Generation SIX: world premiere of the new T series'

Hannover/Amsterdam, 15 April 2015 – Today, the Volkswagen

Commercial Vehicles brand presents the sixth generation of the

successful Transporter model series that is produced in Hannover.

Key updated technical features offer better safety, improved comfort

and convenience and greater driving dynamics in combination with

improved fuel economy and lower entry-level prices.

It is the new edition of a hugely successful model: for the T series from

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has been the number 1 in Germany for

decades. Its predecessor sold some 2 million units around the world

within eleven years. Across the entire model series' 65 years, the figure is

around 12 million vehicles, which means 65 years of experience with

customers and 65 years of contemporary transport solutions. Each

individual generation led the way in terms of technology, and was

precisely meeting the needs of the market.

Design: the T series is a classic in design. It has therefore been

modernised cautiously, but has become even sharper, more precise and

thus enhanced still further in quality. The lines, beads and edges run

continuously from front to back. The entire body now has the appearance

of being all one piece, as if milled from a solid block. Like its

predecessors, the new T generation, too, thus remains immediately

recognisable. The extremely solid foundation on which all T series models

are based: the commercial vehicle. Subjected every day to the hardest of

tests and developed for professionals. Robust and reliable. Forming the

top of the range, however, is the Multivan. Families and outdoor sports

enthusiasts in particular value its proverbial flexibility. In between comes

the Caravelle as the joining link. Created both for commercial and private

use, this spacious multi-purpose vehicle has also been upgraded once

again and is now for the first time available as a Highline model as well.

Designers and engineers have also covered a broad spectrum inside and

developed high-quality interiors for both versions of the vehicle: highly

practical in the case of the Transporter versions – very bespoke and

refined in the case of the Multivan, satisfying the requirements of its

different customer groups. The arrangement of storage trays and

compartments also depends on the model. Everything here has its place.

Be it a folding ruler, coffee mug, mobile phone or tablet. Form follows

function. In best Bauhaus tradition.

Engines: in the T series a completely new generation of TDI engines is

being launched for the EU6 markets. Internally it answers to the name

'EA288 Nutz'. This engine has been developed specifically for the tough

requirements of a commercial vehicle. Longevity and ruggedness were

thus the top priority. The TDIs available are transversely mounted and

angled forwards by eight degrees. They have a cubic capacity of 1,968

cm3 and deliver 62 kW / 84 PS, 75 kW / 102 PS, 110 kW / 150 PS and

150 kW / 204 PS. The petrol option is likewise a four-cylinder engine with

a displacement of 2.0 litres. It delivers either 110 kW / 150 PS or 150 kW /

204 PS. Across the whole model series, the new engines save a litre of

fuel compared to the previous generation. All Euro-5 and Euro-6 engines

have a stop/start system as standard. Thus, overall fuel consumption

could be reduced by 15% on average.

Comfort and convenience: the new adaptive chassis control, Dynamic

Cruise Control (DCC), for so-called enclosed superstructures works in an

even more bespoke fashion. It enables the vehicle to be adapted to three

driving modes: comfort, normal and sport. In each case, the electrically

adjustable shock absorbers adapt to the chosen style via a preselected

programme. DCC thus makes the already exemplary handling even

better.

The variability of the seating layout makes the back a veritable

playground in terms of reconfiguration. From normal boot to large cargo

space – everything is possible. Opening and closing the tailgate is now

especially easy. Aside from purely manual operation, the first level up

from the basic version provides an automatic closing aid. It enables the

tailgate to be closed with much less effort and has the latch engage in the

lock with a significantly less obtrusive sound. Even easier to operate is

the new, completely electrically operated version. It opens automatically

via the tailgate handle, and it closes by pulling a loop or by pushbutton.

Alternatively, it can be opened by pressing a button on the driver door or

on the remote control integrated within the vehicle key. That makes it

easier, in particular, to close the tailgate, which is about two metres above

the ground when open.

