VW Archives

Piston.my

VW

LOOKING BACK – Evolution of the original Hot Hatch

Launched at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in September 1975, the first Volkswagen Golf GTI was a fresh and wild newcomer. Going on sale the following year, it stormed into an automotive category that hadn’t actually existed until that moment – the sporty front-wheel drive compact car, or what would come to be called ‘hot hatches’. Until that time, hatchbacks had been just more utilitarian cars without a performance image.

Originally, Volkswagen expected to sell 5,000 units but the affordable Golf GTI, with driving dynamics previously relegated to the world of expensive sports cars brought to the masses, saw all the production gone from showrooms within a very short time.

Consequently, the carmaker replanned for more and a total of 461,690 units of the Golf GTI of the first generation left the production lines at Wolfsburg. With seven generations to date, it has become the world’s most successful compact sportscar.

Mark 1 (1976 – 1983)
In 1974, half a dozen staff members at Volkswagen came up with a secret plan to develop a sporty version of the Golf. There was no official mandate to develop a ‘Sport Golf’, but Hermann Hablitzel, Board Member for Technology, was enthusiastic made sure the project kept going. Initial prototypes emerged and by early March 1975, the Sport Golf project was presented to Toni Schmucker, Chairman of the Board of Management, who gave it the green light.

As a result, the clandestine Sport Golf officially became development order ‘EA195’. It was paired with the right power unit – a fuel-injected engine generating 110 ps. However, the Sport Golf didn’t even have then. Suggestions included TS and GTS, but GTI got the most votes. At the same time, chief designer Herbert Schafer – a keen golfer – reinvented the shifter knob by simply attaching a golfball to the GTI’s selector rod!

The car was showcased in Frankfurt, receiving an enthusiastic media response. In June 1976, the Golf GTI Mk 1 was launched in Germany before going on to enjoy global success. The initial plan was to manufacture 5,000 units of this special product line to at least recoup the cost of development and the investment in production equipment.

However, things turned out rather differently as the GTI’s level of popularity was unexpected. The GTI had a top speed of 180 km/h, black wheelarch extensions, a black frame around the rear window, red edging around the radiator grille, plaid sport seats, that golfball shifter knob, and a sport steering wheel.

Mark 2 (1984 – 1992)
The second generation of the Golf GTI perpetuated the concept and design DNA of the first generation. The GTI’s insignia – in particular, the red strip in the radiator grille and the plaid sport seats – became classic design features and the newcomer ultimately also became an icon.

In 1984, its year of launch, the engine output briefly dropped to 107 ps as a result of the fitment of a catalytic converter. But 2 years later, Volkswagen engineers offset the loss of power with a new 16-valve unit generating 129 ps. By 1990, the G-Lader supercharged engine in the Golf GTI G60 boosted output to 160 ps, accelerating the performance increases for the model.

Mark 3 (1991 – 1998)
Restyled for the third generation, the dual headlights of the previous generation had now been concealed behind a shared lens and the engine output started from 115 ps. One year later, the number rose to 150 ps with a new 16-valve engine.

In 1996, a turbocharged diesel version (TDI) generating 110 ps enhanced the GTI concept. Years later, petrol and diesel engines would be divided once and for all into GTI and GTD.

Mark 4 (1998 – 2005)
The fourth generation of the GTI, introduced in 1998, was modest in terms of GTI styling. It was the first and only GTI to do away with classic cues including the red strip in the radiator grille. Nevertheless, the hot hatch still became a design icon, celebrated today as the starting point of a new, cleaner era of vehicle design.

In terms of technology, the 150-ps Golf GTI Mk4 was a car that kept competitors at arm’s length with its agility and quality. The petrol engines—with 4 and 5 cylinders—generated up to 170 ps while turbodiesel engines delivered a maximum of 150 ps. In 2001, celebrating the icon’s first quarter century was a turbocharged ‘25 years of GTI’ special edition generating 180 ps.

Mark 5 (2004 – 2009)
In September 2003, Volkswagen unveiled a prototype of the fifth-generation GTI in Frankfurt. More than ever before, GTI had become synonymous with outstanding compact-car handling. The production version appeared at the Paris Motor Show the following year, going on sale from November.

Its hallmarks were a significantly sharper look, a 200-ps turbocharged engine and of course, even better handling. The GTI concept was propelled into the future with this version. The new Denver design wheels and the black, V-shaped radiator grille were particularly striking features.

