Volkswagen Archives

Additional benefit for Volkswagen Cares Plus members

With the constant pressure to increase sales volumes, car companies often focus more on getting new customers to buy their products, offering special deals at various times of the year as incentives. However, there are also those that do not forget their loyal customers too, especially those who have stayed with the brand over the years.

As a show of appreciation for such customers, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is offering an additional savings for maintenance service to Volkswagen Care Plus (VCP) members. Under the VCP programme, members are entitled to three 20% service discount vouchers and from now until December 31, 2021, a further 10% discount will be given to make it a total of 30%.

*Volkswagen Genuine Parts include batteries, which come with a 24-month warranty.*

100% genuine parts assured
The service discount vouchers can be used at all authorised Volkswagen dealerships nationwide. Apart from services and repairs that are carried out by qualified and experienced technicians in accordance with Volkswagen’s global standards, owners are also assured that all parts used are 100% genuine parts. The importance of using genuine parts cannot be understated. Just like Volkswagen vehicles, the genuine parts are manufactured to the same high standards with strict quality control. They have quality, safety and reliability and will last for a long period of usage.

Only available with app
This promotion is only available by using the new Volkswagen Cares app. The app makes it easy to manage service bookings online, obtain roadside assistance and access the Volkswagen dealer network (with a dealer locator feature). It can be downloaded on the Apple App Store for iOS users, and the Google Play store for Android users.

VCP is an exclusive programme for Volkswagen owners with a vehicle that is 5 years and older. It also comes with benefits such as 2 years of complimentary roadside assistance, including battery support 24 hours a day.

To know more about Volkswagen Care Plus and other benefits for Volkswagen owners in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.

Volkswagen owners can get more with VIP

Volkswagen dealers offering special deals to celebrate re-opening of showrooms

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM), like all the car companies, is happy to be able to resume business after over two months of forced shutdown of all retail activities. During that time, virtually no new vehicles were sold which of course has an impact on the year’s total sales volume. For the whole of 2020, which also had a period of shutdown, the company sold 3,379 Volkswagens and in the first 7 months, it sold 1,657 units. During the same period this year, it has reached only 1,110 units.

To celebrate the reopening of business and try to maximise sales in the remaining months, authorised Volkswagen dealers are offering exclusive deals that include free insurance coverage for the first year, RM3,500 rebate (if purchased online), and additional savings of up to RM6,500 for the Passat Elegance.

Those who choose the Passat R-Line will get a year’s supply of petrol free and additional savings of RM5,500; if they use the online channel for the purchase, they can get another RM3,500. The Tiguan Allspace Highline, a popular model, also has the RM3,500 rebate for online purchases, plus RM2,000 of savings. With the sales tax exemption still ongoing until the end of this year, customers also get to save money for all models.

For now, assembly of Volkswagen models in Malaysia are not affected by the global shortage of semiconductors. New units continue to roll out of the assembly facility in Pekan, Pahang, and there is no waiting period for any model as stocks are readily available.

*Assembly of vehicles is still ongoing at the assembly facility in Pahang, although many factories around the world have to suspend operations due to the global shortage of semiconductors.*

To comply with the latest set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the Health Ministry, visitors to showrooms nationwide must have completed full vaccination (including the required period post-vaccination) to gain entry. They also have to follow the other SOPs that have been in force for more than a year, ie temperature scanning, registration via MySejahtera and wearing facemasks. VPCM gives assurance that only fully-vaccinated sales consultants will serve customers.

Those who wish to take test-drives are also permitted to do so in states under phase 2 of National Recovery Plan. They must also be fully-vaccinated individuals. All models in the Volkswagen line-up are available for test drive, including the recently launched Arteon R-Line 4MOTION.

During the Malaysia Day weekend period, Volkswagen dealerships will be hosting a virtual showroom event from September 16 to 19. Customers may tune in to the respective dealership’s social media channels to learn about the models and latest offers.

For more information or to locate an authorised dealership, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.

Volkswagen Arteon: How Does It Feel & Drive After 10,000KM?

