Plug in, Bug out: VW unveils E-Bugster concept car at the Detroit Auto Show

Posted on 10 January 2012 by

Volkswagen rolled into the Motor City with something a little different this year—think of it as a time machine in the guise of a car. Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show, it’s a little something we call the E-Bugster, and it’s the latest addition to our Blue-e-motion™ line of concept cars. While its design lines hearken back to the classic Beetle era, it takes a future-forward leap with an all-electric motor and pumped-up, speedster styling.

At the heart of the E-Bugster is a 114-horsepower (85 kW) electric motor and a lithium-ion battery that enables the car to go more than 100 miles with zero emissions. Stored under the trunk floor and the rear bench, the battery weighs a mere 695 pounds—pretty light, considering all the power it’s producing. The battery is recharged via a plug interface located beneath the hood’s VW logo and can accommodate all three types of available chargers: Level 1 (120V), Level 2 (240V) and, where available, Level 3 (quick charge; 80 percent charge in 30 minutes).

Up front, the E-Bugster boasts a distinctive flat, wide. The E-Bugster features the same “C”-shaped LED daytime running lights offered on the production Beetle, mirrored as reflectors in the rear bumper. The front end is arched and stretched, like a chopped-down speedster; it’s three inches shorter than the production Beetle.

A unique exterior look isn’t all that sets the E-Bugster apart from the production Beetle; a peek inside reveals other differences. Traditional gauges are for traditional vehicles, and the E-Bugster is anything but. It features EV-specific gauges, like an energy consumption display that fluctuates with vehicle acceleration, a driving range indicator and a display that shows the battery’s charge state. There’s even a display that shows the level of battery regeneration, important for long road trips.

We know you can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the first-ever electric Beetle, but we’re afraid you’ll have to. Concept cars like the E-Bugster and the award-winning Bulli offer a glimpse into the future of the automotive world, and besides, good things come to those who wait. Even though you can’t drive it now, you can see it at the Detroit Auto Show, located on the main stage of the Volkswagen booth And be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for live updates from the show.

Introducing the Jetta Hybrid: One part eco-friendly, one part high-tech, all parts awesome

Posted on 10 January 2012 by

The Volkswagen Jetta made a New Year’s resolution: to be even more fuel-efficient. And only nine days into 2012, it’s made good on that promise. The Jetta Hybrid was revealed at the North American International Auto Show today, and thanks to its all-new technology, it’s the most fuel-efficient Jetta in our lineup.

What’s New

The all-new Jetta Hybrid is powered by a high-tech turbocharged gasoline engine that is paired with a zero-emissions electric motor. While this marriage of smart and sensible enables impressive driving performance with a class-leading 0-60 mph time of less than 9.0 seconds, this new Jetta is also the world’s first hybrid to use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. What does that mean to you? It means the Jetta can deliver an estimated combined fuel economy figure of 45 mpg with no sacrifice in power. The fuel efficiency is a full 20 percent higher, and in city traffic, it climbs to a little over 30 percent.

The Jetta Hybrid can also be driven in pure electric mode at speeds of up to 44 mph and for up to 1.2 miles, depending on operating conditions. And for the first time in the U.S. market, we’re using our acclaimed 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline power plant, which weighs in at a mere 216 pounds. The slimmed-down four-cylinder engine produces 150 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque from just 1400 rpm. Now you can have a lead foot and still be environmentally friendly.

What’s Cool

The Jetta has always had a certain cool factor, but the Jetta Hybrid turns it up a few notches. It features a new take on regenerative braking: its clutch decouples the gasoline engine from the drivetrain when in pure electric drive or coasting modes to release more kinetic energy back into the battery. Because “decouples” is such a cool word, we’ll use it to describe another feature: when you step off the accelerator pedal at speeds of up to 84 mph, the TSI® engine shuts down and decouples from the drivetrain to eliminate driveline drag and the effects of the engine’s torque, resulting in even greater fuel efficiency. Want info on how fuel-efficient the Jetta Hybrid is? Get it with one glance at its all-new ePower meter. It also boasts a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery, and its Autobahn-proven technology makes it the fastest compact hybrid in its class. Now that’s cool.

Why It Matters

Think Blue is Volkswagen’s commitment to achieving sustainable mobility through technology and cars that don’t compromise performance. With its impressive fuel efficiency, turbocharged speed, innovative technology and standard safety equipment like Electronic Stability Control, anti-lock brakes and six airbags, the Jetta Hybrid embodies the Think Blue spirit of mobility that’s not only environmentally friendly, but fun.

For more information on the new Jetta Hybrid, check out our press release. The Jetta Hybrid launches in North America in late 2012, but you can see it now at the Detroit Auto Show. And be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for live updates from the show.

Let us count the ways: 10 things to love about the 2012 Beetle

Posted on 12 December 2011 by

The all-new Volkswagen Beetle is a modern take on the most lovable car the world has ever known. It’s been redesigned from the inside out, and with so many changes, you may have missed a few new features. Fear not, Beetle fans, for we’ve outlined 10 things to love about the 2012 Beetle.

