To the Point: CrossGolf New CrossGolf Unites SUV and MPV Worlds

Car body has powerful visual impact in the style of a compact SUV Interior based on the Golf Plus offers high level of variability

Fresh colors and strong ideas in well thought-out interior Four engines cover a power range from 102 HP to 140 HP

Wolfsburg, 24 January 2007 - The new CrossGolf is revving up. It unites the can-do qualities of a compact SUV and the versatility of a small MPV into a new crossover model. Like its little brother – the successful CrossPolo – this CrossGolf design also originates from Volkswagen Individual, the company’s internal division for vehicle refinement.

“Cross” stands for versatile concepts

• SUV and MPV. The acronym SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) refers to a more “well-mannered” version of the traditional off-road vehicle. The CrossGolf embodies the stamina and toughness of this vehicle type in its body and modified chassis. MPV means Multi Purpose Vehicle and refers to a van. The CrossGolf with its variable and spacious interior also bridges to this segment. Within its class the CrossGolf has no direct competitors.
• Powerful image. In its exterior design the CrossGolf exhibits features evocative of the SUV world. Continuous wrap-around cladding in anthracite color, a silver-colored roof rail and newly designed bumpers and radiator air inlets give it an impressive look. The CrossGolf has large 17-inch wheels, and its body is set 20 millimeters higher. The exclusive new color “Ice Silver Metallic” is available as an option.

“Cross” stands for cleverly crafted interiors

• Individual interior. The interior of the CrossGolf too offers a fresh, contrast-rich color world. The materials and colors of seat covers, door trim and silver-metallic cockpit components were developed especially for the new model. A three-spoke leather steering wheel, pedal caps in aluminum look and the “Climatic” climate control system round out the generous lineup of standard equipment.
• Clever ideas. The CrossGolf with front wheel drive is based on the Golf Plus Sportline. It too is distinguished by practical details such as folding tables on armrests of the standard front sport seats with storage bins underneath. The rear bench seat is split for variable folding and has longitudinal adjustment. When its center section is folded down, a table surface is created. Depending on the bench configuration the cargo volume of the trunk area behind the large rear hatch ranges between 395 and 505 liters. When the seatbacks are folded down as much as 1,450 liters cargo space is provided.
• Feeling of expansive space. The feeling of space generated in the CrossGolf is evocative of a compact SUV. Compared to the “clas­sic” Golf the front passengers sit 9.5 centimeters higher, and 10.5 centimeters higher in the rear. The CrossGolf gives passengers comfortable entry and exit via its four doors. Head room and foot room are generous in both front and rear seating.

Powerful technology

• Two gasoline and two diesel engines. Volkswagen is offering the CrossGolf in two gasoline and two diesel engine variants. The two diesels are equipped with a particulate filter. The entry-level gasoline engine delivers 75 kW / 102 HP, and the base TDI engine develops 77 kW / 105 HP. The top gasoline and diesel engine variants have identical power output: The TSI and the 2.0 TDI each deliver a powerful 103 kW / 140 HP. The view of the TSI is particularly intriguing. Thanks to twin charging by supercharger and turbocharger this direct injection gasoline engine exhibits exceptionally high torque and an agile engine charac­teristic. At the same time it demonstrates exceptional fuel economy. The TSI and either of the TDIs can be ordered with DSG dual clutch transmission as an option.
• Optimal safety. Like all Golf cars the CrossGolf also has the ESP electronic stabilization program together with counter-steering function and trailer stabilization, ABS and brake assist on board. Six airbags are also included as standard equipment.

Volkswagen brand closes 2006 as clear leader in most market segments

Almost every fifth vehicle sold in Germany is a VolkswagenW

Wolfsburg, 16 January 2007 - In 2006, Volkswagen models were the best-sellers in most market segments covered by Germany’s Federal Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Drivers (KBA). With a market share of 19.9 percent and 689,000 new registrations, the Volkswagen brand further expanded its undisputed leading position in Germany.

