VW 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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VW Malaysia Announces Airbag Related Recall For Models Manufactured Between 2010 and 2014

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has issued a recall for certain models manufactured between 2010 and 2014, affecting a total of 6,671 vehicles.

The models subject to inspection include the sixth generation Golf GTI, Eos, Passat CC, Polo, Beetle, and Vento. The focus of the recall is on vehicles equipped with a specific driver front airbag gas generator housing.

The concern revolves around the degradation of the front driver airbag housing generator’s propellant. This deterioration is attributed to prolonged exposure to high humidity and temperature fluctuations. The potential consequence is an increased risk of injury to both the driver and passengers.

In response to this issue, VPCM has collaborated with its dealer partners to ensure the availability of necessary parts and to facilitate a smooth and efficient recall process. The nationwide recall will be executed in phases to effectively manage the number of affected cases.

Owners of the identified vehicles will receive notifications through email and WhatsApp, utilizing information from the Volkswagen database. For those who acquired their vehicles from previous owners or used car dealerships, an urgent recommendation is made to contact the nearest Volkswagen authorized dealer for verification.

In the event that parts replacement is required, VPCM assures owners that all labor and replacement parts necessary for the service will be provided at no cost. To check whether their vehicle is subject to the recall, owners can visit the dedicated recall webpage (https://www.volkswagen.com.my/volkswagen-service/repair-and-service/service-action) and enter their 17-digit VIN number, located at the bottom left of the vehicle’s windscreen.

VPCM is committed to prioritizing the safety of its customers and encourages prompt action from all affected vehicle owners to ensure a swift and effective resolution to this recall.

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 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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No Maintenance Costs For An Extra 2 Years With Certain Volkswagen Models

When buying a new car, many people will try to get the lowest price possible and press for a good discount. This is only natural as they can then take a smaller loan and the instalments will be less each month.

But there are often other offers which carry a certain value or save money as well. For instance, free maintenance is a popular extra which is offered by most companies these days. This usually covers the labour and parts costs for scheduled maintenance over years. It is a cost which you will incur in coming years of ownership of the car, so if you do not have to pay it, then you will be saving money in the longer term.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has been offering free scheduled maintenance for its models for the first 3 years and now, it is adding on 2 more years for selected models. Those who buy the Arteon R-Line, Tiguan Allspace R-Line or Elegance will now save on maintenance costs for up to 5 years (or maximum of 75,000 kms) after they buy their car.

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Ford Explorer SUV Goes Fully Electric, With Volkswagen’s MEB Platform

Following on from the alliance between Ford and Volkswagen which has seen the new Amarok for the German carmaker based on the latest Ranger, Ford has now revealed the first of two new models which will use Volkswagen’s MEB platform for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

The new model, to go on sale later this year for under 45,000 euros (about RM216,000), uses the Explorer nameplate. This name has a long history in Ford’s range and at one time, was the bestselling SUV in the world. Now it is going electric as part of Ford’s reinvention of the Ford brand in Europe. By 2030, Ford aims to have an all-electric portfolio of passenger vehicles.

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Low-Cost Volkswagen EV To Go On Sale in 2025, Priced Under 25,000 Euros (RM120,000)

While there is a push to get people to switch to electric vehicles (EVs), apart from issues like the recharging infrastructure, the cost of purchasing such vehicle remains higher than similarly sized models with combustion engines. Much of it has to do with the cost of the technologies which are still fairly young, and the huge costs of R&D spent at this time.

For this reason, the auto industry needs the help of governments to also offer incentives that can offset the high purchase prices in the short-term. Various incentives are being given and in Malaysia, the government is exempting EVs from all import duties and even roadtax for a few years.

But the fact remains that for a properly engineered EV of a practical size (we’re not talking about the tiny 2-seater mini EVs), the price still cannot be level with similarly-sized combustion vehicles. There is a downward trend though as economies of scale are slowly kicking in with volumes rising quickly. Some carmakers believe that they will be able to produce EVs at around similar costs as combustion vehicles by the second half of this decade.

