A year after officially announcing the end of its production, Volkswagen has produced a final tribute to the iconic Beetle. Taking the celebration of life to the world stage, the ‘People’s Car” is honoured in an animated short film entitled ‘The Last Mile’. It will debut during ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020’ on an American TV station.
The animated film details the story of a boy whose major life events—from childhood to elderly age—are shaped and influenced by the presence of a Beetle. Fans of the classic-bodied car may recognize details of past advertising campaigns as well as pop culture references such as cameos from Kevin Bacon’s character in ‘Footloose’ and artist Andy Warhol.
A rendition of ‘Let it Be’, the 1970 Beatles song, performed by the Pro Musica Youth Chorus serves as the soundtrack throughout the animation. The film ends with a not-so-subtle wink and nod to Volkswagen’s electrified future.
“The Beetle is easily one of the most recognizable cars in the history of automobiles,” said Saad Chehab, Senior Vice-President, VW brand Marketing. “Honouring it properly required a medium with just as much versatility and universal appeal as the car itself. While we chose the classic Beetle as the star of the animation, additional campaign components in Times Square honour the latter two generations of cars and their place and presence in American culture. We are proud of our past but our eye is on the future – hence our choice of New Year’s Eve to hint at our upcoming long-range EV and the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport.”
The Atlas Sport SUV and the new Volkswagen brand logo.
Complementing the film’s debut during New Year’s Eve festivities in the USA, Volkswagen will adorn New York City’s Times Square with a celebration of films, messages, and hints at its future brand design, including the more modern Volkswagen logo. Utilizing multiple billboards and digital spaces, the future of the brand’s Drive Bigger messaging and images of the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport will be on full display as the clock ticks down to 2020.
As the electric car era approaches, it’s not just new types of vehicles that are needed but also supporting services, especially to recharge the battery packs. Unlike the petrol station network which is the product of many decades and has global coverage, battery recharging points and stations are only just beginning to be set up.
For companies that invest in recharging stations, there is a need to ensure sufficient demand and usage so as to get returns on their investment. That time is coming as the population of EVs (and also plug-in hybrids) rises and more vehicles need to be recharged daily.
Volkswagen is also exploring other approaches and has provided a glimpse into the future in which the search for charging stations becomes unnecessary. Instead, mobile charging robots will take over this task, going to the vehicle completely autonomously. After it is started via app or V2X communication, the mobile robot drives itself to the vehicle that needs charging and communicates with it.
Everything done autonomously
From opening the charging socket flap to connecting the plug to decoupling, the entire charging process occurs without any human interaction. The robot brings a trailer in the form of a mobile energy storage device to the vehicle and connects it. It then uses this energy storage device to charge the battery of the electric vehicle. The mobile energy storage device stays with the vehicle during the whole charging process. The robot, in the meantime, charges other electric vehicles. Once the charging service is complete, the robot collects the energy storage device and brings it back to the charging station.
“The mobile charging robot will spark a revolution when it comes to charging in different parking facilities, such as multistorey car parks, parking spaces and underground car parks because we bring the charging infrastructure to the car and not the other way around. With this, we are making almost every car park electric, without any complex individual infrastructural measures,” explained Mark Moller, Head of Development at Volkswagen Group Components. “It’s a visionary prototype, which can be made into reality quite quickly, if the general conditions are right,” he added.
Volkswagen Group Components is researching different approaches to the assembly of charging infrastructure and has already developed several successful products. The flexible quick charging station and DC wall boxes are already part of a future charging family. Customer-oriented, intelligent and flexible approaches to charging are at the centre of the research. Other innovative products such as the charging robot are currently being developed.
Autonomous, compact and flexible
The prototype consists of a compact, self-driving robot as well as flexible and agile energy storage devices, also known as ‘battery wagons’. When fully charged, these are equipped with an energy content of around 25 kWh each. A charging robot can move several battery wagons at the same time. With its integrated charging electronics, the energy storage device allows for DC quick charging with up to 50 kW on the vehicle.
The robot, which can move autonomously, is fitted with cameras, laser scanners and ultrasonic sensors. The combination of these systems not only allows the robot to carry out the charging process completely autonomously but also to move around freely in the parking area, recognising possible obstacles and to react to them appropriately. Depending on the size of the parking area or the underground carpark, several charging robots can be employed simultaneously so that several vehicles can be attended to.
The mobile charging robot can be put to use in various ways. It isn’t just a robot arm that connects a car to a fixed charging station. Instead, drivers have the choice to park in any available space, independent of whether a charging station is free or not. The robot brings the charging station in the form of a mobile energy storage device directly to the vehicle.
