Hot! Volkswagen: What's Next

[Heisenberg]

Your car is about to join the Internet of Things.

Automakers and technology companies are entering partnerships and forming joint ventures at break-neck speed. As more technology pours into our cars, automakers need ways to keep them connected for a variety of reasons. Add in car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure communication, and automakers need a way to manage the data, and one way to do that is through cloud connectivity and services. One company jumping on the cloud bandwagon is Volkswagen, which is partnering with Microsoft to develop a 'comprehensive industrial automotive cloud' called Volkswagen Automotive Cloud.

The technology will allow the automaker to provide a host of services to customers such as onboard media streaming, smart home connectivity, a personal assistant, predictive maintenance services, updates and upgrades, and much more. VW hopes to add more than five million new Volkswagen-brand vehicles per year to the Internet of Things (IoT) in the cloud starting from 2020. VW will build its cloud service on Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform as well as Azure IoT Edge.

Right now, the future of cloud connectivity is up in the air as automakers begin exploring the space. The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi auto alliance has a partnership with Google – as does Volvo – which are both baking the Android operating system into their respective models’ infotainment systems. It’s not as ambitious as VW’s IoT idea for cars, but it is the direction vehicles are heading. If automakers plan on connecting cars and infrastructure while rolling out electric and autonomous vehicles, they’re going to need a way to manage and transmit massive amounts of data effectively to every vehicle, and a cloud-based platform solves that problem.

But that means automakers will need a lot of specific data, too, such as location and vehicle speed. Consumers have no problem giving private nuggets of information over to phone carries and technology companies now, so convincing them to do the same with automakers shouldn’t be difficult.

VW announces partnership with microsoft for cloud connectivity

 

[Heisenberg]

Volkswagen ID beach buggy previewed in Christmas card
Buggy set for revival as electric car on MEB platform - and new image shows Father Christmas appears to be a fan

Volkswagen has given the clearest hint yet that it will resurrect the classic Meyers Manx beach buggy as a modern-day electric car on its annual Christmas card.

The card features a darkened sketch with an open-top beach buggy-style vehicle being driven by Santa Claus.


Autocar exclusively revealed last month that Volkswagen was set to revive the classic beach buggy as an EV featuring key elements of its new MEB (modular electric architecture) platform as well as the electric driveline destined to power next year’s ID hatchback.

The new two-seater, currently under construction at Volkswagen’s Braunschweig-based R&D centre in Germany, is described as a modern interpretation of the original rear-engined, Beetle-based Manx buggy. It's an open-top design featuring a low-set body, a free-standing windscreen, a sturdy roll-over bar and large wheels.

While shrouded in secrecy, the new electric buggy is said to be under “active consideration” as a possible addition to Volkswagen’s upcoming line-up of zero-emissions ID models. The first of these, a production version of the earlier ID hatchback concept, is planned to be unveiled during the third quarter of 2019.

A Volkswagen source has revealed to Autocar that the new beach buggy is among three retro-themed ID models masterminded by Volkswagen chairman Herbert Diess. It is planned to complement the Microbus-inspired Buzz van and a secret new five-door hatchback model described as a recreation of the Beetle.

Current plans call the new Volkswagen buggy to be unveiled at the 2019 Geneva motor show.

The original Manx was designed for desert racing by Californian Bruce Meyers. It was produced between 1964 and 1971 in the form of a kit car based around the shortened chassis of the Beetle.

Auto Car

 

[phaeton]

2020

Global (Euro)
Tiguan GP
Tiguan GP GTE (plug-in hybrid)
Tiguan R GP
Arteon GP
Arteon GTE GP (plug-in hybrid)
Arteon Shooting Brake GP
Arteon R GP
Golf 8 GTI
Golf 8 GTI Clubsport (formerly TCR)
Golf 8 R
ID.3 (electric hatch)
ID.4 (electric SUV)

China
Tayron GTE (launched)
Tayron X (Coupe SUV)
Viloran (Business MPV)
Phideon GP

NAR
Tarek (entry SUV)

SAR
Nivus (T-Cross liftback SUV)

CIS
Polo (based on Skoda Rapid)

 

[J.E]

SAR
Nivus (T-Cross liftback SUV)

The Nivus was scheduled for May of 2020, but has been postponed to June due to the COVID-19 outbreak in Brazil.

