Volkswagen Archives

Volkswagen Enhances Golf GTI with Harman Kardon Audio System and Head-up Display

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has unveiled an upgraded version of the Golf GTI, now equipped with a premium Harman Kardon audio system and a Head-up Display. Priced at RM252,990, these enhancements aim to provide an elevated driving experience for enthusiasts.

The addition of the Harman Kardon 480-watt audio system complements the Golf GTI’s interior, delivering an immersive surround sound experience through its 10 speakers. This feature enhances the overall ambience of the GTI, providing impressive acoustics for an immersive driving experience.

Another notable feature introduced in the upgraded Golf GTI is the Head-up Display. This innovative safety feature projects essential information directly onto the driver’s field of vision on the windscreen. Vital data, including speed, navigation details, and system warnings, is presented in a way that allows drivers to stay informed without diverting their attention from the road.

The Golf GTI, a renowned icon among hot hatches, continues to impress with its powerful performance. It is powered by a 2.0TSI turbocharged engine coupled with a 7-speed wet clutch DSG, generating an impressive 245PS and 370Nm of torque. Recognisable by its signature honeycomb front grille, red GTI trims, and sporty 18” Richmond alloy wheels, the Golf GTI also features full LED headlamps and taillights.

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Volkswagen Anticipates Job Cuts as Company Is “No Longer Competitive”

Volkswagen, facing challenges in a competitive automotive landscape, has informed its employees to brace for potential job cuts as the company aims to save €10 billion. The move is part of the automaker’s strategy to address inefficiencies, high costs, and regain competitiveness in a rapidly changing industry.

Company Struggles and Cost-Cutting Measures

Volkswagen is currently grappling with a decline in market share in China, the need to navigate the competitive landscape posed by Tesla, and a temporary production pause for its electric vehicles in Europe due to sluggish demand. Thomas Schaefer, CEO of the VW brand, candidly stated at a recent staff meeting that the company is “no longer competitive” in its current state, citing high costs and inefficiencies within the organization.

During the meeting at the Wolfsburg headquarters, Schaefer emphasized the need for change, stating, “With many of our pre-existing structures, processes, and high costs, we are no longer competitive as the Volkswagen brand.” Gunnar Kilian, a board member for human resources, acknowledged the possibility of job reductions, with some employees considering partial or early retirement. However, he emphasized that the majority of the targeted €10 billion in savings would come from measures beyond job cuts, details of which will be revealed later.

Addressing Inefficiencies and Duplications

Kilian urged the company to be “brave and honest enough to throw things overboard that are being duplicated within the company or are simply ballast we don’t need for good results.” The company aims to streamline its operations, eliminate redundancies, and optimise processes to achieve cost savings and enhance overall efficiency.

This announcement follows earlier warnings from Schaefer in June, where he alerted VW managers about rising costs, stating, “the roof is on fire” and emphasising the need to address cost challenges across various areas within the company.

Volkswagen’s cost-cutting strategy reflects the broader challenges faced by traditional automakers as they navigate an industry undergoing significant transformation, including the rise of electric vehicles and changing consumer preferences.

Volkswagen Memilih Magna Steyr untuk Mengembangkan Kenderaan Elektrik Scout

Volkswagen telah mengambil keputusan untuk memberikan pembangunan SUV dan trak elektrik Scout yang akan datang kepada Magna Steyr dalam satu perjanjian bernilai €450 juta (RM2,307,289,475). Pengenalan semula jenama Scout diumumkan pada Mei 2022, dengan rancangan untuk membawa trak pikap dan SUV elektrik ke pasaran menjelang 2026. Dalam perkembangan terkini, Volkswagen telah memilih Magna Steyr, pengeluar kontrak yang berpengalaman yang berpusat di Austria, untuk mengendalikan aspek kejuruteraan penting bagi kenderaan elektrik ini.

Magna Steyr mempunyai reputasi kukuh dalam industri ini kerana pengalamannya yang meluas dalam pengeluaran kontrak, dengan terlibat dalam penyusunan pelbagai model kereta untuk pembuat kereta yang berbeza, termasuk Mercedes-Benz G-Class yang ikonik dan model untuk Toyota, BMW, Jaguar, dan Fisker, antara lain.

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Volkswagen Is Outsourcing Development of The Scout Electric SUV

Volkswagen Group has reportedly decided to externalise the development of its upcoming Scout electric SUV and truck, opting for Magna Steyr to engineer the two models in exchange for €450 million (approximately RM2,307,300,007). This significant development contract marks a notable collaboration between the German automotive giant and Magna Steyr, a renowned contract manufacturer based in Graz, Austria.