The new turbocharged engine also delivered plenty of power, rocketing the GTI (with a manual gearbox) from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. With the new dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG), the time fell to 6.9 seconds. The top speed reached 235 km/h. On the 30th anniversary in 2006, the engineers delivered a special edition with an output of 230 ps.

Mark 6 (2009 – 2012)
For the sixth generation, racing legend Hans-Joachim Stuck was brought in to help refine the car’s suspension and handling. It featured an electronic differential lock (XDS) for the first time. With a top speed of almost 240 km/h, this GTI had a turbocharged engine generating 210 ps as standard. A sound generator and a new exhaust system, with a tailpipe on either side, delivered sound to match the drive experience.

In 2011, the GTI was made available with a convertible variant for the first time. Again, the engineers produced a special anniversary version, the Golf GTI Edition 35, which had a 235 ps engine.

The new GTI flagship was presented at the Nurburgring and it was the first to come very close to reaching 250 km/h. Thanks to a power-to-weight ratio of 5.9 kg/ps, the GTI had become faster than ever before, reaching 100 km/h from rest within 6.6 seconds.

Mark 7 (2013 – 2020)
The seventh generation of the GTI arrived with two engine outputs for the first time in early 2013. The basic version delivered 220 ps, while the Golf GTI Performance went up to 230 ps. The latter was the first Golf GTI to feature an electronically-controlled torque-sensing limited-slip differential and to be constructed on the modular transverse matrix (MQB).

This new platform cut the GTI’s weight by up to 42 kgs compared with its predecessor, allowing it to be even more agile. With a manual transmission, it was the first Golf GTI to reach 250 km/h.

It formed the basis for the Golf GTI Clubsport, introduced in November 2015, with an engine output of 290 ps, thanks to an overboost function. The 0 – 100 km/h time of 5.9 seconds was easily achieved.

A year later, the Golf GTI Clubsport S – with an output of 310 ps – smashed the previous record for front-wheel drive cars around the Nurburgring’s Nordschleife in 7:49:21 minutes, during which time it reached a top speed of 264 km/h.

From mid-2020…
More than 2.3 million units of the Golf GTI were produced by the end of 2019. After 45 years, Volkswagen has again reinvented the icon for the latest generation. The 8th generation GTI has revolutionary ideas with evolutionary development to become a fully-fledged sportscar. It is the first Golf GTI of the digital age.

A new Vehicle Dynamics Manager control system controls the XDS electronic differential lock, front-axle locking differential functions, and also the lateral dynamics ratio of the controllable damping system (DCC) that forms part of the new GTI running gear set-up.

The 245 ps 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine is now standard. It is coupled with a manual 6-speed gearbox, a firm favourite with sportscar purists. The quick-shifting 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) is also available as an alternative.

UX designers developed a new GTI graphic for the standard Digital Cockpit. It is made up of a combination of 3 round meters which can be individually assigned to show, for instance, the engine’s boost pressure or the current power output.

Visit www.volkswagen.com.my to know more about Volkswagen models in Malaysia.

Digital Cockpit of new VW Golf 8 brings revolutionary new features to the driver

Revised prices for Volkswagen models in Malaysia

Here are the revised prices of Volkswagen models distributed by Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) which will be effective from June 15, 2020:

Volkswagen 2020 Prices With Sales Tax Exemption — *Note: Prices do not include registration fees and insurance premiums.*

♦ For locally-assembled models, the exemption of Sales Tax is 100% of the 10% rate. The Volkswagen models applicable are the Polo, Vento, Tiguan and Passat. These are assembled at the plant within the HICOM Automotive Manufacturers complex in Pekan, Pahang.

♦ For models imported in completely built-up (CBU) form, the exemption of Sales Tax is 50% of the 10% rate, which is 5%. Models which are CBU are the Golf R-Line, Golf GTI and Golf R.

♦ The Sales Tax exemption is only applicable to 2020 models and will be allowed up till December 31, 2020.

♦ All the models listed come with 3-years of free maintenance, a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty and 5 years of complimentary roadside assistance (terms and conditions apply).

Current promotion
On top of the price reduction, customers can also get additional savings such as the first 6 months of H-P instalments covered by VPCM. This offer is applicable to the Tiguan SUV and new vehicles must be registered by June 30, 2020. There are additional rebates and free home delivery service for customers when using the Volkswagen eShowroom to book online.

