New group models in 2017
The Volkswagen Group launched a large number of attractive new models on the market in fiscal year 2017. The current product portfolio comprises 355 models. It 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.
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand kicked off its global product initiative in 2017, starting with the new Golf. The updated bestseller not only features improved design and new engines, but also a large number of new digital driver assistance systems and an innovative infotainment system. The range of the all-electric e-Golf was extended to 300 km. The Arteon, the brand’s new top-of-the-range saloon, celebrated its world premiere. The elegant and dynamic five-door vehicle with the proportions of a Gran Turismo and coupé lines is impressively spacious and comfortable. The new Polo, which is now based on the Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB) too, brings technological innovations to the small car segment that were previously available only in higher vehicle classes. The Polo is ushering in a new era in Brazil, where it is setting new standards in terms of quality, driving dynamics and digital innovations. In 2017, Volkswagen Passenger Cars substantially expanded its range of vehicles in the SUV segment. The new T-Roc is a young, sporty crossover model with which the brand hopes to kindle enthusiasm among new groups of customers. A long version of the Tiguan, the successful compact SUV, was also launched on the market. This version is available in Europe as the Tiguan Allspace as well as in China and the USA. Of the large SUVs, the Teramont came on the market in China and the Atlas in the USA. This means that the brand is now represented in four of the five largest vehicle segments in the USA.
The Audi brand launched the new Q5 in 2017. The sporty, progressive A5 family was also supplemented by the revamped A5 Sportback and A5 Cabriolet. At the same time, Audi expanded its range of environmentally friendly models with the A4 Avant g-tron and A5 Sportback g-tron. The brand’s flagship, the new Audi A8, was developed as the world’s first production model designed for highly automated driving. With a new design language, an innovative touch control interface and systematic electrification of the drive, the A8 is once again a reflection of the slogan “Vorsprung durch Technik”. Audi also launched its fastest open-top production model, the R8 Spyder V10 plus, on the market. In China, the locally built Audi A3 was revamped.
ŠKODA began its SUV drive in 2017: the self-confident, powerful Kodiaq, which is based on the MQB platform, has carved out a new segment for the brand. It features all of the brand’s strengths: sophisticated functionality, effortless spaciousness, cutting-edge technology and outstanding value for money. The compact SUV Karoq followed during the year. The completely redeveloped model stands out from the crowd thanks to its emotional and dynamic design as well as a wealth of innovations. The popular Octavia received an upgrade. The Citigo, the Rapid and the Rapid Spaceback were also given a face-lift.
The SEAT brand continued its major product initiative in the reporting period with the revitalized Leon. The fifth generation of the Ibiza also came onto the market. SEAT made its debut in the crossover segment with the Arona. The Ateca’s younger brother combines the special merits of a compact city car with the robust features of an SUV.
In 2017, Porsche supplemented the second generation of the Panamera by adding several model variants, including the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, the Executive models and the Sport Turismo. In the 911 model series, Porsche launched the GTS models, the new 911 GT3 and the 911 GT2 RS – the sporty vanguard of the model series. Porsche also celebrated the world premiere of the new Cayenne. The successful model, which has been redeveloped from the ground up, combines more than ever before the performance typical of a Porsche with utmost everyday practicality.
In 2017, Bentley rolled out the Bentayga Diesel, the first of the brand’s models with a diesel engine and also the world’s fastest diesel SUV. The Continental GT Supersports also celebrated its market debut.
Lamborghini launched the new Huracán RWD Spyder on the market and the Huracán Performante, along with the upgraded Aventador in the versions S Coupé and S Roadster.
Bugatti began 2017 with deliveries of the 1,500 PS super sports car Chiron, which is limited to 500 vehicles.
In the reporting period, the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand launched the fully re-engineered Crafter on the market, which has been designed systematically with a strong focus on customer needs.
Scania presented a new generation of trucks for the construction and forestry industries, new engines and cabs as well as new services. With the latest generation of Euro 6 V8 engines, Scania is setting new standards in terms of fuel efficiency.
MAN entered the world of vans for the first time in 2017 with the TGE. In the bus segment, the new Lion’s Coach celebrated its premiere. This marks the beginning of a new design language for buses. In the high-performance diesel engine segment, MAN Power Engineering presented the successor to the 48/60CR, the latest addition to its 4x line.
Ducati rolled out a total of seven new models in 2017: the Ducati SuperSport, the Monster 797 and 1200, the Multistrada 950, two new Scrambler models and the limited 1299 Superleggera.