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“Small on the outside. Big on the inside.” This was the slogan used by Volkswagen 50 years ago to advertise its latest product at the time, the Polo. When the small car came on the market in early May 1975, nobody expected that the extremely compact two-door vehicle would become a bestseller – nationally and internationally, over five decades, in six generations, with several prestigious awards, with more than 20 million units sold and as a pioneer in the compact car segment.

Polo stands for affordable entry-level mobility. When the first new Polos were on sale at dealerships, they were part of a new Volkswagen model family that took over the streets in the early 1970s. In the spring of 1975, the angular small car followed the Passat (1973) and Golf (1974) of the then still young water-cooled model generation, which succeeded the legendary VW Beetle. Throughout six model generations, it is clear that the overall concept – consisting of a fair price-performance ratio, high utility value, pioneering technology for the small car class and, of course, its attractive design – is still popular today and has made the model a bestseller. In addition, the Polo has succeeded in shaping the compact car segment for decades. Recognition from national and international trade media includes awards such as Car of the Year 2010, World Car of the Year 2010 and World Urban Car 2018.

Trendsetter and serial winner. What began as a simple two-door vehicle in 1975 has been perfected and expanded in many facets over five decades: in a total of six generations, as a hatchback Polo, as a coupé, as a sporty G40 or GTI01, as a colourful Harlequin, as an estate, as a notchback with the name Derby, as a CrossPolo with a striking off-road look, as an efficient Polo BlueMotion and, of course, as an extremely dynamic Polo R WRC, which was crowned with four World Championship titles in the World Rally Championship from 2013 to 2016.

Democratising innovation. Each generation of the Polo has offered more space and comfort, more efficient engines and innovative safety features. New features such as front and side airbags, power steering, belt tensioners and ABS were introduced and made sure the Polo remained successful. The next major step followed with the modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform, which set new standards in terms of connectivity, safety and driving dynamics and made the model even more digital and innovative. Today also, the small car boasts assist and convenience systems that are otherwise available only in higher vehicle classes. The model continues to be very popular worldwide and will be kept up to date in 2025. A perfect example of this is the Polo GTI, which can now be driven even more dynamically – thanks to Electronic Stability Control (ESC) that can be be deactivated, performance tyres and a new suspension and steering set-up.

Global production and worldwide success. Series production of the Polo I began in March 1975 at Volkswagen’s headquarters in Wolfsburg, with 1.1 million units being produced there by 1981. As the model increased in importance, production was spread to other locations around the world, including Spain, Argentina, South Africa, Slovenia, China, Brazil and India. With more than 20 million units built, the Polo is one of the world’s most successful small compact vehicles.

Overview of the Polo generations:

Polo I – The first Polo, presented in Geneva in March 1975, was a simply equipped two-door model compared with the Audi 50, on which the new Volkswagen was technically based, and which was offered in parallel by Audi. The Polo, initially available with a 29 kW (40 PS) engine, impressed with an outstanding price-performance ratio and high utility value. With a length of 3.50 metres, it offered space for four people plus luggage. The original version of the Polo was produced until 1978, the updated version until 1981. More than 1.1 million vehicles were produced, including the Derby notchback version with spacious load compartment, built from 1977 to 1981.

Polo II – In September 1981, Volkswagen presented the second generation of the Polo with a completely redesigned body that grew to 3.66 metres. This squareback Polo model was a two-door small estate with generous space. Only one year later, a fastback coupé with more powerful petrol engines followed. The Polo Coupé GT40 was launched as a limited-edition model in 1987, the most powerful variant to date with 85 kW (115 PS). As an economical variant, the smallest diesel engine with an output of 33 kW (45 PS) also made its debut in the Polo in 1987. The Polo II was produced for a total of 13 years, with more than 2.7 million units sold.