For operators of different parking facilities this is a quick and easy solution to electrify every parking space. “This approach has an enormous economic potential,” said Moller. “The constructional work as well as the costs for the assembly of the charging infrastructure can be reduced considerably through the use of the robots.”
The compact design of the charging robot is perfectly suited for use in restricted parking areas without charging infrastructures, such as underground carparks. Even the well-known problem of a charging station being blocked by another vehicle will no longer exist with this concept.
Owners can also install the ID. Charger, a unit developed by Volkswagen, in their homes.
36,000 places to recharge by 2025
The project is among Volkswagen’s initiatives to establish a charging infrastructure at many levels. Together with its dealers, the company aims to install a total of 36,000 charging points throughout Europe by 2025. A large proportion of these will be in public areas.
Volkswagen is also launching its own wallbox for home charging called the ID. Charger. And as a co-founder of the IONITY joint venture, Volkswagen participates in installing 400 fast-charging parks on major European highways. Medium-term, charging an EV is to become as easy as charging a smartphone.
The ‘12-12’ fever starts peaking tonight and Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is joining in the celebration of the ‘double 12’ date that is the theme of a shopping carnival.
VPCM will participate with a first-of-its-kind Instagram-exclusive sale on Instagram for just one day (24 hours). 12 units of the Volkswagen Polo with the JOIN accessories package and 12 units of the Beetle with a free spoiler and VW Tint will be sold on Volkswagen Malaysia’s Instagram shop (@volkswagenmalaysia) at RM12,000 less than the regular retail prices.
To enjoy the exclusive deals, customers need to place a booking fee of RM500 for the Polo or RM1,000 for the Beetle on the payment platform using a credit card. Once processed, customers will receive a call from a Volkswagen representative for arrangements on their preferred dealership and to complete the registration and delivery of the vehicle.
Only 12 units of the Polo and Beetle with the free extras and RM12,000 discount will be available throughout Thursday (12.12). If you miss the opportunity to get one of them, you can still get the Polo with savings of up to RM6,000 and the Beetle with savings of up to RM5,000 but you must place a booking before December 31, 2019.
All Volkswagen models come with 3-years of free scheduled maintenance, a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty and 5-years of complimentary roadside assistance.
“Volkswagen Malaysia were pioneers in this when we partnered with Lazada to sell the special edition Beetle and Polo during their 12.12 sale the past two years. Both editions sold out almost immediately, and this year, we continue our trailblazing streak as the very first automotive brand in the country to sell products on Instagram. We look forward to making history,” said Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM.
This is the first time an automotive brand is selling cars on its social media platform in Malaysia and Mr. Winter believes that purchasing a car online is now the new norm with the rise of e-commerce platforms.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has found that online shopping is popular even for cars and has been working with Lazada on a few occasions to offer special editions of its models. Last year, it offered 11 units of a Polo in a Black & White edition.
As the owners of the all-new Volkswagen Golf 8 receive their cars, they will be pleasantly surprised to learn either from the sales representative or read in the manual that the standard inspection service interval has been doubled to 24 months.
However, for the all-electric ID range, maintenance requirements will be different but Volkswagen will only release information at launch time.
For selected markets only
Referring to the change as a ‘new maintenance concept’, the extended interval is offered to customers in Europe, South Korea, Japan and New Zealand. Following the Golf 8, other models will also have extended service intervals in the course of 2020.
The all-new Golf 8
“The high quality of our vehicles allows us to double the inspection service interval in Europe to 24 months. We are therefore one of the few volume brands to call our customers into the workshops less frequently. In addition, our new standard inspection service is to replace the previous service. This way, we are considerably simplifying the maintenance program and making it more transparent for our customers and partners,” said Achim Schaible, Head of the After Sales & Dealer Network of the Volkswagen brand.
The new standard inspection replaces the previous format of large and small inspection. The standardized content of maintenance and new intervals allow more reliable and more transparent price information, which has a considerable impact on perceived service quality and therefore customer satisfaction.
Other markets
Volkswagen explains that, in other markets, more severe operating conditions such as heat or dust will still require annual servicing of vehicles. Therefore, for now, whatever service intervals are specified by distributors will be maintained. In Malaysia, an interval of 12 months or 15,000 kms is specified by Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia for current models.
For the Malaysian market, service intervals will be maintained at the current 12 months or maximum of 15,000 kms.
