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Volkswagen has a long heritage with electric propulsion. Ferdinand Porsche, the engineer who designed  the Volkswagen Beetle, made a name for himself with his first electric car in 1900 (one later adopted to become the world’s first hybrid.) But it would be some 70 years before a production electric vehicle would carry the Volkswagen brand – and it’s likely not one you’ve ever heard of.

The global oil crisis of the early 1970s set many automakers to work looking for alternatives to gasoline power. One of VW’s answers was to take the still-popular Type 2 Microbus and transform it into an all-electric vehicle. Known as both Eleckro-Bus and Elektro-Transporter, VW would eventually build and sell about 70 of these EVs for use in Germany between 1972 and 1976.

The limitations of electric power in that era made the Elektro-Bus a machine useful for only certain roles. The battery pack of 72 lead-acid cells was reliable but not that powerful; top speed was only 43 miles per hour, and reaching it would take a good 30 seconds. As with modern electric cars, the pack was located on the vehicle floor in the center of the chassis, necessary given its size and 1,847-lb. weight; unlike today, the range was all of 25 miles. And while the Bus was rechargeable over several hours, it also included a built-in rail and stand that allowed owners to swap out battery packs.

Even 40 years ago, the VW engineers who built the Elektro-Bus were exploring how much better it could be with a more advanced battery (a nickel-cobalt pack the same weight as the one in the pack would have doubled the range). As this year’s I.D. BUZZ concept shows, the next generation of electric-powered vehicles with lithium-ion packs could have speed and range similar to what’s already on the road – and style to spare, as VW buses always do.

Article source: www.vw.com

The countdown has begun: this coming Friday (June 16, 2017), Volkswagen is revealing the new Polo in Berlin. The latest edition of the best-selling car is larger, more spacious, more comfortable and will continue the success story of the compact model of which more than 14 million units have been sold.

The new Polo makes a confident, sporty and emotional impression down to the last detail. Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design Volkswagen Brand, explains: "This Volkswagen can immediately be made out as the original of its class, but also as a completely new generation. A Polo with an expressive design which makes the compact sportier, cleaner and unique within the brand range. This is a car that fits in perfectly with our times – both visually and technologically."

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre houses the smart new Volkswagen store. With an annual footfall of 36 million people, and situated in the heart of the UK’s second largest city, the Bullring is an ideal location for Volkswagen to develop this exciting new retailing venture.

Partnering Volkswagen in the project is Johnsons Cars, which was formed in 1999 and has run Johnsons Volkswagen Retailers in the Birmingham area since 2004. The company will bring its experience in automotive retailing to the new Johnsons Volkswagen Bullring Birmingham store.

Consumer behaviour continues to change and that evolving landscape has inspired Volkswagen’s move into this new area of retail. Convenience is at the heart of the store concept, and it opens up the opportunity for customers to conduct everything from initial enquiries to the purchase of a new or pre-owned Volkswagen car while they are in the shopping centre.

A clear focus on meeting customers’ changing needs was central in the design and development of the store. Volkswagen and its retail design agency Dalziel & Pow wanted to create an experience that made the process of buying and owning a car as easy and straightforward as possible. The result is a refreshing design that creates another ‘landmark Retailer’ for the Volkswagen brand, alongside its flagship Volkswagen West London site.

Shoppers popping into the Bullring store will encounter a variety of displays that highlight Volkswagen’s advanced in-car technology. They will also be able to experience the cars first hand by sitting in the various Volkswagens that will be on display in the store. The vehicle selection will be refreshed frequently in order to keep the new store right up to date.

Test driving a new car is as important as ever and Volkswagen has ensured that this is easy to do at the Bullring Birmingham. The dedicated test drive area for the store is located just a brief walk away. Once there, the customer will be shown around the vehicle before setting off on their drive.

As well as ordering a new car, customers can opt to purchase a used car from Volkswagen’s ‘Das WeltAuto’ Approved Used car scheme at the store. The brand’s award-winning Blended Retail system provides the basis for the Das WeltAuto vehicles to be shown to customers.

Blended Retailing combines the digital and physical elements of car sales and allows a customer to begin the purchase decision either online at the award-winning www.volkswagen.co.uk or in store.

Motability sales, as well as Volkswagen’s comprehensive vehicle accessories and official merchandise, will also feature in the new Bullring store.

Alison Jones, Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, said: “Setting up Johnsons Volkswagen Bullring Birmingham has been an exciting project and we can’t wait to open the doors to the public next month. The store allows us to try out new ways of bringing our cutting edge products and technologies to the public in their usual retail environment.”

Alison added: “The store is very much a long-term pilot that we will learn much from. It is all about presenting our cars and services to the public in a place that is really convenient for them, and it will sit alongside the wide network of Volkswagen Retailers across the UK that represent the heart of our business.”

Mike Berwick, Operations Director of Johnsons Cars, said: “This is a completely new retail format and way of going to the market, and so it is exciting for us to work with Volkswagen on this project. This store will complement our existing five Volkswagen retail locations and the combination will allow us to expand our customer service offers both in sales and aftersales.”

Mike added: “We have set a very competitive ‘no haggle’ pricing model. This will remove the stress experienced by some from the typical showroom visit and will allow us to speed up the enquiry and sales process, therefore delivering a better experience for shoppers.”

Michaela Moore, General Manager of Bullring Birmingham, said: “Volkswagen joining the centre is a real coup for us. We were excited by the new store concept and, with their additional offering of onsite test drives, we think it will be a real hit with our shoppers.”

Johnsons Volkswagen Bullring Birmingham will open its doors to the public on Friday 7 July. It will be open from 10am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sundays.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

Fast forward 30 years and this weekend, 3-4 June, GTI International is moving to a new home at Rockingham Motor Speedway in Northamptonshire. Affectionately known as ‘Inters’, GTI International comprises a dynamic line-up of activities and events that offer something for everyone – from families to confirmed Volkswagen enthusiasts. 

Tonight (Friday 2 June) a DJ will entertain the event’s camping visitors, and the live music continues on Saturday night. During the day the Show ‘n’ Shine area will be packed with some of the most pristine examples of Volkswagen cars on display anywhere. Judging will take place across a variety of categories that cater for numerous Volkswagen models, including the Polo, Scirocco and Beetle. 

Adjacent to the Show ‘n’ Shine area is the Drag Strip, which will feature quick cars and determined drivers. Called ‘The Sprint’, it allows drivers to test their car’s 0-60 mph time on the one-eighth mile stretch of tarmac, and any road-going or race car can take part. 

Rockingham Motor Speedway is Britain’s only oval circuit but it also includes a twisting interior section of track, known as the Rockingham National circuit. This will be open to everyone on Saturday and Sunday, and offers the chance for drivers to put their car through its paces on the track. This will be managed as a regular track day and drivers and passengers will need to attend one of the safety briefings that will run through the day. They must also wear a crash helmet, which can be hired. 

Some of Britain’s most skilled professional drivers will be displaying their talents at Rockingham. On Saturday Terry Grant will thrill the crowds with his unique display, while Paul Swift will follow him with his jaw-dropping endeavours on Sunday. 

Exhibitors have filled the dedicated Trade Area that can be found in the pit garages of the circuit, as well as the large paddock area at the venue. 

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk