Volkswagen to Dump Pumpe-Düse

Text from Automotive News Europe.
Volkswagen's Pumpe-Düse diesel technology, hailed as a revolutionary technology when it was introduced in 1998, will be abandoned when the company starts producing a new range of diesel engines in 2007. The PD system was intended to make diesels more powerful, more efficient and quieter, but it no longer has a technological benefit over common-rail technology and is also more expensive to produce. Furthermore, it is proving to be very difficult to adapt PD to work with particulate filters, which are required to meet future EU emission regulations.

Volkswagen already uses common-rail on its six- and eight-cylinder diesels, and will do the same for the new generation of three- and four-cylinder units. With this in mind, it now seems strange that Volkswagen and Siemens VDO Automotive opened a €240 million joint venture plant specifically to produce PD injectors, but sources say that it could be used to produce other parts - perhaps including common-rail system components.

Volkswagen Starts King Kong Campaign

Text from Volkwagen AG.
Touareg campaign begins with TV advert on 1st November

Filming on set in New Zealand

WOLFSBURG, Germany - New York 1933: a giant ape is rampaging through the streets and anything not nailed down is thrown through the air – a scene from the new film "King Kong" by Peter Jackson - and Volkswagen’s Touareg is at the centre of the action. A crew member is sitting in the vehicle and, of course, remains unharmed.

With this TV advert, Volkswagen is starting the third phase of its co-operation on the film "King Kong", which started with an exclusive online presentation of the first King Kong trailer and continued with the Touareg "Kong" stand at the International Auto Show in Frankfurt. The advert will be shown on all the important German TV channels for the next weeks as of 1st November, a "Making of…" is in production.

The organisation was very tight in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, where the advert was made. Peter Jackson’s right-hand assistant, film-director Carolynne Cunningham, made sure the pace was kept high. It was unique that the team interrupted their work in the middle of the post-production of "King Kong" in order to film this TV spot. The set had been created by Oscar winner Dan Hennah in only ten days, and the director of photography Andrew Lesnie, also an Oscar winner, had created the atmospheric light of a New York winter night together with his lighting team. The advert was filmed in ten hour shifts over two days. At Weta Digital, the most modern studio for post-production in the world, Jackson’s team with the help of the same animation techniques used for the movie achieved a TV spot looking like a sequence of the movie itself.

Weta Digital even completed the print campaign. Touareg, crew, jungle, mountains, lianas, the T- rex – everything was pieced together with high precision to create the world of Skull Island and New York in 1933. The ads will be printed in many publications and put on www.volkswagen.com as of the beginning of November.

It was Volkswagen's wish to remain as close as possible to the film with the advertising. Volkswagen’s agency Grabarz & Partner thus developed a campaign, which Universal offered to have produced by Peter Jackson's team in the King Kong setting. “This was an unique offer that we obviously happily accepted," says Jörn Hinrichs, head of marketing at Volkswagen.

It was also an extraordinary move for NBC Universal. "We wanted to ensure that everything was presented as authentically as possible," says Stephanie Sperber, the head of the partnerships department at NBC Universal. "And what better way to ensure this than to have the same team produce the film and the advert."

Touareg Experience 360° Back from a Journey Around the World

Text from Volkswagen AG.
WOLFSBURG, Germany - After travelling 76.451 kilometres, through 26 countries and six continents, one of the most exciting automobile adventures of our time has come to a close this weekend: the Touareg experience 360° – a journey round the world in the Volkswagen off-road vehicle, Touareg.

The Touareg experience 360° was initiated by Volkswagen Marketing for all those who dreamt of great adventures and of travelling through the most fascinating, most beautiful and most spectacular landscapes on the planet. A journey which, if organised privately, would not be easy or even necessarily safe. Therefore, professional globetrotters organised a very special trip round the world within the framework of the Volkswagen experience.

In one of the six 128 kW / 174 bhp Touaregs R5 TDI, six guests, two journalists and two experts covered one of a total of thirteen stages of the journey. "The experts and the guests", said Jörn Hinrichs, head of marketing at Volkswagen, "started with perfectly normal – and very talented – Touareg standard-production vehicles. The performance of the Touareg simply provided the basis for this unique 360° journey round the world." The guests and journalists who had checked in on the journey as world travellers for a limited period changed at the end of each stage. A total of ten nations travelled in the vehicle. The expedition could be followed with the up-to-date diary in the Internet at www.volkswagen-experience.de.

Once on the road, the crews were fully independent of each other: there were no special service vehicles with technical equipment which could have helped in a critical situation. They would not have been needed anyway, as the Touareg proved itself to be an extremely reliable companion. This was a priceless advantage when travelling through some of the most remote, but also most beautiful, places on the planet. The Touareg drivers guided their vehicles through regions between China and Mongolia that have never been driving on a private expedition before by a foreigner from the West. In the Amazon region of South America, the Touareg experience 360° drove through extreme jungle trails. In Bolivia, the Touareg went up to heights of 5,600 metres. The temperature reached 45 degrees in the shade in the Sahara as the journey went through Africa. When the country-specific conditions allowed, the vehicles covered up to 1,300 kilometres in one day.

Each individual stage of the Touareg experience 360° had its own fascinating elements. After the journey from Germany to Alaska, the first stage went through the Rocky Mountains. This was followed by a trip through southwest America to Baja California and then further south. The third stage in the Touareg's log book was the Transamazonica in South America and then the Andes and the Atacama Desert. The next group then toured Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.

The Touareg 360° experience then changed continent and went to Australia. The trek continued from Sydney into the outback and then through west Australia. The first leg in Asia went, as already indicated, through China and Mongolia, on to the legendary Silk Road and the Himalayas, and then India and Central Africa. The next destinations were the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari Desert. The route from Dakar to Wolfsburg marked the finale of the world tour. The team arrived here with six Touaregs on the morning of 29th October.

With the outstanding response of all participants - the tour was open to all those who enjoy travelling - and the reliability displayed by the Touareg, Volkswagen declared the journey round the world to be a resounding success. The main point of emphasis for the initiators was, alongside the reliability test of the vehicle, the vision of creating a space for extraordinary freedom. A journey of this kind through Africa, Asia, America and Australia would have remained a dream for many of the participants without the Touareg experience 360°.

The journey still continues although the world tour is finished. The Volkswagen experience will offer globetrotters a fascinating programme in 2006. The Touareg will, for example, travel to Botswana, China, Morocco, South Africa and Canada. Anyone wanting to travel and experience these great adventures should call the hotlines 0800-8938368 (0800/VWEVENT) or (from outside Germany) 0049-5136-9722262. Those not wanting quite so much adventure can also call these numbers to receive information about other event journeys and the various different driver/safety training programmes offered by Volkswagen experience (www.volkswagen-experience.de).

