A high-speed adventure on ice and snow: when Volkswagen Motorsport starts out on the Rally Sweden from 7 to 10 February, it will be taking on its second major challenge in the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). At the wheel of the 315-hp (232 kW) Polo R WRC, Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F) and Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN) will grapple with the only event this season to be held completely on ice and snow. The rally, with its headquarters in Karlstad and Service Park in Hagfors, represents a gruelling test for the drivers and the team’s technology: the rally cars are consistently pushed to their very limits, despite temperatures plummeting to between 10 and 20 degrees below freezing. The icy cold is no obstacle for the enthusiastic fans, however: armed with tents and camp fires, which they erect along the side of the route, they defy the conditions to cheer the wild drifts and huge jumps produced by their rally heroes. Another feature of the event is that the route for this iconic rally also takes the teams over the border from Sweden into Norway.

“After a good start to the season, the entire team now heads to the next challenge, the Rally Sweden, fully motivated and full of confidence. However, everyone in the team is well aware that the good result achieved in Monte Carlo is not yet a true indication of where we lie compared to the opposition,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito. “The Rally Sweden is totally unique. The speed on the ice and snow is very high. This is only possible with extreme studded tyres, which are only used once a year. However, every rally is a test for the team. The processes in Monte Carlo recently were top-class. We want to follow on from this in Sweden and to continue developing from rally to rally.”

Snow, ice, bitter cold: the Rally Sweden represents a unique challenge

At the Rally Monte Carlo it was the all-important question: which tyre to use. In Sweden, conditions make the lives of the drivers and engineers significantly easier. The only tyres available to the drivers are studded winter tyres. Rather than tyre selection, the bitter cold around Hagfors and Karlstad will play a crucial role: initial forecasts are predicting temperatures of –10° Celsius for the weekend of 7 to 10 February. This will provide a stern test for the team at the nine scheduled services, and will put man and material through its paces during the 338.91 timed kilometres awaiting the Polo R WRC.

After a spectator stage in Karlstad on Thursday, the rally heads into the Hagfors region on Friday, where Saturday’s special stages are held to the east of the city. Special stages along the border with Norway are scheduled for Saturday. The stages are all similar: largely lined by walls of snow, which the drivers “lean on” every so often, the route takes the competitors at high speeds through forests and past frozen lakes.

2012 winner, 2013 “powered by Volkswagen”: Jari-Matti Latvala

Drivers from northern Europe traditionally have a ‘home’ advantage at the Rally Sweden: in 2004, multiple world champion Sébastien Loeb (Citroën) became the first and only driver to date from outside of Finland, Norway and Sweden to win the rally since it was first held in 1950. 2012 winner: Jari-Matti Latvala and co-driver Miikka Anttila, who switched to Volkswagen in the winter.

Quotes ahead of the Rally Sweden

Jari-Matti Latvala, Polo R WRC #7

“I really like the Rally Sweden. The event requires a very quick and flowing driving style on Swedish forest roads. There is nothing to criticise about the event – with one exception: it can get very cold there, with temperatures reaching as low as minus 20 or even minus 30 degrees. Up to now I have driven 500 kilometres on snow in the Polo R WRC. However, we will slot in another test day on snow before the Rally Sweden. The car works very well in these conditions. I am already very happy with the way it feels to drive. I have fond memories of the Rally Sweden, such as my very first WRC victory in 2008 and, of course, my win there last year. My goal for this season is to finish in the top five.”

Sébastien Ogier, Polo R WRC #8

“The season could hardly have started better for us. Heading to Sweden with 18 points to our name is a very nice position to be in. This allows us to relax a little. However, we are now faced with a new rally. Let’s see what we are capable of on this surface. It is hard to predict what awaits us there. We will have to wait until after the first few special stages. I really like the Rally Sweden. If the snow conditions are good, it is really good fun driving there. The average speed is pretty high, and the grip on studded tyres is fantastic. I just love pulling off big drifts with a rally car on ice.”

Volkswagen in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC)

In entering the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), Volkswagen is adding another chapter to its motorsport success story. Volkswagen claimed overall victory at the Rally Dakar with the Race Touareg in 2009, 2010 and 2011 – celebrating a hat-trick of titles at the toughest marathon rally in the world. The Polo R WRC is the first World Rally Car produced by the Wolfsburg-based company, which now lines up with its own works team in the pinnacle of rallying. The series offers Volkswagen the opportunity to prove itself on a global platform in direct sporting competition. No model is more suited to the challenge than the Polo – one of Volkswagen’s most heavily produced and distributed models in the world.

