May 2019 – CROWN VOLKSWAGEN

2019 VOLKSWAGEN GTI EARNS TOP SAFETY PICK RATING FROM THE INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY

Published on May 30, 2019 by crownvwLeave a comment

May 21, 2019

GTI earns good ratings in five crashworthiness evaluations
Front Assist earns superior rating for front crash prevention

Herndon — Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced that the 2019 Volkswagen GTI, when equipped with available Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) and LED headlights, has earned a 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

“We are so pleased to receive the IIHS Top Safety Pick award for the GTI,” said Derrick Hatami, Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “This award demonstrates Volkswagen’s longstanding commitment to vehicle safety and the development of innovative technologies.”

To qualify for a 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK award, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, as well as a good or acceptable rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test. It also needs an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and a good or acceptable headlight rating.

The GTI earns good ratings in five crashworthiness evaluations and an acceptable rating in the passenger-side small overlap crash test.

The GTI earns a superior rating for front crash prevention when equipped with available Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist). Front Assist is available in the optional Driver Assistance Package on S models, and standard on the rest of the lineup.

The LED headlights that come standard on the SE, Rabbit Edition and Autobahn trims earn an acceptable headlight rating. The Autobahn trim also features High Beam Control (Light Assist), standard on Autobahn models, automatically raises the headlamp high beams above 40 mph on dark or poorly lit roads, if there is no oncoming traffic detected.

To help protect occupants, the Golf GTI provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems. It features six airbags as standard (front and side airbags for front passengers and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions), along with a number of electronic safety systems, such as an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

A standard feature on the 2019 GTI is Volkswagen’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact—the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System helps address this, in certain crash scenarios, by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus potentially reducing residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage.

To meet the demands of American drivers, the 2019 GTI offers a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. Available features include: Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist); Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist); Park Distance Control; Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist); and High Beam Control (Light Assist).

Pricing for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI S with a standard six-speed manual transmission starts at a MSRP of $27,595. S models equipped with the seven-speed DSG® automatic transmission with Tiptronic® start at $28,695. The destination charge for all Golf GTI models is an additional $895.

IIHS launched its front crash prevention rating program in 2013 to help consumers sort through the maze of available technologies and focus on the most effective systems. For more information on IIHS, visit www.iihs.org. All IIHS ratings are available at http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings.

About Volkswagen

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America and a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, with headquarters in Herndon, Virginia. Volkswagen’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Atlas, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, e-Golf, Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI, Golf R, Golf SportWagen, Jetta, Passat, and Tiguan vehicles through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen online at http://www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.

About the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing the losses—deaths, injuries and property damage—from motor vehicle crashes. The Institute is wholly supported by auto insurers.

“VW”, “Volkswagen”, all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG.

This information and any vehicle specifications are preliminary and subject to change.

Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.

All prices provided are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and exclude destination, taxes, title, other options and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

Airbags are supplemental restraints only and will not deploy under all crash circumstances. Always use safety belts and seat children only in the rear, using restraint systems appropriate for their size and age.

Driver-assistance features are not substitutes for attentive driving. See Owner’s Manual for further details, and important limitations.

VOLKSWAGEN DEBUTS 2019 ENTHUSIAST FLEET AT SOWO: THE EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE

Published on May 22, 2019 by crownvwLeave a comment

May 17, 2019

Seven concept vehicles sport performance add-ons and visual enhancements

Herndon, VA (May 17, 2019) — With the summer enthusiast season just around the corner, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is unveiling its enthusiast concept vehicle fleet for 2019 at SOWO: The European Experience on Hutchinson Island, Savannah, Georgia, on May 18th and 19th. Based on seven models from the brand lineup, these specially-prepared concepts sport performance add-ons and visual enhancements, and will travel to various events around the country.

