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Never before has the internationally acclaimed Guggenheim Museum in the Spanish city of Bilbao welcomed so many guests as during the last months. Responding to the strong interest of visitors, the museum even offered special opening hours during the summer months. The reason for this outstanding level of attraction was the exhibition “Motion. Autos, Art, Architecture” which linked the history of mobility and the design of urban environments with ideas of how we come together and live in the future.

Volkswagen supported the multi-faceted “Motion” exhibition project as leading partner in Bilbao. Widely renowned for its unique building created by Frank O. Gehry, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao achieves a big success in the same year in which it celebrates its 25th jubilee. 750,000 people visited “Motion. Autos, Art, Architecture” while it had been on view for slightly more than 23 weeks from April 8 until September 18. The exhibition was designed by the esteemed architect and visionary Lord Norman Foster who curated it together with Lekha Hileman Waitoller and Manuel Cirauqui from Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

The presentation comprised seven sections, which allowed the audience to undertake a journey through the history of the car and its revolutionary influences on technology, aesthetics and social evolution. Among the artworks on display where two iconic motorcars from Volkswagen’s own collection: a 1951 Volkswagen Beetle and a 1962 Volkswagen Type 2. In addition, Volkswagen participated in the creative process involving Pink Floyd’s drummer Nick Mason and resulting in an innovative audio installation which was then exclusively presented to visitors of the exhibition in Bilbao.

Volkswagen also supported the “Future Mobilities” conference that took place in Bilbao on September 12 and 13. In the final week of the exhibition, students and researchers from international universities came together to discuss visions and concepts that had been developed at 15 universities in 13 countries and which had been publicly revealed as part of the exhibition. The conference was also attended by design strategists from Volkswagen who exchanged views on future scenarios for living environments and mobility options with experts from the Royal College of Art in London, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Yale University, the Swiss-based ETH Zurich, the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, the Hongik University in South Korea and Japan’s Tokio University among others.

Benita von Maltzahn, Director Cultural Engagement at Volkswagen comments on the success of the exhibition: “Our intention as a partner of culture and the arts is always to make creative work accessible to a wide audience. Lord Norman Foster’s striking idea which came to reality in Bilbao offered an immersive reflection of the links between art, architecture and design. And we join the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in thanking all these people who were able to see this special exhibition.”

Lord Norman Foster, curator: “I am delighted by the record numbers who have attended the ‘Motion’ exhibition, especially as I understand that its unique mix of autos, art and architecture has introduced a new kind of visitor to the Museum. It is testimony to the attraction and power of design, the patronage of Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the support of Volkswagen as one of its principal sponsors.”

The support for the exhibition project is part of Volkswagen’s international work to assume social responsibility. It includes the commitment to join partnerships and collaborations letting as many people as possible discover the power of creativity and strengthening a sustainable impact of culture and the arts. In this role, Volkswagen strives to foster an open, forward-looking and engaging dialogue within the society.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Electrifying surprise at the ID. Treffen in Locarno: Volkswagen presents the ID. XTREME in Ticino today, an exceptional off-road concept car that will generate an enthusiastic response among the many electric mobility fans at the event. The fully electric concept car with all-wheel drive system is based on the ID.4 GTX and combines the strengths of a modern SUV with the sense of adventure embodied by a rugged off-road vehicle.

The ID. XTREME from Volkswagen stands for maximum emotion and a desire for adventure. The concept vehicle was created by the team of Andreas Reckewerth (Head of overall vehicle MEB) in the Volkswagen Development department. “The modular electric drive matrix (MEB) has enormous technical potential,” says Silke Bagschik, Head of the MEB Product Line. “For many of our customers, vehicles are much more than just a means of transport. With the ID. XTREME, we are raising electric mobility from VW to a new performance level.” The result of the project is a unique off-road vehicle that impresses with its rugged appearance and outstanding power. A high-performance drive on the rear axle and software adaptations in the drive control unit increase the system power of the concept car by 65 kW to 285 kW compared with the ID.4 GTX – in other words, by about 30 percent. “The ID. XTREME is made by enthusiasts at Volkswagen for ID. enthusiasts here in Locarno. We are really eager to find out how the fans of electromobility react to the vehicle. Based on the feedback from our community, we will decide how to proceed with the project," adds Silke Bagschik.

The exterior of the VW ID. XTREME also shows that the vehicle is ready for every off-road adventure. Raised rally running gear, 18-inch off-road wheels, a modified crash member with additional front bumper, and 50 mm-wider wings manufactured by 3D printing combine to give the concept vehicle an authentic off-road look. The roof carrier with additional LED lights and the completely closed aluminium underbody also equip the fully electric all-wheel drive vehicle for excursions away from paved roads.

Acoustically also, the ID. XTREME has something special to offer: the driving noise was developed together with Volkswagen Design especially for the concept vehicle and is output to the outside via a sound generator in the wheel housing. In the interior, the concept car impresses with various highlights, including numerous Alcantara applications, revamped seats and elements in the accent colour orange. And it goes without saying that the ID. XTREME is sustainable: a no longer required test vehicle from production development and a used 82 kWh battery were taken as the basis for the concept vehicle.

Volkswagen is presenting the ID. XTREME to the public for the first time at the ID. Treffen in Locarno. The event by and for fans of electric mobility is taking place for the second time this year and could become the green and sustainable event for electric mobility modelled on the GTI meeting at Lake Wörth (Austria). This year, ID. enthusiasts from the whole of Europe are meeting up on the shore of Lago Maggiore from 6 to 10 September to share their experiences with electric mobility.

Initiated and organized by private members of the ID. Drivers Club the ID. Treffen is supported by Volkswagen as part of its commitment to the way to ZERO. Together with experts from the company the team of the Volkswagen Drivers Club is attending the event to provide insights into the current developments in the area of sustainable mobility. Alongside the ID. XTREME, Volkswagen is also presenting other models from the ID. family in Locarno.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Volkswagen presents today the ID.5 GTX „Xcite“ to the public for the first time today at the ID. Meet in Locarno (Switzerland). This vehicle is an individual product made by apprentices at Volkswagen’s three locations in Saxony, at Zwickau, Dresden and Chemnitz. For one year, 14 of the best budding specialists worked on a project to demonstrate their skills with considerable creativity and responsibility under expert supervision – from the first design through the adaptation of the bodywork and paintwork to technical commissioning. In addition to sustainability, reflected by vegan leather in the interior, the main focus of this year’s project was on holistic mobility. The ID.5 GTX „Xcite“ already has on board an electric skateboard for the last few meters to the driver’s destination. This is the eighth project of its type completed since 2014.

Robert Janssen, Chair of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Sachsen GmbH with responsibility for Technology and Logistics: “A real Saxon all-electric car: with the ID.5 GTX ‘Xcite‘, young people have shown what they can do with technical knowledge and a passion for cars. Like its predecessors, this show car is a symbol of the high-quality training and the high level of expertise at Volkswagen Sachsen.“

Jens Rothe, Chairman of the General Works Council at Volkswagen Sachsen: “The ID.5 ‘Xcite‘ is a real eyecatcher. The entire team deserves a word of praise. The project gives an impressive demonstration of the young specialists’ skills. At Volkswagen in Saxony, we currently have 573 apprentices and young people on dual courses of study. For us, high-quality training is not only necessary but also part of our social responsibility.”

Duncan Loibl, 19 years old, electronics technician for automation electronics: “For me, this project was really something quite special: working together as a team to achieve a goal, combining a number of different disciplines and working under real-life conditions such as budgeting, planning and implementation. As a result of Covid and temporary delivery bottlenecks, we had to overcome a number of obstacles as a team. We are all the more proud of our car and the knowledge we have gained. I am grateful for this experience and for the opportunity to take part in the ID.5 GTX ‘Xcite’ project.“

A masterly performance by apprentices: the annual show car from Volkswagen Sachsen

The “Xcite“ show car is based on the standard ID.5 GTX with an 82 kWh battery and a top speed of 180 km/h. Taking this car, the apprentices shaped their young vision. They contributed their skills in mechanics, body work and painting to the design and implementation of the project. The show car was based on precise planning and intensive liaison, with young people working under their own responsibility.

The external changes included comprehensive work on the body. The wheel houses were modified, the door sills were widened and the front and rear fenders were adapted. The car combines matt and gloss paintwork from the Lamborghini and Volkswagen paint ranges. The individually produced 22-inch forged aluminum wheel rims are powder-coated and create an impressive presence.

Both Alcantara and vegan leather were used in the interior, making a sustainability statement. The cockpit, steering wheel, door trims and roof liner were upgraded. The seats themselves are real eyecatchers. The saddlers developed a complete, continuous pattern from the ID honeycomb. This is embroidered on the central sections of the seats and the door trims. The project logo was embroidered on the front headrests. This consists of the ID logo combined with a figure 8, symbolizing the number of projects completed to date.

The car features a digital sound system designed by the project team using equipment from Gladen, Musway and Bang & Olufsen, with 10 amplifiers, a subwoofer and a total output of 2000 watts. There is also a highlight in the trunk: the Teamgee H5 electric skateboard is the perfect companion for the last few meters from the car park to the driver’s destination.

With the exception of the Covid year of 2020, apprentices from the three locations in Saxony have modified a car produced in Zwickau every year since 2014. The young women and men made the show car under their own responsibility from the conceptual design through to implementation with the support of five experienced project mentors. The 14 young apprentices working on this year’s project are in the second and third years of their training as construction mechanics, process technicians for coating technology, vehicle paint technicians, motor vehicle mechatronics technicians, electronics technicians for automation electronics, warehouse logistics operators and mechatronics technicians.