Lower-priced Volkswagen ID.LIFE to help increase adoption of EVs

Electric vehicles (EVs) have had the added cost of new technology making them a bit more expensive today. In times, prices will certainly fall as volumes rise and better economies of scale enable manufacturers to offer them at lower prices. European carmakers, in particular, are accelerating towards electrification so being able to offer more attractively priced EVs will help them in achieving their goals of wider electric mobility.

Volkswagen’s ACCELERATE strategy is speeding up that transformation making sustainable mobility accessible to even more people by 2025, a whole two years earlier than originally planned. By 2030, Volkswagen aims to increase the share of all-electric models in total vehicle sales in Europe to at least 70 % and in North America and China, to at least 50%.

New entry-level model
As part of that strategy, the company is developing a new model in the small car segment. The model, called the ID.LIFE, will be part of the ID fully electric family. This vision of a fully electric small car for the urban environment is centred around people and communal experiences. The model is being shown in concept form at the IAA Mobility 2021 event this month.

“The ID. LIFE is our vision of next-generation fully electric urban mobility. The concept car provides a preview of an ID. model in the small car segment that we will be launching in 2025, priced at around 20,000 euros (under RM100,000). This means we are making electric mobility accessible to even more people,” said Ralf Brandstatter, CEO of the Volkswagen brand. “In creating the ID. LIFE, we have consistently focused on the needs of younger customers. We believe that, even more so than today, the car of the future will be about lifestyle and personal expression. The customer of tomorrow won’t simply want to get from A to B; they will be much more interested in the experiences that a car can offer. The ID. LIFE is our answer to this.”

Simplified design
The design of the ID. LIFE is strikingly clear, simplified and of high quality even though it will be at the entry level. Decorative elements and add-on parts are dispensed with, as is any complex mix of materials. The horizontal division between the body, glass surfaces and roof also contributes to the car’s purist appearance. An individualised and removable roof made of air chamber textile lends an open-air feeling in the ID. LIFE, while also reducing the vehicle weight.

The ID. LIFE is based on a smaller variant of Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) that has been developed specifically for the small car segment. This is the first time a vehicle based on the MEB has front-wheel drive. A single electric motor provides power to the front wheels.

With its 172 kW (equivalent to 234 ps) electric motor, the ID. LIFE is claimed to be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, while its 57 kWh high-voltage battery will give a range of some 400 kms.

“The ID. LIFE proves once again how uniquely flexible the MEB is. The platform is suitable for vehicles of all types, from small cars to vans,” said Thomas Ulbrich, member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management for Development. “It’s the most scalable electrical architecture in the industry. We’re just beginning to tap into the potential of MEB. Performance, charging capacity and range will continue to improve with each new model and software update.”

Natural and recycled materials
The sustainable character of the ID. LIFE is reflected particularly in the choice of materials and paint finishes. In the clear coat for the bodywork, wood chips are used as a natural colouring agent along with a bio-based hardener. The air chamber textile for the roof and front cover is made from 100% recycled PET bottles.

Within the cabin, wood in the dashboard and rear seat surrounds is combined with ArtVelours Eco for the seat surfaces and door trims. Bio-oil, natural rubber and rice husks are just some of the materials that serve as a basis for the tyres on the ID. LIFE.

Multifunctional interior
The ID. LIFE is proposed as a ‘reliable companion’ for digital experiences of various kinds. For example, it can easily be converted into a cinema or gaming lounge. The car has a videogame console and projector, as well as a projection screen that extends from the dash panel when required. Other devices can be connected as needed to the 230V/16A power supply.

The seating design is also extremely flexible, in keeping with the idea of the car as a ‘companion’ for all situations and lifestyles. For instance, the front seat bench can be completely folded down, as can the rear seat bench. This enables a range of different possibilities, from cinema seating to a bed measuring around 2 metres in length, to a cargo version that maximises luggage volume.

