The Volkswagen Group selectively expanded its model portfolio in key segments in the reporting period. It comprises around 240 passenger car and commercial vehicle models and their derivatives. The Group covers almost all key segments and body types, with offerings from small cars to super sports cars in the passenger car sector, and from small pickups to heavy trucks in the commercial vehicles sector. We will gradually move into open market segments that offer profitable opportunities for us.
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand premiered a large number of new vehicles in 2011. Highlights were the new Golf Cabriolet, the new Beetle – the successor to a motoring icon – and the up!, which supplemented the brand’s model portfolio with a small car. This compact runabout offers an impressive combination of maximum room within minimum dimensions, safety features such as ESP and the city emergency braking function, and compelling quality. Other key models launched included the new Passat for the Chinese market and the Passat for the US market, whose proportions and features were specially designed with local customers’ needs in mind. Added to this were enhancements to our successful Tiguan model and new versions such as the Polo BiFuel and the Passat BlueMotion, which expand Volkswagen Passenger Cars’ range of environmentally friendly vehicles.
The Audi brand again met its own high standards in 2011. Sporty, technically superior vehicles were launched in the form of the Audi RS 3 Sportback, the Q5 hybrid quattro (the brand’s first hybrid model), the new-generation A6 saloon and Avant, the R8 GT Spyder and the A8 L W12 12-cylinder derivative. Another noteworthy addition was the Q3, which marks the brand’s entry into the compact SUV segment. Its coupé-esque lines give the model a sporty, progressive design.
The Czech brand ŠKODA also presented a new small car, the Citigo, a derivative of the Volkswagen up!, which has the standard ŠKODA look on the outside and is full of smart ideas on the inside. An additional highlight was the Rapid, which was initially launched in the Indian market and which will also fill the gap between the Fabia and Octavia models in other markets in future as the new entry-level notchback saloon in the compact class.
The Mii – another sister model to the Volkswagen up! – was introduced in the reporting period and designed specifically for the SEAT brand, expanding our Spanish brand’s product offering to include a new small car. A further high point was the revamped Exeo, in which the model’s dynamic character is highlighted using state-of-the-art LED technology.
The Group’s luxury brands also introduced fascinating new models and derivatives in the market in 2011. Bentley debuted the successors to the Continental GT and to the Continental GT Cabriolet. Lamborghini premiered the lightweight version of the Gallardo Spyder: the Gallardo Spyder Performante LP 570-4. The market launch of the Aventador Coupé LP 700-4, the first product in the new model range that is succeeding the Murciélago, was a particular highlight. Bugatti confirmed its unique position by launching the Veyron L’or Blanc, which uses exquisite porcelain elements in its internal and external design thanks to a collaboration with Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin. The result is a work of art on four wheels.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles presented the Multivan BlueMotion – a fuel economy giant in the van segment. At 6.4 liters of diesel/100 km, its fuel economy 
rating is uniquely low for this vehicle class. Derivatives of the Caddy and the Caddy Maxi with BiFuel engines round off the offering of fuel-efficient commercial vehicles. In the pickup segment, the Amarok range was expanded to include a single-cab version with a larger loading space. The revised Crafter offers a compelling mix of high-torque, extremely efficient engines, a higher payload and modern interior and exterior design.
Following the introduction of the V8 series in 2010, Scania now has the technical solutions and the engine platform required to meet the Euro 6 emissions standard that will enter into force at the end of 2013. Scania presented the 324 kW (440 PS) and 353 kW (480 PS) Euro 6 engines in fiscal year 2011.
MAN is systematically expanding its offering of specification packages that contribute to greater transport efficiency.