Polo III - The third completely revamped generation followed in 1994: with a new body, chassis and engines. This was also available as a five-door model for the first time. The increased exterior dimensions ensured improved space, and modern safety systems such as airbags, belt tensioners and ABS were introduced. In 1995, one of the most curious Polo models was launched: the Polo Harlequin, whose four colours could be combined in a modular design. From 1997, the Polo was available as an estate. A limited special series made its debut in 1998: the Polo GTI with 92 kW (125 PS), which now also featured the three magical letters for the first time. A total of 3.5 million Polo III models were produced.

Polo IV – The fourth-generation Polo, introduced in 2001, had a new design with four large clear-glass headlights and was 15 centimetres longer and 5 centimetres wider than its predecessor. It now offered a luggage compartment volume of 1,030 litres with the rear seats folded down. New engines, including three-cylinder engines and powerful turbocharged engines in the Polo GTI, provided more power. Safety features such as front and side airbags, power steering and ABS were on board as standard. The Polo GTI (now with 110 kW/150 PS) followed in 2006, along with the CrossPolo in a robust off-road look and the Polo BlueMotion (with CO2 emissions of only 99 g/km). A total of 4.1 million fourth-generation models left the factory gates.

Polo V – The fifth-generation Polo, which celebrated its world premiere in March 2009, was longer than its predecessor with a length of almost four metres. The design was characterised by clean lines. Five new engines complemented the model range, including the Polo BlueMotion, which was introduced in December 2009 and consumed only 3.3 litres of diesel on average for 100 kilometres. The sporty Polo GTI was part of the model range again, and the Polo R WRC Street special model with its 162 kW (220 PS) TSI engine was available to order for the first time. The fastest production Polo to date brought the motorsport feeling of the World Rally Championship (WRC) to the road. Volkswagen sold a total of 6.3 million Polo V cars between 2009 and 2017.

Polo VI – The sixth-generation Polo, introduced in 2017, was based for the first time on the modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform, giving it numerous optional features from higher vehicle classes. These included Automatic Emergency Braking (Front Assist) with City Emergency Braking System and Pedestrian Monitoring, lane change system with blind spot monitor and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Thanks to the modular concept, the Polo grew in length by 81 millimetres and now offered a luggage compartment volume of 351 litres. In 2021, the Polo was comprehensively revamped with a sharpened body design and new optional features such as IQ.LIGHT matrix LED headlights and assist systems such as IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist. The cockpit was digitalised and offered displays with screen diagonals of up to 25 centimetres as well as numerous digital features such as wireless charging and App-Connect. The new Polo GTI01 followed in summer 2021 with a powerful two-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an output of 152 kW (207 PS). In 2023, the limited-edition special model Polo GTI Edition 2502 made its debut with exclusive equipment to mark the 25th anniversary of the Polo GTI. Volkswagen has produced more than 2.5 million units of the Polo VI to date.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/

01. Polo GTI - Combined energy consumption 6.8-6.5 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions 155-148 g/km; CO₂ class E

02. Polo GTI Edition 25 - This model is no longer on sale

After around five and a half years of all-electric vehicle production, the Zwickau vehicle plant has cracked a magic barrier: This week, the one millionth electric car rolled off the production line at the multi-brand site. The anniversary vehicle is an ID.3 GTX Performance in Kings Red Metallic. The car will be delivered to a customer from Bavaria in a few weeks at the Transparent Factory in Dresden.

Danny Auerswald, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Sachsen GmbH: "One million electric cars produced is a strong achievement by the workforce. Despite numerous challenges in recent years, the team has always delivered the models on time, reliably and in high quality. I would like to thank you very much for this. Today is a day we can be proud of. At the same time, we have set an important course for the future. It is of central importance to implement our site agreement for the vehicle plant. We need to make our site competitive in the coming months to ensure future investment in the plant. We are currently examining promising options in promising business areas of the circular economy."