Did you know ...

... the Rally Sweden was first held in 1950 and will be staged for the 60th time in 2013? Since 1950, only three years have passed, in which the “Sweden” did not form part of the World Rally Championship: in 1974 it was cancelled due to the oil crisis, in 1990 due to poor weather, and in 2009 when the FIA rotation system meant it was not included on the calendar.

... the “poor weather” that prevented the 1990 Rally Sweden from taking place actually refers to it being too mild? Back then, there was too little snow to stage a real “Sweden”.

... the Rally Sweden is a real home event for Scandinavian drivers? Only once has the rally, which is the only race on the calendar that is always held on ice and snow, been won by a man from outside Sweden, Norway and Finland. In 2004, Sébastien Loeb and his co-driver Daniel Elena (F/MC, Citroën) were victorious.

... Volkswagen consultant Carlos Sainz boasts a remarkable successful record at the Rally Sweden, with just one thing missing: a win? “El Matador” finished runner-up in Sweden on four occasions between 1996 and 1999, and also stepped onto the podium after finishing third in 2001 and 2002.

... the Volkswagen team is excellently prepared for the icy temperatures at the Rally Sweden? Taking the approach that layers are the best way to combat the cold, the mandatory team attire includes an outdoor jacket with a fur hood, soft-shell jacket, thermal underlayer, pullover, and polo shirt or team shirt. The team’s shoes are also completely suitable for use in wintery conditions.

... the organisers of the Rally Sweden present the “Colin’s Crest Award” for the longest jump over a crest on the Vargåsen stage, in memory of Colin McRae? Previous winners since 2008: Khalid Al Qassimi (UAE), Marius Aasen (N), Ken Block (USA) and Ott Tänak (EST).

... Volkswagen is also the official car of the Rally Sweden?

... the Rally Sweden is the first event of the 2013 season to feature two spectator stages, known as Super Special Stages? The 1.9-kilometre “Färjestadstravet” stage in Karlstad will be held twice on a harness racing track.
 
The number for the Rally Sweden: 1,300

As at all the rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), the Volkswagen engineers can expect to be faced with a lot of analysis work at the Rally Sweden. Each car will record about 1,300 megabytes of sensor data at the “Sweden”. For comparison: that is the equivalent of about 230,000 A4 pages of pure text.

FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), Standings

Drivers’ Championship

1. Sébastien Loeb, 25 points;

2. Sébastien Ogier, 18;

3. Dani Sordo, 15;

4. Mikko Hirvonen, 12;

5. Bryan Bouffier, 10;

6. Mads Østberg, 8;

7. Martin Prokop, 6;

8. Sepp Wiegand, 4;

9. Olivier Burri, 2;

10. Micha? Kosciuszko, 1.

Manufacturers’ Championship

1. Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team, 37;

2. Volkswagen Motorsport, 18;

3. Abu Dhabi Citroën Total World Rally Team, 15;

4. Qatar M-Sport World Rally Team, 10;

5. Lotos WRC Team, 8.

More luxury for less with New Volkswagen Touareg R-Line

Volkswagen has created an even more sumptuous version of the upmarket Touareg SUV, with the introduction of the new Touareg R-Line.  Based on the already well-equipped Touareg Altitude, the Touareg R-Line adds luxurious extra equipment and unique R-Line styling cues, together worth over £4,000, for a premium of just £750.

The Touareg R-Line sits on 20-inch ‘Tarragona’ alloy wheels with 275/45 R20 tyres, while the distinctive front and rear bumpers and side skirts give an even more purposeful look, added to by R-Line badges on the front wings.  Standard bi-xenon headlights with dynamic curve lighting and LED daytime running lights give the R-Line driver a commanding view of the road, and are complemented by LED rear lights and number-plate lights.

Stepping into the cabin – over the bespoke R-Line sill plates – both passengers and drivers will appreciate the extra light which floods into the spacious cabin through the standard full-length panoramic electric sliding glass sunroof.  Also standard is keyless entry and start – provided the key is in the vehicle, the Touareg R-Line starts at the touch of a button – and an electrically powered tailgate that makes for effortless loading and unloading.

