Volkswagen's New e-Golf sets tone for future green energy plans

Volkswagen Import has introduced the New e-Golf into China as new energy cars are gaining traction in the world's largest car market.

China sold 777,000 new energy cars in 2017, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. The association estimated that sales will exceed 1 million this year.

"We have always believed, and are now witnessing, that China is and will continue to be the world's greatest new energy car market," said Axel Schroeder, managing director of Volkswagen Import.

The company used its Electric Up! model in 2014 to gauge the market response and later introduced its first plug-in hybrid, the Golf GTE, in 2015.

"Today we have the New e-Golf, heralding a new dawn for us to understand the market more deeply, and for the public to know more about Volkswagen e-mobility," Schroeder said.

"The New e-Golf is critical in setting the tone for our future brand strategy, with new energy cars as our key product offerings in the coming years."

He said the model will help the company to better understand the market and will herald more new energy vehicles from the German carmaker.

Volkswagen Import will introduce the Volkswagen Variant GTE into China later this year, which is set to be followed by the Touareg GTE in the near future.

From 2020 onward, it will start to offer models based on the more advanced MEB platform, which was designed specifically for the drive of electric cars only.

"Our strategy is very much in line with the Chinese government's policies regarding the promotion of such cars," Schroeder said.

China overtook the United States as the world's largest new energy car market in 2015 and has set itself ambitious goals.

It expects annual sales of new energy cars to reach 2 million in 2020 and to account for 20 percent of all new cars sales by 2025, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

By the end of 2017, China had around 1.8 million new energy cars on its roads, about half of the total number of such cars worldwide.

Brand's best-selling e-car

The e-Golf is Volkswagen's best-selling electric model globally, according to the company.

With its design efficiency and impressive performance, as well as cutting-edge digitalization and connectivity, it's clear to see why, Schroeder said.

The model - which has a top torque of 290 Newton meters - delivers premium German engineering and matches the needs of Chinese consumers on affordability without sacrificing performance or quality.

"Speaking of performance, the New e-Golf's is quite impressive: as an electric car, it has a great capability for everyday driving," Schroeder said.

"In terms of handling, it offers much more than you'd expect from a Golf. The XDS Differential, often used in sports cars, enables a safer and more precise drive, especially when cornering."

According to Volkswagen Import, the model has a 255-kilometer range and can reach 80 percent of its charging capacity within 40 minutes using a fast charging network.

With a 7.2 kilowatt charging box, it takes five hours to fully charge.

"From the exterior, you can tell this model is a very special Golf," Schroeder said.

Its all-LED lights, including the C-shaped daytime running lamps, make the model instantly recognizable.

Blue trim extensions and sharp body lines reinforce its young, sporty and eco-friendly identity.

The company said these design elements don't just look good - they are also aimed to ensure greater energy efficiency.

The 16-inch "Astana" alloy wheels use optimized aerodynamics with rolling resistance contact surfaces.

The rear spoilers and side flaps reduce air resistance to enhance the New e-Golf's aerodynamic performance.

Besides its design and performance, the New e-Golf is also distinguished by its digital innovations and connectivity.

The company said it is the only car in its segment with a 12.3-inch digital display. There is also all-new 8-inch touch screen.

In terms of connectivity, the New e-Golf features a system called "Car-Net" function, which allows the driver to see the car's condition via his or her smartphone.

The system also helps drivers to easily find available charging stations and pay through Alibaba's mobile payment tool Alipay.

Volkswagen Car-Net offers several other functions as well, such as online services and call center services.

The model also features App-Connect, which allows customers to mirror their smart mobile devices on the touch screen, for greater convenience.

App-Connect is compatible with a range of mobile platforms, including Mirror-Link, Apple CarPlay and Baidu CarLife, offering customers a range of ecosystems.

"Put simply, this is our most innovative and eco-friendly Golf ever," Schroeder said.

"And with all of these great features, I'm sure that it will be very competitive in China's compact new energy car segment."

(China Daily 04/09/2018 page19)