Cameras and a display replace both the exterior and interior mirrors. Essential driving functions are controlled via a touch panel on the hexagonal, open-topped steering wheel, and a smartphone can be integrated in the operating system. Personal devices – whether smartphones or tablets – can be used to operate the navigation system. Music, films and games stored on the device can be used seamlessly, with visuals displayed on the projection screen.

Visit www.volkswagen.com.my to know more about Volkwagen models in Malaysia

Volkswagen’s Trinity project to produce more capable electric cars by 2026

SpareXHub to hold surplus BMW, MINI and Volkswagen parts sale next month

SpareXHub, a Malaysian-based e-commerce platform for discounted, genuine auto spare parts will be organizing a 2-week long sale next month. The sale is for genuine BMW, MINI and Volkswagen car spare parts and there will be discounts of up to 85%. The sale will take place from September 1 – September 14, 2021 between 10 am and 6 pm (10 am to 1 pm on Saturday) at Aramex PJ, No 12, Jalan Tandang, Seksyen 51, Petaling Jaya 46050 in Selangor.

New, original and genuine
All items offered by SpareXHub are guaranteed to be new and original but at discounted prices. This means that you can save money getting genuine parts (usually the best option for replacements) instead of aftermarket products by other companies.

*SpareXHub has a wide range of parts of many different brands and models, and all the parts are original as well as genuine.*

SpareXHub has over 2,500 BMW and MINI spare parts and 500 Volkswagen parts. These range from regular maintenance service items such as filters to body parts such as bumpers. There are also interesting genuine accessories if you want to enhance the looks of your car.

Brand experts can offer assistance
With more than 100+ years of experience in the team, SpareX can cater to the needs of automotive stockists, independent workshops and car owners. Brand experts will be on hand to ensure you purchase the right parts for your car and provide you with the necessary knowledge, information and guidance.

*Brand specialists are on hand to provide assistance in selecting the right part as well as offer advice.*

Appointment required
All customer visits are strictly by appointment only. This means that prior registration and confirmation will be required. Once this is done, the organizers will be ready for your arrival and to ensure that all COVID-19 SOPs are strictly adhered to. Customers are encouraged to use the SpareX online platform and e-payment services for a more seamless process. Click on this Google form link to book an appointment slot.

For more information about SpareXHub or to find a part for your car, visit the SpareXHub website at www.sparexhub.com. You may also contact a representative of SpareXHub directly via Whatsapp at 018-205 0120 or via email at sales2@sparexhub.com.

Don’t overlook brake fluid when servicing your vehicle!

Most Volkswagen showrooms in Malaysia open for business again

In line with the National Recovery Plan and the latest list of permitted activities and businesses, most authorised Volkswagen showrooms in Malaysia have resumed operations. However, those located in Melaka, Johor, Kedah, Pahang, and Kelantan are still awaiting approval to operate.

To ensure the health and safety of both visitors and employees, all the showrooms will adhere to strict Government guidelines and #SafeHands measures. These include MySejahtera registration and temperature scans, mandatory facemask usage, regular sanitisation of showrooms and display cars, and others specified in the Standard Operating Procedures.

*Whether visiting the showroom or service, all visitors must follow the Standard Operating procedures which now include the requirement for full vaccination.*

Must be fully vaccinated
Only fully vaccinated visitors are allowed, and they should have completed no less than 14 or 28 days (depending on the vaccine taken) after receiving their vaccination. Visitors are encouraged to make an appointment prior to their visits by contacting their preferred Volkswagen dealer whether to the showroom or service centre.

“The closure of showrooms in the past months affected our business performance, but we look forward to seeing the industry reopen and move forward, together with the support of our dealers,” said Managing Director of VPCM, Erik Winter, who welcomes the government’s decision to reopen sales and manufacturing operations.

*Use Volkswagen’s online channel to buy Volkswagen’s global bestseller in August and you can save extra money.*

Special offers for Merdeka month
In conjunction with the reopening of showrooms and the upcoming Merdeka holiday, authorised Volkswagen dealers will be hosting a virtual showroom event on their social media channels this August 27 – 31. As part of the celebration, Volkswagen is offering exclusive online savings of RM4,500 on the Tiguan Allspace Highline and RM7,500 on the Passat R-Line until August 31, 2021. Remember that there are additional savings as sales tax is exempted until the end of this year.

