New group models in 2015
The Volkswagen Group selectively expanded its model portfolio in key segments in the reporting period. In addition, successor and product upgrades were presented for important brand models, many of them based on the Modular Transverse Toolkit. The Group’s range now comprises 337 passenger car, commercial 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 segment, and from pickups to heavy trucks and buses in the commercial vehicles segment, as well as motorcycles. We will continue to resolutely move into unoccupied market segments that offer profitable opportunities for us.
In fiscal year 2015, the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand launched the successor of the popular Touran family van, whose many innovations continue the model’s success story. The new Golf and Passat Alltrack models use 4MOTION drive technology to achieve convincing performance on any terrain. The family-friendly Sharan has been enhanced by adding numerous new convenience and assistance systems as well as innovative infotainment systems. The new Passat GTE with a plug-in hybrid drive expands the range of vehicles that run on electric power. It offers modern, environmentally conscious customers maximum driving pleasure without compromising on comfort and quality. The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand met special customer and market requirements in key regions outside Europe through product upgrades and country-specific models. China saw the launch of the dynamic and comfortable Lamando and the versatile Gran Santana, both manufactured locally. The sporty Golf GTI and Polo GTI models complement the local product range. The successful family saloons, the Sagitar and the Lavida, were upgraded, as were their derivatives, the Gran Lavida and the Cross Lavida. Moreover, imports of the innovative Golf GTE with a plug-in hybrid drive and the upgraded Touareg were launched in China in the year under review. In South America, the Golf family was expanded by adding the versatile Golf Estate. In the USA, the spacious Golf Estate and the uncompromisingly sporty Golf R were launched.
As for the Audi brand, the new generation of the popular Audi A4 and Audi A4 Avant models had their world premieres in 2015. With the new Q7 premium class SUV, Audi once again shows off its expertise in lightweight construction and efficiency technology as well as in infotainment and assistance systems. For the first time, Audi is offering a hybrid version in this segment: the Q7 e-tron 3.0 TDI quattro will be available for orders from spring 2016 onwards. The new R8 Coupé is Audi’s impressive sporty flagship model, offering racing technology in series-produced cars. The Audi RS 3 Sportback was presented as the sportiest version of the A3 series. The third generation of the TT family was expanded by adding the TT Roadster and the sporty versions TTS Coupé and TTS Roadster.
With the launch of the next generation of the Superb saloon and the Superb Combi, ŠKODA’s model portfolio entered a new era in 2015. The Fabia Combi boasts a fresh design and boot space that sets standards in its class. The sporty Octavia RS 230 is at the forefront of the RS series.
At the SEAT brand, the popular Ibiza small car, the Toledo four-door coupé and the Alhambra family van were upgraded in the reporting period. The sporty Leon ST Cupra estate complements the Leon family.
In 2015, Porsche expanded its 911 series with the all-out super sports car 911 GT3 RS and the dynamic Targa 4 GTS. The new Macan series has been expanded with a sporty GTS version. In addition, the new Boxster Spyder, the new Cayman GT4 and the successor of the Cayenne Turbo S were launched.
Bentley refreshed the design and features of the Continental GT series in 2015. In addition, it boosted the performance of the Continental GT W12 to 434 kW (590 PS) while at the same time optimizing efficiency.
The Lamborghini brand presented four new super sports cars: the newly developed Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce, the roadster version of the Aventador Superveloce, the Aventador LP 700-4 Pirelli Edition and the Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles introduced the new version of the versatile, popular Multivan/Transporter in the reporting period. The Caddy, an all-rounder, was upgraded. Equipped with a 1.4 l TGI natural gas-powered drive, the successor to the popular Caddy EcoFuel was launched. The Cross Caddy has been succeeded by the Caddy Alltrack which is once again available as a passenger car or as a delivery van.
Scania presented a Euro 6 hybrid truck, a series five-cylinder in-line engine running on bioethanol and two new nine-liter engines for truck models in fiscal year 2015. Other new products were the Scania Citywide Hybrid low-floor bus and the new Scania Interlink bus series.
In the reporting period, MAN launched the new MAN Lion’s Intercity bus, which boasts safety and comfort features for intercity transport passengers and a high level of efficiency; its cockpit was rigorously designed in line with driver needs.
The third generation of the Multistrada 1200 and 1200 S has been available from Ducati since the beginning of 2015. Four versions of the Scrambler series were launched: Icon, Urban Enduro, Classic and Full Throttle. In addition, the superbike 1299 Panigale, the limited-edition Diavel Titanium and the new Naked Bike Monster 1200 R were unveiled.