Volkswagen May Adopt Audi's MMI

Text from What Car?.
Volkswagen could start using sister company Audi's Multi-Media Interface multi-controller to limit the amount of switchgear in its cars' cabins.

The EcoRacer concept car, unveiled at last week's Tokyo Motor Show, is the first VW to be fitted with Audi's MMI system.

MMI is a rival system to BMW's controversial iDrive set-up and uses a single rotary push-and-twist button and a series of 'soft keys' (multi-function keys like those on a mobile phone) to operate a digital menu displayed on the centre console.

In the sportscar concept, the MMI controls the car's satellite-navigation, telephone and stereo functions. Expect to see a similar system in production VWs in the next few years.

Volkswagen, which owns Audi, Skoda, Seat, Lamborghini and Bugatti, has a history of introducing new technology on one brand before cascading it across other ranges. It did this with the DSG paddle-shift automated manual gearbox and its fuel-saving FSI direct-injection technology.

Volkswagen of America, Inc. Named "101 Best and Brightest Companies"

Text from Volkswagen of America.
VW receives special honor for outstanding employee compensation/benefit program

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – For the fourth consecutive year, Volkswagen of America, Inc. has been recognized as one of Metropolitan Detroit’s “101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For.”

The automaker was also honored as an “Elite Winner” for Compensation and Benefits at a recent awards luncheon, sponsored by the Michigan Business and Professional Association at the Conference and Events Center in Dearborn.

In 2002, Volkswagen of America, Inc. also received the Elite award for Compensation and Benefits; in 2003 it was recognized for Strategic Planning and Integration; and, in 2004, for Work-Life Balance.

“Our people are our most valued asset, and we continually strive to uphold superior employment practices,” said Mike Beamish, executive director of human resources, Volkswagen of America, Inc.

The “101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” awards were established to honor those companies in each market that recognize employees as their greatest asset. These are companies that work with imagination and conviction to create organizational value and business results through their policies and Best Practices in human resource management.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen of America and its affiliates employ approximately 3,000 people in the United States and are responsible for the sale and service of Audi, Bentley, and Volkswagen products through retail networks comprising in total more than 900 independent U.S. dealers.

New Passat and Passat Estate Now with 4MOTION

Text from Volkswagen AG.
Permanent four-wheel drive now available with two engines – 3.2l V6 FSI coming in November 2005

Wolfsburg, 25 October 2005 - The new generation Passat can now also be ordered with permanent 4MOTION four-wheel drive. It will be available at first with two engines: In the two-litre class, customers can choose between the 2.0l 110 kW/150 hp direct-injection petrol engine or the 2.0l 103 kW/140 hp turbo diesel engine. The diesel version is also available with a diesel particulate filter.

The proven Haldex coupling is electronically controlled for optimum positive engagement. The 4MOTION system can adjust the engine torque to the road conditions and vary the distribution to all four wheels – this provides a real advantage in terms of safety and driving fun particularly on autumn and winter roads. Both engine versions come with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The average consumption of the 2.0l FSI saloon is 8.9 litres (estate: 9.0 litres). The direct-injection petrol engine accelerates from nought to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds (estate: 10.2 seconds) and reaches a top speed of 209 km/h (estate: 206 km/h). The Passat 2.0l 110 kW/150 hp FSI fulfils the EU4 emissions standard. The saloon is available in Germany from €27,525 and the Passat Estate starts at €28,625.

The average consumption of the 2.0l TDI saloon is 6.8 litres (estate: 7.0 litres). The 2.0l TDI saloon accelerates from nought to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds (estate: 10.5 seconds) and reaches a top speed of 204 km/h (201 km/h). The Passat 2.0l 103 kW/140 hp TDI also meets the EU4 emissions standard and is available in Germany from €27,750. The Passat Estate TDI starts at €28,850.

From November, the flagship engine version from the Comfortline will be the Passat 3.2l V6 FSI presented at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, which features permanent four-wheel drive and the dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) as standard. It delivers 184 kW /250 hp and develops a maximum torque of 330 Nm.

The Passat – a continuing success story

The first Passat rolled off the assembly line at Volkswagen’s Emden plant 32 years ago. Since then, the Passat has become the most successful Volkswagen model after the Golf and Beetle. Over 13 million cars have been produced since 1973. The biggest markets in Europe are Germany, Italy, France and the UK.

Volkswagen to Offer Two Golf Models Designed by Trainees

Text and photo from Inside Line.
WOLFSBURG, Germany — After receiving enthusiastic feedback at summer exhibitions, Volkswagen is producing two Golf prototypes that company trainees had produced. One hundred units of each are being built this year in Germany and sold worldwide.

The Golfs' names, "Yellow Speed" and "Orange Speed," reflect their exterior colors — before offered only on Lamborghini sports cars. Other external features include double central exhaust pipes, chrome-plated grille and mirror surroundings, 18-inch alloy wheels and a small wing at the rear.

The sport steering wheel and seats were lifted from the Volkswagen GTI but now are covered in leather. The center of the steering wheel reflects the exterior color, and features a serial number.

Pricing starts at $37,300.

Volkswagen Motorsport Re-launches Website

Text from Volkswagen AG.
volkswagen-motorsport.com

WOLFSBURG, Germany - A new car, new driver pairings, a new website: as the further development of the previous version, the Volkswagen Race Touareg 2, makes its competitive debut at the Rally Baja Portalegre (21 to 23 October) in Portugal, Volkswagen Motorsport re-launches its Internet presence as well.

The website, www.volkswagen-motorsport.com, is launched on 20 October, sporting a more modern visual design, improved navigation and new features.

Provided with the latest reports, driver quotes and photographs, fans will be able to witness the outings of the Volkswagen works driver pairings, Jutta Kleinschmidt/Fabrizia Pons and Bruno Saby/Michel Périn, as well as their new team-mates, Carlos Sainz/Andy Schulz and Mark Miller/Dirk von Zitzewitz in Portugal. At the Dakar Rally, the marathon classic in January 2006, the website's enhanced "live” character will assure comprehensive reporting from the desert rally with a daily look behind the scenes of Volkswagen Motorsport's factory engagement.

Apart from Volkswagen's marathon rally commitment, the ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup is another highlight of the website. Race and qualifying reports from the final round of the "touring car school” at the Hockenheimring this weekend, along with interesting facts about the juniors' series, can be found as well as extensive information on the technology of the race touring car that is based on the new Polo.

