Volkswagen's new plant in Poland will produce the fourth generation Crafter van in 69 various styles, the best version yet.

• Greater payload and cargo capacity offer outstanding functionality
• Optimised dimensions for maximum everyday practicality
• Available with front, rear or 4MOTION all-wheel drive, with manual or automatic transmission
• 4 base models, 3 lengths, 3 heights - total of 69 derivatives
• Highly economical thanks to reduced fuel consumption and low maintenance and repair costs
• Cutting edge driver assistance systems for increased safety and comfort

Optimum benefits to meet customer-specific requirements from numerous commercial vehicle sectors: the new Crafter provides customer-focussed transport solutions with extreme economy.

With extra payload, greater cargo capacity, optimised external dimensions and a formidable multitude of drive systems and derivatives, the new Crafter impresses with exemplary functionality and provides practical everyday solutions for all transport requirements.

Robust, durable and reduced-consumption commercial vehicle engines, low maintenance and repair costs and well thought-out preparations for superstructure manufacturers provide optimum benefits and key functional and economic advantages for diverse customer groups.

A newly developed and finely tuned chassis along with innovative driver assistance systems provide a whole new level of comfort for this category of van. They also facilitate impressive handling and noticeably increased safety.

The completely new design concept featuring well thought-out interior storage options not only shows the Crafter's innovations visually; but in combination with further measures that optimise the aerodynamics also produce, at 0.33, the best drag coefficient in the Crafter's vehicle class.

Economical, functional, practical, reliable and eco-friendly - plus with innovative technology on board, safer and easier to drive than ever before: those are the characteristics that make a winning case for the new Crafter.

A new plant for the Crafter

State-of-the-art production at a new plant built especially for the Crafter in Wrzesnia, Poland

A new production facility has been built in Wrzesnia, Poland, especially for the new Crafter. The facility is the brand's second production site in Poland; the other is the Volkswagen plant in Poznan-Antoninek, which has been operating for more than 20 years now. The Crafter plant covers an area of approximately 540 acres, which is equivalent to around 300 football pitches. Up to 3,000

people will work at the Wrzesnia plant when the facility is operating at full capacity. Several supply companies will also open up factories in the area, which will create additional jobs for the surrounding region.

Volkswagen opens a brand new facility to produce the next generation Crafter Commercial Vehicle.

• Opening gala with 1,000 guests from politics, business, employee workforce, the Volkswagen Group and unions
• Around 3,000 employees will produce 100,000 vehicles annually
• Approx. 800 million euros invested in the new production site

Around 1,000 guests from politics and business as well as representatives from the workforce and unions – from Poland and Germany – met together with members of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Group and its brands to officially open the automotive plant that is dedicated to production of the new Crafter. Europe’s most advanced new factory of its kind was erected in a record time of just 23 months – from spade in the ground in November 2014 until start of production.

Andreas Renschler, CEO of Volkswagen Truck & Bus and member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG with responsibility for the business area of commercial vehicles, thanked everyone who participated in the construction project for their excellent cooperative work on behalf of the Volkswagen Group. He noted that this is what made it possible to build this new, significant automotive production site. Renschler gave special thanks to the employees: “Building the new plant in record time demonstrates the excellent team spirit of all of our employees at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles: clear goals, joint implementation and each individual taking on a high level of responsibility all led to the success of this ambitious project.”

Renschler underscored the importance of the new Crafter and the new plant for the strategic alignment of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles group: “Our re-development of the new Crafter and our newly constructed plant with an annual capacity of 100,000 units positions us better than ever in the growing market of large vans.” The new factory also signifies a new partnership in automotive manufacturing between Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (Crafter) and MAN (TGE) – two brands within the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles group. 

Lower Saxony Minister President Stephan Weil took part in the opening as a member of the supervisory board. He was visibly impressed by the new factory and conveyed the best wishes from the government of the German state of Lower Saxony. “As you know, the automotive industry finds itself in a state of transformation. Everything that I have seen here makes me confident that this production site will be fit for the future,” said Weil. “I wish our employees much success in the tasks that await us in upcoming years.”

