USA - At the NAIAS in Detroit Volkswagen launches the new Atlas R-Line Sports Utility Vehicle.

• R-Line adds design enhancements to the Atlas SE and SEL trims
• Performance-inspired upgrades include stylish 20-inch aluminum-alloy twin-spoke wheels and stainless-steel pedals
• Atlas goes on sale in the Spring, with R-Line package available later after launch

Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that it will offer the R-Line package on the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The new trim package augments the Chattanooga-built SUV’s sportiness with exterior and interior design elements that give it an even more dynamic appearance. The Atlas R-Line will be introduced at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The R-Line package enhances the robust list of equipment in the Atlas SE and SEL trims—offering a full suite of connected vehicle services and driver assistance features—with performance-inspired treatments. The exterior styling details include 20-inch aluminum-alloy twin-spoke wheels; R-Line badging; unique front and rear bumpers that incorporate stylish air intakes at the front and a diffusor in glossy black paint at the rear; and side skirts.

Inside, the Atlas R-Line welcomes drivers with the R-Line logo on the start screen of Volkswagen’s Modular Infotainment Platform (MIB II). Other interior features include an R-Line steering wheel clip and stainless-steel sport pedal covers.

Like the standard Atlas model, the R-Line will be available in two engine options: a four-cylinder TSI® turbo with 235 horsepower or a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 276 horsepower. Both come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Volkswagen’s advanced 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system is available on V6 engined models.

The Atlas models will go on sale in the Spring of 2017, with the R-Line package going on sale later in the year.

LA SHOW - Volkswagen launches the Full-Sized Atlas seven seater Sports Utility Vehicle at this years show.

The designers behind the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, the new seven-passenger sport utility vehicle on display at Automobility LA, say the two-year process of crafting the boldest vehicle ever sold by the brand in America was driven by a well-researched look at how Americans live with their vehicles today.

“I think we developed something that takes us apart from the breed,” says Klaus Bischoff, Head of Volkswagen Design. “We looked deep into how Americans are living with their midsize SUVs, and we wanted to get the Atlas right.”

While the Atlas grew from the CrossBlue concept first displayed in 2013, it’s much larger and more substantial in appearance than the concept. “Size does matter, especially for families,” says Bischoff. 

“The first designs we showed were literally too small, too compact, designed too much out of a European perspective. We had to get used to the vehicle size that’s more appropriate for America. The roads are wider, the cities are bigger, and we grew into that.”

As interior designer Tomasz Bachorski said, the Volkswagen design philosophy of “simplicity and precision” drove the team at every stage of the design, from the grille and standard LED headlights to the stitching in the seats. As one example, the designers integrated the LED Daytime Running Lights into the grille with a generous amount of chrome and detail for a robust look.

“The facial expression of a car defines its character. We wanted to give the car a wide appearance, and an earnest look,” says Bischoff. “It should look substantial, without looking too aggressive.”

Exterior designer Oliver Stefani says the character lines that flow from the nose to the tail of the Atlas were drawn to highlight the precision of the car’s bodywork without creating an overly complicated surface, nor an appearance that would spoil quickly on the road.” We have a few lines on the car, but every line has a purpose; there’s always the idea to guide the eye around the car,” says Stefani. “The car has to grow into time; it should not go out of fashion in two or three years. Whenever you look at a Volkswagen from the past, it’s still modern on the road.”

Bachorski adds that the same ethos mandated the interior design choices, from the clean switchgear to flowing and high-quality surfaces on the dashboard and instrument panel. That perspective didn’t just apply to the hardware of the vehicle, but also the software interfaces, such as the available Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. “Everything’s well balanced with no complicated corners and no clutter,” says Bachorski. “This was really important to us to make this really simple, because our lives outside the car are complicated enough.”

The functionality of the seven-seat layout was paramount in the Atlas’ development, with third-row seats that do not suffer in comfort compared to the second-row location, and an easy-access system to the third row that is usable even if car seats are installed in the second row. Color and Trim designer Johanna Hoch notes that the Atlas draws some of its inspiration from high-end furniture, to create a welcoming atmosphere that still meets the demands of a modern family. “We are giving a soul to the car through the materials and the colors,” Hoch said. “The first language is touch, and it’s very important to make small details, like paint or frames, very high quality.”

USA - The Golf family has been awarded inclusion on the Car and Driver magazines 10Best List.