For information on the Volkswagen product range and locations of dealers in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.

Review: Volkswagen Passat R-Line – Very Nearly Perfect!

Volkswagen provides first look at its first e-SUV coupe – the ID.5 GTX

Volkswagen has revealed another member of its all-electric ID family and this one’s a SUV coupe. The idea of a coupe-like SUV was introduced by BMW with its X6 in 2008 (although some feel the honour should go to the SsangYong Actyon of 2005) and has provided those who like coupes with something that can also double as a SUV.

Debut in concept form first
Volkswagen’s version will be the ID.5 GTX which will make its international exhibition debut next month – as a disguised concept – at the IAA Munich Motor Show. ‘GTX’ represents the Volkswagen brand’s new athleticism, continuing the tradition of the GTI, GTD and GTE models and transferring it to the world of electric mobility.

It will be the second model in the GTX line, joining the ID.4 GTX, and will give the company’s ACCELERATE strategy another boost. The goal is to increase the share of all-electric cars in Europe to 70% of Volkswagen‘s sales by 2030, on the way to becoming net carbon neutral by 2050.

Two motors for all-wheel drive
Full technical details are not available yet and for now, the company is only providing an overview. As with all the electric models, its first SUV coupe will sit on the Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform. It will have 2 electric motors – one on each axle – to give all-wheel drive. The motors will receive energy from a large lithium-ion battery pack between the axles. The projected range with a fully charged pack is expected to be up to 497 kms.

The sporty profile of the ID.5 GTX has short overhangs and big wheels. At the front are the IQ.Light LED matrix headlights which generate an intelligently controlled high beam. The light strip that tapers towards the Volkswagen logo has been combined with three powerful, illuminated honeycomb elements on both the driver and passenger side. They complement the signature of the low beam and convey the athletic character even while stationary.

The flat sloping A pillars positioned right near the front give the roofline an elegant flow. It stretches low over the body and tapers out in an integrated rear spoiler. At the rear, horizontal lines accentuate the width, with the light strip attracting the most attention. The LED rear lights have a 3D design that provides a visual signature for the model.

ID.6 – largest model on MEB platform
The roll-out of ID models is not sequential (by the numbers) and an ID.6 has also been revealed for the Chinese market. This is a 7-seater SUV (shown below) based on the ID. Roomzz concept. It will be the largest model using the MEB platform with an overall length of 4880 mm.

*ID.6 for the Chinese market is the largest model using the MEB platform for electric vehicles.*

Volkswagen ID.4 GTX high-performance model added to all-electric ID range

The Beetles that never made it to the showrooms

Over the years, the Volkswagen Beetle represented many different things to many different people. It was a classic example of German ingenuity, a symbol of the counterculture movement, and a reminder that the simplest of things can sometimes be the best. It was truly a car for the people, compact, economical, reliable and durable.

The Beetle was a boom car for affordable transportation in Europe and elsewhere and, by 1952, it was sold in 46 countries. Eventually, it would be built in 14 countries, including Malaysia, and more than 21.5 million were sold before the final, modern-generation Beetle left the line at the factory in Mexico in 2019.

*When the original Beetle was produced in the 1940s, who would have imagined that it would remain in the same form until 2003?*

The original Beetle retained its form for many decades, becoming a familiar shape on roads all over the world. Its attributes which kept it in demand were not easily replicated and so it continued n production even after the Golf arrived as a successor in 1974.

Although it may seem that Volkswagen did not consider redesigning the original car, starting in the early 1950s, it had design proposals from time to time. There were more than 70 potential replacements, but none seemed able to match what the Volkswagen represented. Here are some of the proposals that never made it to production.