Dr Eckhard Scholz, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, explained that the brand had confidently mastered a “dual challenge” – namely developing an excellent van while simultaneously building its advanced production site. “We are proud of the precise and on-schedule implementation of this project, and above all of the people who made it happen. They all made a personal contribution towards attaining this challenging goal. I offer my heartfelt thanks to them. This kind of commitment serves as a model for the future of our brand. Just a few weeks ago, the Crafter was named ‘International Van of the Year 2017’ by a renowned selection committee. This shows that we are on the right path with our vehicle and our factory. Now we need to turn our focus to the future, to the challenging production launch and other upcoming challenges.”

Jens Ocksen, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Poznań, explained that the new plant represents a combination of “excellently qualified and highly motivated employees with advanced, efficient and ergonomic production processes”. He also noted that the plant had become one of the largest construction sites in Europe. He said that he is proud of his team, who raced from milestone to milestone and delivered top quality. “None of this will change during the ramp-up of the plant either,” assured Ocksen. In addition to environmental considerations, social and cultural aspects were consistently and continually considered in the concept, construction, building equipment and production processes. “We have implemented many innovative solutions. The Września plant was built with an eye to the future - it features the latest technology while being environmentally efficient.” Just recently, it received an award from the German Sustainable Building Council for its new buildings, exemplary green areas, social amenities and production facilities.

Around 3,000 people are employed at the new plant. Many new jobs were also created in the vicinity of the plant by developing the supplier network and the service provider sector.

The Września production site is by far the largest foreign investment to date in Poland with a volume of 800 million euros for the construction and production facilities.

Data, figures and facts on the new plant in Września, Poland

Size of the plant:

220 hectares (2.2 km²), equivalent to around 300 soccer fields.

Planned production volume:

100,000 cars annually = 17 vehicles per hour = approx. 380 vehicles per day.

Vehicles: 69 Crafter derivatives. Cargo volumes up to 18.4 m3, maximum cargo compartment height of 2,196 mm. Vehicle length up to 7,391 mm, height up to 2,798 mm, max. gross weight: 5.5 metric tonnes.

Planned workforce:

Around 3,000 employees in a three-shift system.

Investment volume:

Around 800 million euros.

Suppliers:

45 suppliers from Poland (7 of them from the region) supply the plant.

Awards: The new Crafter was named “International Van of the Year 2017” by a renowned selection committee.

Figures and data on plant construction:

• During excavation, approx. 1,000,000 m³ of soil was moved with 50,000 trips by dump trucks.
• 22,000 metric tonnes of structural steel and 8,000 tonnes of reinforcing steel were used.
• 50,000 m³ of concrete was poured by 6,000 cement trucks.
• 4,000 foundation pilings were rammed 16 metres into the ground.
• 15,000 metres of utility pipe was laid in the plant.
• 19,000 training sessions were performed in the framework of occupational safety.
• In the ramp-up phase, approx. 3,500 (construction) workers were employed at the plant construction site in Września.
• The plant was erected in just 23 months, from groundbreaking in November 2014 until its opening on 24 October 2016.

Brief information on Września

Września is a city in the Wielkopolska region of Poland, around 50 kilometres east of Poznań. The first documented mention of a settlement at the location of modern Września comes from the year 1256 when it was known as Vresc. Area: 12.73 km2. Population: around 30,000.

British Motor Heritage (BMH) is delighted to announce the addition of Anglo Parts to it's list of Approved Specialists

British Motor Heritage (BMH) is delighted to announce the addition of the multinational Anglo Parts concern to its already impressive list of Approved Specialists.

Founded in Belgium in 1982 by MG enthusiasts Chris and Bruno Van Gestel, Anglo Parts is now a significant force across Europe, with branches in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, The Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Poland, Finland, Luxembourg and the Czech and Slovak Republics. 