Basic information and the history of Volkswagen Motorsport as well as current results and statistics complement the tri-lingual Internet presentation in German, English and French.

In addition, there is a new fan section where Internet users can download background screens, send E-cards or receive surfing tips related to Volkswagen's entire motorsport involvement from an extensive webguide.

"More Autonomy" for Volkswagen Canada

Text from CNW Group.
AJAX, ON, Oct. 19 /CNW/ - Volkswagen Canada announced that it will
implement a new organizational structure, effective January 1st 2006, in order to capitalize on growth opportunities in the Canadian automotive market.

At that time, John White, Vice President Operations, will become Executive Vice President of the company. White will report to Frank Witter, who continues to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen Canada Inc. and of its sister company Volkswagen of America, Inc. Volkswagen Canada will also have stronger communication links with its parent corporation, Volkswagen AG in Germany, ensuring that the product and strategic needs of the Canadian market are fully represented at a consistently high level. The structure dedicated to Canada includes: A new Product Marketing department, together with an Advertising and Communications team, will develop and implement marketing strategies tailored to Canada. They will work with the two advertising agencies that will manage the Canadian account, Crispin-Porter + Bogusky and Palm Publicite. Public Relations will continue to integrate communications with the English and French language press.

The new Canadian Product Planning Team will ensure that products are equipped, priced and positioned to reflect the different market segments in this country.

The Sales Division will be in charge of field staff as well as Certified Pre Owned/Fleet, Dealer Development, Distribution, Incentive Planning and Sales Training programmes.

The After Sales and Quality Department will be responsible for Canadian Customer Relations, Warranty, Technical Training, Parts Sales and Marketing.

In announcing the new structure, White said, "We are very excited about the changes which will give the Canadian Volkswagen organization more autonomy and allow us to focus directly on serving our dealers and customers"

In a Nutshell: The EcoRacer

Text and photos from Volkswagen AG.

Sports car prototype has a consumption of only 3.4 litres and reaches 230 kph!

The carbon fibre EcoRacer is a coupé, a roadster and a speedster all in one

The VW prototype is powered by a TDI engine of the coming generation

WOLFSBURG / TOKYO - At the Tokyo Motor Show (22 October to 6 November) Volkswagen are presenting a prototype that could well make history as the most economical sports car of its time.

Its basic data: average fuel consumption of 3.4 litres for 100 km, a top speed of 230 kph. Its name: EcoRacer. Thanks to its carbon-fibre (CFP) bodywork, this sports car with its centrally located engine weighs in at only 850 kilograms, and accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in just 6.3 seconds. Powered by a newly developed 100-kW turbo-charged diesel of the next generation, it offers a forward-looking synthesis of austere economy and impressive performance. 230 kph, 6.3 seconds, 3.4 litres – these vital statistics are as unusual as they are fascinating. But the objective of development was not to break records. With the EcoRacer, the intention was rather to create a research vehicle that united the elements of economy and performance under a very emotionally styled “roof”.

Tight Proportions: The styling of the bodywork, with its new sports-car front end, LED headlamp and rear-light systems, tight proportions and powerful lines, demonstrates that even very economical cars can rivet attention wherever they appear. The bodywork of the EcoRacer is 3.77 metres long, 1.74 metres wide, and only 1.21 meters high. The wheelbase of the specially developed 17” alloy rims is 2.48 metres. The font and rear overhang is extremely short.

Fully functional: The prototype is anything but a show-room mock-up. It can be driven without restrictions, and is intended to serve as a technology test-bed. And the EcoRacer is also a versatile all-rounder: As soon as a door is opened, the roof wing above it swings up, giving optimal access. The entire T-bar roof is removable. Even the rear hatch can be removed. And, last but not least, the frame of the windscreen can be exchanged for a module with a short, racing windshield. This makes the EcoRacer, firstly, a coupé, secondly, a roadster and, thirdly, a speedster.

CFP bodywork: As the mainstay of the EcoRacer, a carbon-fibre (CFP = carbon-fibre reinforced plastic) bodywork was developed that was both light and stiff. Structurally, it is a CFP polycoque (the safety structure embraces room for two persons) with roll bar, CFP crash elements and a CFP skin. The main parts of the polycoque are a chassis pan, two side members and the dashboard. The crash elements in the front area are the CFP crash absorber and an aluminium bumper cross-member. A further CFP module carries the engine and rear axle. The vehicle f loor with integrated diffuser is also made of CFP.

The EcoRacer as a coupé: The bonnet, boot-lid and doors are also made of CFP, as are the roof elements. The door locks of the EcoRacer open electromechanically. This not only releases the door catch – via Keyless-Entry-and-Go system – but also swings the associated roof wing upwards on a gas-pressure damper, so as to optimise the entry and exit. These roof sections and the so-called T-bar, the longitudinal web between them, can be removed completely and stowed behind the seats.

The EcoRacer as a Roadster: And more: in a matter of minutes, the entire roof structure including the windows can be removed or converted. First, the rear hatch, the coupe rear end, is removed. At the same time, the side elements of the front wings between the front wheel and the door hinge are taken out. The effect of the thus partially free-standing tyres has dynamics all of its own. In fact, without the hatch and the roof, the coupé now emerges as a roadster.

The EcoRacer as a Speedster: In the final stage, the roadster can be converted to a speedster. For this, a special catch in the area of the A column is simply released, to allow the windscreen with frame and the upper dashboard housing to be taken off. In place of this module, a minimalistic windscreen with its own dashboard cover is inserted. The result is a speedster in its purest form.

Futuristic styling elements: As to the front styling, the shape of the radiator grille and the double headlamps above it is particularly conspicuous. They demonstrate a front end that would be conceivable in a similar form tomorrow on future models of sports car. In the area of the B columns, the typical air intakes of a central-engined sports car are dominant. A sense of power emanates from the muscular contours of the wings and the 17” aluminium-alloy wheels that fill the wheel-boxes.

Running gear, light and athletic: Dynamics and innovative concepts characterise the prototype’s running gear, too. On the one hand, it is very light, but on the other hand it offers quite obvious potential for extreme agility. The front double-wishbone axle is a completely new design. The wishbones are made of aluminium, as are the pivot bearings. The four-control-shaft rear axle is based on the derivate that was used in the Golf. Its use in a central-engined sports car emphasises the potential of an axle that harmonises perfectly with front-wheel, rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. In the EcoRacer (weight distribution front / rear: 40 to 60) it was tuned specifically to the central-engine concept, and robbed of a few kilograms.

