Volkswagen Philippines announced an aggressive growth plan in 2015 headlined by the arrival of eight new models this year including new engine and transmission variants of its current vehicle line-up. During the Media Appreciation Night, Mr. John Philip Orbeta, President and CEO of Volkswagen Philippines and Mr. Klaus Schadewald, Chief Operating Adviser of Volkswagen Philippines made the announcement that 2015 will be a busy year for the German car brand.

Headlining the new models is the all-new Passat (B8), Volkswagen’s entry in the executive sedan market. The eighth-generation Passat is built on top of the company’s modular MQB architecture making it lighter in weight without compromising on chassis rigidity and strength. The 2,791-millimeter wheelbase promises expansive interior room while a relatively compact 4,767-millimeter overall length makes it more maneuverable. Available key features include LED for the headlights and taillights, heads-up display, and Active Info Display which substitutes traditional gauges for a 12.3-inch re-configurable LCD display. The Passat will be made available towards the end of 2015.

Though no pricing or specifications were announced, Mr. Schadewald is confident it will close the gap to high-end executive sedans with its aggressive pricing and features. It’s also understood that Volkswagen will capitalize its drivetrain development strength and make the all-new Passat available in both diesel and gasoline variants, making it the first executive sedan t offer such a choice.

Aside from the Passat, the GTI (which was previewed at the 5th Philippine International Motor Show), a new Touareg Special Edition, the Polo Hatchback (with an automatic transmission from what we were told), and Tiguan R Line have all been confirmed this year. This leaves three other mysterious models. However, some people inside VW themselves say that one of these three new models is the Scirocco which will arrive in a lone R guise. This three-door performance hatchback will act as the brand’s performance flagship.

Press Release: Volkswagen Philippines Celebrates 2014 Milestones

Volkswagen Philippines, the authorized importer and distributor of Volkswagen vehicles in the country, celebrated on January 9 its 2014 accomplishments and milestones after a full year of operations in the country.

VW PH established its dealer network at key locations to give potential owners the opportunity to enjoy the driving experience that is uniquely Volkswagen.

“Since our brand launch in late-September 2013, we have already opened our first four dealerships. Aside from this BGC showroom which was formally inaugurated in February, our showrooms in Cebu and Quezon Avenue started operations in August and November, respectively.  Two weeks ago, we also launched our satellite showroom in Alabang.  Along with the Volkswagen Greenfield Service Center in Mandaluyong City, our fully functional aftersales facility, we actually have now a total of five facilities across our network,” said John Philip Orbeta, President and CEO of VW PH, during the program.

Several new models in 2014 were introduced, highlighted by the return of the iconic Beetle which continues to turn heads in the streets in the same way that many have appreciated the arrival of the Polo Sedan, Jetta, Touran, Tiguan and the flagship vehicle, the Touareg.

In an effort to support Volkswagen Group’s objective of being one of the most fuel efficient and environmentally-friendly car brands, VW PH started the Eco Fun Run series in October and November with customers and media members as participants.

The Eco Fun Run is a series of events which aims to highlight Volkswagen’s highly-efficient, eco-friendly turbocharged direct injection (TDI) and turbocharged stratified (TSI) engines. The results were verified by Department of Energy representatives.

Orbeta further narrated, “We have demonstrated the frugality of our engines in fuel economy runs that established class-leading fuel mileage ratings for our model lineup: Beetle with 16.32 km/l; Touran with 21.93 km/l; Tiguan with 27.39 km/l; Jetta with 29.47 km/l; and, Polo with 30.47 km/l.  Undeniably, Volkswagen vehicles are fuel efficient!”

The German auto company also highlighted its brand position in 2014 by participating in two major motor shows: the Philippine International Motor Show and the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). Moreover, the Beetle and the Touareg received special citations from the Car Awards Group which were MIAS Design Award and AAP Road Safety Award, respectively. Likewise, the Touran as MPV with Best Safety Features and the Touareg as Runner-up in Luxury Midsize SUV of the Year  were duly recognized by the Auto Focus People’s and Media’s Choice Awards.

For 2015, VW PH Chief Operating Adviser Klaus Schadewald, revealed the organization’s exciting plans and projects with new model introductions of the Golf GTI, Polo Hatchback and Passat, as major highlights.

VW PH is in a strong position to continue its upward curve for this year. This optimism is based on the Philippine economy’s impressive current state as well as consumer demand for German-engineered vehicles at affordable prices.