celebrate this week, too. Just a few days before the new Golf went into production, the factory celebrated the 48 millionth vehicle to leave the assembly line; no other automotive plant worldwide has built anywhere near as many vehicles as the factory in Wolfsburg. It goes without saying that the anniversary model was a Golf. The model in urano grey is already on its way to a customer in 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, said. “Our employees have put their heart and soul into every single vehicle that has been built here over the last 50 years.”

With a production volume of some 20 million vehicles, the Golf is the most-built model at the plant. Second place goes to the Beetle, with almost 12 million units produced in Wolfsburg between 1945 and 1975. The Tiguan now occupies third place, with just under 3.5 million models rolling off the assembly lines since start of production in 2007. It has overtaken the Polo, where production of more than three million units at the site on the Mittelland Canal began 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 said. “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.”

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Volkswagen is systematically forging ahead with its “in China, for China” strategy. The goal is even closer alignment with the specific requirements of customers in the world’s largest auto market and to provide them with a convincing product offering in all relevant segments. The ID. CODE design show car that celebrates its world premiere this week at the Auto China 24 trade fair in Beijing (from April 25 to May 4, 2024) bears witness to this systematic orientation to the wishes of Chinese customers. The concept car’s aesthetics are completely new and give a preview of a large electric SUV. The ID. CODE is designed for Level 4 fully autonomous driving. The new progressive ID.UX sub-brand also plays a key role in terms of Volkswagen’s profile in the Chinese market. With all-electric, lifestyle-oriented models, this sub-brand is designed to appeal to younger customers in particular.

“The Volkswagen brand can already look back on 40 years of success in China, and we are continuing this success story into the new mobility era, thus confirming the trust of our Chinese customers,” Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, said. The sharpened strategy in China has three pillars: a comprehensive product portfolio accelerating the electrification of the brand’s models, a brand and design language developed specifically for the Chinese market, and local technical development with strong partners in China to accelerate the pace of innovation. Thomas Schäfer: “The ID. CODE gives a first preview of the future of VW in China: with a new design, a new technology standard and a holistic brand experience – specifically oriented to the needs and wishes of our Chinese customers. We are ushering in a new era of mobility in China, together with our Chinese partners.”

ID. CODE design show car debuts at Auto China 2024

With the world premiere of the ID. CODE at Auto China 2024, Volkswagen is giving a first preview of the new design language of future models and at the same time launching a new technology era. The concept car was developed specifically for customers in China. With its powerful, clear and fluid surfaces the concept car is reminiscent of a Gran Turismo. The exterior also functions as a projection surface for next-generation AI-assisted light and display systems. This goes well with the newly-designed living space on board the ID. CODE, where the real and virtual worlds meet to create a new mobility experience. The electric-powered concept car can be driven conventionally or in Level 4 autonomous driving mode.

Broad product portfolio for Chinese customers by 2030 announced

The ID. family will grow to a total of 16 models by 2030. This includes five EVs from the new ID.UX sub-brand that will celebrate their market debut by 2027. Volkswagen is also introducing electric versions of its ICE models step-by-step and expanding its portfolio in China with new, highly-efficient plug-in hybrids with an electric range of over 100 kilometers. Twelve new ICE models and six hybrids will debut by 2030. In addition, Volkswagen is complementing the proven MQB and MEB vehicle architectures by adding local platforms in China – for example, through partnerships such as the cooperation with XPENG. Furthermore, Hefei-based Volkswagen China Technology Company (VCTC) is developing the Group’s first electric platform specifically for China. At least four additional models for the electric entry-level segment are to be built on the China Main Plattform (CMP) from 2026. Multiple platforms enable Volkswagen to offer its customers the right products in all relevant segments and to meet all needs.

New all-electric ID.UX sub-brand expands product range

Volkswagen is expanding its EV offering for new customer groups in China with ID.UX. ID.UX combines proven VW virtues with lifestyle-oriented design DNA. Brand-specific features include a progressive exterior design along with a driver-centric interior featuring an entirely new display and operating concept (HMI) for young customers. The first ID.UX model is the ID.UNYX, scheduled to make its market debut in 2024.

Intensified local development for greater innovativeness

Volkswagen is strengthening its ecosystem of production, development, procurement and battery production in China. By the end of the year, the number of employees at the R&D site in Anhui alone will have grown to 3,000 experts. The brand is also intensifying localization to achieve significantly shorter development cycles. Chinese partners such as XPENG, Horizon Robotics and Thundersoft are to be integrated into the development process at an early stage. In collaboration with XPENG, two new mid-class vehicles are planned from 2026. Employees at the CARIZON joint venture with Horizon Robotics and the CARThunder joint venture with Thundersoft are engaged in developing innovative systems for autonomous driving, infotainment and connectivity.

Articles source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Less than four month to go until the big GTI party takes place, from 26-28 July. For the first time, the legendary GTI meetup will be held at locations around the Volkswagen Arena in Wolfsburg, and the theme will be Icons Coming Home. All information on advance ticket sales can now be found on www.volkswagen.de/gtifanfest, with one-day passes costing €19.76 and three-day VIP tickets available for €119.76. A limited number of Experience Tickets are also available, and include a 150-minute driving experience in a series of performance Volkswagen models at the testing facility in Ehra near Wolfsburg. More details about the meet-up can be found on the event website, where information will continually be updated. In addition to car displays, stage shows and club meets, many more activities and surprises lay in store for GTI and Volkswagen enthusiasts and their families. Admission is free for under-18s.

Imelda Labbé, Member of the Volkswagen Board of Management responsible for Sales, Marketing and After Sales, said: “The GTI Fanfest is a party for, and shaped by, fans. It’s all about them, and they make the meet-up what it is – a gathering that’s brimming with passion for the Volkswagen brand and all things four-wheeled.” With anticipation among the community at a high, organisers are expecting a crowd of up to 35,000 people to attend from all over the world.

The creative programme of events puts a special focus on fans’ personal wishes and realises a number of ideas put forward by the community. This includes, for example, personalised footwear, with a shoe designer who is also an enthusiast coming up with a series of GTI-themed sneakers. Visitors will be able to buy these collectors’ items at the event or bring their own sneakers to be customised in person.

Other festival highlights include the presentation of a new GTI lifestyle collection, a GTI parade through VW’s Wolfsburg factory and plenty of owners’ cars on display, with fans able to register their models at the event.

Elsewhere, GTI variants from across all eight generations of the Golf will make an appearance around the VfL Wolfsburg Bundesliga club stadium, as well as GTI versions of the Lupo, Polo and up! will be on show at locations around the stadium of the VfL Wolfsburg Bundesliga club. Volkswagen will also give visitors a glimpse of the all-electric future of the brand by showcasing the sporty GTX versions of its ID. family and presenting the ID. GTI Concept.

Influencer JP Performance will exhibit his ‘Super-Golf’ along with the ‘Thunder Bunny’; community cars and special Volkswagen show cars will feature; and a mobile engine testing stand will be set up in the community car park for GTI and R drivers. A DJ and live music, food trucks and the famous Volkswagen currywurst are also on the menu.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com