New-generation TDI engines: Just as unique from the point of view of design as the entire body is the EcoRacer’s TDI engine. It ref lects the future of the diesel engine. Clean, powerful and very versatile. The 1.5 TDI is still under trial. Like the new twin charger (TSI) among the direct-injection petrol engines, the turbo-diesel direct injection engine is characterised by greatest agility at lowest consumption. The Volkswagen developers refer to it as a highly charged downsizing concept.

New TDI data: The four-cylinder engine develops 100 kW / 136 PS at 4000 rpm. Between 1900 and 3750 rpm, the 1484 cc four-valve unit develops a torque of more than 250 Newton metres. The compression ratio is 17.2:1. The unit is both light and compact, and – not only in the EcoRacer – it conforms to the EU-5 exhaust standard, and future further-reaching EU threshold values. The gearbox of the turbo-diesel is the DSG double-clutch transmission. The 1.5 TDI, presented in the EcoRacer for the first time, has the potential to implement the CCS process. CCS (Combined Combustion System) is a combustion process that combines the advantages of diesel and petrol engines, using synthetic fuels.

Tokyo Motor Show: World Premiere of the EcoRacer

Text and photo from Volkswagen AG.
The prototype consumes a mere 3.4 liters and has a maximum speed of 230 km/h

The EcoRacer is a Coupé, Roadster and Speedster all at the same time

WOLFSBURG / TOKYO - At the Tokyo Motor Show (October 22nd – November 6th), Volkswagen presents an incredibly economic sports car. The EcoRacer’s average fuel consumption is as low as 3.4 liters and it reaches a maximum speed of 230 km/h.

Thanks to its carbon fiber body, the middle motor sports car weighs a mere 850 kilograms and accelerates in only 6.3 seconds to 100 km/h. This sports car is powered by a 100 kW turbo diesel of the next generation and stands for a trend setting synthesis of rock-solid economy and an abundance of sportiness. 230 km/h, 6.3 seconds, 3.4 liter – a data combination that is as rare as it is fascinating.

The body design with its new sports car front configuration, LED head and rear lights-system, solid proportions and strong lines, demonstrates that even very economical cars can be a fascinating drive.

Another world premiere at the Volkswagen booth: the new Polo GTI is being introduced. With 110 kW / 150 hp it is the strongest Polo since the series was introduced thirty years ago. The exterior and interior concept of this powerful compact intentionally shows similarities to the legendary Golf GTI. Starting in spring 2006, the Polo GTI will be available in select markets. Price in Germany: 18,950 Euro.

World Cup Winner Volkswagen with Four Race Touareg in Portugal

Text from Volkswagen AG.
Cross Country Rallying

Wolfsburg, 17 October 2005 - Triple debut at Volkswagen: The new Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 makes its competition debut at the Rally Baja Portalegre (21 to 23 October) in Portugal.

In addition, the newly signed works drivers Carlos Sainz/Andy Schulz (Spain/Germany) and Mark Miller (USA) compete in their first event. Dirk von Zitzewitz (D), who drove for Volkswagen at the Dakar Rally in January, will navigate for the American. At the Baja Portalegre Volkswagen will start with four vehicles, three of them the new Volkswagen Race Touareg 2. Bruno Saby/Michel Périn (both French), who won the Cross Country Rally World Cup for Volkswagen early, will compete with the new design just as German-Italian duo Jutta Kleinschmidt/Fabrizia Pons and Carlos Sainz/Andy Schulz will.

"With the appearance of four vehicles at the Baja Portalegre we want to sign-off the most successful year in Volkswagen's motorsport history”, explains Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. "Afterwards, the entire team will concentrate one-hundred percent on preparations for the 2006 Dakar Rally. Due to this reason we decided to drop the UAE Desert Challenge that we'd originally planned to contest.”

The final event of the 2005 season serves as preparation for Dakar Rally

Carlos Sainz, the most successful World Rally Championship driver with 26 victories, makes his cross country rally debut at the Baja Portalegre. "I can hardly wait to drive my first cross country rally”, explains the Spaniard. "I will however approach this rally sensibly, because for my co-driver and I the main aim is to be properly prepared for the Dakar Rally. Our tests went very well, but we are still in the learn phase.” Although Sainz does not know the Baja Portalegre, Portugal is however familiar terrain for the two-time Rally World Champion: In 1987 he celebrated his debut in the World Rally Championship at the Portuguese Rally Portugal, and won there in 1991 and 1995. "It's good for me that I can compete in my first Cross Country Rally event in Portugal, because the gravel tracks used in the Baja Portalegre are more similar to a classic rally than a desert rally.”

Volkswagen works driver Jutta Kleinschmidt brings valuable experience with her after finishing second at the Baja Portugal in 2001, a former round of the World Cup. "The Baja Portalegre tracks are certainly different to those that we drove on in the World Cup. The very tight tracks through the region's olive groves resemble a classic rally stage”, explains the German. "That's why navigation plays a somewhat minor role there, since arrows warn of direction changes. You could probably drive this event alone, which I already have done in the past. We are looking forward to preparing ourselves for the Dakar Rally at this competition, particularly as the first two stages of the 2006 Dakar Rally are supposed to run through Portugal.” The German's goal: "The competition is tough in Portugal; I would be satisfied with a podium finish. My insider's tip for a win is my team mate Carlos Sainz.” The two further developed Mitsubishi driven by Luc Alphand (France) and Hiroshi Masuoka (Japan) are among the strong competition.

Pastures new for World Cup winner Bruno Saby

”I've never driven in Portugal before”, explains Bruno Saby. The Frenchman, who won the Cross Country Rally World Cup early at the Rally d'Orient in July, is highly motivated. "Because the Baja Portalegre is very short with just a prologue and two stages when compared to the rest of the events, you have to attack from the very off. However, it is not just a question of scoring a good result but also about the best possible preparation for the 2006 Dakar Rally. We've had some very encouraging tests with the new car, and when compared to its predecessor the engine, visibility and drivability are much better. Now I'm intrigued as to just where we stand with the new Race Touareg 2 compared to the competition.”

The event for Mark Miller and his German co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz, in the old Race Touareg model, is part of a learn phase. "I'm competing in my first off-road rally for Volkswagen and I'll drive for the first time in Portugal. That's why we aren't putting ourselves under any unnecessary pressure. We want to collect as much experience as possible”, explains the American. "Our target is to finish well in the 2006 'Dakar'. I'm really enjoying working together with Dirk von Zitzewitz and things are going very well.”