Golf Alltrack Combi Concept

Golf models from around the globe combine to form this unique wagon. The Combi Concept is a 2019 Golf Alltrack SEL featuring a front bumper from the Golf GTE, a Golf GTD short shifter, and a rear spoiler from the Golf GTI Rabbit Edition. Other components include a set of H&R® VTF adjustable lowering springs, custom 90’s-themed graphics, tinted windows, Volkswagen Accessories base carrier bars with an integrated LED light bar, and a Thule® Motion XT L cargo box. This concept was created at the Volkswagen Technical Service Center in Auburn Hills, MI.

Golf GTI Rabbit Confetti Concept

Inspired by the iconic Golf GTI Rabbit logo, the Confetti Concept starts with a limited-run 2019 GTI Rabbit Edition. The GTI is covered in a wrap decorated with Rabbit logos, plus a few hidden surprises, arranged in a confetti-like pattern. This concept is fitted with 19-inch Rotiform RSE wheels, complete with customized Rotiform Aerodisk wheel covers; H&R® VTF adjustable lowering springs; tinted windows; and Volkswagen Accessories base carrier bars with a Thule® Canyon XT Cargo Basket.

Jetta GLI Super Touring Concept

Volkswagen has collaborated with Fifteen52 in the creation of the Super Touring Concept. Based on a 2019 Jetta GLI Autobahn, the concept is the reveal vehicle for a set of brand-new Fifteen52 wheels. Additional equipment includes K&W Variant 3 DDC coil overs, sport spoiler, brake kit, extended exhaust, and tinted windows.

Arteon R-Line SEMA Concept

This concept was developed in collaboration with Vossen Wheels and was first shown in the Vossen Gallery during the 2019 SEMA show. It features a Pure White coating covered by XPEL STEALTH satin paint protection film and is lowered nearly three inches by H&R® Ultra Low coil overs and riding on a set of 21-inch Vossen Forged M-X4T wheels. After SEMA, this concept was fitted with a custom valence kit and aluminum floor mats by Luft Technik, and a 380mm front big brake kit by Forge Motorsport.

Tiguan Adventure Concept

The Adventure Concept was created in collaboration with H&R® Springs. Based on a 2019 Tiguan SEL Premium 4Motion, this overland concept features a topographic-themed wrap, H&R® Adventure Raising Springs, and 18-inch Rotiform WGR wheels fitted with all-terrain tires. Volkswagen Accessories increase functionality inside and out: Monster Mats®, Bumperdillo® protection plate, rear spoiler, aluminum side steps, base carrier bars, and a Thule® Hull-a-Port kayak carrier securing a white water kayak.

Atlas Basecamp Concept

The Basecamp Concept—designed with endurance mountain biking in mind—is the brainchild of Alex Earle, Exterior Design Manager at the Volkswagen Design Center California and avid cyclist. Using a Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium as the canvas, the Basecamp Concept is painted Platinum Gray and Black Uni with a matte finish and orange accents. Wrapped in 265/70R17 all-terrain tires, a set of fifteen52 Traverse MX Concept wheels made their debut along with the Basecamp Concept at the 2019 New York International Auto Show. Additional accessories on the Atlas Basecamp Concept include a custom body kit by Air Design, an H&R® lift kit with coil over suspension that raises the ride height approximately 1.5 inches, a Front Runner® Slimline II roof rack system with bike holders, off-road LED light bars on the front and rear, as well as protective interior add-ons from Volkswagen Accessories.

Golf R Spektrum Concept

Available for model year 2019 Golf R, the Spektrum program offers 40 custom-order colors—many of which are heritage colors from Volkswagen enthusiast models. The Spektrum Concept starts with a 2019 Golf R w/ DCC & Navigation and is dressed in the available Spektrum color Ginster Yellow. The concept is customized with H&R® VTF adjustable lowering springs, 20-inch Vossen Hybrid Forged HF-1 wheels, tinted windows, and black lower rocker panel accents.

The Volkswagen enthusiast concept vehicle fleet is scheduled to appear at the following events in 2019. Car appearances are subject to vehicle availability.