The Nivus will have the 1.0 TSI flex engine mated to an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission.

 

[phaeton]

The Nivus was scheduled for May of 2020, but has been postpo...

Where are you based J.E ?

 

[J.E]

Where are you based J.E ?

Brazil. You?

 

[phaeton]

Brazil. You?

Adelaide, South Australia.

I was in Brazil for VP97's Bubble Gun Treffen in 2017.
Beautiful country! my friends at Crossfit are Brazilian too!

 

[J.E]

Adelaide, South Australia.

I was in Brazil for VP97's Bub...

Volkswagen has a huge fanbase here. But Chevrolet is the best selling brand. In fact this year, we overtook China as the second largest market for Chevrolet just after the USA.

Crossfit is pretty popular here too. I have a friend from college who moved to Australia in 2015. Last time I chatted with him, he said he got a truck driver's license and he was working in a winery in Margaret River. His name is Gustavo Amado.

 

[phaeton]

Volkswagen has a huge fanbase here. But Chevrolet is the bes...

Hi J.E, Margaret River is meant to be a very beautiful place, unfortunately the other side of the country for me!
GM (Holden) in Australia is now nowhere since it announced its exit from Australia, its only selling well because there are huge discounts.

I saw most of the modern Volkswagen fans in Aguas de Lindoia along with the Capybara .

 

[J.E]

Hi J.E, Margaret River is meant to be a very beautiful pla...

There's always a classic car meet in Águas de Lindoia some very nice cars tun up there. Capybara meat is delicious and tender. Did you get to eat churrasco?

 

[phaeton]

There's always a classic car meet in Águas de Lindoia some...

No, I did not.

 

[J.E]

No, I did not.

Oh man... You don't know what you missed. You should try a Brazilian barbecue. You're a cross fitter, so you need protein man!

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[J.E]

One last teaser before the official unveiling today.

 

[J.E]

Official: Volkswagen Nivus

 

[J.E]

 

[J.E]

New VW Nivus is small SUV for South American market
New compact model is launched in Brazil but will also come to certain European markets

Volkswagen has launched a new compact crossover, called the Nivus, aimed at South American markets and Mexico. It will also be sold in selected European regions from 2021.

Described as having a “sporty and vibrant” look along with a “peculiar character”, the Nivus is similar in positioning to the T-Cross in western Europe. However, it’s differentiated by a lower, coupé-style roofline and is longer and wider. It's based on the same MQB AO platform as the Indian-market VW Taigun revealed earlier this year.

The system is also said to be durable and water resistant – part of a wider focus with the Nivus to ensure long-term reliability, an important factor for harsh South American climates and roads. For example, the firm is able to test the car’s electrical system to see how it fares with up to 10 years of use.

The Nivus is the first Brazilian model with adaptive cruise control, too, while autonomous emergency braking features, too. Keyless entry, six airbags, a driver drowsiness detector and a digital dashboard are also said to be segment firsts in the market.

More specific details, including the car's engines and pricing, have yet to be revealed.

The Nivus will go on sale next month across South American markets, but detailed European launch plans are unclear. It’s not expected to go on sale in western Europe due to the platform used. Instead, eastern European markets are likely to be the focus.

Source: New VW Nivus is small SUV for South American market | Autocar

 

[J.E]

2021 VW Nivus Debuts With Coupe-Like Looks, One Powertrain Choice

It has a 1.0-liter engine paired with a six-speed automatic.

The wait is over – this is the Volkswagen Nivus, officially presented by the brand and with photos that lack camouflage (unlike what happened in April). The crossover, with its coupe-like design, will go on sale in Brazil at the end of June, being fully developed in the country. It will arrive in Argentina later this year and in Europe in 2021. It gives the German brand yet another crossover into the Brazilian market, seeking customers who want a model that's different in design to the T-Cross.