  1. It boasts a more powerful, sporty look. In the words of VW design brand chief Klaus Bischoff, “The Beetle is now characterized by a clean, self-confident and dominant sportiness.” Nice work, Klaus.
  2. It offers two engine options. Choose between the 2.5L gasoline five-cylinder model and the 2.0L TSI turbocharged gasoline engine—you can’t go wrong.
  3. It has several transmission options. The 2.5L models come with a 5-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic. Our acclaimed Direct-Shift Gearbox® 6-speed dual-clutch transmission is an option on the 2.0L TSI turbocharged model, while the 6-speed manual transmission comes standard.
  4. It comes with a Kaeferfach glove box. As a nod to the classic Bug, the new Beetle features a second glove box—the Kaeferfach—just above the main glove box.
  5. You can add Heritage wheels. Available in 17- and 18-inch options, our aptly named Heritage wheels harken back to the classic Beetle.
  6. Four words: Fender Premium audio system. The sound system is optional, but once you experience its nine speakers, 400 watts of power and crystal-clear sound, you’ll realize that it’s a must-have.
  7. An MP3/iPod adapter is standard. Speaking of audio, it’s easy to connect your MP3, iPod or iPhone to the audio system. You’ll never need to clutter your car with CDs again.
  8. You can match the interior trim to the exterior paint job. If you match your socks to your car’s floor mats, you may want to consider this option.
  9. You can add custom graphics. With Second Skin, a partnership between Volkswagen and Original Wraps, you can add graphics and racing stripes that will make your Beetle look like it’s going fast even when it’s standing still.
  10. The Beetle R is coming to America. Speaking of going fast, the Beetle R, a racing-inspired version of the Beetle, is coming soon. Stay tuned to the Beetle Blog for more info.

Tell us: what’s your favorite thing about the 2012 Beetle?

Volkswagen Chattanooga Earns LEED Platinum

Posted on 05 December 2011 by

  • First Automotive Manufacturer to Reach Top Green Building Standard
  • Both Volkswagen Factory and Volkswagen Academy Awarded Platinum Certification

Chattanooga, Tenn. — Volkswagen’s Chattanooga manufacturing plant has received a platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) green building certification program. The facility is the first and only automotive manufacturing plant in the world to receive the Platinum certification.

Platinum certification recognizes the highest level of performance.

“Because Volkswagen has a longstanding, worldwide commitment to sustainable mobility and environmentally responsible manufacturing, we are proud to have achieved the LEED Platinum certification at our Chattanooga manufacturing facility,” said Hubert Waltl, member of the board of management of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand for production and logistics.

“Volkswagen Chattanooga’s LEED Platinum certification is the fulfillment of a promise that Volkswagen has made around the world and in this community that we will work in harmony with the environment,” said Frank Fischer, CEO and chairman of Volkswagen Chattanooga. Our commitment to building a LEED certified factory began in the planning and design stages,” Fischer said, “I believe that this not only helped insure that we would achieve Platinum status, but was actually a very cost effective way to implement environmentally responsible building methods,” he said.

The ultra-clean paint shop alone will save 50 million gallons of water in ten years.

“Volkswagen is clearly committed to the US market;” said Jonathan Browning, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “During the worst recession in the past century we never wavered with our investment of a billion dollars to create this world class facility. This certification underscores Volkswagen’s commitment to engineering excellence.”

LEED certification is an internationally-recognized green building certification system developed by the USGBC in March of 2000. LEED provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.

LEED promotes sustainable building and development practices through a suite of rating systems that recognize projects that implement strategies for better environmental and health performance.

Aspects of the plant that earned LEED recognition include:

  • Superior insulation provided by six inches of mineral rock wool, resulting in 720,000 Kilowatts per year savings
  • Green power from the local hydroelectric dam
  • Use of LED lighting on the exterior results in 68% less energy used, up to 262,500 kWh per year and a reduction in light pollution.
  • Rainwater collected and reused to flush toilets and cool the welding machines
  • White roof membrane is highly reflective, minimizing heat island effect by up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Natural flowing creeks to capture heavy rains and restore a natural habitat
  • Low-flow water fixtures and no-touch sensors throughout the plant reduce water usage by 30%.
  • Plant was built on a brownfield property with no destruction of untouched nature. Protected 100 ft. wide creeks and wetlands were established to create natural habitats with low impact on natural habitats.

The Volkswagen Academy was also certified by USGBA as a Platinum LEED facility. The primary purpose of the Volkswagen Academy is to prepare new employees for work at the Volkswagen plant. In conjunction with Chattanooga State and Tennessee Tech, the Academy also offers an Industrial Technology degree and an apprenticeship program.

“We are very pleased that the Volkswagen Academy has been Platinum LEED certified, because this reflects the level of excellence that we expect and produce in the academy,” said Hans-Herbert Jagla, EVP of Human Resources.

“Building operations are nearly 40% of the solution to the global climate change challenge,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “While climate change is a global problem, innovative companies like Volkswagen Chattanooga are addressing it through local solutions.”

