Owning a Volkswagen Passat will undoubtedly give much driving pleasure and Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is enhancing that ownership experience with a complimentary stay at the Pangkor Laut Resort in Perak. The offer is for customers who purchase a new Passat Elegance or Passat R-Line before April 30, 2021.
Additionally, during this promotion period, the Passat Elegance comes with insurance premium (worth RM5,500) covered by VPCM for the first year, while the Passat R-Line comes with a year’s free supply of petrol (worth RM2,500).
The Pangkor Laut Resort stay is for two nights for two persons in a Hill Villa up on the hillside of the island which offers a magnificent view of the sea and overlooks beautiful tropical gardens. Inclusive in the package are all three daily meals, and guests will also receive a 50-minute massage treatment. The package covers return scheduled speedboat transfers to and from Marina Island Pangkor on the mainland.
Pangkor Laut Resort in Perak
Valid until December 2022
Of course, for now, interstate travel is not permitted so new Passat owners from outside Perak would not be able to drive to Lumut, from which the speedboat starts. However, the stay is valid until December 20, 2022 which is over one year away so restrictions should end by then. You can help bring that end as soon as possible by doing your part to bring the COVID-19 case numbers down.
“The current travel implementations by the government meant that we have not been able to travel and get away from the hustle and bustle of our city lives. With this campaign, we are delighted to offer our customers the opportunity to experience two award winners – the Passat, the world’s best-selling mid-sized sedan – and Pangkor Laut Resort, previously voted ‘Number One in the World’ by Condé Nast Traveller,” said Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM.
The Passat Elegance and its sportier sibling, the Passat R-Line are the world’s best-selling mid-sized sedans. Both are powered by a 2.0TSI turbocharged petrol engine with 190 ps/320 Nm output, and paired with a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG). The top-of-the-range R-Line also comes with Dynamic Chassis Control and other technologically advanced features. With the current sales tax exemption (until June 30, 2021), the Elegance is priced at RM181,856 and the R-Line is at RM203,411 (excluding insurance).
The Passat Escape
On April 10/11, Volkswagen dealerships nationwide will be hosting ‘The Passat Escape’, an event to showcase the features of the two models and highlight attractive deals and promotions. Customers are invited to tune in to the respective dealers’ social media channels or visit any authorised showroom.
All Volkswagen models come with 3 years of free scheduled maintenance, 5 years warranty with unlimited mileage, and 5 years of complimentary roadside assistance. For more information on the Passat and other models available in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
At first, it was hard to believe but because it was not April 1st, it did not occur to anyone that this might be a joke that car companies have been known to make on the day. Furthermore, it was a German company and surely the Germans do not have that sort of humorous behaviour – especially when it comes to a company name that has been in use for over 80 years and is very recognizable throughout the world? The logo can change with the times, and it did last year, but the name is something sacred.
But in the absence of any clarification, the name ‘Voltswagen’ as a replacement for ‘Volkswagen’ was widely believed and reported by the media. The reason given was to amplify the change to a new era of electrification for the company with the introduction of the ID.4 all-electric SUV. It was ‘a public declaration of the company’s future-forward investment in e-mobility’, according to the statement issued. The ‘partial’ release (which was at first thought to have been accidentally posted on the media website) said that the new name would come into use from May this year.
To make it more credible, an image of the ‘VOLTSWAGEN’ badge on a car was also shown while also suggesting that the models with combustion engines would continue to use the ‘VOLKSWAGEN’ brand name, which in German means ‘People’s Car’.
It was an exercise by the US subsidiary of Volkswagen and perhaps the bosses in Germany did not find it amusing as a statement came from Wolfsburg yesterday to clarify that it was indeed an early April Fools’ Day joke. The company had planned to ‘correct’ the matter by today (Wednesday), but things may have become too serious and before getting out of hand, a new statement issued confirmed that there will be no change of name. The fake press release has also been deleted so that a former US President won’t be able to use it to further attack the ‘fake media’ he hates.
This modified brand logo was not fake, though. It was developed last year to help spread the message about social distancing necessary during the pandemic. The move was done through animations and images on social media channels and other media.
The all-electric zero-emissions ID.4.