Motorists would usually welcome extended service intervals as it means having to go to the service centre less. A longer service interval also helps reduce motoring costs but the conditions must be adhered to, eg the engine oil used must be what is specified by the manufacturer. The oil would have to be able to provide proper lubrication and protection for up to 12 months.
While increasing intervals are good, there can also be a downside. Just as the human body can do with regular check-ups to detect any health issues early and address them, a car would also need regular check-ups to ensure that everything is running properly. Of course, with many electronic monitoring systems present, the driver is likely to be alerted if something is malfunctioning. There are even sensors to keep an eye on tyre pressures and if one tyre is under-inflated, the driver will be alerted.
There may come a day when servicing is no longer required at all and the bonnet can be ‘sealed’. However, with the transition to electric vehicles, servicing requirements will be different again and at present, it is expected that they will definitely be less than for vehicles with internal combustion engines.
Visit www.volkswagen.com.my to know more about aftersales services available in Malaysia.
The GVE Asia Group joins the Volkswagen dealership network in Malaysia as a new business partner of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM). The group has experience in retailing luxury and premium models and operates used car dealerships, sales and aftersales and other automotive related services.
It has acquired the existing Volkswagen Sg. Besi outlet in Kuala Lumpur which was previously operated by Wearnes as its first entry into the Volkswagen network. The outlet is a full-fledged 3S dealership so Volkswagen owners can get everything they need for their vehicles at one location.
With built-up area of over 75,181 sq. ft. on two floors, the showroom can display up to 9 vehicles. The aftersales facilities in accordance with Volkswagen’s global standards and customers can relax in a comfortable waiting lounge complete with cable TV, Wi-Fi and cafe.
“We thank Wearnes for being part of the Volkswagen family. We’ve seen many years of growth, and their service to the brand has been invaluable,” said Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM. “At the same time, it gives me great pleasure to welcome GVE Asia Group into the network. I look forward to a fruitful partnership as we continue to build the Volkswagen brand together and to meet the needs of our customers.”
To know more about Volkswagen products and services or to locate other authorised dealerships in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
The seventh concept car of the Volkswagen ID. family has just been unveiled at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show and it’s called the Volkswagen ID. Space Vizzion. As the name intended, the vehicle defines a completely new segment by combining aerodynamic properties of a Gran Turismo with the ample space commonly associated with SUVs. (more…)
There was a time when the Volkswagen Golf was the de facto go to car if you wanted something cheap and reliable as your daily runner.
Today though, the Golf is far from cheap (in Malaysia at least), but for some, it is still the ideal day to day companion.
Price & Competition:
At RM178,110, this Golf 1.4 TSI R-Line with Sound & Style package is punching above its weight; it is up against some of the finest from Europe and Japan.
Take the new Mazda CX-5 Turbo for example, it offers more living room, more power and comes with the decades old seal of Japanese reliability. A seal trusted by many.
Then there is the BMW 1-Series, the entry-level pawn to the world of Bavarian motoring. The Golf may better in some aspects, but let’s face it, in Malaysia, a BMW holds a lot more bling-factor than VW when arriving at a family dinner party. That’s just how we roll.
What is it like?
There are many other great options in the market too that would happily thumb their nose at the VW. So, what’s the case for the Golf then?
A lot actually. As I found out after a couple of days with one.
I like its size for one. It makes it easier to “kung-fu” your way around traffic jams and snug into parking lots.
I also like the interior and its fine quality, decent leg and shoulder space. Maybe not for the rear passengers though as it can get quite cramped back there.
It is also surprisingly quiet at all speeds, something that I think is extremely important in modern cars. Find a car with great insulation and you will be one step closer to finding the perfect car.
What we like about it:
Features like cruise control are nifty to have, but it is features like a Speed Limiter that make my list of must haves in a car. Why? Well, I spend a significant amount of time on highways, and I sometimes involuntarily creep into speeds that will amuse the “pak ciks” sitting beneath the overhead passes. They have sent me a couple of letters telling me how they are such big fans of my speeding habits.
These days I prefer to set the limit and just let my mind wander. Speed guns have nothing on a car with a speed limiter.
Friends say I’m getting dull, but I have come to appreciate regular, negligible features such as an auto dimming rear view mirror, rear air-conditioning vents, dual-zone temperature control. In fact I appreciate these features so much that anything lesser just doesn’t cut it anymore.
And there’s also features like the app-connect smartphone connectivity that launches either the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto applications, depending on which part of the never ending apple vs android war you are aligned to.