Uwe Kunstmann, Chairman of the General Works Council of Volkswagen Sachsen GmbH: "A production anniversary is always special for the workforce. My thanks go to our team and their tireless efforts. It was only through the hard work of our colleagues that the one million e-cars could be built here at the site. Zwickau was the first plant to convert from 100 percent combustion engines to 100 percent electric mobility. We have proven in the Group that we can be relied on in Saxony because we think of our customers and transformation is something we are born with. In the second half of 2026, the factory will change, we will hand over models to other locations. At the same time, we see great opportunities for entering the circular economy topic. This would give us a second strategic pillar and once again play a pioneering role for the Group."

Six electric models will be built in Zwickau for three Group brands. The last combustion vehicle rolled off the assembly line on June 26, 2020 – the end of an era that began in 1904 with August Horch and also included Trabant production in GDR times.

The starting signal for Zwickau into the all-electric era was given on 4 November 2019 with the official start of production of the ID.3. It was the Volkswagen Group's first model based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB). In just 26 months, a total of six vehicle start-ups were completed. With the start of production of the ID.5 in January 2022, the transformation of the Zwickau vehicle plant into a purely electric multi-brand location was completed and the MEB introduction was successfully implemented. To date, 2.3 million MEB vehicles have been delivered to customers worldwide across all Group brands – this means that almost every second electric car registered by the Volkswagen Group comes from Zwickau. The Volkswagen Group is the clear market leader in all-electric vehicles in Europe and achieved a market share of around 26 percent in this segment in the first quarter of 2025.

In 2024, 204,000 vehicles were produced in Zwickau. Since Volkswagen took over the site in 1990, more than seven million vehicles have left the factory halls. With the start of production of electric vehicles, Zwickau took on a key role in the Volkswagen Group: For the first time, a large car factory was completely converted to electric mobility at a cost of 1.2 billion euros. The bodies for the Bentley Bentayga and the Lamborghini Urus are also manufactured in Zwickau.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

The “In China, for China” strategy of the Volkswagen brand is taking on visible form: At this year’s Auto Shanghai (April 23 to May 2), one of the world’s most important motor shows, VW’s three Chinese joint ventures will present electric concept cars. The spotlight is on an electric notchback model from FAW-Volkswagen, an electric SUV in the B segment with extended range due to range-extender technology (EREV) from SAIC VOLKSWAGEN as well as an all-electric SUV from Volkswagen Anhui. All three concept cars embody Volkswagen’s new China DNA – both in terms of technology and design and in relation to development time, which has been cut by more than 30 percent.

The concept cars unveiled in Shanghai all belong to the group of new energy vehicles (NEVs). In China, this category includes all-electric vehicles, as well as models with plug-in hybrid and range extender drives. In the group of NEVs alone, Volkswagen will launch over 20 models by 2027 – allowing the company to provide the right (part-) electric offering for all customers.

“Our ‘In China, for China’ strategy has put us on the right path. Our aim is to remain the leading international automaker in China – even in the age of the intelligent connected vehicle,” says Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand. “We have everything that it takes to be successful: shorter development times, strong partners, sophisticated local development, production and infrastructure as well as the right products and innovations for our Chinese customers. That’s exactly what we will prove with our near-production concept cars in Shanghai.”

Andreas Mindt, Head Designer of the Volkswagen brand, comments: “We have adapted our established European design values – stability, likability and the ‘secret sauce’ – to the Chinese market. The result is a design philosophy that honors the heritage of our brand while at the same time reflecting the desires and expectations of a new generation of customers in China.”

The Auto Shanghai trade fair has been held every two years since 1985, alternating with Auto China in Beijing. They are the biggest motor shows in the world. This year, the trade fair in Shanghai goes from April 23 to May 2, with the first two days reserved for journalists. Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected at the trade fair venue of the Chinese metropolis of millions on the eight days open to the public. Two years ago, over 1,000 exhibitors from 17 countries presented their products and services on around 360,000 sqm.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Volkswagen is expanding its gaming offering in selected models. The PAC-MAN Championship Edition is now available in the optional AirConsole03 In-Car App for playing on the infotainment display in a parked vehicle. A smartphone serves as the controller. Volkswagen is the first automotive manufacturer to dynamically combine the new game with the vehicle’s background lighting and, for compatible ID. models, also with ID. Light as an option. This means that an even more immersive gaming experience is created specifically by the interior lighting responding to the game content and inputs by the players.