As the name suggests, the company supplies ‘Quality Parts for Classic British Cars’; in particular for models of Jaguar, MG, Triumph, Austin-Healey, Mini, Land Rover Defender and the ubiquitous Morris Minor. 

In addition to its enormous stock of car spares, the company can also supply a large selection of accessories and automobilia, from engine tuning parts to flying helmets and tools to enamel signs. 

It prides itself on the speed, price and condition of its parcel deliveries, and most items ordered in the morning are delivered the following day.

Commenting on this latest appointment, BMH’s Managing Director John Yea said: 

“This union of two well established automotive companies will be mutually beneficial combining, as it does, Anglo Parts’ impressive product knowledge, market reach and extensive distribution options with BMH’s unique range of original parts and manufacturing skills. 

I am delighted at the arrangement, which greatly strengthens the European level of our global coverage.”

Details of BMH’s product range and a full list of the company’s UK and 

Vauxhall/Ope;s European plants, all 23 of them, are all now Land Fill Free facilities, shame others aren't.

• Exemplary recycling: General Motors’ industry-leading landfill-free count now totals 131 facilities including Vauxhall’s ultra-efficient Ellesmere Port and Luton plants
• Europe first global GM region with 100% landfill-free status for manufacturing plants

In total 23 Opel/Vauxhall facilities in Europe are now landfill-free, meaning they recycle, reuse or convert to energy all waste from daily operations. With the additions of Luton Assembly and Ellesmere Port Assembly in Great Britain, Europe achieved as the first global GM region 100% landfill-free status for its manufacturing plants. 

General Motors’ industry-leading landfill-free count now totals 131 facilities.

“Our global progress in waste reduction is possible because of employee participation, creative ideas, and a strong supplier network,” said Jim DeLuca, GM executive vice president of Global Manufacturing. “Our teams understand the positive impact of this initiative and they drive it in their facilities every day.”

The new landfill-free sites in Europe used a variety of tools to educate and inspire, from recycling courses to training videos that help them understand the environmental benefits and business case. Some plants designate a champion in every unit of the plant to help ensure employee participation, and recognize team members driving significant progress. All landfill-free sites will continue to improve their efforts and reduce total waste whenever possible.

“We at Opel/Vauxhall see waste as a resource out of place and want to go beyond the classical waste reduction targets that you usually reach by optimization of existing processes. Only if you understand waste as raw material you start to rethink your current processes and develop new ways to run your business differently. Strategically we do not only want to be landfill-free, we want to improve the re-use of material,” says Dr. Renate Adam, Manager Environmental Compliance and Sustainability, Opel/Vauxhall Europe.

GM teams around the world are working toward achieving 150 landfill-free sites globally by 2020. The company received a Top Project of the Year Award from Environmental Leader for driving a global movement for zero waste and outlines its best practices in its blueprint, "The Business Case for Zero Waste”.

FIAT 500 reaches historic 1.5m production milestone yesterday, November 10 2015, at the Tychy plant in Poland

• FIAT 500 reaches historic 1.5m production milestone today, November 10 2015, at the Tychy plant in Poland
• Impressive tally is reached in little more than eight years
• More than 240,000 units have been sold in the UK since its launch in late 2007
• New FIAT 500 is on sale in the UK from £10,890 OTR

The FIAT 500 has today reached the 1.5 million unit milestone in Europe with the landmark car in question, a white 1.2 Pop, rolling off the production line in Tychy, Poland, destined for its new owner in France.

The FIAT 500 has reached this impressive tally just eight years and four months after its launch, collecting more than 40 international awards along the way including the prestigious European Car of The Year accolade in 2008. It is now on sale in more than 100 countries around the world, from Japan to North America, with the UK accounting for more than 240,000 of the total number sold in Europe.

For 2015, FIAT refreshed the exterior and interior, retaining the unmistakable 500 look that has made it such a global success but making it even more attractive and contemporary, adding advanced technologies, improved efficiency and even more customisation options than ever before. 