"The Rally Portalegre is not only good preparation and a great opportunity for the drivers to perfect things before the ‘Dakar'”, adds Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. "For the team it is also all about preparing itself for the 16-day cross country classic through Africa. That's why we've brought a larger team than usual to the event. Because of the short service times, the engineers and mechanics can also practice working under pressure a final time and prepare themselves for 'Dakar' conditions.”

The Baja Portalegre starts on Friday 21 October with a seven kilometre long super special stage in Portuguese Nerpor (Portalegre). On the agenda on Saturday are two stages totalling 390 kilometres. The event ends on Sunday, 23 October after a final loop over 95 kilometres.

Schedule and entry list available at the organiser's website: www.clubeaventura.pt

Further information: www.volkswagen-motorsport.info

Volkswagen Group and its Suppliers Aim for Triple-Digit Million Savings

Text from Volkswagen AG.
First Suppliers’ Convention brought to successful close in Wolfsburg

Wolfsburg, 17 October 2005 - The Volkswagen Group and its key partners identified and approved triple-digit million savings potential at the first Suppliers’ Convention. The individual measures are to be implemented in ongoing projects immediately. At the same time, Volkswagen AG agreed long-term strategic partnerships with suppliers at the week-long event. The Suppliers’ Convention was attended by Francisco Javier Sanz, Group Board of Management member responsible for procurement, and Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, Chairman of the Volkswagen brand Board of Management.

Volkswagen selected 38 suppliers to participate in the Convention. These suppliers, together with 38 cross-departmental teams of experts from the Volkswagen Group, formed tandems which identified and assessed the cost-cutting ideas put forward at the Convention. Volkswagen contributed its know-how in cost optimization methods to this process. The Board of Management and top managers subsequently decided on the proposals to be implemented.

The logistics of processes were analysed, optimized and decided. These new process definitions bring significant cost reductions. There is also to be even more consistent use of vehicle modules. Innovative materials and new design solutions in module architecture, for example, bring improvements in the key areas of quality and vehicle weight. At the same time, these decisions make a contribution to reducing costs, sometimes substantially.

Initiator Francisco Javier Garcia Sanz said after the event: “We are delighted it has been possible to identify and decide on such significant additional savings potential for ongoing projects. The successful suppliers will become our premium partners and will have special standing when we come to deliberate on new vehicle projects at future product conventions. This forms the basis for our further cooperation. The first strategic discussions already took place during the Suppliers’ Convention.”

Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard emphasized: “The only way we can continue to prove Volkswagen’s competitiveness in future is through innovative ideas and the commitment of every individual. This is precisely what the Suppliers’ Convention has confirmed. We have given special scope to our suppliers’ contributions and ideas. Success is also attributable to the frankness of our exchange. We are especially pleased with the constructive suggestions put forward by suppliers.”

The initiative met with a very positive response from suppliers, particularly as Volkswagen provided vital support in the form of sufficient know-how. A positive echo came from the ranks of suppliers, who unanimously praised Volkswagen’s support: “This Convention is really new and innovative – Volkswagen and the supplier provide the know-how and develop cost optimization proposals in a very short space of time. Volkswagen can reduce its own costs and at the same time the supplier is in a position to improve his competitiveness in the market. We will be using the Volkswagen methodology with our own suppliers,” commented one participant.

The Volkswagen Group already launched the novel Suppliers’ Convention to optimize product costs at the end of August. The initiative continues the “product costs” building block of the ForMotion program, and focuses on material costs. Continuation of the ForMotion program is expected to bring gross savings totalling seven billion Euro.

Scoop: What's in Store for the Jetta

Gone are the days of people mistaking the Jetta for a Corolla. A highly reliable source has confirmed that a minor facelift is on the way for the Jetta. The Jetta gets black valances just like its European counterpart instead of the current model's painted ones. The Jetta also gets a 115 volt outlet standard as well as a USB port, which will be the iPod connection. Then for MY2008, the Jetta gets a more major facelift. With this facelift, Volkswagen will tackle the Jetta's front and rear ends by giving it an Eos-like front end and Passat type taillights, which could mean North America will finally get the European Jetta's LED taillights. This is in response to letters Volkswagen has been receiving telling them that the Jetta looks too much like a Corolla.

Also, the GTI's US launch date of February for the 3-door has also been confirmed. The 5-door should follow 6 months later. The Golf has also been slated to arrive the same time as the 5-door GTI, around August. The Golf R36 has also been confirmed to arrive in 18 months with a 300hp version of the Passat's engine. The Jetta R36 is then slated to arrive 6 months after the Golf R36. The Eos arrives in May.

We also get a little surprise in 2008. Volkswagen will finally be bringing over an entry level car however VW is mum on which model they do plan to bring over. It also seems that the Concept R is a go. If you remember a few weeks back, I announced that Len Hunt himself has said that the Concept R has been scrapped. Well, it appears that it is back on as the Rivo, which will have a front mounted engine instead of the Concept R's mid-engine layout.

The Golf: Europe's No. 1 is Also Popular in the Far East

Text from Volkswagen AG.

Asia and Pacific markets record largest rise in sales

More awards from the motoring press

Wolfsburg, 14 October 2005 - Volkswagen moving ahead: last month was the most successful September in the brand's history. Once again the Golf played the major role in this achievement: Europe's best-selling car is winning over ever more overseas customers, especially in the Far East. Compared to the same month of last year sales of the Golf and Golf GTI are up 27.4 percent in the Asia-Pacific area (without China) and the increase for the first three quarters of 2005 is even higher at 30.1 percent.

Among the four plants currently producing the new Golf Uitenhage in South Africa is main factory for overseas exports to the east. The plant manufac-tures some 150 Golfs and Golf GTIs per day. Since the beginning of this year over 23.500 models of Europe's best-selling car have been delivered to customers in the Asia-Pacific area.

The verdict of the regional motoring press on the Golf echoes these sales successes: Japan's national Car of the Year Jury voted the Golf Import Car of the Year following its launch and the Consumer's Council in Hong Kong voted it the Safest European Car 2005. In 2004 five major awards came from Australia and New Zealand.

Two further awards have just been reported from Indonesia: the sister magazine of Germany's Autobild has voted the Golf Car of the Year 2005. The magazine's editors also awarded three titles to the Golf GTI: Best Acceleration, Best Handling and with the DSG dual clutch gearbox it has the most innovative gearbox technology of all vehicles tested.