**1955/56 EA47-12:** Number 12 of 15 prototypes produced between 1953 and the end of 1956, the EA-47-12 was the carmaker’s first attempt at creating a more modern successor. It was the first of many Beetle replacements designed by Italian automobile designer Ghia, which is probably why it looked like the Karmann Ghia. The car was powered by a 1192 cc 4-cylinder boxer air-cooled engine with a power output of 30 bhp. In addition, it boasted a transverse link front axle, torsion bar rear suspension, and fully synchronized gearbox—unique technology for the time. The top speed was said to be 80 km/h.

**1955 EA48:** In 1953, Volkswagen began toying with the idea of developing a car positioned below the Beetle in terms of size, performance, and price. The result was this boxy car. Some call it the first ‘City Car’, an accolade bestowed upon the British Mini because the EA48 never went into production. The EA48 was also the first prototype designed in-house without any input from Porsche. None of the components from the Beetle were carried over to the EA48; instead, engineers decided to start from scratch. The front-wheel drive car used unibody construction, a front-mounted 700 cc air-cooled, flat-twin 18 bhp engine, and a MacPherson-type front suspension.

**1960 EA97:** It is believed that the EA97 project was abandoned while workers were preparing its assembly line, and after 200 pilot cars had been assembled by hand. The development of this rear-engine 2-door model began in 1957. It featured a more pontoon-shaped body and a 1.1-litre engine. What was the problem? “It was positioned too close to the Beetle and the Type 3,” according to the AutoMuseum Volkswagen website.

**1961 Type 3 Cabriolet:** The Type 3 released in 1961 gave motorists a more upmarket alternative to the Beetle. This Cabriolet prototype featured a folding top and a glass rear window. Sadly, it was shelved out of fear the model would create internal competition with the Karmann Ghia convertible.

**1966 EA142:** While developing the Type 4, which made its debut in 1968, Volkswagen experimented with various bodystyles, including this elegant EA 142. The rear engine hatchback used the same 1.7-litre engine that would appear in the production version of the Type 4.

**1969 EA276:** This was the inspiration for the original Golf. The front-wheel drive hatchback was boxier than many of the other Beetle replacements. Though this car had the same air-cooled flat-4 engine as the Beetle, the powerplant was changed to a 4-cylinder, water-cooled inline engine before installed in the Golf 1974.

**1969 EA266:** One of the more innovative replacement candidates was the EA266. It was developed with assistance from Porsche and a team led by Ferdinand Piech, the grandson of Ferdinand Porsche, who would later become Chairman of the Volkswagen group in 1993. The mid-engine hatchback had a water-cooled 4-cylinder 1.6-litre engine mounted under the rear seat in a longitudinal configuration with the transaxle directly behind it to save space. Despite the sporty design and Porsche DNA, the EA266 never made it to showrooms and can only be seen in the museum today.

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and you may not show symptoms but spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.

New Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4MOTION launched

As with other car companies these days, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has to use online media to launch its new products and today, it officially introduced the new Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4MOTION. Assembled locally, the 4-door fastback is priced from RM247,671 without insurance and with full sales tax exempted (until the end of 2021).

Facelifted version
The Arteon, as flagship of the Volkswagen range in Malaysia, has been in the market since 2020 and the one launched today has the cosmetic changes of the updated model that made its global debut last June. Besides the exclusivity and sportiness that the R-Line package adds, the new model also comes very extensively equipped with high-tech and premium features as standard.

These include a full-LED headlight system with Dynamic Cornering Lights while the LED 3D rear taillights have sequential turn signals. The driver’s seat has 14-way adjustment while the luxurious ambience can be personalised with a selection of 30 colours (of adjustable intensity) for ambient illumination.

New, more powerful engine
Under the bonnet, the powertrain is a new and more powerful one. While being similarly turbocharged and having a 2-litre displacement, the EA888 TSI engine in the latest Arteon produce 280 ps with 350 Nm of torque available between 1,700 and 5,600 rpm. These numbers are 70 ps and 30 Nm more than before and still flow through a 7-speed DSG wet dual-clutch transmission. The claimed acceleration time is 5.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, with fuel consumption said to be up to 13.5 kms/litre.

All-wheel drive with 4MOTION
What’s significant for the new model is that the power goes to all four wheels, instead of just those at the front. The system enabling this is 4Motion, Volkswagen’s all-wheel drive (AWD) system. While many people may think that AWD is only good for off-road driving, it is actually useful on the road too.

With all 4 wheels powered, traction is improved and this will be appreciated on wet or slippery roads. Acceleration can also be improved and grip during cornering is also better. Of course, the Laws of Physics still apply so having 4MOTION doesn’t mean that you can drive around a corner faster than the capability of the tyres to grip the road.

AWD systems like 4MOTION have ‘intelligence’, sending power to whichever wheel needs it at any given moment. If it senses a wheel starting to spin, the system cuts the power going to that wheel and sends more power to whichever of the other wheels can best use it. Because it all happens automatically, the driver can focus on driving.

The 4MOTION system in the Arteon R-Line is one of two versions which Volkswagen developed. In Arteon application, because the engine is mounted transversely, an electro-hydraulic Haldex coupling is used whereas the other version for models like the Touareg SUV employ a mechanical Torsen centre differential to distribute power to the front and rear wheels. This is because of the engine being installed in a longitudinal orientation.

Power delivery is on an infinitely variable basis by a multi-plate clutch. Normally, power is mainly transmitted to the front axle, which saves energy. However, in the event of an impending loss of traction, the rear axle is activated in a fraction of a second. The distribution of power to all four wheels becomes active before wheelspin occurs, rather than being reactive. A loss of traction is therefore virtually excluded. However, should any wheel slip occur, power is immediately transmitted to the wheels where it is needed. An Electronic Different Lock also helps to improve traction and reduce understeer.

Dynamic Chassis Control, which is standard, has up to 15 selectable increments which are varied using the adaptive dampers. There are also 5 different driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual) so driving preferences can be personalized.

Extensive safety features but no AEB
In the area of safety, Volkswagen has always made sure that its customers get the best possible protection and as the flagship model, the Arteon has an extensive list of safety systems to help the driver avoid accidents. These driver assistance systems include Lane Assist, Side Assist, Driver Alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. There’s also a 360° Area View system which let’s the driver see all around the car not only for precise parking but also to spot hazards. The display is customisable to full or split views.

If an accident does occur, there’s a Post-Collision Braking System which prevents a second collision (if the car is propelled uncontrollably), and an Intelligent Crash Response System that activates to cut fuel supply, switch on hazard lights and unlock the doors to enable rescuers to get to the occupants.

The usual active safety systems like ABS with Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Control are also present but it is rather surprising to find Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) not available. This system activates to automatically apply the brakes if the driver does not do so when a collision is likely to occur. According to VPCM’s Managing Director, Erik Winter, AEB is available for the Arteon but the system is still undergoing tests in Malaysian conditions so it is not being installed yet.

However, while AEB is not present for now, there is something called Maneuver Braking which is active from around 1.5 km/h up to 10 km/h. It is active during reversing as well as moving forward, so it is effective during parking and prevents bumping into a wall or another vehicle. The Maneuver Braking system is basically an extension of the Park Distance Control system which has been around for a long time.

Arteon drivers will also be alerted to reduced pressures in the tyres by the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. Once the normal pressures are set, any significant change will be noticed so the driver will not drive too far on an under-inflated tyre and damage it.

Interior with R-Line silver trim
The spacious cabin of the Arteon with R-Line silver trim has EgoComfort seats which are handsomely sculpted and upholstered in Nappa Carbon leather. The seats are structured for comfort and reduced fatigue on long journeys and for the driver, there are up to 14 adjustment options as well as a massage function. The ambient lighting has a choice of 30 colours with adjustable intensity to match just about any mood.

The high-resolution 11.7-inch Digital Cockpit not only shows the usual information like road and engine speeds but can also have a navigation map overlaid across the instrument panel. The display is customizable with 6 views for over 30 combinations, including 2D and 3D navigation.

The 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system comes with voice and gesture control and supports wireless App-Connect to Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Besides using the touchscreen, the driver can also go handsfree and use voice commands or switches on the steering wheel.