Besides complementing Volkswagen's crossover line, Nivus shows the versatility of the MQB-A0 platform, a cheaper version of Golf's MQB that's used by the Polo, Virtus, and T-Cross. We see this in the car's measurements, which has a 2.56-meter (100.79-inch) wheelbase, the same as the Polo, but it measures 4.26 meters (167.72 inches) in total length. That's longer than the T-Cross and its 4.19-meter (164.96-inch) length and 2.65-meter (104.33-inch) wheelbase, which is the same as Virtus.

This difference in length from the Nivus to the T-Cross is mainly in the rear, giving the Nivus a cavernous cargo hold: 415 liters (14.66 cubic-feet). That’s noticeably more than the T-Cross with its 373 liters of carbo space (13.17 cubic-feet). However, the Nivus has a lower roof than the T-Cross, which will affect headspace for rear passengers.

Volkswagen did not talk about pricing or equipment, something that the company is likely holding back for the beginning of next month. However, dealers did spill the beans. They disclosed pricing and equipment information, along with details about the three trims: 200 TSI, Comfortline, and Highline.


Dimensions (meters)

Length

Nivus: 4.266 (167.72 inches)
T-Cross: 4.199 (164.96 inches)
Polo: 4.057 (159.72 inches)

Height

Nivus: 1.493 (58.78 inches)
T-Cross: 1.570 (61.81 inches)
Polo: 1.468 (57.80 inches)

Wheelbase

Nivus: 2.566 (100.79 inches)
T-Cross: 2.651 (104.33 inches)
Polo: 2.566 (100.79 inches)

Cargo Space

Nivus: 415 liters (14.66 cu. ft.)
T-Cross: 373 liters (13.17 cu. ft.)
Polo: 300 liters (10.59 cu. ft.)

The Volkswagen Nivus will be a more accessible offering than the T-Cross. The entry-level version will cost R$79,990 (~$14,800, at current exchange rates), which is R$8,800 ($1,600) less than the R$88,790 ($16,400) currently needed for the manual-equipped T-Cross 200 TSI. The Nivus will use the same 1.0 turbocharged engine that makes 128 horsepower (95 kilowatts), but it's only available with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Higher Nivus trims will also be cheaper than T-Cross. The Nivus Highline will cost R$97,990 ($18,100), a difference of R$20,700 ($3,800) compared to T-Cross Highline with its 1.4-liter, 150-hp (111-kW) engine. Even the bigger brother's Comfortline version is much more expensive than the top-of-the-line Nivus, as it costs R$110,260 ($20,400) or R$12,360 ($2,300) more than the T-Cross.

As we've seen before, the crossover-coupe will make use of VW's vast equipment stockpile. To start with, it will offer adaptive cruise control (ACC), an item that only appeared in more expensive models of the brand. It will maintain the level of safety seen in the T-Cross, such as the six airbags (front and side), stability and traction controls, and automatic emergency braking.

Another premiere will be the VW Play multimedia center. Developed entirely in Brazil, it uses a 10.1-inch screen, betting on customization of what is being displayed according to the user's taste. It will have the option of creating profiles for each driver, connecting with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (with wireless function only for iOS models), and an application store of its own. It will be the new standard of the brand in Brazil and will gradually find its way into other Brazilian VWs.

By the list of equipment disclosed by dealers, Nivus will come standard with six airbags, air conditioning, stability and traction control, LED rear lights, a rear parking sensor, cruise control, Composition Touch multimedia center, a multifunctional steering wheel, and more. It can be equipped with a rearview camera, electrically adjustable mirrors, rain and light sensors, and a few more items in the optional packages.

The Comfortline variant adds a digital air conditioner, a reverse camera, LED cabin lighting, a tire pressure monitor, digital Info display, steering wheel with paddle shifters for gear changes, a drive mode selector, and other items. Optional equipment includes rain and light sensors, automatic post-collision braking, front parking sensors, leather trim, and alloy wheels.

In the top-of-the-line Highline trim, Nivus receives 17-inch wheels, a Discover Media multimedia center, rain and twilight sensors, leather trim, front collision alert, and automatic post-collision braking. Visual enhancements include chrome details inside and out. Optional features include the R-Line package with a gloss black finish, the Tech & Beats Package with adaptive cruise control, full-LED headlights, and a Beats sound system. VW's Play multimedia center is an available option for all trims.

Volkswagen will launch the 2021 Nivus in Brazil in late June. Pre-sales begin at the start of the month.