Since the Zwickau vehicle plant has solely produced all-electric models, the ID. Meet in Switzerland, which has been held since 2021 and is privately organized, has been the major showcase for the all-electric show cars. The first show car presented at the Meet was an ID.3 in 2021.

A variety of career prospects: training at Volkswagen Sachsen

Volkswagen Sachsen is the largest employer in the State of Saxony and trains between 130 and 160 young people each year. Apprenticeships in a total of 13 training locations are offered at the facilities in Zwickau, Dresden and Chemnitz. In addition, dual courses of studies are available in six faculties. Applications for 2023 are welcome up to October 31, 2022. Further information is available at www.volkswagen-sachsen.de

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Volkswagen AG and the Government of Canada aim to promote e-mobility in the country and to explore opportunities across Canada’s automotive and battery supply chain. This was agreed in a "Memorandum of Understanding" (MoU) signed today in Toronto by Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess and Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, in the presence of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Both parties will investigate opportunities for Canada to contribute to Volkswagen’s global and regional battery supply chains. PowerCo, the newly founded battery company of the Group, has a central role in these efforts and will drive forward the planned cooperation in the fields of battery value creation, raw materials supply chains and cathode material production in the North American region.

PowerCo SE is responsible for all global Group activities along the battery value chain, securing battery cell supply for Volkswagen's e-mobility push. The rapidly growing global battery cell business is a key pillar of Volkswagen’s NEW AUTO strategy, which aims to make Volkswagen the leading provider of sustainable and software-driven mobility. The plan is to quickly build up highly standardized cell production capacities totaling 240 gigawatt hours per year in Europe alone. In addition, there are plans to establish a dedicated gigafactory in North America. Possible production sites are currently being examined.

Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany: “I welcome that Volkswagen and Canada have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on battery value creation today. This is excellent proof that the cooperation with our close friends and allies in Canada is further deepening also in the context of raw material security and may encourage other companies to follow."

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, said: “Canada is quickly becoming the green supplier of choice for major auto companies, including leading European manufacturers, as we transition to a cleaner, greener future. By partnering with Volkswagen, Canada is strengthening its leadership role as a world class automotive innovation ecosystem for clean transportation solutions. Canada is committed to building a strong and reliable automotive and battery supply chain here in North America to help the world meet global climate goals.”

Dr. Herbert Diess, CEO of Volkswagen Group: “Volkswagen has been vigorously pushing the transformation to e-mobility, recognizing the industry‘s responsibility in the global battle against climate change. The Group today not only offers the broadest range of electric models to customers but is also rolling out an ambitious battery and charging strategy. Working hand in hand with governments around the world is an absolute prerequisite to meet our climate goals and I want to thank the Canadian government for their support. The supply of battery raw materials and the production of precursor and cathode materials with a low carbon footprint will allow for a fast and sustainable ramp-up of battery capacity — a key lever for our growth strategy in North America.“

Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board of Management member for Technology: "As an automaker, we see compliance with stringent sustainability criteria as a top priority. For us, the availability of power from renewable sources and a raw materials sector with mines supplying materials conforming to the globally recognized environmental and social standards are crucially important. That is why Canada is an ideal partner for our e-mobility and battery strategy.”

Joint statement with respect to sustainable battery manufacturing and reliable raw material supply

For the development of sustainable battery production, both parties intend to boost cooperation based on recognized ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) criteria between PowerCo and the Canadian mining sector, which is seen as a world leader in terms of responsibility and transparency. For this purpose PowerCo is planning to establish a new, dedicated liaison office in Canada. A key focus of cooperation is the supply of critical raw materials such as lithium, nickel and cobalt.

Both parties see significant prospects for Volkswagen and PowerCo to ramp up cathode material production together with partners and to offer Canadian suppliers an opportunity to act as raw material suppliers, refiners and processors.

With its vast raw material resources, good infrastructure and highly developed automotive industry with considerable production expertise and highly qualified workforce, Canada sees itself outstandingly well-positioned for joint projects.

Schmall commented: “The Government of Canada is a forward-thinking, effective enabler of businesses creating future-proof, well-paying jobs for Canadians, particularly in the green economy. This is one reason why Volkswagen and PowerCo are excited to work with such an approachable partner offering promising cooperation and engagement at all levels of government.”

Next Step of Growth Strategy for North America

The Volkswagen Group brands plan to offer the most comprehensive electric product portfolio in North America with more than 25 battery-electric models by the end of the decade; at the same time, strong regional capabilities for EV research and development, vehicle assembly, component production and supply relationships are being expanded across the North American continent.

“We’re committed to bringing electric mobility to consumers and communities in North America. Today’s agreement between the Volkswagen Group and the Government of Canada will enable us to work closely with local suppliers and expand our capabilities,” said Pablo Di Si, incoming President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “We continue to invest in electrification with plans to launch more than 25 battery-electric vehicles planned by 2030. A broad-based supply of raw materials from across the region will be key to support our ambitious growth plans.”

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com