Going with the flagship status of the model is the premium Harman Kardon sound system which has 12 speakers (11 speakers plus an additional centre one). The speaker grilles are crafted from ultra-thin 0.5 mm high-strength steel to support optimal acoustic performance. The 700W digital sound system employs a 16-channel digital amplifier with surround sound that can be enhanced by pre-determined acoustic settings – PURE, CHILL OUT, LIVE and ENERGY.

Trade-up offer
VPCM has a Trade-Up campaign for existing owners of the Touran, Cross Touran, Sharan, Passat CC and Passat (B7) who want to buy a new Volkswagen. With this campaign, owners will be able to enjoy an additional RM3,000 in trade-in value for all models currently on sale, including the all-new Arteon R-Line. While the present FMCO conditions do not allow for showroom visits, bookings for the new Arteon (as well as other models) can be made via the Volkswagen eShowroom which is always accessible from a smartphone or computer. For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.

Making things easier for Volkswagen owners in Malaysia during these difficult times

These are difficult times for everyone and reducing expenses is even more important than ever before. To help those who own a Volkswagen vehicle, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has come up with a few initiatives that can save them money and give them some ‘breathing space’.

Extended payment plan with 0% interest plan
Vehicles need to be serviced periodically, even though their usage may have decreased considerably due to the restrictions of Movement Control Orders over the past year.

For those who send their vehicles to selected authorised Volkswagen dealers, there’s a flexible payment plan which allows them to spread out their bill over 6 or 12 months. Even better – no interest rate will be charged (terms and conditions apply). However, payments must be by a credit card.

20% service discount
Those who have registered for Volkswagen Care Plus (VCP) will enjoy more savings. These include three 20% rebate vouchers for maintenance service at authorised Volkswagen service centres. The vouchers can be used from the fifth year of service and the following two services during the period of 3 years. Additionally, customers will enjoy 2 years of free roadside assistance under VCP (terms and conditions apply).

30% discount for repairs
Every ringgit saved is a ringgit earned, and this is the basis of VPCM’s Repair Packages offerings. There’s a 30% discount on selected Repair Packages when they repair their cars at authorised Volkswagen service centres. This is applicable for Volkswagen models older than 5 years.

The Volkswagen Insurance Plan (VIP)
The Volkswagen Insurance Plan (VIP) has many benefits which will prove valuable if repair claims are necessary after an accident. If the vehicle is not more than 10 years old, there is no betterment cost for any replacement parts used. The comprehensive coverage includes various value-added services without any extra charges. Additionally, there is an agreed sum and insured value for vehicles up to 10 years old in the event of total loss.

Other VIP benefits include prioritised claim approval, windscreen replacement approval within 2 hours, roadside assistance with 24-hour emergency towing, and assurance that repair work conducted at authorised Volkswagen Body & Paint centres are in accordance with Volkswagen repair standards and only genuine parts are used.

Visit www.volkswagen.com.my for more information or to locate an authorised dealer and service facilities anywhere in Malaysia.

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Making fuel sustainable and low carbon for future vehicles with combustion engines

Almost every day, there’s news about the electrification in the auto industry, if not the introduction of a new electric vehicle (EV). The industry, especially in Europe, has fast-tracked plans to move existing model fleets from using internal combustion engines to either hybrid or fully electric powertrains. Some companies even plan to stop selling vehicles with combustion engines before the end of this decade.

But there are also some companies that will look for a balance in the rush to electrification, focussing more on overall carbon neutrality (which can address climate change) for their entire operations, rather than just the products alone. Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation, is one of those who feels that the rush to switch to zero emission vehicles is too excessive, demands massive investments and will damage the industry in some ways.

Whole world won’t ‘electrify’ at the same time
While governments are forcing the corporate hands of the carmakers to make the changes and cut emissions from vehicles, there will still be models with combustion engines on sale for a while. We don’t know yet how fast the infrastructure to support EVs can be developed and grow because, in some places, it doesn’t even exist yet. In Malaysia, for example, the number of recharging stations already set up is really just ‘a handful’ and an absence of a coherent policy to encourage sales and use of EVs has yet to be formulated.