Safety: by means of radar, the 'Front Assist' area monitoring system

(optional for the Transporter, Multivan and Caravelle; standard on the

Multivan Business) recognises critical distances to the vehicle in front and

helps to shorten the stopping distance. In dangerous situations the

system warns the driver visually and audibly, as well as with a slight jolt of

the brake. With adaptive cruise control ('ACC'), a sensor measures the

distance to the vehicle in front and the relative speed. In combination with

the DSG, the ACC system can also slow the vehicle down, for example in

queues or traffic jam situations, to a complete stop. Depending on the

situation, ACC then starts up again automatically after a predefined

period. An integral component of 'Front Assist' and 'ACC' is the City

Emergency Braking function, which provides assistance at low speeds of

under 30 km/h and thereby offers significantly improved safety, especially

in dense city traffic. If the driver fails to see an obstacle, the system

automatically applies the brakes and ensures that the collision-speed is

reduced. In order to minimise the risk related to this scenario, the

Automatic Post-Collision Braking System is provided as standard in the

Transporter. Another option is 'Light Assist' that performs automatic,

camera-controlled switching on and off of the main beam. The 'Driver

Alert System', which is standard in vehicles with a multifunction display,

recognises any deviations from normal driving behaviour and

recommends the driver takes a break. During the journey the optionally

available electronic voice enhancement helps drivers to keep their eyes

focussed on what is happening on the road. Without any turning of the

head, the driver's voice can be automatically amplified and played back to

the passengers over the radio system's loudspeakers. For all vehicles

with 4MOTION, Hill Descent Assist is available as an option. By targeted

application of the brakes to individual wheels, which the driver is not able

to do singularly using the foot brake, and by cutting the engine speed, it

ensures a safe, controlled hill descent. During towing operation, electronic

trailer stabilisation also utilises the components of the electronic stability

control system and thus contributes significantly to safety while driving. A

feature recommended in particular for cold, snowy regions is the new

heated windscreen that ensures a clear view.

Infotainment: for safety while driving, all devices are fitted with a

Bluetooth hands-free system. In the case of the 6.33-inch screen,

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is for the first time using a display that

works by means of proximity sensors: as soon as the driver or front-seat

passenger moves their hand close to the touchscreen, the system

automatically switches from display mode to input mode. The displays

also have a function that lets users use wiping motions to scroll through

lists or browse CD covers of their own media library that could be stored

on an SD card, for example. Depending on the range of features, there is

also the 'Comfort' mobile phone interface. It provides an inductive link to

the vehicle's mobile phone antenna, an auxiliary USB port and an

ergonomic storage compartment for the mobile phone. Over recent years,

use of the internet on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet

PCs has grown significantly. This resulted in growing demand for instant

information everywhere. Following this trend, the 'Discover Media' and

'Discover Media Plus' navigation systems are equipped with Car-Net's

Guide & Inform services.

Generation SIX: exclusively at market launch, Volkswagen Commercial

Vehicles is offering the 'Generation SIX' special edition. It is based on the

Multivan Comfortline and is enriched by a number of exclusive features

that upgrade it significantly. Tinted windows, LED headlights and rear

lights, fog lights with cornering light and the chrome package are, for

instance, all included as standard. Also exclusively available as options

are a total of four two-tone paintwork finishes with colour-coordinated

decorative elements on the dash panel, plus 18-inch retro-design 'Disc'

alloy wheels in two different colour patterns. The special edition is

extremely comprehensively equipped with electronic aids. ParkPilot front

and rear, Side Assist with electric folding mirrors, cruise control and

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) are included as standard. Also standard is

the Composition Media radio system. In the vehicle's interior, Alcantara

seats in an independent two-tone design, contrasting stitching for the

leather trim of the multifunction steering wheel and gear lever, plus fabric

floor mats with contrasting edging are a feast for the eye. Meanwhile,

heated seats and the Climatronic system ensure comfortable

temperatures.

Prices: Customers will be able to order sixth generation T series vehicles

within the next few days. Prices will be on a par with the previous model

or slightly lower. For a few models, the prices are even considerably

below those for the comparable prior versions. The price list for the

Transporter, for instance, starts at €23,035 (plus value added tax for the

62-kW TDI/Euro5), while entry into the world of the Multivan begins at

€29,952 for the Multivan Conceptline with 62-kW TDI (incl. value added

tax, Euro6). The previous Startline entry-level model is replaced by the

upgraded Trendline trim level at a price of €34,301 (gross).

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

Product Communications

Jens Bobsien

Phone: +49(0) 5 11 / 7 98-7410

Email: [email protected]

www.vwn-presse.de