The revival of the Scout brand by Volkswagen was announced in May 2022, with plans to introduce an electric pickup truck and SUV in 2026. Subsequent developments included the appointment of CEO Scott Keogh in July, the announcement of a new assembly plant in Blythewood, South Carolina, and the appointment of Chris Benjamin as Chief of Design in May 2023. The project has now taken a new turn with the decision to externalise the development process.

Magna Steyr, known for its extensive experience in contract manufacturing, is tasked with engineering the electric SUV and truck for Scout Motors. The €450 million agreement positions Magna Steyr as a key player in the development of these EVs. The company, which has been assembling vehicles since the late 1970s, has built various models, including the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and is currently involved in the production of models like the Toyota Supra/BMW Z4, Jaguar’s E-Pace and I-Pace, and the Fisker Ocean.

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Volkswagen Offers Exclusive Preview of Upcoming ID.7 Tourer

Volkswagen has offered a tantalising sneak peek at the upcoming all-electric estate version of its flagship ID.7 model, which now goes by the name ID.7 Tourer. The highly anticipated model is slated for release in Europe in 2024 and promises a blend of spaciousness and impressive efficiency. Volkswagen plans to reveal the final design in the forthcoming months.

With the ID.7 Tourer, Volkswagen marks its entry into the all-electric estate segment, poised to make its debut in 2024.

An aerodynamic design is a cornerstone for achieving extended driving ranges. The ID.7 saloon, previously unveiled and now hitting European roads, stands as a testament to Volkswagen’s commitment to aerodynamics, boasting a remarkable Cd-value of 0.23. The ID.7 Tourer is no slouch in this department either, with a nearly identical Cd-value of 0.24. Even beneath the intriguing Indian summer camouflage, the ID.7 Tourer’s elegant and commanding design shines through.

The ID.7 Tourer is presently clad in a seasonal camouflage pattern, echoing the multi-layer paint scheme showcased on the ID.7 saloon at this year’s CES in Las Vegas. The imagery of the camouflage exudes an Indian summer aesthetic, with seamlessly integrated QR codes at the rear.

The ID.7 Tourer offers a luxurious interior with its short overhangs and extended wheelbase. When carrying a full complement of five passengers, the car’s cargo capacity extends up to 545 litres, reaching the height of the rear seat backrest. Fold those seats down, and the nearly two-metre-long cargo space can expand to an impressive 1,714 litres.

Like all members of the ID. family, the ID.7 Tourer is built on the MEB platform from the Volkswagen Group. The advantages of this modular system, including short overhangs and an extended wheelbase, yield a spacious and elegant full-sized hatchback with an expansive sense of roominess and a substantial increase in trunk capacity.

Following the successful production of the ID.4, the ID.7 Tourer is the second model based on the MEB platform to be manufactured at Volkswagen’s Emden plant, reaffirming the company’s commitment to electric mobility in Germany’s north-western region.

As the automotive world continues its electric revolution, Volkswagen’s ID.7 Tourer stands as a compelling addition, combining efficiency, style, and the promise of a brighter, sustainable future.

Volkswagen ID.X Performance Concept EV Debuts With 550hp

Volkswagen is ramping up its commitment to high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) with the introduction of the ID.X Performance concept car. This concept is part of Volkswagen’s broader electrification strategy, which includes performance-focused models like the ID.GTI and GTX variants.

The ID.X Performance concept is based on the ID.7 sedan but deviates significantly from its standard counterpart in terms of appearance and performance.

It showcases several distinctive design elements and features, highlighting its sporty and performance-oriented character.

Firstly, the front end of the concept car undergoes a dramatic transformation, marked by a large black grille positioned at the base of the front bumper. This bold grille design exudes a strong and aggressive visual presence. Additionally, matching vents are strategically placed at each corner of the front fascia, contributing to the car’s sporty appearance and possibly aiding in aerodynamics.

Moving to the rear of the ID.X Performance, a carbon fibre diffuser serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. It enhances the car’s aerodynamic efficiency, reducing drag and potentially increasing downforce. The use of carbon fibre also adds a touch of high-performance, racing-inspired style to the rear design.

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Volkswagen Gemilang Deals Offer Great Savings

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) introduces the Gemilang Deals, a special promotion in honour of Merdeka and Malaysia Day celebrations. This campaign presents customers with exceptional savings, offering discounts of up to RM23,000 on Volkswagen models equipped with IQ.DRIVE technology.