For more information or to locate an authorised Volkswagen dealership in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.

Customers who buy Volkswagens can have new vehicle delivered to their homes

Buy a VW Tiguan in June and you will save on 6 months of H-P instalments

Looking for a new SUV? If you choose the latest Volkswagen Tiguan, you can save money on the purchase provided you book and register it by June 30, 2020. For the first six months after your loan term commences, you will not have to pay any monthly instalment as Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will cover that amount for you.

Of course, how much you actually save depends on the financing you need (which must be taken from the recommended financial institutions) but on the assumption of a monthly instalment of RM1,630, you will save RM9,780.

VW Tiguan — *The Tiguan is available with a choice of four exterior colours.*

Save another RM4,000 more!
Do the booking online at the Volkswagen eShowroom and you’ll get an additional RM4,000 rebate, lowering the amount of financing you need to take on the H-P loan (terms and conditions apply).

But whether you choose to book online or directly with an authorised Volkswagen dealer, you still won’t need to pay any instalment in the first 6 months. That’s great in these times as your first payment would then be in January 2021.

For added convenience, the new vehicle can be delivered right your home with the free Volkswagen Home Delivery service, available to new owners located within 20 kms from dealerships.

Global bestseller
The Tiguan is Volkswagen’ global bestseller and is also one of the top three most popular SUVs in the world. It is currently in its second generation since the model was first introduced in 2007. For the Malaysian market, the SUV has a 150 ps/250 Nm 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged direct injection petrol engine with a 6-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG).

Despite its brisk performance, thanks to having a smaller engine displacement, the Tiguan can also be economical to run, and Volkswagen says it can travel up to 800 kms on a full tank of fuel.

A highlight is the Digital Cockpit which features a high-resolution display with a three-view customizable screen via the infotainment with over 30 combination options. The infotainment system has App-Connect which can use MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple Carplay to bring apps on smartphones to the dashboard.

Safety features are also extensive with 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Multi-collision brakes, Intelligent Crash Response System, Electronic Parking Brake as well as hill-hold control.

Visit www.volkswagen.com.my to know more or to make a booking online.

Volkswagen Tiguan has crossed 6-million mark and remains VW’s bestseller

Customers who buy Volkswagens can have new vehicle delivered to their homes

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly brought about changes in many ways, to the extent that we now have to adapt to what is known as the ‘new normal’. In the case of the car industry, dealers have now to follow new standard operating procedures to protect their customers as well as their employees.

Every dealership must now carry out temperature checks, provide and use hand sanitizers, practice social distancing, cashless payments and many now ask customers to wear facemasks as well. Understandably, there are still customers who are hesitant about going to a showroom, even if they have a new car to collect.

For such customers, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has a new initiative under its Hands campaign whereby the handover can be done without them having to go to the showroom. It’s a new option where the new vehicle will be delivered to the home of the new owner.

For convenience and safety of customers
Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM, said that the initiative showed the company’s evolution in keeping up with the new shopping habits of consumers. “With the introduction of this service, we are closing the loop and making it easy for our customers to buy a Volkswagen from the comfort and safety of their own homes. It is as simple as selecting their preferred model on the eShowroom, finalizing the sales process and having the new car delivered right to their doorstep,” he explained.

VW delivery — *If they prefer, customers will not have to go to the showroom to pick up their new Volkswagen and the dealership will send it to their home by a flatbed truck.*

The service is available nationwide from all authorized Volkswagen dealerships up to a distance of 20 kms from the dealership serving the customer No, it won’t be Grab delivering the new vehicle nor will a sales consultant be driving it. It will be put on a single flatbed carrier truck and fully covered in canvas to protect it from damage. The customer will not have to pay for the service.

Adhering to strict safety guidelines, the carrier trucks are also cleaned and disinfected before and after each delivery, with drivers regularly checked and practicing COVID-19 safety measures. Owners will receive an SMS notification once their new car has been collected and is en route to their doorstep. As added safety measure, the owner’s Welcome Kit and car keys will be safely placed in the locked car.

Volkswagen Deep Sanitisation package
For owners seeking additional peace of mind, the Volkswagen Deep Sanitisation service package is now available, and starts from as low as RM80. The treatment package works to eradicate more than 99% of germs and bacteria in the cabin, including the air-conditioning system.