The Golf, Golf Alltrack, GTI and Golf R land one of the most coveted automotive awards

Volkswagen of America, Inc. is pleased to announce today that Car and Driver magazine has named the Volkswagen Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI and Golf R to its 2017 “10Best” list. Taking home an eleventh consecutive “10Best” award in a competition against 60 vehicles, the Golf models were praised for exceptional versatility, dynamics and value.

“There are currently five different versions of the Golf for sale in all 50 states, a sweeping armada of excellence that includes three gas engines, front- or all-wheel drive, and wagon or hatch­­­back body styles,” said Car and Driver. “Attitudes range from the save-some-fuel base Golf to the kill-some-apexes Golf R. 

Volkswagen manages to imbue every trim level with the same understated feel, regardless of specification or price. All Golfs drive with a solid composure and predictability, with controlled body motions and the ride quality of a far more expensive machine.”

“We are honored that Car and Driver has named the Volkswagen Golf models to its 2017 ‘10Best’ list,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “Earning this award for the eleventh consecutive year validates the consistency of the Golf family in delivering unmatched quality and performance at a competitive price point.”

The Car and Driver annual “10Best” list features 10 of the magazine’s most favored new vehicles. Cars are judged on value, performance and the ability to satisfy the comprehensive driving needs of the consumer.  

All production vehicles for sale in the current calendar year are considered, with the following restrictions: the vehicle must be on sale by January; it must be priced below 2.5 times the average car price for that year; the manufacturer must provide a vehicle for testing; and only substantially changed vehicles and the past year’s “10Best” winners are nominated.

With a starting price of $19,895 for the Golf S model, the 2017 Golf family offers advances in interior refinement, exterior styling, and a wealth of new equipment at even the lowest trim lines.

The Golf Alltrack joins the Golf family for 2017 with a starting price of $25,850. Building on the popular Golf SportWagen, Alltrack offers a raised ground clearance, standard 4Motion all-wheel drive and rugged exterior styling.

Starting at $25,595 for the S model, the 2017 Golf GTI features Volkswagen’s EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI engine, providing 210 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque (achieved with premium fuel). For 2017, Sport models and above add the Performance Package as standard equipment—raising horsepower to 220.

Golf R is the most powerful version of the Golf ever to be sold in the U.S. market, with a starting price of $35,655. The R model is fuel-efficient for a car with 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, posting an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating of 31 mpg with the six-speed manual transmission.

The Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI and Golf R will be featured in Car and Driver’s January 2017 “10Best” issue.

USA - Next-generation Volkswagen e-Golf offers improved driving range and new technology throughout

Next-generation e-Golf offers improved driving range and new technology throughout

• Increased battery capacity offers potential for 50 percent improved driving range
• Power and torque are boosted to 134 horsepower and 214 pound-feet
• New infotainment options: 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment screen and Volkswagen Digital Cockpit with interactive instruments
• New Front Assist with Pedestrian Monitoring driver assistance system
• Upgraded Driver Assistance Package now includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Monitor Plus with Rear Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist) and High Beam Control (Light Assist)
• Redesigned front and rear ends upgraded with full-LED headlights and taillights

In a world premiere at Automobility LA today, Volkswagen of America, Inc. presented the latest generation of the e-Golf. Compared to its predecessor, the 2017 e-Golf offers an improved range, more power and new features.

For 2017, Volkswagen is using a new lithium-ion battery whose energy capacity has been increased from 24.2 kWh to 35.8 kWh. The new battery increases the range by about 50 percent, with the aim of a driving range of up to 124 miles on a single charge. 

The 7.2 kW on-board charger is now standard on both SE and SEL Premium trims, which enables the battery to be fully charged in less than six hours at a traditional charging station. 

When equipped with DC Fast Charging (optional on SE, standard on SEL Premium), the battery can be charged to 80 percent within an hour at a DC fast charging station.

The electric motor has been upgraded as well. It now develops 134 horsepower, which is 19 hp more than the first version of the e-Golf. At the same time, the maximum torque of the electric motor has been boosted from 199 pound-feet to 214 lb-ft. The 2017 e-Golf runs zero to 60 mph more than a second faster than its predecessor—now in just 9.6 seconds, and its top speed increases to 93 mph.

The 2017 e-Golf offers new, high-tech features like the fully digital and interactive Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. With this optional system, all instruments—including specific e-Golf instruments such as the power meter—are virtually implemented on the 12.3-inch color screen. There are different information profiles which change the type of information displayed and the graphics in certain areas. Information can be integrated on driving, navigation and assistance functions and display phone contact images or album cover art.