The new ID.4 to be launched in the US market in the US is the first of a family of all-electric models to come from Voltswagen… sorry, Volkswagen. By 2025, the company expects to sell a million all-electric vehicles worldwide and by the end of this decade, the group line-up (which includes Audi, Skoda, Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti) will have over 70 zero-emission models.
Visit www.volkswagen.com.my to know more about Volkswagen products and services available in Malaysia.
Do you live in an urban area with mad traffic? Somewhere like KL, Penang or even JB? Do you work long hours at the office and take pride in working overtime? Perhaps you have spent years and years of your life working up the corporate ladder and now you are almost at the top.
Your family life is near perfect. Kids are in school, your trophy wife is dedicated to ensuring the home always remains comfortable and the kids balance their time between work and play.
And now it has come time to reward yourself.
But you are a price conscious man. You do not want to spend too much money on a car that takes you to work and home and back to your parents home in a town three to four hours away every three to four months away. But we are talking about a Volkswagen here, so you can accept a little bit of depreciation.
Or maybe you are none of the above and just want a nice car to go about your daily business then. It does not matter what category you fall into, or if there is even a category to define you.
Lets then talk about the Volkswagen Passat R-Line – a car so fine that you won’t mind spending hours stuck in traffic in it. And yet it falls short of being perfect.
What we love about it:
Design
The design of the Passat has come a long way. Even without the R-line kit the Passat is already a handsome car, but the R-line kit simply accentuates its good looks and adds a dash of sportiness to it. The R-line gives you bigger, sportier wheels, sports bumpers, a sportier steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery, and a lot more inside and outside the car, but it does not add more power and add any electronic gizmo. Everything else remains the same.
We particularly loved it in white and as the saying goes, if you don’t look back at your car after parking it, you bought the wrong car. The Passat R-line had us looking back at it a lot, and we think you will too.
Interior
The interior is spacious and comfortable. The drivers seat is adjustable in 14 different ways, so it is impossible to not get comfortable in it.
We particularly appreciate how well built everything feels, and though it does not exude luxury and opulence, it is a great place to be in. When compared to the competition in its segment especially the current throne-sitters like the Camry and Accord, the Passat and its European build and style makes it feel as if it were a bargain at a little under RM205,000.
And yes, it is more expensive than its segment competitors and price-wise at least, it deserves to be put up against the likes of the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class and the Audi A4. And even then it would still seem like a bargain as you get so much more living space for a lot cheaper.
If you don’t mind the badge, then the Passat offers a lot more value for money than its Euro rivals. And if you don’t mind spending a little more than the Asians, you will love the interior ambiance and comforts.
Technology
During the entire review period, the Passat appealed to the techie in us. Whether it was the digital meter panel or the eight speaker sound system, or the armada of safety technologies, the Passat has plenty of tech to offer.
The Wireless App-Connect smartphone connectivity in particular was shockingly easy to use. The iPhone connected to the onboard Apple CarPlay quickly and drama free, and most importantly, wirelessly. It was perfect and for those of you who suffer from cable-anxiety where you have to carry cables everywhere, this tech is God sent. Sadly, this tech is only available for Apple iPhone users, Android users will still need to suffer the inelegance of carrying cables around.
The drive mode selector too is just two quick dabs of a button away – touch the Drive Mode button located by the gear shifter and then touch the 9.2-inch screen to select your preferred mode. The Passat R-line has five driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual, which lets you adjust things like steering wheel heft, accelerator pedal sensitivity and gear shift speed. Because the Passat also comes with Dynamic Chassis Control, you can also adjust how comfortable the car feels, a plush for those highways cruises, and hard suspension for when you feel like attacking corners and for ultimate chassis and suspension response.
Power and Economy
We hear the groans, yes we know 190PS (187hp) and 320Nm of torque does not warrant us talking about power, but it honestly feels good enough in the Passat.
Keep in mind that this is a car that has been designed for comfort and safety for the family. Yes this is a family man’s car, and we beg of you not to kit it up with a spoiler and loud ‘wannabe’ akrapovic exhaust kit, because that will just make you look stupid and the car is not designed for this (yes, there actually are people that do such things to a Passat).