In total, no fewer than 1,900 changes have been made, most noticeable of which are the new front headlights with LED daytime running lights, the distinctive new rear light clusters and the new dashboard with its innovative UConnect infotainment system.

This years 2CV worldwide meeting will be help in Torun, Poland, with over 7000 cars expected to attend.

2CV enthusiasts will meet in Torun, Poland, on the occasion of the 21st World concentration of 2CV, from July 28 to August 2. Created in 1975, it is the largest concentration in the world dedicated to this model, in which more than 7,000 vehicles and 20,000 participants expected. For a week, the Polish city will vibrate to the rhythm of the legendary Citroen vehicle.

For this edition 2015, Toruń, the beautiful city in northern Poland, which will host all the fans of the Citroen 2CV. A unique gathering that annually attracts more people. 

The last two rallies, in 2011 in France and 2013 in Spain, which had already broken records this year is expected to exceed again. No less than 7,000 Citroen 2CV arrived from around the world will be present on the occasion of the 21st concentration in a festive and convivial environment.

Many enthusiasts, members of the 2 CV clubs or individuals attending the meeting to admire the different versions of the most charismatic car and also the best-selling brand (more than 5 million units manufactured in 42 years). A unique opportunity to exchange experiences around a common passion and living a few days the rhythm of the 2CV.

During the event, visitors will be invited to discover the museum ephemeral Citroen, where they will be exposed numerous models and photographs donated by the private Conservatory brand. Citroën collectors and members of the " Amicale Citroën Internationale "(ACI) also have the opportunity to participate in various competitions such as road racing, trials or competitions circuit assembly and disassembly of 2CV, reminiscent of his versatile character. Elegance contests, where the 2CV will face other mythical brand vehicles such as Ami 6, the Ami 8, the Dyane or Mehari will also be organized. 

This meeting is also a human adventure, since some collectors decide to travel together in their 2CV, the way to Poland from their countries of origin.Algunos of them continue their journey after the merger, due to an exceptional two-day rally , 2CV, organized for the participants.

Translated by Google - apologies for any errors caused.

VOLKSWAGEN commercial vehicles shows more growth in May, with worldwide sales of nearly 180,000.

• Deliveries to customers are up 3.4 per cent in first five months of 2015
• New Caddy and T6 shortly before market launch
• Plants in Poland and Hannover working with full commitment
• Brand shows increases in Western Europe in May, primarily in Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom
• Significant growth in Asia and the Middle East as well

From January to May 2015, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles achieved a 3.4 per cent increase in deliveries with 184,400 vehicles from the T, Caddy, Amarok and Crafter series (January to May 2014: 178,300 units). 

At the same time, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle plants in Hannover and Poznan, Poland have started production of the new generation Volkswagen Caddy and the new generation Volkswagen Transporter and are working with full commitment.

"After the highly successful launch of the third generation Caddy and T series, we are now retooling our production to new models. Despite this, we are able to achieve significant growth in key sales regions," said Bram Schot, Member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. "Reactions to our new Caddy and our new T-series are very promising," said Schot.

Even during the completed model change for the Transporter and the new Caddy, worldwide deliveries remained largely stable in May at 36,900 vehicles (2014: 37,700: -2 per cent). The brand continued to improve its results in the main sales region of Western Europe with 25,300 vehicles (2014: 25,200: +0.7 per cent). In Western Europe, the markets showing the highest growth in deliveries to customers were Italy (800 vehicles; +50 per cent), the Netherlands (1,300 units; +25.5 per cent) and the United Kingdom (over 4,500 deliveries; +21.2 per cent).

In the Asia/Pacific region, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles showed considerable gains with 2,100 delivered vehicles; sales were especially strong in Australia with +30 per cent growth to nearly 1,300 units. In the Middle East region (2,600 vehicles; +13.9 per cent), Turkey was a significant growth driver.

In Eastern Europe Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles delivered 2,400 vehicles in May (-23.7 per cent). In the South American region the number of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles deliveries dropped by 19 per cent to 2,600 units. The African region delivered 1,500 vehicles (-10.9 per cent).