Valid until October 31st, the Gemilang Deals include the following enticing offers:

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has interesting plans from September 6th to 10th, 2023, with the Volkswagen Tour at 1 Utama Shopping Centre. This event, set up in the Oval area of the New Wing, is set to feature the public premiere of the upcoming Golf R, a highly anticipated addition to their lineup. Priced in the range of RM330,000 to RM350,000 and locally assembled, the Golf R comes with the “R Performance Package” as a standard offering. This package includes premium features like a titanium Akrapovič exhaust system, “Drift” and “Special” driving modes, a newly designed rear spoiler, and 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels.

The Volkswagen Tour promises more than just the Golf R debut; it will also showcase an extensive selection of Volkswagen models for visitors to explore and test drive. This event is a fantastic opportunity for enthusiasts and potential buyers to get a firsthand look at Volkswagen’s latest offerings.

Volkswagen Introduces The ID GTI Concept

The Volkswagen Golf GTI has a storied history that spans nearly half a century, and it holds a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. Now, after almost 48 years since the debut of the first Golf GTI model in Germany, Volkswagen is ushering in a new era with the introduction of the first all-electric performance hatchback from the brand.

Volkswagen has confirmed that the new ID GTI Concept is built upon the MEB platform, featuring front-wheel drive, and it is slated for eventual production. However, Volkswagen has not officially announced the exact timeline or the manufacturing location for the production version of the ID GTI Concept.

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Volkswagen Passat Ninth-Gen Debuts As A Wagon Only Variant

Starting in the first quarter of 2024, the ninth-generation Volkswagen Passat will be exclusively offered in a wagon body style, a body style referred to by VW as the Variant. This overhauled Passat is notable as the inaugural vehicle built on the MQB evo platform by the German automaker, incorporating a selection of advanced technology and powertrains.

The new model surpasses its predecessor in size and power, with dimensions approximately 193.6 inches in length, marking a 5.6-inch increase compared to the outgoing model. The wheelbase has been extended by around two inches, resulting in expanded passenger space. When the rear seats are folded, the storage capacity reaches nearly 1925.5 litres.

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2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI 380: Last Call For Manual Transmission

The iconic Volkswagen Golf with a manual transmission is bidding farewell in style. Volkswagen has introduced a special edition to commemorate the last year of the manual hot hatch, offered for both the Golf GTI and Golf R. After a remarkable run of over four decades, the manual-equipped Golf GTI is now heading into retirement.

The term ‘380’ pays homage to the Mk8’s internal designation and also honors the fourth-gen GTI 337 special edition, available in 2002. This lineage traces back to the Mk1 GTI from the 1970s, when the Golf was named Rabbit in the United States and Canada. This nostalgic connection might resurface in the upcoming months, possibly as a trim level or special edition.

It boasts an exclusive Graphite Gray Metallic hue, reserved solely for the 2024 Volkswagen Golf’s manual transmission variations: S, SE, and Autobahn trims. Additionally, buyers have the option to select from six other available paint options.

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen Enhances Golf GTI with Harman Kardon Audio System and Head-up Display

Volkswagen Anticipates Job Cuts as Company Is “No Longer Competitive”

Volkswagen Memilih Magna Steyr untuk Mengembangkan Kenderaan Elektrik Scout

Volkswagen Is Outsourcing Development of The Scout Electric SUV

Volkswagen Offers Exclusive Preview of Upcoming ID.7 Tourer

Volkswagen ID.X Performance Concept EV Debuts With 550hp

Volkswagen Gemilang Deals Offer Great Savings

Volkswagen Introduces The ID GTI Concept

Volkswagen Passat Ninth-Gen Debuts As A Wagon Only Variant

2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI 380: Last Call For Manual Transmission

Volkswagen Enhances Golf GTI with Harman Kardon Audio System and Head-up Display

Volkswagen Anticipates Job Cuts as Company Is “No Longer Competitive”

Volkswagen Memilih Magna Steyr untuk Mengembangkan Kenderaan Elektrik Scout

Volkswagen Is Outsourcing Development of The Scout Electric SUV

Volkswagen Offers Exclusive Preview of Upcoming ID.7 Tourer

Volkswagen ID.X Performance Concept EV Debuts With 550hp

Volkswagen Gemilang Deals Offer Great Savings

Volkswagen Introduces The ID GTI Concept

Volkswagen Passat Ninth-Gen Debuts As A Wagon Only Variant

2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI 380: Last Call For Manual Transmission

Archive

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