The Passat R-line is designed for the daily grind, and that’s what it does best – to keep you comfortable and to keep your money in your wallet and not poured into the fuel tank. Volkswagen Malaysia says the Passat R-line needs just 6.5 litres of fuel for every 100km, real world figures suggest something along those lines and up to 7.6 litres for every 100km when you’re not flooring the right pedal all the time. But we do believe their claim that the Passat is capable of 1,000km per tank. Of course this depends on your driving style, but if you keep your right foot on a leash, those figures are achievable.
All-round daily runner
This is what we love the Passat for, a no-nonsense, fuss-free, comfortable, loving car. It has everything you will want in a car and has it all packaged handsomely. It is a car that you can drive to the office and to impress your clients and to show that you are a person with taste yet don’t want to spend silly money on a car that ultimately does not give you back as much. It is also a car that your family will love and will also ultimately impress the cousins and kampung folks with its good looks.
But there are also things that we don’t quite like, such as ….
Road Noise
The 19-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli Cinturato P7 (235/40 R19) rubbers are good in the wet and have decent dry weather handling, but are extremely noisy at highway speed. And this noise creeps back into the cabin to the point where you actually have to raise your voice significantly to have a conversation. This can get irritating and uncomfortable at highway speed. It is particularly annoying when you have to make and accept phone calls, hands free of course.
Confusing entertainment system and a screen that loves fingerprints
As great as the entertainment system is, we suspect that non-tech inclined drivers and passengers will find the onboard systems a little confusing to use. There is no doubt that the systems are especially friendly towards iPhone users (no complains there for this iPhone user), but the entire Discover Pro entertainment system requires a little getting used.
As for the screen that too easily smudges, this irritates the neat freak in us because the screen somehow does not cope very well with all that fingering around. After a day’s driving, the screen is full of smudges. Of course there is a way around it and that is to visit your favourite accessories story and to install a screen protector. It is not a deal breaker, but still very irritating.
Uninspiring dashboard
Yes yes we were raving about how well built the interior feels and all that jazz, but if you are artistically inclined the design of the dashboard may leave you longing for more. Of course less is always more, and the overall interior quality feels great, but as far as exciting interior designs go, the dash of the Passat will perhaps leave you longing for more after a while.
All in all …
There is little not to love about the Volkswagen Passat, especially in R-line trim. It may be pricey especially when compared to the Japanese rivals, but you get good value for money. There are plenty of complaints about Volkswagen and retaining its used car prices, but we are firm believers in living in the moment and worrying about the future when the time comes, so if you want a car that looks good and makes you feel great as well, then the Passat R-line checks all the boxes.
And for those concerned about owning a Volkswagen, the company has heard of such concerns and now offers a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty, 3 year free maintenance as well as 5 year free roadside assistance. Talk about drama free ownership.
The most common engine layout is the in-line arrangement with the cylinders next to each other in a row. Many people would also be familiar with the vee layout, and Subaru owners would know their engine has a horizontally-opposed arrangement of cylinders. But most motorists would not be familiar with the ‘W’ which is prominently featured in Bugatti and Bentley models.
The initial W engine was conceived in 1997 in an unlikely place far from Germany – a Shinkansen bullet-train running between Tokyo and Nagoya in Japan. Then-Volkswagen CEO, Ferdinand Piech, had been having a conversation with Karl-Heinz Neumann, then head of powertrain development at Volkswagen, and sketched out an idea on an envelope on the fold-out table behind each train seat.
The sketch by Ferdinand Piech on the back of an envelope which gave birth to the W engine.
The idea had been in his head for some time and was something like a modular concept. The 6-cylinder VR6 engine was in wide use by Volkswagen by the mid-1990s; its uniquely offset cylinder banks made it compact enough to fit transversely even in small cars like the Golf. By marrying two of the relatively narrow engines in a further vee, a compact 12-cylinder could be made. The offset cylinders of the merged VR6 engines formed a ‘W’.
But what also emerged during the train ride was even more emblematic of the person who drew it: a massive 18-cylinder engine comprising three VR6 engines, configured in a tilted double-W shape. Springing from the back-of-the-envelope sketch into the real world, the W18 was a naturally aspirated 555 bhp, 6.25-litre powerhouse.