SOWO: The European Experience | Savannah, GA | May 18-19
ARX Round #2-3 | Madison, IL | July 13-14
Waterfest | Atco, NJ | July 21-22
Wolfsgart | Essex Junction, VT | Aug. 4-5
VAG Fair | York, PA | Aug. 4-5
SoCal Big Euro | San Diego, CA | Sept. 1
Pacific Waterland | Woodburn, OR | Sept. 9
ARX Round #5 | Austin, TX | Sep. 28

About Volkswagen

“4Motion”, “VR6”, “VW”, “Volkswagen”, all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. “fifteen52” is a trademark of fifteen52, LLC. “Front Runner” is a registered trademark of Front Runner Outfitters. “H&R” is a registered trademark of H&R Special Springs, LP. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

This information and any vehicle specifications are preliminary and subject to change.

Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.

Concept vehicles are not available for sale. Specifications may change.

Modifying vehicles can adversely affect warranty coverage and compliance with required safety and other standards.

Modifying vehicles with lift components will change the vehicle’s center of gravity, and could adversely affect handling, warranty coverage and compliance with safety and other standards.

Always ensure cargo is properly secured. See owner’s manual for details.

NEWSROOM : FOR EV BATTERY RECYCLING, VOLKSWAGEN THINKS AHEAD TO THE END OF THE ROAD

Published on May 13, 2019 by crownvwLeave a comment

May 10, 2019

One of the great success stories in recycling may lie under the hood of your car.

In the United States, 99 percent of all lead-acid automotive batteries are recycled, making them among one of the most-recycled goods you can buy. When your battery wears out, you can easily turn it in when buying a new one; that old battery can then be shredded or melted down, and its raw materials reused.

The new generation of electric vehicles will bring a massive increase in the number of batteries on the road – and already there are some concerns about how those advanced lithium-ion batteries will be recycled after their 10 or 15 years of use. Volkswagen plans to build one million electric vehicles a year by 2025, including at the Chattanooga plant and is already working on how to develop a robust second life for the batteries that will power them.

Why is recycling such a concern? Start with cost: Electric vehicle batteries are one of the most expensive parts on such cars, due to their complexity and the rare metals they require, like cobalt and manganese. As electric vehicles become more commonplace, digging those metals out of discarded batteries can be cheaper than digging ores from the Earth.

More importantly: Helping reduce the carbon impact of transportation – not just from the vehicles when they are driven, but over their entire lifespan, from raw material to junkyard – requires tight control over how batteries are recycled. To tackle the challenge, Volkswagen is working towards two approaches: Portable rechargers, and energy-efficient recycling.

Charging when you need it

An older lithium-ion battery that’s been on the road a decade or more may not be suitable for powering a vehicle, but it could still have a sizable energy capacity. (The battery pack in the 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf can store as much energy as the typical American household uses in a day, and then some.) And electric vehicles may need charging in many places where there may not be chargers or even power outlets available.

Those two problems have the same solution. Volkswagen Group plans to produce this portable quick-charging station. Designed to hold up to 360 kilowatt-hours of energy, the quick-charge station can charge up to four vehicles at a time, with a maximum quick-charge output of 100 kW. Like a portable cellphone charger, the Volkswagen Group charger can be used until it’s depleted or connected to a power source to keep itself recharged. And it’s small enough to be deployed in hard-to-charge locations, such as music festivals.

The charger has been designed to use the same battery packs as Volkswagen’s MEB electric vehicle chassis, so that when those packs reach the end of their useful life, they can have a second career as a recharge station. The first of these Volkswagen Group portable quick chargers is anticipated to be installed in Germany next year, and Volkswagen Group expects to begin full production in 2020.

At some point, all batteries lose the ability to hold energy. That’s where a new project at the Volkswagen Group’s component plant in Salzgitter comes into play.

Salzgitter is expected to be the home of Volkswagen’s first center for electric vehicle battery recycling. Next year, the center plans to have an initial capacity to recycle roughly 1,200 tons of EV batteries per year, equal to the batteries from about 3,000 vehicles.