Volkswagen Chattanooga produces the all-new 2012 Passat, which has recently been named Motor Trend magazine’s 2012 Car of the Year, as well as having earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick rating, the highest possible from the non-profit safety research organization. The Passat TDI – the only clean diesel option in the midsize segment – is rated at 43 mpg highway, with a range of nearly 800 miles.

About U.S. Green Building Council

The U.S. Green Building Council is the nation’s foremost coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. More information on USGBC can be found at www.usgbc.org.

About Volkswagen Chattanooga

Volkswagen will invest $1 billion in the local economy for the Chattanooga plant and create more than 2,000 direct jobs in the region. According to independent studies, the new Volkswagen plant is expected to generate $12 billion in income growth and an additional 9,500 jobs related to the project. The Chattanooga manufacturing facility builds the all-new 2012 Passat sedan, specially designed for the North American market and winner of the Motor Trend magazine 2012 Car of the Year award.

The All-New 2012 Volkswagen Beetle Arrives at Dealerships Nationwide

Posted on 13 October 2011 by

Hundreds of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” fans are among the first to own the all-new Beetle as part of “Ultimate Favorite Things” 2010 giveaway

Herndon, Va. — Volkswagen of America (VWoA) and a number of its dealerships nationwide today welcomed the official arrival of the all-new 2012 Beetle for 276 enthusiastic recipients. Some of the first to own the completely redesigned vehicles will be the lucky fans of “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” who have been anticipating this day since “The Oprah Winfrey Show” gifted her audience with, among other fabulous items, free 2012 Beetle vehicles during one of the show’s two “Ultimate Favorite Things” giveaways last year.

Jonathan Browning, president and CEO, Volkswagen of America, Inc., personally handed keys to the 2012 Beetle to 21 “Ultimate Favorite Things” recipients at the Volkswagen of Orland Park dealership in Orland Park, Ill., this morning. Additional giveaway recipients were met with the sportier Beetle in 125 other Volkswagen dealerships throughout the nation.

The excited recipients brought home the all-new 2.5L 6-speed automatic Beetle. They chose the color of the vehicles from the following options: Denim Blue, Reflex Silver Metallic, Saturn Yellow and Tornado Red.

“The 2012 Beetle is an American icon that has been redesigned to fulfill the needs of the modern driver, while remaining true to its vintage characteristics. It is fully-customizable and is our sportiest, most fuel-efficient Beetle yet,” said Browning. “We are very proud to present a new generation of Beetle owners with a vehicle that is built with no-compromise German engineering, is fun to drive, and will no doubt spark a sense of nostalgia and community that only the Beetle can evoke.”

The new owners learned they were receiving cars on November 22, 2010, when Winfrey revealed the design silhouette of the all-new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle and announced, “This is one powerful, sophisticated, sexy Beetle… All of you in this audience will be [among] the first people in the world to own one when it makes its debut next year!”

Redesigned for just the second time in history, the all-new Beetle features a lower, more aggressive stance; is wider for even better handling; and longer for increased interior space. The second skin program allows customers to design a 2012 Beetle with an array of accessories for interior and exterior personalization. Additionally, the all-new Beetle presents consumers with a range of standard and optional technology features, including Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity and the Fender® Premium Audio System.

The 2012 Beetle vehicles are available now with the 2.5L five cylinder engine, which has a starting MSRP of $18,995, and the 2.0L TSI® Turbo engine with a starting MSRP of $23,395.

For more information on the 2012 Beetle models—including pricing, additional trim options, vehicle specifications and images—visit http://media.vw.com/models/beetle.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Beetle, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2012 Volkswagen models come standard-equipped with Electronic Stability Control. This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.

 

Our version of home movies: VW catches up with journalists at the Beetle Drive

Posted on 08 August 2011 by

Newsflash, people: these blogs don’t write themselves. Similarly, Facebook doesn’t create posts all on its own and Twitter is not self-tweeting. A lot of work goes into this stuff, so Volkswagen sent their Social Media Team on a much-deserved vacation. And by “vacation,” we mean “work-filled business trip.” (Don’t worry—it’s a labor of love for these folks.)

The team recently had the opportunity to cover the Beetle Drive event in Berlin, Germany, where automotive journalists got to spend two days with the all-new 2012 Beetle and get up close and personal with several other über-cool Beetles from years past. Our team served double duty, manning the cameras and asking journalists what they think of the 2012 Beetle. Watch the videos below to see their responses.

Automotive journalists gather at the Beetle International Drive event in Berlin, Germany to share their thoughts on the all-new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.

Automotive journalists at the Beetle International Drive event in Berlin, Germany tell us what about the all-new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle makes them smile.

Automotive journalists at the Beetle International Drive event in Berlin, Germany tell us what about the interior of the all-new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.

The all-new 2012 Beetle was the star of the show, but it was far from the only attraction. The event also served as a Beetle family reunion with a 1951 Volkswagen Type 1 and a 2003 Final Edition Beetle making special appearances.

Tell us: what about the 2012 Beetle makes you smile?