For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.

Volkswagen’s ‘Buckle Up’ campaign educates children on importance of road and car safety

All-new Volkswagen Nivus to create new segment in Brazil

Brazil, though far from the major centres of the auto industry, is still an important location for some carmakers’ product development activities. The diversity of demographics, terrain and economy provides a rich environment to develop new models, especially for emerging markets.

Pandemic nothwithstanding, Volkswagen is planning the brand’s largest product campaign in South America this year. There will be at least 20 new product launches. One of them will be unveiled tomorrow and it is to be called the Nivus. It is expected to create a new segment in the Brazilian market where it will be sold initially.

Volkswagen Anchieta plant — The Anchieta plant in Brazil began operations in 1959 and was the first Volkswagen factory outsider Germany. Modernised over the years, it has produced a variety of models for the South American market and will be producing the new Nivus.

The vehicle is based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB) and will be built at the Anchieta plant using cutting-edge production processes. The new vehicle will also be available in Argentina later this year. Other South American markets will follow in 2021.

With an innovative design that combines SUV elements and coupe lines, it will be amongst the largest models within the small vehicle segment with a luggage compartment capacity of 415 litres. As a Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV), the Nivus offers ample vehicle interior space with an elevated seating position.

In the longer term, the Nivus will also go beyond the South American continent and become an international model for the German carmaker. Using the MQB platform means that it will be readily adaptable for production in other markets as well.

Volkswagen MQB — Introduced about 8 years ago, the MQB platform which the Nivus will ride on was developed as a flexible platform. It can be used for a wide range of model types cars from superminis class to midsized SUVs.

VW Saveiro — *Historically, Volkswagen has developed some models specially for the Brazilian market, like the Saveiro.*

The company has invested some €1.8 billion (about RM8.6 billion) in Brazil up to 2020 and under an organizational realignment made 3 years ago, the region has been given significantly greater independence in product development. Consequently, local management now has much more extensive decision-making flexibility, along with greater entrepreneurial responsibility.

Visit www.volkswagen.com.my to know more about products available in Malaysia and where to experience them.

Volkswagen Tiguan has crossed 6-million mark and remains VW’s bestseller

Volkswagen’s ‘Buckle Up’ campaign educates children on importance of road and car safety

In these times of the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of messages to the public focus on social distancing and personal hygiene to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. However, traffic accidents still happen and road and car safety are still important.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has not forgotten this and is taking an initiative to educate the younger generation on the importance of road and car safety. The company has created the ‘Buckle Up’ animation series on YouTube for children.

Targeting children 3 – 7 years old
Part of the brand’s social responsibility here in Malaysia, the entertaining series brings online the much-loved Volkswagen mascot, a familiar face and adored by children at roadshows and events. Specifically targeting children aged between 3 to 7 years old, the content is communicated in a fun and entertaining way and covers topics such as how to cross the road, understanding traffic lights and the importance of wearing a seatbelt.

“As a responsible brand, we are socially accountable to our stakeholders and the public – at the same time not forgetting the little ones. It is never too early for us to teach children how to keep safe, and we believe that in the long run, this will help them develop the right attitude and behaviour on the road. Of course, with children being more internet-savvy, the perfect avenue to communicate this is online” said Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM.

The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research reported that road accidents are the fourth common cause of death in Malaysia, and more than 1,500 children under the age of 10 died in road accidents from 2007 to 2017. Last year, Malaysia had the third highest fatality rate from road accidents in Asia, behind Thailand and Vietnam.

A follow-up campaign
Volkswagen first launched the ‘Buckle Up’ campaign in 2015 and partnered with the Association of Registered Child Care Providers Malaysia or PPBM to educate the general public on the importance of child passenger safety through training modules across 280 childcare centres nationwide.

Since then, Volkswagen has constantly communicated child safety through training modules to dealers at the Volkswagen Academy in Selangor, to customers and owners via dealership events, and on social media platforms.

The Volkswagen ‘Buckle Up’ campaign series is available on Volkswagen’s YouTube channel here. Parents are encouraged to subscribe to receive the latest updates and notifications when new episodes are added.