Source: 2021 VW Nivus Debuts With Coupe-Like Looks, One Powertrain Choice

 

[dalab]

2021 VW Nivus Debuts With Coupe-Like...

More than necessary to repel the Chinese invasion in South America, it even comes late because there are at least 4 Chinese brands with similar models for a couple of years selling

 

[J.E]

Volkswagen intensifies e-mobility activities in China with additional €2B investment; JAC Volkswagen and battery-maker Gotion

Volkswagen plans to increase its share in JAC Volkswagen, its joint venture for e-mobility. Around €1 billion is to be invested. This amount includes the acquisition of 50% of JAG, the parent company of the Volkswagen partner JAC, and an increase in the stake in JAC Volkswagen from 50 to 75%.

By gaining management control, Volkswagen is paving the way for more electric models and infrastructure. Furthermore, Volkswagen will acquire a 26% stake in battery manufacturer Gotion High-Tech Co., Ltd. for around €1 billion, becoming the company’s largest shareholder.

Together with strong and reliable partners, Volkswagen is strengthening its electrification strategy in China. The electric cars segment is growing rapidly and offers a great deal of potential for JAC Volkswagen. We are actively driving forward the development of battery cells in China through our strategic investment in Gotion.

—Dr. Herbert Diess, CEO of Volkswagen AG

I am delighted with this strategic milestone in our mutual and trusted relations as Volkswagen takes a strategic role in a state-owned company for the first time, as well as investing direct in a Chinese battery supplier. These investments shape the character of Volkswagen in China, making it a more localized, more sustainability-focused mobility company. By opening up the market, China is giving Volkswagen new business opportunities.

—Dr. Stephan Wöllenstein, CEO of Volkswagen Group China

Volkswagen Group China has already outlined its route to becoming a net carbon-neutral company. In 2025, around 1.5 million NEVs are planned for delivery to customers across the country. China is the world’s biggest market for e-mobility.

JAC Volkswagen. By strengthening its position and advancing the JAC Volkswagen joint venture through a capital increase, Volkswagen is taking the next step in its Chinese electrification strategy. Letters of intent were co-signed by Volkswagen (China) Investment Co. Ltd. and the government of Anhui province, which foresee Volkswagen raising its stake from 50% to 75% within the JAC Volkswagen joint venture via a capital increase.

To make this possible, Volkswagen will also be investing in the Anhui government-owned entity JAG, the parent company of JAC. The parties intend to close the deal amounting to €1 billion by the end of the year, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Founded in 2017, the JAC Volkswagen joint venture is an all-electric company which develops, produces and sells NEVs. A portfolio expansion of up to 5 additional BEV models by 2025 is planned, as well as building a full-scale e-model factory and finishing the R&D center in Hefei.

Gotion. Volkswagen has found a further partner to secure future demand for batteries for its Chinese e-models. With the signing of binding agreements, Volkswagen (China) Investment Co. Ltd. will become the largest shareholder in Gotion, with 26% of the shares, through a buy-in of around €1.1 billion.

Volkswagen is the first global automaker to invest direct in a Chinese battery supplier. It is planned to complete the deal by the end of 2020, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

The partnership is an opportunity for Volkswagen to achieve deeper know-how in the field of batteries. Gotion maintains various current and future projects over the entire battery value chain from sourcing, development and production to recycling. Gotion is in the process of becoming a certified Volkswagen Group battery supplier in China, including supplies for local MEB vehicles. The MEB is the new modular electric vehicle platform of the Volkswagen Group.

The deal will not affect ongoing contracts with other battery suppliers.

Source: Volkswagen intensifies e-mobility activities in China with additional €2B investment; JAC Volkswagen and battery-maker Gotion

 

[Deleted member 1071]

greencarcongress.com/2...

Dr Herbert Diess appears quite the man on a mission when it comes to e-mobility. Very forward thinking. Unfortunately, he is currently experiencing an abundance of intra-corporate conflict with the chairman of the VW works council, Bernd Osterloh. Quality and function snafus pertaining to the launches of the Golf VIII and I.D. 3 have been eroding Dr. Diess' integrity recently. Something that has angered the highly influential Osterloh and the works council in general.