Like every Touareg, the R-Line also comes with leather upholstery, a satellite navigation and audio system with eight-inch full-colour touchscreen, DAB, Bluetooth and MDI multi-device interface for iPods, 2Zone climate control, a Stop/Start system and battery regeneration, to help maximise fuel efficiency.

The Touareg R-Line is available with an eight-speed automatic gearbox paired to a
3.0-litre V6 diesel engine with either 204 PS, for £44,025, or 245 PS, for £45,645
RRP OTR.

Sophisticated Volkswagen CC now better value than ever

Those seeking even sleeker luxury motoring are also in for a treat this winter, with the lowering of prices across the CC range.  The price of every CC model in the range is now at least £470 lower than last year, meaning you can get behind the wheel of a CC from just £24,050 (RRP OTR). 

Those opting for the best-selling CC GT 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS version (with either manual or DSG gearbox) will now get even better value, too, with prices for this model down by a total of £1,320, thanks to the removal of ACC Adaptive Chassis Control, which now becomes a £850 option.  ACC remains standard on the CC GT 2.0-litre TDI 170 PS and CC GT 2.0-litre TSI 210 PS, and is optional on all other models.

The Touareg R-Line and the CC are both on sale now.  For more information visit www.volkswagen.co.uk.

Chattanooga, Tennessee/USA, 24 January 2013:
The Volkswagen brand has inaugurated its largest solar facility in the world at its US plant in Chattanooga. The Volkswagen Chattanooga Solar Park has a peak output of 9.5 megawatts and is the largest solar facility operated by an automaker in the USA. The environmentally compatible power is to be used for Passat production.

Frank Fischer, CEO and Chairman of Volkswagen Chattanooga, said: ‘We are proud to inaugurate today the largest solar park of an automaker in USA. This facility is a key part of our ‘Think Blue. Factory.’ programme and further proof of Volkswagen’s worldwide commitment to environmental protection. Once again, we are setting standards in efficient, sustainable production.’

The Volkswagen Group Officer for the Environment, Energy and New Business Areas, Wolfram Thomas, stated: ‘The new solar park is an integral part of Volkswagen’s worldwide strategy of generating more and more power within the Group from renewable energy sources.’

The expected annual output of the about 33,600 crystal solar modules installed on an area of 13 hectares around the plant is about 13,100 megawatt-hours per year. The power is to be used directly in production, with solar power providing 12.5 per cent of the electric power required in full-capacity operation and meeting 100 per cent of demand when the plant is not in production.

Partners in the project are the Californian subsidiary of Phoenix Solar AG, Sulzemoos near Munich, and Silicon Ranch, headquartered in Nashville/Tennessee.

The Chattanooga plant has a workforce of more than 3000 people, who produce the new Volkswagen Passat especially developed for the North American market. As a result of extremely environmentally compatible production at the plant, Volkswagen in Chattanooga has already received several awards. In December 2011, Volkswagen was the first automaker in the world to receive the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification.  

The company also operates an environmental management system in accordance with ISO 14001 and an energy management system in accordance with ISO 50001.

Matthew Kisber, President and CEO of Silicon Ranch: ‘We are proud to implement this key project as a partner of Volkswagen. The commissioning of this park will improve the energy efficiency of the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga and confirm Volkswagen’s position as a company with leading environmental standards throughout the world. The solar power generated at this park will have a strong positive impact not only on the environment but also on our economy.’

Dr. Murray Cameron, Chief Operating Officer of Phoenix Solar AG and currently also President and CEO of Phoenix Solar Inc.: ‘Over the next few years, the USA will become one of the largest photovoltaic markets in the world. We are proud that we have been able to demonstrate our experience in the design and construction of major solar power facilities at the Volkswagen plant.’

About Volkswagen in Chattanooga

Volkswagen has invested about $1 billion in the facility, creating more than 5000 jobs in the region to date. According to independent studies, the Volkswagen facility is expected to boost income in the region by $12 billion and lead to the creation of a total of 9500 jobs. The US plant produces the new Volkswagen Passat developed especially for the North American market, which won the Motor Trend 2012 Car of the Year award.