The PAC-MAN Championship Edition retains the well-known and popular game principle from the 1980s: PAC-MAN eats dots in a labyrinth while trying to avoid being caught by ghosts. Once all the dots have been eaten, the next level begins. The icons for bonus points and power pellets have been redesigned. More points are awarded for touching silhouettes of the iconic Volkswagen Beetle, VW Bus and Golf IV R32, brands such as GTI, GTX or R and Volkswagen wheel rims. Anyone who wants to fight the Ghost Gang should look for power pellets in the form of the Volkswagen brand logo.

AirConsole is the world’s first gaming platform specifically designed for cars. The in-car app can transform compatible Volkswagen vehicles into a gaming station including the infotainment, sound and background lighting system. The portfolio of games is tailored to casual players of any age. With the implementation of the further gaming offering, Volkswagen is also responding to customer feedback from drivers. With partners N-Dream and Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc., in-car gaming becomes a new social experience, and playing a classic game such as PAC-MAN connects generations. Volkswagen is additionally further enhancing the overall digital experience.

The AirConsole in-car app is available in many European countries in the ID. models ID.7, ID.5, ID.4 and ID.3 (from ID. Software 4.0 in each case) as well as for the Tayron, Tiguan, Passat, Golf Variant and Golf models from model year 2025. Playing while parked requires a Volkswagen ID user account, an active VW Connect Plus contract and an active internet connection on the smartphone. The AirConsole in-car app must be downloaded from the In-Car Shop before it can be used for the first time.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

03. Volkswagen AG (Volkswagen) provides access to AirConsole with this In-Car App. Volkswagen is not responsible for the provision of the AirConsole content. N-Dream AG provides the games under its own responsibility. The use of AirConsole games is governed by the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy of N-Dream AG. Information on data processing for the purpose of transferring data to N-Dream AG can be found in the VW Connect Privacy Policy

Volkswagen is celebrating its heritage and fans this spring by offering a free tattoo to anyone who orders a new car.

The one-day offer is called All-ink from Volkswagen – echoing the name of the existing All-in from Volkswagen package that gives customers servicing peace of mind. The offer was inspired by the many loyal Volkswagen fans online, who celebrate their love for the brand and its cars with elaborate tattoos.

New Volkswagen customers will be able to roll up their sleeves and join this growing community of fans. Tattoo artists will be armed and ready to ink designs for anyone ordering a new Volkswagen at a UK Retailer on 1 April. Customers can request their own bespoke designs, perhaps including the VW logo, the Polo badge – to celebrate that car’s 50th anniversary – GTI tartan, a Beetle, a Golf with turbo ink-jection… or how about the letters ID. or something to celebrate a favourite feature, such as the atmosphere icons from the new Wellness in-car app, the phrase ‘hello IDA’ or super-comfy massage seats developed with the help of leading orthopaedic specialists?

Top-notch tattoo aftercare will also be provided, tatisfaction-guaranteed, in line with Volkswagen’s promise of great customer service and the popular All-in from Volkswagen package, which provides motoring peace of mind with servicing, MOT tests and Roadside Assistance (subject to terms).

“We really want to get under the skin of how people identify – or ID. – with Volkswagen, and paint a picture of their loyalty and commitment to the brand,” said Tatiana Prankster, Fabrication Process Manager at Volkswagen UK. “We have an inkling that many customers will draw on the brand’s long heritage for their tattoo designs, while some may want to commemorate the moment they go electric and commit to a change of fuel this April.”

The All-ink from Volkswagen offer is available until midday on Tuesday 1 April.

Article source: www.vwpress.co.uk

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