The Future of Europe's Most Popular Car

The EV version of Europe's most popular car is finally debuting. Dubbed "Blue e-motion," this next-generation practical vehicle is powered by a motor producing 85kW (115ps) of maximum output and 270Nm (27.5kgm) of maximum torque, mounted under the hood just like a conventional engine. It drives the front wheels, achieving 0-100 km/h in 11.8 seconds and a top speed of 135 km/h.

The lithium-ion battery is housed in the rear of the vehicle, providing a current maximum range of 150 km. However, it's important to note that EV energy consumption varies depending on driving style and the use of accessories like the heater and air conditioning, so this figure is purely a reference.

Production is slated to begin in 2013, with a market launch planned for 2014. However, the company intends to accelerate technological innovation to further extend the range before production commences.

BRAND HISTORY
Volkswagen was founded in 1936 and is an automobile manufacturer. While often perceived as a pragmatic brand, not typically associated with sports cars, its technical prowess is undeniable, maintaining its position as a top-tier global passenger car manufacturer. A distinctive aspect of Volkswagen is its post-war establishment as a full-scale automotive company, a rarity in Europe. The company continues to cherish the passion for car manufacturing, inherited as a legacy from its founder, engineer Dr. FerdinandPorsche. After laying its foundation with the Type 1, commonly known as the Beetle, it leveraged the technical expertise of acquired companyAudito develop passenger cars for a broader market. The breakthrough came in 1974 with the introduction of the Golf, which achieved massive success by brilliantly balancing the two essential automotive qualities: practicality and driving performance. This spirit of car manufacturing lives on today; Volkswagen models are known for their straightforward nature, yet they also deliver a genuine driving enjoyment. A notable point was the early adoption of the dual-clutch system in the previous generation Golf.

Volkswagen is also a master of marketing. Establishing the "hot hatch" (fast hatchback) segment by introducing the GTI version of the Golf is considered a significant achievement in automotive history. The company excels at brand management. By adopting Audi's proprietary quattro all-wheel-drive technology, it has successfully cultivated a different market segment with an advanced image, distinct from Volkswagen. Furthermore, it currently ownsLamborghini,Bentley, and what is arguably the world's most high-performance and expensive sports car,Bugatti, and is also the largest shareholder in Porsche.

In the late 1990s, the company focused heavily on improving quality with the goal of surpassing Japanese cars. As a result, its build quality has become a global benchmark. More recently, significant advancements in quietness have been achieved, posing a considerable challenge to what was once the stronghold of Japanese automotive manufacturing.

The lineup in Japan primarily consists of the compact hatchback Polo, the Golf and its station wagon variant, the Golf Variant, the multi-purpose minivan Touran, the Golf sedan Jetta, and the large-bodied Passat Variant. Additionally, the lineup includes the Scirocco two-door coupe, the Passat CC—a four-door model with coupe-like styling—and SUVs such as the Tiguan and the large Touareg.

The Golf, in particular, offers a rich variety of models, from those equipped with a 1.2-liter turbo engine to the GTI, and the Golf R, which combines a 256ps engine with a four-wheel-drive system. This range, from fuel-efficient and comfortable models to those designed for driving enthusiasts, clearly demonstrates the breadth and depth of Volkswagen's automotive philosophy.