“Almost every fifth vehicle sold in Germany is a Volkswagen”, Stefan Müller, Head of Sales Germany, Volkswagen Passenger Car brand, commented. “Our young model range, combined with attractive financing and mobility programs such as the ‘anniversary package’, have convinced customers. The excellent sales performance in both the private customer and fleet customer sectors was also instrumental in bringing us the highest market share last year since 1994.”

The Golf confirmed its special position as Germany’s most popular car: new registrations of the Golf and Jetta in December 2006 totaled 21,659 units. This corresponds to a segment share of 28.9 percent and is by far the highest figure, both in the compact class and in a comparison of all models.

In the mini segment, the Volkswagen Fox clearly held pole position in December with 2,469 new registrations and a share of 19.6 percent. The Polo defended its top position in the small car segment, with 9,520 new registrations and a segment share of 16.3 percent. With 10,870 new registrations and a segment share of 22.1 percent, the Passat was yet again the best-seller in the mid-class.

The Eos showed a remarkable development: with a segment share of 15.0 percent and 1,211 new registrations in December, the Volkswagen convertible coupé topped the German convertible market for the sixth time since its launch in May 2006. The new Touran rounds off the best-seller list. Following the market launch of the new-design model mid-November 2006, the new Touran already returned to pole position in the van segment in December. 5,773 new registrations corresponds to a market share of 14.5 percent.

Polo BlueMotion on Course for Success Throughout Europe

- Europe loves the thrift-mobile developed in Wolfsburg

- Demand far exceeds expectations

Wolfsburg, 15 January 2007 - Europe’s most economical five-seat automobile, the Polo BlueMotion, is on course for success across the continent. More and more importers are eager to introduce the Polo BlueMotion to their markets, with even a right-hand-drive version in the pipeline for British buyers.

The Polo BlueMotion concept – to combine driving pleasure and fuel economy with minimum-margin vehicle pricing – has proven extremely successful in these times of constantly rising fuel prices in Europe.

To satisfy the immense demand which this vehicle has generated, production at the Pamplona plant in Spain has now been more than tripled to allow delivery times (currently several weeks) to be reduced as quickly as possible.

Despite its proven economical and ecological merits, the Polo BlueMotion nonetheless offers a lot of driving pleasure. Equipped with a 59-kW / 80-PS direct-injection turbo-diesel engine, which includes a particulate filter, it delivers powerful 195 Newton metres of torque at only 1,800 rpm, thereby enabling sharp performance. Call up the full dynamic potential of the three-cylinder TDI engine, and this 1,084-kg lightweight Polo will take you from 0 to 100 km/h in no more than 12.8 seconds, and will achieve a top speed of 176 km/h. Such an exceptional balance between agility and economy is the product of modified aerodynamics coupled with the high-efficiency functionality of the drive unit.

With a basic price tag of 16,157.33 euro and given the exceptionally good value retention that the Polo series of models has always offered, the new Polo BlueMotion stands for an economically well-balanced buyer choice. Set against the comparable Trendline version, this thrifty speeder is further equipped with standard features such as 14-inch alloy wheel rims, attachment parts finished completely in the vehicle colour, an aerodynamically optimised front section, rear spoiler, sporty seats in the new "Popcorn" or "Select" designs and a multi-functional display which provides access to an array of vehicle information which includes average fuel consumption. Another economically attractive aspect of this vehicle are the available financing terms.

This, the most compelling model in its range in terms of economy, sees Volkswagen launching its BlueMotion initiative on sustainability – a descriptor which refers not only to a vehicle, to the level of fuel consumption and to emissions levels, but which aptly describes the Volkswagen organisation as a whole. "Blue", the Volkswagen colour, stands for the elements of air and water which it is important to protect and conserve, while "Motion" represents future-oriented, forward mobility. The declared objective is to conserve the Earth’s resources for future generations. The company intends to develop its BlueMotion label as a product descriptor identifying the model version with the most exceptional economic quality in each series. The Polo BlueMotion is the first model to be launched under this initiative.

TDI and BlueMotion are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or other companies of Volkswagen Group in Germany and additional countries.