You access these apps via a 12.3-inch high-definition touch screen display that seems more like an on-board computer screen than an entertainment unit. Which is a good thing, simply because you spend so much time in a car that entertainment and the way you access it is important. You could have 500hp under your right foot, but when you’re stuck in traffic all that power is useless. A good entertainment system though goes a long way, traffic or not.
And this particular model with its sound and style package has quite a bit of entertainment to offer since it comes with a 300W Helix sound bar placed in the booth (seen below). This gives you rich bass that wouldn’t be out of place in a Dr Dre rap video, and makes you want to take the long way home since you would probably want to spend more time with your 90s hip-hop playlist.
The package also gives you aluminium sports pedal and side scuff plates, but the sound bar is easily the coolest part about this package. If you don’t mind the RM4,000 premium over the standard golf and don’t mind sacrificing some space in the booth, spend on the Sound & Style package.
Engine, Power and Performance:
When it comes to driving it, the Golf offers a plush ride, dull but precise handling and an aura that matches its expensive price tag. Of course not as indulging as its elder siblings, the GTI or the R, but there’s always a little hint that it wants to play behind all that vanilla character. Perhaps it is the R-line specific design with the rear spoiler, sill extension and 17-inch wheels, or perhaps it is the way it holds on to its gears in Sport mode, and lets you ride the wall of torque just the way a classic hot hatch would. Either way, there is a fun side to the Golf, but it runs out of breath pretty quickly.
That’s not to say that it is a sports car on a budget since the 1.4-litre TSI engine only makes 150PS (147hp) and 250Nm of torque. But to make it feel sportier than it really is, it offers three driving modes – Sports, Normal and Eco – and another called Individual that lets you customize how the steering feels, how quickly the throttle responds to your foot and how quickly the seven gears shift. It doesn’t do anything to the suspension though, so you could ask the car to be at its sportiest, but you can’t do anything about its softish suspension, which kinda takes the fun away.
Sportiness may not be part of this Golf though, but fuel economy definitely is. It’s 50-litre tank capable of taking you past the 600km mark depending on whether you tickled the pedal or consistently stomp the hell out it.
Should you buy it?
So why isn’t such a well-sorted car enjoying brisk-er sales in Malaysia?
When it comes to the asking price, the Golf sits in a rather awkward position. It sits in a spot where buyers who have the money are willing to pay the RM50,000 or so for a Mercedes-Benz or a BMW. Because that amount translates to just a few hundred Ringgit in monthly installments and just a few thousand more in downpayment. So why the hell not?
But that’s probably the only case against the Golf considering there really isn’t much not to like.
You could argue that its rather expensive for a hatchback, but that would be missing the point of a modern Golf. It may have been go-to car for cheap and cheerful cars once upon a time ago, but the Golf has grown up to be one that pampers and indulges your senses in a way only a continental car can. And that means forking out more money.
But then again, if you don’t give a damn about the brand like some of us and would get a Golf because you like well-engineered cars, I’d say hold back a little longer and go for the complete package instead – the GTI. That’s where things get serious very quickly.
In Malaysia, as in most countries, it is a legal requirement to have a vehicle registered and roadtax paid annually plus there must be insurance coverage, in order to drive on public roads. Those with very old vehicles may opt to save on insurance premiums by buying cheaper third-party coverage, which pays compensation only to other parties in the event of an accident. They will not be able to make claims for damage to their own vehicle.
For those with relatively new vehicles, comprehensive insurance coverage is usually chosen. In fact, if the vehicle is under a H-P loan, it is a must as the bank needs to be assured it will be compensated if the vehicle is stolen or written-off in an accident. This covers not only third-party compensation but also provides for compensation for loss of the vehicle or repair costs to restore it after an accident.
The Volkswagen Insurance Plan (VIP) is available from all authorised Volkswagen dealers in Malaysia.
Of course, just like other types of insurance (health, life, house, etc), you buy insurance hoping that you never have to call up the insurance company to make a claim. But, apart from being a mandatory requirement for vehicles, it gives peace of mind that you are ‘covered’. Should you one day have an accident or the vehicle is stolen, you will be so glad that there is compensation for the loss and you don’t have to pay yourself.
Exclusively for Volkswagen owners
Generally, comprehensive insurance policies for motor vehicles offer similar benefits which focus mainly on compensation in the event of loss or damage. However, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) believes that its customers deserve more and working with a group of leading insurance companies, it has formulated the Volkswagen Insurance Plan (VIP) exclusively for Volkswagen owners.