About Silicon Ranch

Silicon Ranch Corporation develops and operates utility scale solar facilities. Silicon Ranch is distinguished from other developers by its ability to deliver a green energy solution that addresses the environmental, business and work force issues associated with successfully expanding solar capacity and green jobs. Silicon Ranch has gained prominence as a low cost producer of solar energy by focusing on creating efficiencies through every step of the deployment process thereby increasing capital investments in clean energy.

About Phoenix Solar AG

Phoenix Solar AG (www.phoenixsolar-group.de), which has its headquarters in Sulzemoos near Munich, is a leading international photovoltaic system integrator. The Group develops, plans, builds and operates large-scale photovoltaic plants and is a specialist wholesaler for turnkey power plants, solar modules and accessories. With sales operations throughout Germany and subsidiaries throughout the world, the company has sold solar modules with an output of more than one gigawatt since its founding. The shares of Phoenix Solar AG (ISIN DE000A0BVU93) are listed on the official market (Prime Standard) of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Wolfsburg (17 January 2013). Impressive outing at the classic: Volkswagen once again made a good impression on day two of the Rally Monte Carlo. With the Polo R WRC making its competitive debut, Volkswagen duo Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia (F/F) added a second stage win and currently lie second overall after just over half the distance. Ogier and Ingrassia had previously won the very first stage of this year’s “Monte” on Wednesday.Having overcome extremely challenging conditions, with snow, ice and strong winds dominating the second leg of the rally, their team-mates Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN) are sixth at the end of day two. In total, Volkswagen picked up five top-three results over the course of Thursday’s six special stages.

Tyre selection plays a major role at the Rally Monte Carlo. The extremely icy conditions at the 2013 event are making spiked tyres a hot commodity: no more than 20 are available for each car. As such, the teams are constantly faced with a strategic issue: how best to use the spikes. The question that just keeps on raising its ugly head is: when is the right time to use used material and when should they switch to new rubber? The closing stages of the “Monte” – including Saturday night’s classic on the Col de Turini – will reveal who played their cards right and used their tyres correctly.

Quotes, day two of the Rally Monte Carlo

Jost Capito, Volkswagen Motorsport Director

“The ‘Monte’ is our first rally with the Polo R WRC, and it is fantastic to see how well the team is already working with the car, and how smooth the processes have been from the word go during our services. This is just as important as the stage times themselves. We are obviously pleased that the cars have had absolutely no problems so far, and that the drivers have largely been returning to the service area with nothing more than a few scratches on their cars, despite the difficult conditions. All in all, the performance of the team at the halfway point has been absolutely excellent. What makes it all the nicer is that Sébastien Ogier and Jari-Matti Latvala have repeatedly been able to reward the good preparation and the great work put in by the mechanics at the rally in the form of top times. The guys have earned it.”

Jari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #7

“I tried a softer car set-up on the first three special stages of the day. Unfortunately that resulted in some edgy and inaccurate handling. On top of that, we picked up a puncture on the very first stage this morning after hitting a stone that we were unable to avoid at a very

narrow point on the route. In doing so I stalled the engine briefly. That explains the lost

time. After that we found a better rhythm. I have had an idea how we can adapt the set-up to better suit my driving style tomorrow.”

Sébastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #8

“Today’s conditions on the ‘Monte’ were even more difficult than yesterday. The fact that once again won the first stage of the day in so much wind, ice and drifting snow was another welcome surprise. Although we took a cautious approach, we still had a spin in a left-hander on the second stage of the day. Despite that, the rally has been perfect for us so far. It will be even more perfect when we reach the finish on Saturday evening. Until then I will be concentrating solely on myself. Nobody should place too much value in the fact that we were in the top group again today: only when we get to the Rally Portugal will we be able to make reliable statements about how competitive we really are with the Polo R WRC.”

And then there was ...

... Ogier’s spy on ice, Nicolas Vouilloz, who has been providing Volkswagen with the latest information on the conditions out on the special stages throughout the Rally Monte Carlo. What does he have in common with Sébastien Ogier? The love of adrenalin sports: Vouillozis a ten-time downhill world champion, five-time World Cup winner and four-time European champion on his mountain bike. As if that were not enough, he has also started out on a second career: Vouilloz won the drivers’ title in the 2008 Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC).