New group models in 2014
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). This will form the basis for many other new models in the coming years. The Group’s range now comprises around 335 passenger car, comercial vehicle and motorcycle models, and their derivatives. The Group’s product range 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 Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand launched the Golf Sportsvan onto the market in the past year. The successor to the Golf Plus boasts an impressive sporty design and intelligent use of space. A further highlight in 2014 was the unveiling of the new generation of Europe’s most successful company car: the Passat. The new saloon and estate models herald a new era for design and proportions, engines and drive systems, infotainment and assistance systems, as well as safety, convenience and driving pleasure. Following on the heels of the e-up!, the brand’s first production vehicle to run on electrical power that we launched in 2013, the Golf GTE with a plug-in hybrid drive and the e-Golf, the electric version of our bestseller, took their place in dealer showrooms in 2014. The popular Polo in the small car segment, the Jetta and the sporty Scirocco were also upgraded. Volkswagen Passenger Cars met special customer and market requirements in key regions outside Europe through product upgrades and country-specific models. In light of this, a version of the up!, a double cab version of the robust Saveiro and upgrades to the compact Fox and versatile Suran were among the solutions introduced in South America.
The Audi brand once again proved its technical and sporting credentials in 2014. The A3 range, which is based on the MQB, was expanded in the reporting period and now includes the S3 Saloon and the A3 and S3 Cabriolet, among others. Added to this were economical derivatives with alternative drive technology such as the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron with a plug-in hybrid drive and the natural gas-powered A3 g-tron. A real highlight was the new generation of the iconic Audi TT with its innovative drive technology and control and display concept. The A7 and A6 Saloon, Avant and allroad quattro – including the sporty derivative versions – were all upgraded.
ŠKODA scored points in 2014 with the new edition of the Fabia hatchback, which boasts a contemporary design and has once again set standards in its class with its spaciousness. The new generation Octavia family was extended to include a natural gas-powered and an all-wheel drive version, as well as the Octavia Scout.
Spanish brand SEAT extended its Leon family in 2014 with a five-door version of the dynamic Cupra and the new all-wheel drive Leon X-PERIENCE. In addition, environmentally-friendly natural-gas powered TGI variants of the Leon hatchback and ST estate were introduced in the reporting period.
In 2014, Porsche rolled out its fifth series with the Macan, a dynamic SUV one size down from the Cayenne. In addition to the entry-level version, the Macan is also available in S, Diesel S and Turbo models. The 911 series was expanded to include the Targa and a GTS version for both the Coupé and the Cabriolet. Other highlights for the reporting period included the GTS versions of the Cayman and the Boxster, as well as the revamped Cayenne and Panamera series. The Cayenne S E-Hybrid was delivered to dealers as the first premium SUV with an innovative plug-in hybrid drive.
Our luxury brands also premiered new models in 2014. Bentley launched five dynamic models: the Flying Spur V8, the Continental GT V8 S, the Continental GTC V8 S Convertible, the Mulsanne Speed and the Continental GT3-R. The Continental GT Speed, including the Convertible, was upgraded. Super sports car manufacturer Lamborghini introduced its successor to the Gallardo Coupé in 2014, the Huracán. The extreme performance super sports car features a carbon fiber and aluminum body as well as a new, efficient petrol injection system.
Scania expanded its range of Euro 6 engines in 2014 with several engine variants. A hybrid version of the Scania Citywide bus, which can run on diesel or biodiesel, was added to the Citywide series.
MAN presented an addition to the TGX series model portfolio in the reporting period with the TGX D38, a high-performance truck with a newly developed six-cylinder engine. MAN Diesel & Turbo unveiled the MAN 175D, the first cylinder version of its new high-speed engine family.
Ducati launched its seventh series in 2014 with the Scrambler model. This retro bike is currently available in the Icon version, with additional versions to follow in 2015. New models in the established Panigale, Diavel, Multistrada and Monster series also reached dealers.