Volkswagen and Tarik Jeans collaborate to save the Malayan Tapir

Volkswagen teams up with Fender and Panasonic to develop superlative sound systems

Motorists spend a lot of time in their vehicles, commuting to work or heading out of the city on road trips. On such journeys, especially if alone, entertainment is from the audio system, either with music from radio stations or from their personal devices. If they are used to high-quality sound from their systems at home, then they would also appreciate the same quality when listening to their favourite tunes while on the road.

For this reason, many carmakers give extra attention to audio systems and try to provide the best possible with reproduction that is close to what can be enjoyed with home systems. Over the past 9 years, Volkswagen has worked with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation and Panasonic to bring music to life on the road with the Fender Premium Audio System to provide the highest level of in-car performance.

Fender, founded in Southern California, is a specialist company which makes some of the best musical instruments, amps and gear. It has established a worldwide influence that extends from the studio to the stage – and beyond. Nearly 7 decades since founder Leo Fender built his first electric guitar, Fender’s reach transcends instruments and accessories, encompassing a range of innovative digital experiences that make add ‘superlative’ to sound systems for Volkswagens.

Panasonic has worked with Fender on the sound systems for the German carmaker, with a team of engineers and music experts having spent hundreds of hours refining the optimal spatial performance, dynamics and frequency balance for a variety of musical genres, from classical to blues to pop.

The team’s goal is that the driver (or whoever’s in charge of the music) won’t need to tune further unless they are looking for a specific sound element. “We want to make sure we can strike a balance that’s really going to sound great for any genre you can throw at it,” said Dave Ernst, Senior Acoustics Engineer at Panasonic.

Fender VW Panasonic — *Engineers tuning the Fender Premium Audio in a Volkswagen.*

The Panasonic and Fender teams work closely to uphold the sound and ‘emotion of a live performance’ that makes the guitar brand so renowned, tailored to the specific Volkswagen model. They select the optimal speaker and amplifier components and fit them for the interior, managing the design trade-offs such as component dimensions, weight, and performance.

Advanced digital signal processing technology is used to reduce peaks and dips in frequency responses, account for asymmetry within the vehicle and manage sound that may reflect off areas like the windshield and door panels.

Fender Audio system — *Speaker placement is optimised for each model depending on the cabin environment and size.*

“We spend weeks listening to the system with different genres at different volumes in different settings,” said Ernst. A bass guitarist himself, he pays special attention to the role of the guitar when tuning the system. “We have to make sure we’re enhancing the character of the guitar without sounding too harsh. It’s about finding the right balance of energy.”

Following that, the team spends extensive time on the road, making sure roadway noises do not ruin the sound once the vehicle’s in motion. “That’s where you want to make sure you have enough bass that it really still sounds as good as possible,” he said.

Once it is complete, Ernst brings in musical artists to listen to their own work inside a Volkswagen. “That’s the most rewarding thing,” Ernst said. “These musicians have heard their music played back to them a hundred times, but not quite like this. I love watching them react to hearing their work.”

Volkswagen Atlas — *Fender audio systems are offered by Volkswagen in certain markets like North America.*

Most artists do not expect such a high calibre of sound from inside a vehicle. But as Ernst notes, most drivers listen to music, podcasts or audiobooks during their commutes or on occasional road trips, so it’s logical to put such emphasis on sound for this space.

Despite the many months spent engineering, Ernst says the process is more of an art than a science. “It’s a feeling,” he explained. “It’s when you get in a Volkswagen and think, ‘I could listen to music in this car for hours.’ That’s when you know you have made a quality system.”

Visit www.volkswagen.com.my to know more about Volkswagen models in Malaysia.

Volkswagen Tiguan has crossed 6-million mark and remains VW’s bestseller

All authorised Volkswagen service centres open for business

Volkswagen owners in Malaysia who have been waiting to send their vehicles to the service centres for required maintenance, deferred during the Movement Control Period (MCO), can now do so. – Following the recent announcement by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), automotive service centres can resume operations at full capacity.

As such, all authorised Volkswagen service centres in the country will now resume their operations. Showrooms will, however, remain closed for the time being while the MCO is in effect.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) said that its service dealers will adhered to the strict guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) required by MITI. In connection with this, a ‘Safe Hands’ campaign is adopted taking customers’ and employees’ health into consideration.

The new standard operating procedure includes contactless vehicle acceptance, video walk-throughs, sanitization before and after repair, and cashless payments with e-invoicing during the contactless car pick-up. Additionally, selected dealers will offer vehicle pick-up and drop-off arrangements.