One of them is Volkswagen which will have a model costing less than 25,000 euros, which is equivalent to around RM120,000 at today’s exchange rates. This will be ‘full-value’ EV with many high-tech features and is part of the carmaker’s electric offensive which will see 10 new EVs by 2026.

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‘New’ Volkswagen ID.3 Unveiled As Second Generation Model

Going by normal industry time-frames, a model generation lasts around 5 years or sometimes a bit longer, after which a new generation is launched. Before that time, there are the usual updates to freshen the product against newer rivals. These are usually termed ‘facelifts’ which actually relates to cosmetic changes but there are occasions when there are also technical changes.

But then again, this is a new era of electric vehicles (EVs) and who’s to say that carmakers can’t revise the product cycle time. This is especially so since EV technology is moving at such a fast pace with advancements occurring even within 12 months. The battery packs of today, for instance, are better than two years ago and will likely be even more so in another two years.

Volkswagen today unveiled the latest ID.3, a battery electric vehicle (BEV) which it launched just two and half years ago. Normally, we would be reading about a ‘facelift’ but the carmaker avoids the term and says it is the ‘new ID.3’ – even going as far as to call it the second generation. It’s not unusual though to see ‘new’ since in one respect, it is new compared to the 2022 model.

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First Look At The Volkswagen ID.7… But It’s Still Camouflaged (w/VIDEO)

Although Volkswagen began selling its ID. range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in 2020 and 5 models to date, none of them is a sedan. The first was a hatchback (ID.3), followed by three crossover SUVs (ID.4, ID.5 and ID.6) and one MPV/minivan (ID.Buzz). During the second quarter of this year, the range will get its first sedan which is designated the ID.7. The sedan will be offered in the three primary markets of China, Europe and North America.

The model is being previewed this week at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, USA, but like the ID.4 and ID.Buzz when they were first previewed before launch, the ID.7 also has camouflage that is somewhat unique.

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Special Offers From Volkswagen For Chinese New Year Of The Rabbit

With the Chinese New Year of the Rabbit about to start later this month, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has festive special offers with savings of up to RM4,000 on selected models. These include the Golf GTI, the Tiguan Allspace family (Life, Elegance and R-Line), and Arteon R-line 4MOTION. The offers are on until the end of February 2023.

Until March 31, 2023, there will also be a Volkswagen Genuine Services aftersales campaign. During the campaign period, owners who spend a minimum of RM800 at any authorised Volkswagen service centre in Malaysia will receive an RM30 official merchandise voucher. The vouchers can put owners in the running to win more merchandise, including the highly sought-after Volkswagen sun chairs.

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VW

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

VW Malaysia Announces Airbag Related Recall For Models Manufactured Between 2010 and 2014

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

Volkswagen Passat Ninth-Gen Debuts As A Wagon Only Variant

No Maintenance Costs For An Extra 2 Years With Certain Volkswagen Models

Ford Explorer SUV Goes Fully Electric, With Volkswagen’s MEB Platform

Low-Cost Volkswagen EV To Go On Sale in 2025, Priced Under 25,000 Euros (RM120,000)

‘New’ Volkswagen ID.3 Unveiled As Second Generation Model

First Look At The Volkswagen ID.7… But It’s Still Camouflaged (w/VIDEO)

Special Offers From Volkswagen For Chinese New Year Of The Rabbit

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

VW Malaysia Announces Airbag Related Recall For Models Manufactured Between 2010 and 2014

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

Volkswagen Passat Ninth-Gen Debuts As A Wagon Only Variant

No Maintenance Costs For An Extra 2 Years With Certain Volkswagen Models

Ford Explorer SUV Goes Fully Electric, With Volkswagen’s MEB Platform

Low-Cost Volkswagen EV To Go On Sale in 2025, Priced Under 25,000 Euros (RM120,000)

‘New’ Volkswagen ID.3 Unveiled As Second Generation Model

First Look At The Volkswagen ID.7… But It’s Still Camouflaged (w/VIDEO)

Special Offers From Volkswagen For Chinese New Year Of The Rabbit

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