While motorists in regions like Europe are steadily switching to electric vehicles, there are many millions elsewhere in the world who will continue to use vehicles running on fluid fuels for many more years.

So while some carmakers may feel that they can get by (in future) selling just EVs, there will be some who will still be developing models with combustion engines for the rest of this decade at least. Engineers can still push emissions down further to meet stricter regulations and a new generation of fuels will also help in this respect.

Renewable low-carbon fuels
These are renewable low-carbon fuels and following on from R33 Blue Diesel which has been around since 2018, Bosch, Shell, and Volkswagen have now come up with low-carbon petrol. Their new fuel, called Blue Gasoline, similarly contains up to 33% renewables, ensuring a well-to-wheel reduction in carbon emissions of at least 20% per kilometre driven. This means a fleet of 1,000 VW Golf Mk.8 1.5 TSIs alone could save more than 230 metric tons of CO₂ per year, assuming an annual mileage of 10,000 kms each.

Shell will offset the remaining carbon emissions from the use of Blue Gasoline through certified offset arrangements. The initial plan is to make the fuel available at regular filling stations over the course of the year, starting in Germany.

“On the road to climate-friendly mobility, we must ensure we don’t leave any technical opportunities untapped, starting with electromobility and ending with renewable fuels. Every bit of CO₂ we save can help us achieve our climate targets,” said Dr. Uwe Gackstatter, President of the Bosch Powertrain Solutions division.

“Blue Gasoline is another building block in the effective reduction of CO₂ emissions from the vehicle fleet. Blue Gasoline’s high storage stability makes the fuel particularly suitable for use in plug-in hybrid vehicles. In the future, the expansion of the charging infrastructure and larger batteries will mean that these vehicles predominantly run on electrical power, and thus that fuel may remain in the fuel tank for longer periods of time,” explained Sebastian Willmann, Head of Internal Combustion Engine Development at Volkswagen

Highest standards set for fuel quality and sustainability
Blue Gasoline fuel complies with the EN 228/E10 standard and even exceeds it in key parameters such as storage stability and boiling behaviour. High-quality additives also keep the engine extremely clean and protect it against corrosion. This means not only that the fuel can be distributed via the existing filling station network, but also that it can be used in all new and existing vehicles for which Super 95 E10 petrol has been approved.

The proportion of up to 33% renewables is made up of biomass-based naphtha or ethanol certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) system. One source of such naphtha is what is known as tall oil, a by-product in the production of pulp for paper. But naphtha can also be obtained from other residual and waste materials.

Low-carbon fuels at Bosch company stations
In the Blue Gasoline project, the three partners jointly defined the fuel specification to be achieved, taking into account engine requirements and sustainability. They put the product they developed through intensive testing on engine test benches and in trial vehicles – with consistently positive results. Bosch has begun supplying Blue Gasoline at its company filling stations for the past month, with other stations scheduled during for rest of 2021.

The supply of conventional Super 95 E10 petrol will then be gradually phased out. Since the end of 2018, R33 Blue Diesel has been the only diesel fuel that Bosch company filling stations offer for company cars and internal delivery vehicles. R33 Blue Diesel is also becoming available at more and more regular filling stations in Germany. At present, it is offered at 8 filling stations belonging to different brands nationwide, with more set to follow.

Not a substitute for electromobility
For Bosch, renewable low-carbon and carbon-neutral fuels will not replace electromobility but complement it. In principle, the use of these fuels makes sense in all modes of transport, but especially in those for which there is as yet no clear and economical path to electrification. In addition to ships and aircraft, this applies primarily to heavy goods vehicles and existing vehicles, but also to the millions of vehicles with internal combustion engines or hybrid powertrains that are on the world’s roads today or will be built in the coming decades.

To promote rapid market uptake for these fuels, the focus is on renewable biomass and synthetic fuel components that can be blended into regular fuel in high proportions in line with existing fuel standards.

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