Dakar 2007 - Volkswagen Team live tracking

Check this out, for the latest standings:

http://tracking2007.dakar.com/volkswagen/index_us.html

It's cool, isn't it? :) I hope the Touaregs will definetly win this time.

After stage 7, the standings look like this:

1. DE VILLIERS (AFS) VON ZITZEWITZ (ALL) / VOLKSWAGEN 20:04:01 - 00:00:00

2. SAINZ (ESP) PERIN (FRA) / VOLKSWAGEN 20:05:40 - 00:01:39
3. PETERHANSEL (FRA) COTTRET (FRA) / MITSUBISHI 20:28:39 - 00:24:38
4. ALPHAND (FRA) PICARD (FRA) / MITSUBISHI 20:37:54 - 00:33:53
5. MASUOKA (JAP) MAIMON (FRA) / MITSUBISHI 21:15:31 - 01:11:30
6. SCHLESSER (FRA) DEBRON (FRA) / SCHLES-FORD-RAID 21:16:10 - 01:12:09
7. AL ATTIYAH (QAT) GUEHENNEC (FRA) / BMW 21:36:06 - 01:32:05
8. MILLER (USA) PITCHFORD (AFS) / VOLKSWAGEN 21:54:40 - 01:50:39
9. SOUSA (POR) SCHULZ (ALL) / VOLKSWAGEN 22:42:27 - 02:38:26

10. MONTERDE (ESP) LURQUIN (BEL) / BMW 24:07:52 - 04:03:51

Volkswagen unveiled the cleanest ever TDI engine

A VW Jetta TDI fulfils the most stringent worldwide exhaust gas thresholds with its nitrogen oxide post-treatment system developed by Volkswagen. The USA market launch within the BlueTec alliance is planned for 2008.

Wolfsburg, 04 January 2007 - Volkswagen unveiled the cleanest ever TDI engine. First test drives demonstrate the high potential of Volkswagen technology, which consequently reduce nitrogen oxide. In the VW Jetta a new 2.0 litre Common Rail diesel engine with a nitrogen oxide reservoir catalytic converter was used, which complies to the Californian emission standard “Tier 2 / Bin 5”. These requirements are considered the most stringent worldwide. The first production run of the “Clean TDI” with nitrogen oxide post-treatment system will be made during 2008 in the USA.

The central theme of the entire concept is the reduction of nitrogen oxide. The engineers in Wolfsburg reached this goal through internal development of the motor and the use of new emission post-treatment technology. The result: up to 90% less nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx).

This drastic reduction was necessary in order to comply with the “Tier 2 / Bin 5” norm, which applies to California and four other states in the north-east of America (Massachusetts, New York, Vermont and Maine). This norm limits nitrogen oxide emissions to 70 mg per mile. In order to comply with this standard, completely new emission ­ treatment technology was necessary. Volkswagen has thus developed two systems connected to the oxidation catalytic converter and the particle filter in the exhaust system.

New NOx reservoir catalytic converter technology is currently being tested for car models below the Passat class. Nitrogen oxide is ab­sorbed like a sponge, leading to a high level of efficiency. As with the particle filter, the system is regularly cleaned without the driver noticing. To do this, the engine management system changes operation modes for a few seconds.

Larger and heavier models feature the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) catalytic converter. The central element is an aqueous solution such as AdBlue, which is transported in an additional tank made from stainless steel or plastic. 32.5% of this solution is comprised of urea, and is continuously injected into the exhaust system in front of the SCR catalytic converter using a metering valve. The dosage is made according to the gas emission stream.

The urea solution is finely atomised by a grille and is converted in hot exhaust gas into ammonia before it reaches the catalytic converter. The ammonia then reacts with the nitrogen oxide in the catalytic converter and separates it into nitrogen and water. Unlike pure ammonia, AdBlue solution is non-toxic, odourless and biodegradable. Volkswagen intends to install the additional tank so that the car can be driven without main­tenance between two garage inspections - the garage simply refills the tank at the next scheduled inspection date. According to American regulations, the complete system must be fully functional for at least 150,000 ­miles.