The available Discover Pro infotainment system trim has a large 9.2-inch glass display with a completely new design. For the first time in a Golf, it is possible to individually configure the home screen. In addition, the innovative gesture control system, first debuted at CES 2015, is planned to become reality in the next two years for the U.S. market. Gesture control works in a wide variety of menus. All it takes is a hand swipe gesture to move the horizontally arranged menu items to the left or right, allowing the user to navigate through the main menu, change radio stations, or skip to the next song. The e-Golf continues to offer remote access via the Volkswagen Car-Net app (including battery charging and auxiliary air conditioning), as well as Car-Net App-Connect for compatible smartphones that offers Apple CarPlay^™, Android Auto^™, and MirrorLink^®integration and Guide & Inform services.

Volkswagen is also extending the range of driver assistance systems for the e-Golf in the 2017 model year. Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) adds pedestrian monitoring, which will warn the driver acoustically and visually, supply increased braking pressure, and if the driver does not react, apply the brakes in order to help mitigate a collision with a pedestrian as well as other vehicles. An optional Driver Assistance Package for the SEL Premium will include the following features: Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) with Pedestrian Monitoring, Blind Spot Monitor Plus, Lane Assist, Park Assist and Light Assist.

The facelifted Golf family debuted in Europe just a week ago, and the 2017 e-Golf introduces those design changes to the U.S. market. The standout exterior changes include new bumpers, front fenders and LED headlights and taillights. In the front, the new bumper integrates the unmistakable C-shaped LED auxiliary Daytime Running Lights and is accented by the traditional blue grille trim strip, which carries into the redesigned headlights. The rear was also designed to be more charismatic. Along with a new bumper, new LED taillights define the design. Inside, new décor and seat trim gives e-Golf a fresh look.

USA - Volkswagen of America announces the last model to complete the Golf line-up - The 2017 Golf Alltrack.

• 2017 Golf Alltrack joins Golf family of vehicles with 5-star rating
• 2017 Volkswagen 5-Star models include: Golf family, 2-door Beetle, Jetta and Passat 

Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) announced today that the 2017 Golf Alltrack has earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which runs the government's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), and has provided consumers with vehicle safety information since 1978. 

The addition of the Alltrack, which hits showrooms this fall, will complete the Golf family of vehicles which includes the Golf, Golf GTI, Golf R and Golf SportWagen.  

The 2017 Golf Alltrack joins the Golf family as well as the Passat, Jetta, and Beetle coupe as 2017 Volkswagen models that have an overall 5-Star Rating.

NHTSA’s NCAP provides front, side, and rollover crash test ratings, all aimed at helping consumers in making their vehicle purchasing decisions. The rating results are relayed to consumers using an easily recognizable star rating system from one to five, with five being the best a vehicle can achieve. For details, visitwww.safercar.gov.

“Volkswagen is thrilled that the Golf Alltrack will come to market this fall having earned the highest 5-star overall crash test rating from the government,” said Joerg Sommer, Vice President Product Marketing and Strategy, Volkswagen of America, Inc. 

“The Alltrack was already highly anticipated, thanks to the combination of SportWagen design and all-wheel-drive performance, so this rating will add to the vehicle’s appeal and allow us to grow volume in the marketplace.”

Like the rest of the Golf line, the Alltrack provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems. It has been engineered to meet or exceed all current crash regulations and features no fewer than six airbags as standard along with a number of electronic safety systems. 

Alltrack models are equipped with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and an Intelligent Crash Response System. For added security, the vehicle features the latest version of Volkswagen’s 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system.

Driver assistance systems available on the Alltrack include: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), front and rear Park Distance Control (Park Pilot), and Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist).

The 2016 Passat has taken the Top Honours on Cars.Com Mid-sized Sedan Challenge.

Fun-to-drive nature of Volkswagen’s family sedan puts it ahead of the midsize pack

Volkswagen of America, Inc. is pleased to announce today that the new 2016 Volkswagen Passat has taken top honors in Cars.com’s Midsize Sedan Challenge. Put to the test against eight of the most popular 2016 models, the Passat won judges’ hearts with its spaciousness, safety, available VW Car-Net® App-Connect technology, and most of all, its fun-to-drive nature.