Piech was spearheading a growth movement as CEO of Volkswagen AG in the 1990s. As part of that movement, he was seeking a high-end, luxury brand to bring into the fold. Enter Bugatti which Piech’s son had recently insisted his father purchase a model of a Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic for him, so the company was on his mind… and it also happened to be for sale. “An amusing stroke of fate,” he would write later in his autobiography.
In 1998. Volkswagen acquired the French car company which had been founded 89 years earlier. Piech immediately set about his goal of restoring Bugatti’s standing as producer of elite, state-of-the-art cars, and the new W18 engine found just the right place to make its debut.
With the aid of automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign, the Bugatti EB 118 design prototype was developed within a few short months. With its W18 engine mounted up front, the EB 118 debuted at the 1998 Paris Motor Show. Other concepts followed and by 2000, Piech announced that Bugatti would be launching a car that would be ‘the most exciting, innovative, and unprecedented of all time’. It would have 1,000 metric horsepower, break 250 miles per hour (400 km/h), and accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds.
Bugatti Veyron showcased the production W engine to the world.
The Veyron, as the supercar would be known, would need to go through some revisions and refinement on the way to becoming a production model. The most dramatic of these was to its engine; a 2001 concept model, the EB 16:4 Veyron, had a W16 engine—essentially, two V8s joined at a 90-degree angle. Thanks to the W16 cylinder banks being separated at a 15-degree angle, the engine was compact enough to allow for the use of 4 turbochargers (the ‘4’ in ‘16:4’). The stats for the production Veyron were as staggering as promised: 8 litres, quad-turbocharged W16 engine with 987 bhp and 1,250 Nm of torque, 0 – 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds, and a top speed of more than 400 km/h. Succeeding Veyron models would eclipse even those numbers.
W12 engine in the Bentley Continental GT (above) and Audi A8 (below).
Of course, the W18 and W16 engines weren’t the only Volkswagen efforts to bring W engines to the road. Back in 1997, as Piech was sketching out what would become the W18, he and Giugiaro were also talking about a concept that Piech hoped would become a Volkswagen supercar, featuring a W12 engine. The W12 Syncro debuted the W engine to the world at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, with a W12 Roadster appearing at the 1998 Geneva Motor Show.
The best known W12 concept, however, was the Nardo. Revealed in 2001, the W12 Nardo had a 6-speed manual transmission that sent the 591 bhp from the 6-litre W12 engine to the rear wheels. However, this Volkswagen supercar never materialized in production form although the W engines did appear in some models.
2001 Volkswagen Nardo prototype with W12 engine.The rare Volkswagen Passat with a W8 engine which was sold in the early 2000s.
From 2001 to 2004, a W8 engine was available as an option in the Passat and this particular variant is rare today, sought after by enthusiasts. The W12 saw production in the Phaeton and Touareg, as well as the Audi A8 and in a new generation of Bentley models from 2003 onwards. Spyker also bought a batch of W engines for use in some of its sportscars.
Volkswagen has been rolling out is all-electric ID. range of vehicles but by 2026 – that’s just 5 years away – the carmaker will go further with its electric vehicles. This will be the outcome of Project Trinity which will see an electrically powered sedan that will set new standards in terms of range, charging speed and digitisation. It will also have autonomous driving capabilities higher than what is currently available.
The project name ‘Trinity’ is derived from the Latin ‘trinita’ and stands for the ‘tri-unity’. Accordingly, Trinity stands for three crucial themes: a newly developed electronics platform with state-of-the-art software, the simplification of the supply structure, and fully networked and intelligent production at the main plant in Wolfsburg, Germany.
The all-electric Volkswagen ID. family is already appearing in showrooms.
“Trinity is a sort of crystallisation point for our ACCELERATE strategy, a lighthouse project, our software dream car,” said Ralf Brandstatter, CEO of the Volkswagen brand. “The newly developed vehicle architecture will set standards in terms of range, charging speed – charging as fast as refuelling – and digitalisation.”
Greater autonomy, less driver involvement
In addition, Trinity will make autonomous driving in the volume segment possible for many people. By the planned start of volume production in 2026, Trinity will already reach Level 2+ and be technically ready for Level 4. With this level, human interaction is not required so the driver does not have to maintain a view of the road ahead or surroundings. It is expected that the artificial intelligence will be advanced enough to assess more complex situations, and take action to avoid an accident. This is already available now with Automatic Emergency Braking but the driver still needs to give attention.