BlueTec is a joint project of the German car manufacturers Volkswagen, Audi and DaimlerChrysler, intended to establish the diesel engine further in the American car market. The manufacturers are convinced that the diesel motor is the clean, low-consumption alternative for future car use, which is backed up by current economic and political condi­tions. Each of the manufacturers involved in the BlueTec joint project is working on individual technical solutions for stringent exhaust gas emission standards and plans to market these independently.

Volkswagen is definitely the diesel pioneer in the USA – more than 800,000 diesel cars from Volkswagen have already been sold there.

VW AG Executive Comitee restructered

Board of Management and Executive Committee of the Volkswagen Group Restructured
Supervisory Board rejects MAN offerWolfsburg, 11 January 2007

- New areas of responsibility on Board of Management and Executive Committee ensure synergies and opportunities for growth for the entire company

- Supervisory Board agrees to Prof. Dr. Winterkorn’s plans for restructuring Group

- Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard leaves Board of Management of Volkswagen AG

In a meeting today, the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG agreed unanimously to the plans of Chairman of the Board Prof. Dr. Winterkorn for the restructuring of the Board of Management and the Group Executive Committee. With this move, the Supervisory Board opens the way for even greater synergies within the Group.

The Brand groups which have existed up to now, Volkswagen (comprising Volkswagen, Skoda, Bentley and Bugatti) and Audi (including Audi, Seat and Lamborghini) will be disbanded.

Dr. rer. pol. Wolfgang Bernhard, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Brand and Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, will, by mutual consent, be leaving the company with effect from 31.01.07 as a result of the reallocation of responsibilities within the Volkswagen Group. As of this date, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn will be taking over the chairmanship of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Brand in addition to his other tasks.

A new area of responsibility, Group Research and Development, will be created. It will be led by Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, in addition to his other tasks. A new area of responsibility Group Production will be led by Dr. Jochem Heizmann with effect from 01.02.07. Heizmann was previously responsible for production at the Audi brand. The third new area of responsibility is Group Sales. The holder of this position will be decided at a later date. The responsibility for volumes, revenue and earnings remains fully with the brands.

Other changes within the Group and Brand Stephan Grühsem has been appointed the new Head of Group Communications and, as a new member of the Group Management, will be appointed General Representative of Volkswagen AG with effect from 01.02.07. The departments Group Investor Relations and Group External Relations will be integrated into Group Communications. Grühsem was previously Head of Corporate Communications at Audi AG; he will initially be taking on the new responsibilities in addition to his previously held post.

Dr. Ulrick Hackenberg has been appointed Member of the Board of Management with responsibility for Development for the Volkswagen brand with effect from 01.02.07. He will be taking over this position from Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard who previously held it. Hackenberg was previously Head of Concept Development, Body Development, Electronics and Electrical Systems.

Dr. Werner Neubauer, previously General Representative of Volkswagen AG, responsible for the Components Division, will be appointed Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen brand with responsibility for Components with effect from 01.02.07.

The Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG has rejected the MAN offer to take over Scania. It has requested that the Board of Management works on a friendly merger of Scania and MAN.

Dr. Bernard leaves VW AG by a mutual agreement

Wolfsburg, 11 January 2007 - Dr. rer. pol. Wolfgang Bernhard, Chairman of the Volkswagen brand group and member of Volkswagen AG’s Board of Management, will leave the Company by mutual agreement as of January 31, 2007 as part of the reorganization of responsibilities within the Volkswagen Group.

Dr. Bernhard has been a member of Volkswagen AG’s Board of Management since February 1, 2005; since May 2005, he has been responsible for the Volkswagen brand as Chairman of the brand group.

The Company would like to thank Dr. Bernhard for his work in the past years and wishes him all the best for his future career. Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, who will take over the management of the Volkswagen brand group in addition to his present duties, emphasized that Dr. Bernhard had furthered the process of restructuring of the Company and hence increased the productivity of the Volkswagen brand.