CAR /
MOTOR SHOW
March 12, 2015
From the Geneva Motor Show Floor: Volkswagen | Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Geneva International Motor Show 2015
From the Geneva Motor Show: Volkswagen
AudiandPorscheFollowing our reports on Audi and Porsche, this Geneva Motor Show update focuses on Volkswagen. The brand unveiled the completely redesigned Touran, the facelifted Sharan, and the Sport Coupe GTE concept car. Tatsuya Otani reports from the show.
Text by OTANI Tatsuya
Volkswagen: Further Advancing Electrification
Volkswagen's booth highlighted four main themes.
The first was their approach to MPVs. This year featured thecompletely redesigned Touranand thefacelifted Sharan(alongside the Caddy commercial vehicle). Volkswagen has introduced family cars that blend their characteristic quality with a Japanese sense of hospitality.
The second theme was the expansion of theirmodular MQB platform. The aforementioned Touran now utilizes MQB, as does the new Passat (not available in Japan), which was recently named European Car of the Year.new Passat (not available in Japan)is also based on MQB.
Volkswagen Touran
Volkswagen Touran
Furthermore, Heinz-Jakob Neusser, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at Volkswagen, stated, "We will further leverage the economies of scale from MQB by implementing it in models like thePoloandTiguan, and use the resulting cost reductions to enhance equipment without increasing prices."
Indeed, the new Touran incorporates advanced features such as "connectivity" for internet access and active safety systems utilizing electronics, yet its European pricing remains largely consistent with the previous model.
Volkswagen Sharan
Volkswagen Passat GTE
The third theme is "powertrain electrification." While the EV models "e-Golf" and "e-up!" have already been released in Japan, this show featured the "Golf" and thee-Golf" ande-up!plug-in hybrid version of the new Passat" under the GTE model designation. The "Sport Concept Coupe GTE," discussed later, is also a plug-in hybrid, as its name suggests.new Passat plug-in hybridAs mentioned, Board Member Neusser emphasized Volkswagen's commitment to advancing electrification, focusing on EVs and plug-in hybrids.Sport Concept Coupe GTE design studyis also designated as a plug-in hybrid.
Board Member Neusser also stressed that Volkswagen will further advance electrification, with a focus on EV and plug-in hybrid models.
Volkswagen
Geneva International Motor Show 2015
From the Geneva Motor Show: Volkswagen (Part 2)
Volkswagen's Future Direction
The fourth theme is the rollout of a new design language. The Sport Concept Coupe GTE, unveiled at this show, not only utilizes the MQB platform but also combines two electric motors (front and rear) with a V6 TSI engine as a plug-in hybrid, drawing significant attention. However, its true significance lies in its styling, which expresses Volkswagen's next-generation design language.
While the car's flat surfaces and sharp edges convey a sense of high quality and advanced technology, similar to existing Volkswagen models, the Sport Concept Coupe GTE features a design where the beltline-like front grille appears integrated with the headlights, enhancing its impression of power and luxury.
Volkswagen Sport Concept Coupe GTE
Volkswagen Passat Alltrack
Speaking of new design languages, Audi alsounveiled the Prologue design study at the LA Auto Show, making the division of design philosophies between these sister brands within the same group a point of interest.
Additionally, the Passat Alltrack, a 4WD model based on the new Passat, made its world premiere. The four messages conveyed at the Geneva Motor Show are not merely for this event but are crucial for Volkswagen's future, making this an exceptionally important show for the company.Passat AlltrackThe four messages presented at the Geneva Motor Show are not just for this event but are crucial for Volkswagen's future, making this an exceptionally important show for the company.