Autonomous driving for more people
“We are using our economies of scale to make autonomous driving available to many people and to build a learning neural network. In this way, we are creating the conditions for the continuous exchange of data from our vehicle fleet – for example, on the traffic situation, on obstacles or on accidents,” said Mr. Brandstatter. “Trinity thus gives people time and saves them stress. After a long highway trip, you arrive at your destination relaxed – because you have been driven by a ‘chauffeur’ to your vacation or to your home after work. Trinity therefore becomes a kind of ‘time machine’ for our customers.”
With the production of the new model, the Wolfsburg plant will become a showcase for state-of-the-art, intelligent and fully networked production processes. “We will completely rethink the way we build cars and introduce revolutionary approaches. Digitalisation, automation and lightweight construction play an important role here,” added Mr. Brandstatter.
Future vehicle models such as Trinity will be produced with considerably fewer variants, and the hardware will be largely standardised. The cars will then have virtually everything on board and customers will be able to activate desired functions ‘on demand’ at any time via the digital ecosystem in the car. This will significantly reduce complexity in production.
New business models
By developing the automobile into a software-based product, Volkswagen is creating the conditions for new, data-based business models. Entry barriers to individual mobility are to be lowered while, at the same time, offering even more attractive usage packages.
Volkswagen intends to generate additional revenue in the usage phase – for charging and energy services, for software-based functions that customers can book as needed, or for automated driving. “In the future, the individual configuration of the vehicle will no longer be determined by the hardware at the time of purchase. Instead, customers will be able to add functions on demand at any time via the digital ecosystem in the car,” Mr. Brandstatter predicts.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced that the great deals for the Volkswagen Passat Elegance and Passat R-Line have been extended. Customers get the first year of insurance free (worth RM5,500) as well as 1-year of free petrol (as a rebate) rebate worth RM2,500. Those who place their booking via the Volkswagen eShowroom will enjoy additional RM3,500 of rebates, bringing the total savings to as much as RM11,500.
With the current sales tax exemption (until June 30, 2021), the Passat Elegance is priced from RM181,856 and the Passat R-Line is from RM203,411.
The Passat Elegance and its sportier sibling, the Passat R-Line comes with a 2.0 TSI turbocharged engine paired with a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG). The output 190 ps/320 Nm which goes to the front wheels. The Passat R-Line also comes with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) and other hi-tech features to enhance driving dynamics.
Already an owner?
Those who already own a Volkswagen older than 5 years can take advantage of the Repair Package specials. These are available for the front and rear shock absorbers, front and rear brake discs – and from this month onwards – front and rear wheel bearings and timing belt. Additionally, the parts and labour on selected models come with a 30% discount and 2-year warranty for peace of mind.
When making replacements, all parts used are 100% Volkswagen genuine parts, including related components such as nuts and bolts. In some cases, related items are also replaced to ensure better performance and safety.
All work is carried out by trained Volkswagen technicians and in accordance with global standards with approved Volkswagen tools.
Volkswagen owners are required to download the Volkswagen Cares mobile app to be eligible, and in order to receive their item e-vouchers. These e-vouchers can then be presented at any Volkswagen authorized service centres throughout Malaysia.
VPCM also encourages booking of service appointments in advance and this can be done online. Owners can choose preferred dealership, date and time. Free pick-up and delivery services are also available upon request for those who are busy or who would rather not leave home at this time.
For those who do visit Volkswagen dealerships nationwide, you can be assured that all the facilities follow strict guidelines under the Volkswagen #SafeHands initiative. There are stringent hygiene processes in place including the sanitising of premises and key touchpoints, proper safety screenings, contactless vehicle acceptance and sanitisation of all display and test drive units.
This weekend, on February 20 and 21, Volkswagen dealerships throughout Malaysia will be hosting a virtual Open House from 11 am to 5 pm. During these sessions, there will be sales and aftersales offers to celebrate the Year of the Metal Ox.