Customers need to make an appointment in advance and are advised to contact their respective service centres for this. Those Volkswagen owners and frontliners who had previously booked their appointments via the Welcome Back campaign will receive priority slots, depending on availability.

“As we prepare to attend to the aftersales needs of our customers, we do this keeping in mind that social distancing is the new normal, and that hygiene and sanitization is now an essential part of daily precautionary measures. I am pleased to say that our ‘Safe Hands‘ SOP adheres to these new standards and will apply to all aspects of our business operations, and not just at our service centres,“ said Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM.

Mr. Winter added that other safety precautions implemented at service centres will include regular sanitization of the premises and regular temperature screenings on all staff and customers.

For further information or contact information for authorised service centres, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia shows appreciation for efforts of frontliners

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia shows appreciation for efforts of frontliners

To show appreciation to the nation’s frontliners in the War against COVID-19, Volkswagen Passengers Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has updated its ‘Welcome Back’ aftersales campaign announced earlier. The frontliners refer to the government hospitals doctors, nurses and administrators, personnel of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Malaysian Armed Forces as well as RELA and Malaysia Civil Defense (Angkatan Pertahanan Awam).

For this brave and dedicated group of Malaysians, there are additional benefits if they are Volkswagen owners. The benefits are a small token of appreciation to ease their burden and offer peace of mind.

The additional benefits include priority booking, complimentary car sanitization and a 10% discount off the total bill (terms and conditions apply). Volkswagen owners who are frontliners are required to indicate their respective occupational areas when registering online, and a Volkswagen representative will be in touch for verification.

Once verified, the additional benefits will be credited into their Volkswagen Cares App wallet and will be ready to be used for their pre-booked appointment. The appointment must be made within 30 days after the Movement Control Order is lifted.

The ‘Welcome Back’ campaign, announced earlier, offer Volkswagen owners a gift and an additional RM50 engine oil voucher (for owners not redeeming their free maintenance service and non-Volkswagen Cares Plus members).

To register and book an appointment, visit www.volkswagen.com.my where the Volkswagen Cares mobile app can be downloaded to enjoy the benefits.

Volkswagen prepares to welcome back owners in Malaysia after MCO ends

Volkswagen having virtual motor show online for 2 weeks

Following the cancellation of this year’s Geneva International Motor Show (which was to have been held last month), the Volkswagen brand show stand can now be visited online. Starting from today, visitors can ‘experience’ all the new models of the brand for 2 weeks.

Furthermore, they can do so at any time of the day, from their homes anywhere in the world. This would be welcome by people in the increasing number of countries where there is a lockdown or restricted movement.

Click here to go to the Volkswagen Virtual Motor Show

The 360° tour offers an interactive digital experience allowing visitors to be immersed in the motorshow. They can ‘stroll’ across the booth, view vehicles from all sides and also change colours and wheel rim configurations with the easy-to-use functions. This may well be the beginning of a new trend in the industry of presenting new models, given that social distancing will be emphasised in future.

“I am pleased that our marketing team has succeeded in making our booth available to all visitors despite the cancellation of the Geneva Motor Show. Virtually, they can experience our team’s attention to detail in the presentation of this show and our product highlights. Once again, this demonstrates that special situations call for special solutions,” said Jurgen Stackmann, Member of the Volkswagen brand Board of Management responsible for Sales, Marketing and After-Sales .

“We are convinced that we will be able to reach even more people in future through virtual show visits in addition to the real presentation of vehicles,” he added.

All the vehicles and the booth planned for Geneva have been digitally processed for the 360° experience and give visitors a 3-dimensional experience of being at the show. The main focus is on the new products of 2020 which range from the future electric vehicle ID.3 to the new R2 with plug-in hybrid technology. There is also the latest generation of the iconic sports versions of the Golf, the GTI, GTD and GTE.

Users take part in a guided tour of the booth but can control their visit individually. By clicking integrated additional features and interactive exhibits which allow vehicles to be displayed with different colours or wheel rims, users are encouraged to interact with the presentation.

“Our first digital booth is only the opening chapter in our new sustainable concept for future innovative online experiences,” said Jochen Sengpiehl, Chief Marketing Officer of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand. “Exploiting the opportunities offered by virtual reality is part of our digitalization strategy. It will become an integral component of our experience marketing, the entire external presentation of the brand and interaction with customers and fans.”