Using a special shredder, the individual battery parts can be ground up, the liquid electrolyte can be cleaned off, and the components separated into “black powder.” This contains the valuable raw materials cobalt, lithium, manganese, and nickel – which, while requiring further physical separation, are then ready for reuse in new batteries.

In the long term, Volkswagen wants to recycle about 97 percent of all raw materials in the battery packs. Today, it’s roughly 53 percent, and the plant in Salzgitter expects to raise it further to about 72 percent. Volkswagen expects the plant in Salzgitter to be followed in the next few years by further decentralized recycling plants. Given how many electric vehicles Volkswagen plans to sell, handling recycling internally will be a priority for cost and environmental reasons — even though it will be at least a decade before the battery shredders have much to do.

Tracking down the wild, and wildly colorful, Volkswagen Golf Harlequin

Published on May 6, 2019 by crownvwLeave a comment

Ross Cupples has been chasing down Golf Harlequin vehicles for decades. Ever since the Volkswagen enthusiast first spotted the color-blocked hatchback in 1996, he has made it his mission to own a complete set of the limited-run car in all four base colors.

“I think a lot of people who are into them really like the head-turning aspect of them. It takes a certain kind of person to own one,” says Cupples, a used-car dealer in Belmont, N.H. “When you drive a Harlequin, nobody doesn’t look at you and smile. You’re driving something that makes people really happy.”

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to drive in a car that looks like a funky patchwork quilt, look no further than the Golf Harlequin. The elusive car is one of the silliest, strangest, smile-inducing cars in the history of Volkswagen.

The idea for the Harlequin drew inspiration from a 1964 Volkswagen Beetle ad that depicted a multi-colored Beetle, touting its easily interchangeable parts over many model years. To demonstrate the colors available for the European launch of the Volkswagen Polo city car in 1995, Volkswagen created a model with multiple paint colors for an auto-show display, dubbed “Harlekin.”

Originally slotted for a small production run, the colorful hatch created enough demand on its own that around 3,100 units were ultimately built. Due to the buzz it generated in Europe, Volkswagen decided to manufacture a limited batch of Harlequin-inspired Golf vehicles for the North American market in 1996.

The Golf featured one single base color with four swapped multi-color body panels that always appeared in a specific order – a car with a certain base color always had a certain-colored front passenger door and hood. The series had four base colors: Pistachio Green, Ginster Yellow, Tornado Red and Chagall Blue. The green and blue shades were never available as a single-color Golf paint options in North America.

While popular, the Harlequin production process was highly labor intensive. The doors, hatches, hoods and fenders had to be bolted in manually from other Golf models. Fans could identify the car’s original color by looking at one of three elements – the roof, C-pillar and rocker panel – which were formed of a single welded piece and thus impossible to switch out. The grey, speckled, “Joker” interior, which featured the car’s four body colors, was also exclusive to the car.

Demand from dealerships was small but intense, and Volkswagen decided to produce an additional run of Golf Harlequin vehicles, bringing the grand total to about 264. The big, bold blocks of color have prompted a large subset of Harlequin-inspired DIY paint jobs and treatments on other Volkswagen models. The Harlequin Registry, an online account managed by Cupples, has 118 original Golf Harlequin vehicles accounted for as of 2015.

Cupples’ first find – a manual, green-based Harlequin – was in 1997. “I drove the car throughout high school and college,” says Cupples. “I met my wife with that car! She worked for the UNH [the University of New Hampshire] parking services … and remembers, before we even met, seeing my multicolored car in the lot.”

Since then, he has achieved his goal and acquired four additional Harlequin vehicles, thanks to relentless online sleuthing. He has begun to slowly offload them, selling them to other devoted Harlequin fans and admirers.

With manual transmission, an original Harlequin would have been priced around $13,000. The 23-year-old car in mint condition still fetches over $10,000 – far more than a monochrome Golf of the same era. Cupples thinks it’s because the weird and wonderful car appeals to young and old alike.

“There are 70-to-80-year-olds on the registry, and 20-year-olds, who are younger than the Harlequin vehicles themselves and are excited these cars are returning to the market,” he says. “They are definitely multi-generational.”