Throughout the weekend event, detailed introductions and walkthroughs of various models will be presented online. From the comfort of their homes, viewers can send in their questions and Sales Consultants and Service Advisors will respond via Facebook Live.
Those who confirm the purchase a new Volkswagen using the Volkswagen eShowroom will enjoy ang pao rebates of RM1,000 (selected models), additional 1-year insurance at no extra cost or RM5,500 savings – on top of exclusive online deals.
Passat Elegance and R-Line
The weekend highlights include the Passat Elegance and Passat R-Line. These models come with a 2.0TSI turbocharged 109 ps/320 Nm petrol engine paired with a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG).
Additionally, the Passat R-Line also comes with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), with up to 15 selectable increments to suit adjust the driving dynamics to personal preference.
The Passat Elegance is priced from RM181,856 while the Passat R-Line is priced from RM203,411 (with sales tax exemption) and is available with up to RM10,000 in savings.
Tiguan Allspace Highline
As for the Tiguan Allspace Highline, this SUV is priced from RM164,430 with the sales tax exemption), and for the 2020 models, there are up to RM8,000 in rebates.
This model comes with a 1.4TSI turbocharged direct injection engine which may seem like a small displacement but produces an impressive 150 ps/250 Nm. The small displacement makes it more fuel efficient, with performance enhanced by a 6-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG).
The long wheelbase provides versatility with multiple seat configurations and a massive boot space of 1,775 litres – the best in its segment. The Tiguan Allspace Highline is priced at, and with up to RM8,000 savings on 2020 models.
For owners too
There are also aftersales specials for those who already own a Volkswagen. The following are the offers on parts replacements and genuine engine oil:
Additionally, authorised Volkswagen service centres are offering a complimentary 5-Star Service Check, and up to 20% discount on batteries and tyres. To make a service appointment, click here.
With motor vehicle production and sales so vast and widespread around the planet, getting an accurate tally of total numbers is not easy. However, it is generally agreed that the Volkswagen Group has been the leader since 2017. Last year, the company it displaced 5 years ago – Toyota Motor Corporation – overtook the German carmaker to regain its position as the world’s best-selling automaker.
According to the company, Toyota sold 9.5 million vehicles globally in 2020, and this total includes vehicles sold by the Lexus brand as well as subsidiaries Daihatsu Motor and Hino Motors. The volume was, however, 10.5% lower than in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic conditions in virtually all markets, limiting sales activities.
Volkswagen declared that it sold 9.3 million vehicles, which include those of the Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche and Skoda brands. That represented a 15.2% decline in volume from 2019.
The Toyota RAV4 was the company’s bestselling model with 994,000 units delivered worldwide. The company also saw its global ratio of electrified vehicle sales increasing, from approximately 20% in 2019 to around 23% in 2020.
Toyota RAV4Volkswagen Golf 8
Alongside the Tiguan, the latest Volkswagen Golf, with all 8 variants made available during 2020, was also among the bestselling cars in the world. It was once again the most popular model car in Europe with around 312,000 units delivered.
Further down, the Renault-Nissan Alliance reported 7.95 million units sold (a drop of 20.5%) to be ranked third, while the Hyundai Motor Group (which includes Kia) reported 6.62 million units to take fourth place. General Motors, once the world leader, saw sales plummet by 13.2% to 6.26 million units, putting it again in fifth place.
General Motors, which was No.1 for nearly 8 decades, was overtaken by Toyota in 2008.
Looking ahead, both Toyota and Volkswagen see things improving even though the pandemic continues. During the October to December quarter, Toyota’s global sales were up 6.8% compared to the volume for the same period in 2019.
Volkswagen plans to increase its global market share in 2021 and sees its e-offensive as being timely, in addition to the hybrid offensive which started last year. Its new ID range of all-electric vehicles is also entering the market and will provide a boost.
Volkswagen’s Transparent Factory, located in Dresden (which used to be in the former East Germany), began operations in 2002 making the company’s Phaeton luxury sedan. At one point, it was also used for production of the Continental Flying Spur by Bentley, which is part of the Volkswagen Group. The unique factory, with glass walls, also assembled the e-Golf.