Owners of older Volkswagen models can also enjoy all the extra benefits of VIP.
VIP is just one of the elements in its Volkswagen Cares commitment to give the best to every customer. Whether you are owning a Volkswagen for the first time or have one which has been a trusted member of the family for years, VIP is available with its enhanced benefits that go beyond just compensation. VIP is available only from authorized Volkswagen dealers in Malaysia and the insurance policy can be purchased at any time.
Should the vehicle be disabled or seriously damaged due to an accident, having VIP ensures that reliable and authorized towing services are used. The assistance to call the towing service will be handled by the VIP 24-hour Roadside Assistance and the vehicle will be transported to the nearest authorized Volkswagen service centre. Such assistance would prove valuable especially if there is an accident and stress levels are high. Just call the toll-free number 1-800-88-2389 and help will be on its way.
Why get VIP?
The value of VIP will also be demonstrated when a claim has to be made. Those who have had to make such claims themselves know that the process can be time-consuming and even frustrating in some cases. Apart from submitting the claim, there is a need to wait for the adjuster to come and assess the damage and decide on the cost the insurance company is willing to cover.
When you have VIP, claims are prioritised and repairs can start faster.
VIP takes all that away for claims below RM30,000 because the claim will be prioritized the moment the vehicle enters the service centre. The Volkswagen staff, who are familiar with the process, will assist in all aspects and obtain approval to start repairs as fast as possible. In fact, the owner is unlikely to have to personally be involved other than to provide the required documents, sign on the Claim Form and receive updates on the repair work. It’s as good as being a VIP (Very Important Person)!
Refinishing and repainting are done in accordance with Volkswagen AG’s strict standards, restoring the car to its original condition.
Extra benefits
Some insurance companies impose what is known as a ‘betterment charges’. This can run to thousands of ringgit because the insurance industry sees repairs which use brand new parts as improving the condition of the car in relation to its actual age. This means that if a 10-year old car has new headlights installed because the old ones were completely destroyed, the ‘age’ of the car in that area differs. For this, the insurance company will impose the betterment charge which sometimes catches owners by surprise.
Volkswagen owners who have VIP do not have to worry about this charge because it is waived for vehicles up to 10 years old. They will not have to pay anything extra for brand new genuine parts as required for the repairs. Everything related to restoring their vehicle to proper running condition will be done by certified technicians with materials that meet Volkswagen AG’s high standards. It is important to note that because it is an authorized service centre, only Genuine Parts will be used to repair your vehicle.
Only Volkswagen Genuine Parts are used and all work is done by certified technicians.
The premiums for VIP will be in accordance with prevailing industry levels. At this time, Allianz General Insurance Berhad and Etiqa General Takaful Berhad are the partner panel insurers collaborating with VPCM to offer the Volkswagen Insurance Plan.
“With VIP, all Volkswagen owners regardless of model, can enjoy quality services and roadside assistance at the best value under a comprehensive plan catered exclusively just for them,” says Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM. “Our owners are at the core of everything we do and providing this added service to them at our dealerships also ensures that the entire process is streamlined and more convenient, making our Volkswagen dealerships a one-stop centre for customer convenience and peace of mind.”
While the many new models and concept cars at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show are still grabbing attention, Volkswagen has had the world premiere of the new Golf – one of the world’s bestselling cars of all time. It is now starting the eighth generation and the carmaker describes it as ‘digitalised, connected, and intuitive to operate’. It is the first Volkswagen to use swarm intelligence from traffic via Car2X, meaning it can warn against hazards on an anticipatory basis.
“Over the course of seven generations, the Golf has impressed more than 35 million customers. The entire automobile industry expects a new Golf to set the standard”, explained Dr. Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG., declaring that, in terms of its technology, the Golf is making the greatest leap forward since its debut.
Ralf Brandstätter, Chief Operating Officer of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, added: “This car is completely new. But of course, a Golf always remains a Golf. Because the underlying concept is timeless. This car has defined our brand over decades. The Golf has consistently made new technologies available for everyone.”
It is a fact that the new Golf makes sustainable mobility accessible to many people. What’s more, with this Golf Volkswagen is moving to digitalised, self-explanatory operation. Klaus Bischoff, Head Designer at Volkswagen has this to say: “In a world where complexity is ever-increasing, the new Golf allows the driver to operate the vehicle intuitively. Practically all displays and controls are digital: the new instruments and online infotainment systems meld together into a display landscape featuring touch buttons and touch sliders.”