To make it into the 2016 Midsize Sedan Challenge, each vehicle had to have an automatic transmission, have an EPA estimate of at least 28 mpg combined and have a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of less than $28,000. Vehicles were evaluated by a panel of expert judges and an Atlanta couple in the market for a new sedan on a 220-mile road course looking at overall ride, acceleration, handling, braking, features, cargo space, technology and more.

The tests resulted in the following ranking:

1. 2016 Volkswagen Passat
2. 2016 Kia Optima
3. 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
4. 2016 Hyundai Sonata
5. 2016 Honda Accord
6. 2016 Subaru Legacy
7. 2016 Toyota Camry
8. 2016 Mazda6
9. 2016 Nissan Altima

“We are thrilled for the Passat to be named Best Midsize Sedan by Cars.com against such formidable competition,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, President & CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. 

“The Passat offers the perfect combination of sophisticated styling, outstanding App-Connect technology, and the great driving dynamics that Volkswagen is known for, making it an outstanding consumer value.”

“The Passat came in first place with both our expert judges and in-market shoppers,” said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com’s editor-in-chief. “This midsize sedan is a refreshed version of the Passat that won Cars.com’s Best of 2012 award; it’s still tremendously roomy and for 2016 got a ton of tech upgrades like Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. 

In addition to the roominess, tech and safety, the standout feature of the Passat is its driving ability. Everyone who drove it unanimously agreed, the Passat is plain old fun to drive.”

The 2016 Volkswagen Passat is a midsize sedan designed for the American lifestyle and built in Volkswagen’s state-of-the-art factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. For 2016, the Passat combines striking new interior and exterior design elements with a greater variety of available driver assistance, connectivity, and convenience features than ever before. Overall, the 2016 Passat features a winning combination of interior and exterior design, technology, available driver assistance systems, and a powerful and highly efficient base engine. The starting MSRP for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat is $22,440. The SE model tested by Cars.com has an MSRP of $26,280 and includes features such as VW Car-Net® App-Connect technology, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking, heatable front seats, and a sunroof.

USA SALES APRIL - Volkswagen are still running at around 10% down after the continued inability to face up to the scandal.

• April sales totaled 27,112 units
• Golf R delivered 678 units,  marking the best month ever for the vehicle
• Best ever April for Tiguan, with 3,804 units, a 58.4 percent increase

Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported sales of 27,112 units delivered in April 2016.  

“We are pleased with the performance in our retail business, driven by vehicles like the Tiguan, GTI and Golf R,” said Mark McNabb, chief operating officer, Volkswagen of America. “While overall sales reflect a decline this is due, in large part, to an intentional decrease in fleet sales.”

The Tiguan produced the best April results on record for the vehicle with 3,519 vehicles delivered, a 53 percent increase over March 2015. 

In April, the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf was named Best Compact in the 2016 AAA Green Car Guide. The e-Golf has a strong month with 326 units delivered, a 5.5 percent increase over April 2015

April 2016 Sales

	April 16	April 15	Yr/Yr% change	April 16  YTD	April 15 YTD	Yr/Yr% change
Golf	1,104	1,739	-36.5%	4,046	7,298	-44.6%
GTI	1,988	1,905	4.4%	7,085	7,659	-7.5%
Golf R	678	327	107.3%	1,851	1,167	58.6%
e-Golf	326	309	5.5%	938	815	15.1%
Golf SportWagen	1,012	1,228	-17.6%	3,321	1,332	149.3%
Total Golf Family	5,108	5,508	-7.3%	17,241	18,271	-5.6%
Jetta Sedan	10,694	11,440	-6.5%	38,716	40,984	-5.5%
Jetta SportWagen    *   (now Golf SportWagen)	-	260	n/a	1	2,079	n/a
Total Jetta	10,694	11,700	-8.6%	38,717	43,063	-10.1%
Beetle Coupe	480	1,237	-61.2%	2,483	4,724	-47.4%
Beetle Convertible	691	1,152	-40.0%	2,007	3,400	-41.0%
Total Beetle	1,171	2,389	-51.0%	4,490	8,124	-44.7%
Eos	39	252	-84.5%	381	739	-48.4%
Passat	5,629	6,623	-15.0%	19,692	27,031	-27.2%
CC	230	516	-55.4%	1,221	1,977	-38.2%
Tiguan	3,804	2,402	58.4%	13,096	7,994	63.8%
Touareg	437	619	-29.4%	1,588	2,049	-22.5%
TOTAL	27,112	30,009	-9.65%	96,426	109,248	-11.74%