Now, it is making the ID, Volkswagen’s range of all-electric vehicles. It is the second production site for the ID.3 and already the fourth site in the world producing Volkswagen models based on the Modular Electric Drive Toolkit (MEB). Over the coming years, the former ‘Centre of Future Mobility’ will steadily transform into the ‘Home of the ID’.
Showcase for mobility of tomorrow
“The Transparent Factory plays an important role within the Volkswagen brand. Here, visitors, customers and guests come into direct contact with the mobility of tomorrow. We are a production plant, tourist attraction, event location, test lab and delivery centre – all in one. With the start of the production of the ID.3, we are giving the green light for our strategic realignment,” said Danny Auerswald, Site Manager of the Transparent Factory.
An additional focus of the strategic realignment is the development of a research and innovation site that drives innovative projects on a pilot scale for later use in large capacity sites at Volkswagen.
Holistic experience
As it was before, the Transparent Factory offers customers, visitors and guests a holistic experience of the ID. family – from initial advice and test drives, to production visits, co-constructing the ID.3 and modern event formats, up to the handover of the electric vehicles.
The first ID.3 rolled off the assembly line recently, and as with the start-up of the e-Golf in 2017, the production of the ID.3 will also start with one shift and 35 vehicles from Monday to Friday. Visitors can tour the factory from Mondays to Sundays.
The Transparent Factory, located in the former East Germany, also offers tours to the public and customers can collect their vehicles there as well.
In future, significantly more vehicles will be handed over to customers in the Transparent Factory. To that end, a second delivery point was recently set up in the factory – which is unique in the automobile industry. The number of vehicle handovers to customers is expected to increase from 1,301 in 2019 and 3,296 in 2020, to more than 5,000 vehicles in 2021. The goal is around 9,700 deliveries a year by 2022.
Conversion of the factory
At the beginning of 2021, the production area of the Transparent Factory was converted to meet the requirements of the MEB. The first conversions for the ID.3 already took place in summer 2020. As one of seven stations, the ‘marriage’, where the body and chassis are bolted together, was adapted. The conversion measures include, for example, the installation of a system on which the panoramic roof is fitted and for the adaptation of the gripping devices for installing the cockpit and seat system.
The factory produced the Phaeton as well as Bentley Continental Flying Spur (above) and e-Golf (below).
Fourth MEB factory
The Transparent Factory is already the fourth site in the world producing Volkswagen electric cars based on the Modular Electric Drive Toolkit. At the end of 2020, the Chinese sites in Anting and Foshan also started production of MEB vehicles. Together, the two plants in Germany and two plants in China have a maximum production capacity of more than 900,000 vehicles a year. Two more sites in Germany and one in the USA are also preparing for MEB production.
The topic of Production 4.0 will also be driven forward in the Transparent Factory. The guiding principle is the automation and digitalization of complex operations within assembly and logistics. Specifically, the factory will act as a planned pilot plant in the company for the development and application of new technologies in volume production processes.
To know more about promotions at BHPetrol stations, visit www.bhpetrol.com.my.
Once again, the Movement Control Order (MCO) is in force, and businesses have to adjust to stricter conditions. However, this time round, there isn’t a total shutdown in the economic sector and where the auto industry is concerned, outlets and service centres can remain open. However, owners are limited by a 10-km range from their house during the MCO period.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) confirms that all its authorized dealerships and service centres remain operational nationwide. Owners are advised to book their service appointments online here.
Safe Hands initiative
The Volkswagen service centres follow strict guidelines under the ‘Safe Hands’ initiative, which includes contactless vehicle acceptance, video walkthroughs, sanitisation before and after service, cashless payments with e-invoicing and contactless car collection/return.
Additionally, in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures, stringent hygiene processes are followed, including regular sanitising of premises and vehicles, proper safety screenings, MySejahtera app check-ins and temperature checks.
Complimentary home delivery
Those who are shopping for a new Volkswagen can do so from home. They can obtain information at the Volkswagen eShowroom which is open 24 hours. Special deals are offered when booking online and home delivery serviceof the new vehicle is complimentary (within a 20-km radius from the preferred dealership).
The Roadside Assistance service that is enjoyed by owners also remains operational, although owners should not be travelling much at this time. Nevertheless, it would be a welcome service if the vehicle battery dies while it is parked at home.
For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my or contact any authorised Volkswagen dealership.