5 hybrid drives
With the new Golf, Volkswagen has started a hybrid offensive, with no less than 5 hybrid drive versions. Its debut also celebrates 48V technology: a belt starter generator, 48V lithium-ion battery pack and the latest generation of efficient TSI engines form a new mild hybrid drive in the eTSI. Tangible benefits – consumption has been cut by up to 10% and the car is said to be extremely agile and comfortable when moving off. There will be three eTSI outputs: 110 ps, 130 ps and 150 ps.
The eighth generation will also be available as two plug-in hybrid drive (PHEV) variants. A new efficiency version generates 204 ps while the very sporty GTE delivers 245 ps. Both Golf PHEV versions will launch with a new 13 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that enables further electrically-powered ranges of approximately 60 kms, and temporarily turns the Golf into a zero-emissions vehicle.
Petrol and diesel consumption savings of up to 17%
For markets where conventional powertrains will be more in demand, the drive options for the new Golf also include a petrol (TSI), diesel (TDI) and natural gas drive (TGI); two 4-cylinder petrol engines with 90 ps and 110 ps; two 4-cylinder diesel engines with 115 ps and 150 ps;, and a TGI with 130 ps.
The new TSI variants are claimed to have particularly low consumption values and emissions, thanks to elements including the innovative TSI Miller combustion process. An innovation in the TDI powertrains is twin-dosing technology (two SCR catalytic converters) to significantly reduce nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) by up to 80%; in addition, TDI consumption is said to be lowered by up to 17% compared with its predecessor.
Consistently connected, Car2X as standard
The systems have not only been linked to each other, but thanks to an online connectivity unit (OCU), they have also been connected to the world outside the Golf. The standard OCU featuring integrated eSIM links to ‘We Connect’ and ‘We Connect Plus’ online functions and services. The new Golf is also the first Volkswagen to connect with its environment as standard, via Car2X. Signals from the traffic infrastructure and information from other vehicles up to 800 metres away are notified to the driver via a display. The Golf also shares these warnings with other Car2X models. Swarm intelligence is becoming a reality, representing the beginning of a new phase of traffic safety.
First deliveries from the Wolfsburg factory start in December 2019 with progressive introduction in global markets during 2020. As the UK market will get the righthand drive variants during the first quarter of 2020, it would be possible for Malaysia to also see the new Golf 8 by the second quarter of the year.
Over 35 million Golfs in various versions have been produced worldwide since the first generation, 26 million of them at Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg plant in Germany. Now, the new generation –referred to as Golf 8 – is on the lines and the first cars will be in the showrooms in Germany and Austria in early December. The model will be launched on October 24.
To prepare for production, approximately 700 work steps were analyzed at over 400 workshops to leverage existing efficiency reserves. Numerous process improvements have been implemented to make sure the eighth generation of the bestseller can be built more efficiently than its predecessor.
The Golf 8 has over 2,700 individual parts and components with 962 wiring systems and 1,340 metres of cable. That is 31 wiring systems and just under 100 metres of cable more than in the Golf 7.
One hour cut in production time
“The Golf 8 is much more complex than its predecessor. Nevertheless, we have cut average manufacturing time by about one hour. Because the Golf 8 belongs to the second-generation of MQB products, we achieved a significant reduction in production investments. Our platform strategy is delivering. The team in Wolfsburg have given their all for the Golf 8. Production processes have become more efficient overall. That is a great achievement and I would like to say a big thank you to all employees,” said Dr. Andreas Tostmann, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Production.
Due to greater standardization of plant and processes for the Golf 8, ramp-up investments for a successful start of production have been cut by more than half compared with the model’s predecessor. Total investments for the new Golf are in the mid three-digit million euro range. Given the current platform strategy, 80% of existing body shop plant and equipment can be used. New equipment has been installed for the side panels of the Golf 8 with their striking tornado line. This new plant is not only much more flexible but it is also 40% more productive.
Autonomous logistics in the Wolfburg factory
Commissioning the Golf 8, i.e. installing all data, is fully automated and carried out via a fast WLAN network while the vehicle is still on the production line. As a result, manufacturing time for this process step remains unchanged even though the volume of data is higher. From next year, a new fully-automated generation of driverless transport systems will ensure the faster supply of material, a key factor in efficient factory processes. Body shop logistics will see a 7% improvement in productivity through the use of 23 transport robots. Incidentally, starting with delivery of the steel sheet, the Golf travels 69 kms on production lines until the finished car leaves the factory.
To know more about Volkswagen models available in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
