New group models in 2013
The Volkswagen Group selectively expanded its model portfolio in key segments in the reporting period. Additionally, we introduced new products based on the Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB), which we launched in 2012. This will also form the basis for many other new models in the coming years. The Group’s range now comprises around 315 passenger car, commercial vehicle and motorcycle models and their derivatives. The Group covers almost all key segments and body types, with offerings from small cars to super sports cars in the passenger car sector, and from pickups to heavy trucks and buses in the commercial vehicles sector, as well as motorcycles. We will continue to resolutely move into unoccupied market segments that offer profitable opportunities for us.
The models premiered by the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand in the past year included the dynamic Golf derivatives GTD, GTI, Golf R and Golf R Cabriolet, as well as the efficiency models Golf BlueTDI and the Golf BlueMotion, which uses just 3.2 liters of fuel per 100 km. In addition, the new Golf estate was launched on the market. At 1,620 liters, its boot capacity exceeds its predecessor’s by 125 liters. The new Beetle Convertible and cross up! further strengthened the brand image. The e-up!, the first vehicle developed by the Volkswagen Group to run on electrical power alone, heralded a new era for e-mobility. Volkswagen took account of special customer and market requirements in key regions outside Europe through product upgrades and country-specific models. The successor to the best-selling Jetta was launched on the Chinese market in fiscal year 2013. We also moved into additional volume and niche segments with the new Gran Lavida and the dynamic Sagitar GLI. In Brazil, we unveiled the Gol Rallye, a derivative of the most popular model on the market. A BlueMotion version of the compact Fox was also introduced.
The Audi brand once again proved its technical and sporting credentials in 2013. In the premium compact segment, after starting production of the Audi A3 as the Group’s first vehicle based on the MQB in 2012, Audi expanded the A3 range in the reporting period to include the S3 Sportback and the natural gas-powered A3 g-tron. Audi also presented its first A3 notchback model, which boasts dynamic contours and coupé-like lightness. The flagship A8 and R8 and the Q5 were also upgraded. In the American market, the brand extended its TDI offensive to the A6, A7, A8 and Q5 models. Audi also strengthened its market position in China with its fourth locally manufactured model, the Q3.
Following the presentation of the compact Rapid notchback saloon in 2012, in 2013 ŠKODA unveiled the Rapid Spaceback – a new compact that offers all the space expected from ŠKODA together with a fresh and elegant design. ŠKODA also unveiled the brand’s first MQB model, the new Octavia, which is available as a saloon and an estate. The series spearhead is the newly launched Octavia RS – the fastest ever Octavia. The Superb was also upgraded. In 2013, ŠKODA also started producing the Yeti in China, catering to the specific requirements of Chinese customers (for example, it has a longer wheelbase).
Spanish brand SEAT expanded the Leon Family in 2013 with the three-door Leon SC and the sporty Leon ST estate. Both cars are based on the MQB.
Porsche emphasized its dominance of the global premium and sports segment with a number of new models in the reporting period. The new edition of the 911 series took center stage, and other new exciting cars were added to the range. The brand also debuted a special edition to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the 911. In addition, the mid-engine Cayman was updated. The Panamera series was also updated and now offers the first plug-in hybrid in the luxury class in the shape of the Panamera S E-Hybrid.
The Group’s luxury brands also premiered new models in 2013. Bentley presented the successor to the Flying Spur and the new Continental GTC Speed Convertible for the first time. Lamborghini launched the Aventador Roadster, the successor to the Murciélago Roadster super sports car.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles started production of the new Caddy BlueMotion in the reporting period. Consuming just 4.5 liters of diesel per 100 km, it is the most economical Caddy ever made. A fuel-efficient BlueMotion version of the Crafter has also been available since 2013. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also launched the special-edition Amarok Canyon to appeal to pickup customers with high-octane lifestyles.
In 2013, Scania expanded its range of Euro 6 engines, which now includes gas and biodiesel engines. Scania also presented the redesigned G- and R-series as Euro 6 models with an improved look and better aerodynamics.
MAN introduced the new generation of Euro 6 engines across all of its model series in 2013, including the entire bus portfolio. At the world’s largest solar power plant, which officially went into operation in Abu Dhabi in March 2013, a MAN steam turbine generates enough environmentally friendly electricity to power around 57,000 German homes.
At Ducati, product highlights included the new Hypermotard SP, Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo and Superbike 899 Panigale models.