The car magazine Top Gear in Indonesia voted the Golf as winner of its "Premium Compact Class". Because of its outstanding driving dynamics the Golf GTI won Top Gear's title of "Best Driver’s Car".

The next steps are already under way to build on the Golf's success: many Asian markets are currently launching the more spacious Golf Plus, which has been increasing Golf sales since its introduction in Germany in late January. Europe is witnessing the launch of the most powerful production

Golf of all time in the form of the R32 accompanied by the Golf GT with its compressor- and turbocharged direct injection petrol engine. Also in spring 2006 the fifth Generation Golf and Golf GTI are due to be launched in North America.

Economic Framework for Production of New Model in Emden Established

Text from Volkswagen AG.
Wolfsburg / Emden, 12 October 2005 - Plant management, Works Council and the IG Metall trade union have created the economic conditions for the production of a new vehicle in Emden. Annual savings at Emden of some 80 million Euro have been achieved in the context of the present collective bargaining arrangements. The Volkswagen brand Board of Management therefore decided today to begin production at Emden in 2008. The vehicle concerned is a top mid-class segment model. Model specifications will be announced at a later date.

On 26 September 2005, the Board of Management signalled its willingness to build a new model in Emden following negotiations with the General Works Council and IG Metall. However, this investment depended on the plant management and Works Council establishing the conditions for economically viable production. Those conditions have now been successfully created.

The agreement is valid for the entire plant and phased implementation will begin immediately. Key points of the agreement are as follows:

The 28.8-hour week will continue in force for present employees, but will be spread over five working days rather than four, resulting in fewer breaks and shift allowances as well as the uncoupling of shifts

Some mini-breaks will be abolished

The Volkswagen subsidiary AutoVision will optimise selected logistic activities in its capacity as a personnel service provider.

Assembly times will be reduced, and there will be leaner structures in administration and management.

Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, Chairman of the Volkswagen brand Board of Management, said: “Our German sites must also produce at export-oriented prices. The Emden agreement is another important step towards strengthening our competitiveness.”
Peter Jacobs, Works Council Chairman at the Emden plant, commented: “Production of a new model in Germany can also make economic sense in the framework of the Volkswagen company agreement. This confirms that the job security anchored in the collective agreement is not just theory.”

Volkswagen currently produces some 200,000 Passat a year in Emden. With today’s decision, a new model range will be added to the Emden plant from 2008.

New Scirocco in 2008?

Text from Autoweek. Photo rendering from Auto Motor und Sport.
A rapid 3.2-liter 247-hp V6-powered all-wheel-drive coupe will spearhead Volkswagen boss Wolfgang Bernhard’s effort to establish the German carmaker as the purveyor of some of Europe’s most desirable yet affordable performance cars.

Described to AutoWeek as the spiritual successor to the once highly regarded Scirocco, the coupe will be built on a modified Jetta chassis. Wolfsburg insiders say the new car may be marketed under the name Rivo.

With styling by VW design boss Murat Gunak, whose credits include the Mercedes-Benz SLR, and VW head of advanced design Peter Schreyer, who oversaw Audi’s recent design renaissance, the resurrected Scirocco is a pure 2+2 designed to complement the Eos folding-hardtop convertible unveiled at Frankfurt.

The car adopts the muscular styling treatment first shown on VW’s Concept R—a car that now appears to be abandoned due to its complex mid-engine layout.

Power comes from two four-cylinders, the new 1.4-liter Twincharger unit, and the turbo­charged 2.0-liter FSI mill. At the top of the line is a 3.2-liter V6, paired with all-wheel drive.

Gearboxes include a six-speed manual and optional six-speed DSG unit.

Volkswagen and The Stanford Racing Team Win DARPA Grand Challenge

Text from Volkswagen of America.
Volkswagen Touareg, aka “Stanley,” conquers rigorous desert course for $2 million prize

PRIMM, Nev. —With the technological support of the Volkswagen Electronics Research Laboratory (ERL), Stanford University’s robotic Volkswagen Touareg, known as Stanley, has won the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge, run in the Mojave desert near Primm, Nevada. Stanley’s time of 6 hours, 53 minutes, 8 seconds (6:53:08) was 11 minutes, 42 seconds faster than the second place finisher (7:04:50) netting the $2 million prize.

In all, 23 autonomous vehicles went head-to-head over 130 miles of tough desert roads, mountain trails, dry lake beds and tunnels, using only onboard sensors and navigation equipment with no human assistance. These 23 vehicles were selected from a field of 195 teams through a series of qualifying races.

The Grand Challenge, sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA), a division of the U.S. Department of Defense, aims to advance autonomous vehicle technology.

“We had a good day,” said Sebastian Thrun, director, Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. “It has been quite rewarding to partner with Volkswagen on an event that contributes to such significant advancements in vehicle technology. Our win today is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team.”

Project sponsors include Mohr, Davidow Ventures, Red Bull and Android.

Dr. Carlo Rummel, executive director, Volkswagen of America, Inc.’s Electronics Research Laboratory, said: “It has been exciting and challenging to prepare the Touareg for this day. The lessons we have learned in building this highly complex vehicle will ultimately benefit consumers as we apply this knowledge to make our vehicles safer, smarter and more exciting to drive."

Stanley is built from a stock, diesel-powered Volkswagen Touareg R5 modified with full-body skid plates and a reinforced front bumper. It is actuated by a drive-by-wire system developed by the ERL. All processing takes place on 6 Pentium M computers. Measurements are incorporated from GPS, inertial measurement unit, wheel speed, lasers, a camera and a radar system.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen of America and its affiliates employ approximately 3,000 people in the United States and are responsible for the sale and service of Audi, Bentley, and Volkswagen products through retail networks comprising in total more than 900 independent U.S. dealers.

Volkswagen Brand Increased Deliveries by 3.5% Worldwide in September

Text from Volkswagen AG.
VW model offensive continues to gain strength in important markets

Wolfsburg, 09 October 2005 - Volkswagen significantly increased the number of vehicles delivered to customers worldwide in September. Sales increased by 3.5% to 290 000 cars compared to the same month in the previous year. “The figures show that our model offensive is convincing a growing number of customers in Europe”, said Dr. Georg Flandorfer, VW Member of the Board of Management with responsibility for sales, in Wolfsburg. The Volkswagen brand has delivered 2.256 million vehicles to customers worldwide since the beginning of the year.

Dr. Flandorfer said that Volkswagen had been particularly successful in Germany: “In September, almost every fifth new car buyer opted for a Volkswagen and we were able to increase deliveries by 8.7% to 50 500 vehicles.” The figures represent an increase of 6.9% at a total of 394 000 since the start of the year. He explained that “There are two reasons for this. Firstly, we have the youngest model range of all time. The new models such as the Golf Plus, Polo, Fox, Jetta, Passat and Passat Estate are highly attractive vehicles in the most important volume segments and they will also be the driving force behind us for the rest of the year. Secondly, Volkswagen is still the most likeable brand out of all industries in Germany, according to a recently published study by "stern" magazine.”

Volkswagen was also able to increase deliveries to customers in other regions – in some cases reporting quite substantial rises. 8.6% more vehicles were sold in European countries excluding Germany in September, representing a total of 98 500 vehicles. “The new models Jetta and Passat reversed the trend in the USA. We have a plus of 3.7% for September”, said Dr. Flandorfer. The South America/South Africa region is developing even more positively. Volkswagen gained an increase of 8.7% to 43 000 vehicles in this region. In the Chinese market, which continues to be shaped by hard-fought discount wars, deliveries decreased by 7.5% to 46 500 vehicles, but still represent market leadership.

At the end of the first three quarters of the year, the number of vehicle deliveries worldwide was only 0.7% below that for the same period in the previous year. Dr. Flandorfer reported that, without taking the difficult Chinese market into account, the Volkswagen brand already had an increase of 2.1% worldwide compared with the same period last year.


Volkswagen Passenger Cars
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand delivered 3.064 million vehicles in more than 150 countries in 2004 (2003: 3.075) and employs more than 130 000 people worldwide. In nearly all classes, Volkswagen can offer its customers vehicles with leading technology that meet the highest requirements in design and quality. These include the Golf and the Passat, the small cars Fox and Polo and the luxury models Phaeton and Touareg.

Volkswagen and Stanford's Robotic Ground Vehicle Advances to National Championship

Text from and photos Volkswagen of America.
Volkswagen Touareg, aka “Stanley,” to embark on rigorous course for $2 million prize

FONTANA, Calif. -- With the technological support of the Volkswagen Electronics Research Laboratory (ERL), Stanford University’s robotic Volkswagen Touareg, known as Stanley, has advanced to the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge in Primm, Nev., this Saturday. Stanley went head-to-head with 39 other autonomous vehicles during the National Qualification Event last week for a chance at one of the 20 finalist spots. During four qualifying rounds at the California Speedway, Stanley was the only vehicle to avoid all obstacles.

The Grand Challenge, sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA), a division of the U.S. Department of Defense, aims to advance autonomous vehicle technology. The DARPA Grand Challenge puts 20 robotic ground vehicles to the test over 175 miles of rough desert roads, mountain trails, dry lake beds and tunnels, using only onboard sensors and navigation equipment. Human assistance is prohibited. DARPA will award $2 million to the team whose vehicle successfully completes the route the fastest within a 10-hour time period.

“It is extremely rewarding to the entire team that Stanley has made it to the DARPA Grand Challenge,” said Sebastian Thrun, director, Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. “This event contributes to significant advancements in vehicle technology, and we’re pleased to be a part of it.”

“It has been exciting and challenging to prepare the Touareg for this,” said Steve Keyes, General Manager of Public Relations at Volkswagen. “The lessons Volkswagen learned in building this highly complex vehicle will ultimately benefit our customer, as we’ll apply this knowledge to make Volkswagen cars safer, more comfortable, and exciting to drive.”

Stanley is built from a stock, Diesel-powered Volkswagen Touareg R5 modified with full-body skid plates and a reinforced front bumper. It is actuated by a drive-by-wire system developed by the ERL. All processing takes place on 6 Pentium M computers and measurements are incorporated from GPS, a 6DOF inertial measurement unit, and wheel speed for pose estimation.

Stanley and the other 19 finalists will embark on a yet-unknown course beginning and ending in Primm, Nev., on Saturday.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen of America and its affiliates employ approximately 3,000 people in the United States and are responsible for the sale and service of Audi, Bentley, and Volkswagen products through retail networks comprising in total more than 900 independent U.S. dealers.

Volkswagen Group to Display Advanced Technologies at the 2005 Intelligent Trasnportation Systems World Congress

Text from Volkswagen of America.
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Volkswagen of America, Inc. will present advanced communication, safety, alternative fuel, and mobility systems during the 2005 Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) World Congress in San Francisco from November 6 – 10, at the Moscone Center.

The Volkswagen Group will display new and conceptual automotive technologies during the conference. Volkswagens display highlights its advances in four main areas: communication, challenge, performance and mobility.

Volkswagen will demonstrate its advances in communication with a glimpse into vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications, hydrogen fuel cell technology, and advanced vehicle electronics.

Stanley, a robotic ground vehicle built from a Volkswagen Touareg, will represent Volkswagen’s ability to meet modern challenges. Stanley is a cooperative project between the Volkswagen Electronics Research Laboratory (ERL) and Stanford University and is one of 20 finalists in the DARPA Grand Challenge. The technological marvels of this autonomously driven vehicle coupled with advanced 3-D navigation systems highlight the future of driving.

The Audi allroad Quattro concept represents performance with its advanced radar detection system and rugged all-wheel drive system that vehicles can perform on all paths of travel.

A portable device integration concept will demonstrate advancements in mobility. Such devices include MP3 players, smart phones and gaming systems. The Mobility theme also includes concepts and demonstrations of advanced interfaces.

Top researchers and engineers from the Volkswagen Group – including those based locally at the ERL in Silicon Valley – will be available to discuss the displays with visitors. The outdoor IMS exhibition will allow visitors to drive fun and advanced vehicles from Volkswagen and Audi.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen of America and its affiliates employ approximately 3,000 people in the United States and are responsible for the sale and service of Audi, Bentley, and Volkswagen products through retail networks comprising in total more than 900 independent U.S. dealers.

The New Polo GTI

Text and photos from Volkswagen AG.
The New Polo GTI – loaded with 150 hp and a world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show

Volkswagen is the number one importer in Japan

Wolfsburg, 05 October 2005 - On October 19th Volkswagen will introduce the new Polo GTI during a world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show. With 110 kW / 150 hp it is the strongest Polo since the series was first introduced thirty years ago. The exterior and interior of the powerful compact deliberately bares a resemblance to the legendary Golf GTI. The Polo GTI will be available in select markets starting spring 2006. The price in Germany will be: Euro 18,950.

The GTI trade name is one of the best known brands in the automotive world. In 1998 the last GTI debuted in connection with the Polo. It was 125 hp strong and 205 km/h fast. Now 150 hp and a maximum speed of exactly 216 km/h are reached. Further cornerstones of the new Polo GTI: The 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds, 229 Nm maximum torque (at 1,950 rpm) and 7.8 liter average fuel consumption.

Just as with the Golf GTI, Volkswagen has equipped the new Polo GTI with a turbo motor and intercooler. Because: if it says GTI it should have the real torque moment characteristic. The Polo GTI features a 1.8 liter five valve-four cylinder providing a potent push from the torque as well as excellent elasticity scores. On board the Polo GTI the fourth gear acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h takes a mere 7.5 seconds. Outside the Polo GTI as well, but it isn’t half as much fun.

It a fact that the new Polo GTI is a consistently sporty and safe automobile with extreme crisp driving features and a GTI specific exterior and interior. Look at the exterior: the front of the ‘little’ GTI displays the typical radiator grille theme of the ‘big’ GTI – black, v-shaped, upper air entry with honeycomb shaped protection grid. The dual headlights are cased in black, just like the standard equipped fog headlights in the outside air vents.

It is no secret that these GTI insignias work best with black, silver or white and most perfectly with red paint. Red are also the front and rear break calipers of the firm gripping wheel disk brakes. The 16 inch alloy wheels, in the style of the Golf GTI, with their five u-shaped openings, look like a stroboscope and make the calipers stand out - even at full speed. The wheels come in the format 205/45 R 16. The tires lunge deep into the wheelhouse; the sport chassis (with standard ESP) is 15 millimeters deeper than the standard derivate. Black side skirts visually underline the dynamic chassis design.

A self-confident rooftop spoiler (with integrated third break light) above the hatchback provides optimum propulsion ratings on the rear axle. Far below that is the chromed plated double exhaust pipe which really looks sharp.

The interior is also in the style of the GTI. As always, the new Polo GTI is equipped with special sport seats and the classic checkered design ‘Interlagos’. Sports steering wheel, gear shift knob and covering as well as the handbrake grip come in leather. A metal type surface visually and sensually enhances the middle console as well as the side vent openings in the cockpit. Fine points such as the red cross-seams on the interior of the steering wheel as well as the red edges of the otherwise black seatbelts show a great love to even the smallest details. The metal embossed shift scheme on the gear shift knob and aluminum foot pedals fit perfectly into the picture.

One doesn’t have to miss anything in the Polo GTI just because it’s sporty. As usual the operation is perfect, the quality high, the cargo area large (270 to 1,030 liters) and the rear bench flexible (1/3 to 2/3 including foldable seatback). Apart from the tried and tested chassis, a soothing level of passive security is also provided by the front and side airbags; the passenger airbag can be de-activated.


Volkswagen in Japan: The most successful importer for five consecutive years

The Polo GTI is highly anticipated by the Japanese Volkswagen dealers. Then entire series is extremely successful from Tokyo and Osaka. This holds true for the entire Volkswagen brand. Models such as the New Beetle and Golf GTI enjoy cult status. With the ‘Golf GTI Cup Japan’ Volkswagen Racing puts on its own racing series. In 2004, Volkswagen was the number one import brand for the fifth year in a row; nearly every fourth new foreign car in Japan was graced by the VW logo. With the brands Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Volkswagen, the Volkswagen AG represents the strongest automobile corporation among the importers.

All the data and descriptions included in this press release are valid for the programme of models available for sale in Germany. Different details may apply in other countries. This information may be subject to change or correction.

Volkswagen Canada September Sales Results

Text from CNW Group.
AJAX, ON, Oct. 4 /CNW/ - Volkswagen Canada Inc. sales totalled 3,338 new
units for September 2005, compared with 3,068 units in September, 2004, an
increase of 8.8%.

This total comprised of:
671 Golfs and GTIs
123 New Beetles
1,651 Jettas
851 Passats
39 Touaregs
3 Phaetons

This brings Volkswagen Canada's year to date sales up to 23,541 which is an increase of 1.6% over this time last year.

Growth in September 2005 was due to the continually strong sales of the
Passat sedan and wagon as well as the Jetta sedan and wagon. Compared with
September 2004, Passat sales were up by 97.4% and Jetta sales were up 11.1%.

August Sales Results

Volkwagen Officially Reports September Sales Increase of 3.7%

Text from Volkswagen of America.
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Volkswagen of America, Inc. reported September sales of 21,646, representing a 3.7% increase when compared to September 2004 sales of 20,872.

This result marked the second straight month Volkswagen of America Inc. outsold the year previous, and highlighted growing momentum for the German automaker’s all-new 2006 Passat sedan that just reached dealers with appropriate launch volumes around the country last month. The wagon version of the all-new Passat comes early next year.

Passat sedan sales, which include the 2006 all-new versions equipped with the standard 2.0T, 200 horsepower four-cylinder, were 5,065 versus the same period last year when Volkswagen sold 3,917 sedans. This is a 29% percent increase in Passat sedans.

For all of 2005 so far, Volkswagen reported sales of 162,986 versus the same period in 2004 when it sold 195,530.

Model breakdowns of U.S. sales in September were as follows:

VW-US Snapshot
	Sep-05 Actual	Sep-04 Actual	Yr/Yr % change	Sepl-05 YTD Actual	Sep-04 YTD Actual	Yr/Yr % change
New Beetle - Coupe	1,561	1,914	-18.4%	12,472	16,237	-23.2%
- Convertible	1,552	1,327	17.0%	16,020	17,508	-8.5%
Total New Beetle	3,113	3,241	-3.9%	28,492	33,745	-15.6%
Jetta Sdn	9,694	6,274	54.5%	71,824	63,281	13.5%
Wgn	84	1,054	-92.0%	3,805	7,211	-47.2%
Total Jetta	9,778	7,328	33.4%	75,629	70,492	7.3%
Cabrio	-	-	N/A	-	1	-100.0%
Golf/GTI/R32	1,705	2,319	-26.5%	11,961	19,269	-37.9%
Passat Sdn	5,065	3,917	29.3%	24,585	39,175	-37.2%
Wgn	783	1,761	-55.5%	8,564	11,210	-23.6%
Total Passat	5,848	5,678	3.0%	33,149	50,385	-34.2%
Phaeton	64	113	-43.4%	623	1,128	-44.8%
Touareg	1,138	2,193	-48.1%	13,132	20,305	-35.3%
T4	-	-	N/A	-	205	-100.0%
TOTAL	21,646	20,872	3.7%	162,986	195,530	-16.6%

August Sales Results