New group models in 2016
The Volkswagen Group launched a large number of attractive new models on the market in the reporting period, some of them based on the Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB). The current product portfolio comprises 336 models. It covers almost all key segments and body types, with offerings from small cars to super sports cars in the passenger car segment, and from pickups to heavy trucks and buses in the commercial vehicles segment, as well as motorcycles. Our product portfolio is systematically geared to profitable growth and takes account of regional market and customer needs.
In 2016, the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand launched the successor to the successful Tiguan SUV model on the market, with a striking design and technical innovations from the MQB. The Beetle family was upgraded and expanded to include the Beetle Dune with an off-road look. The popular up! and e-up! were also rejuvenated. The new flagship model Phideon celebrated its premiere in China. This locally produced luxury saloon for discerning Chinese customers impresses with its cutting-edge technology, elegant design and plush interior. The Magotan now boasts state-of-the-art MQB technology. The portfolio of vehicles offering spacious interiors was extended to include the Touran L and the Golf Sportsvan. The Lamando GTS made its first appearance with a range of powerful engines and a sporty design. The C-Trek, which is based on the new Bora, complements the crossover portfolio. The Chinese versions of the Passat, Santana and Jetta were all updated. In South America, the product portfolio, which is tailored to the specific needs of the local market, was modernized and made even more attractive. The Voyage and Saveiro models were given an upgrade, while the TSI engine was added as an option for the up!, Golf and Tiguan models as of 2016.
The Audi brand systematically expanded its range of SUVs in 2016. The Q family was extended to include the new sporty compact entry-level model Q2, tapping into another new market segment for the brand. The robust Q7 series was supplemented by the Q7 e-tron, the world’s first plug-in hybrid with quattro TDI drive. In addition, the successor to the dynamic A5 Coupé was launched. The A4 family was enhanced through the addition of the sporty S4 Saloon and S4 Avant S models, as well as the A4 allroad quattro. The revamped A3 family hit the market mid-year. In China, the A6 L – the enhanced, long-wheelbase version of the popular luxury class A6 Saloon – was unveiled in 2016. The A4 L and Q3 models produced in China were also upgraded.
ŠKODA launched the Superb Sportline on the European market in the reporting period. The Superb Combi debuted in Russia, while the brand introduced the new-generation Superb and updated Rapid in India.
SEAT started its product offensive in 2016 with the new SUV Ateca, followed in the course of the year by the particularly robust off-road version, the Ateca X-Perience.
Porsche’s activities included the introduction of the Targa and Turbo versions of the new 911 generation, which boast, among other features, improved design and equipment levels. Porsche also presented the successors to the Boxster and Cayman models, as well as the second-generation Panamera, which has been redeveloped from the ground up. The dynamic Macan GTS was another model that became available as of 2016.
Bentley unveiled a new series in the reporting period, launching the Bentayga, the most luxurious SUV in the world. The Mulsanne was upgraded and a new version with a lengthened wheelbase was added. Bentley complemented its portfolio with two high-performance models – the Flying Spur V8 S and W12 S.
Super sports car manufacturer Lamborghini premiered the Huracán Spyder, which combines the technology and performance of the Huracán with the emotion of a Spyder. The Aventador Superveloce Roadster, the fastest and most exciting Lamborghini of all time, was also introduced.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles launched the updated version of the popular Amarok pickup in the year under review.
In 2016, Scania presented the new generation of its R-series and S-series trucks, boasting newly developed cabs and offering efficiency-enhancing services. The company also launched the automated gear-changing system Scania Opticruise for gas-powered vehicles and the Scania Interlink intercity coach.
MAN presented engines for its TG series that are considerably more fuel-efficient and high-performance, as well as the MAN EfficientLine 3, which has been optimized for efficiency. It also introduced a new modular concept for combined heat and power gas engine power plants in response to the growing demand in Europe for highly efficient, flexible power generation technologies.
Ducati launched two further versions of the Scrambler series: the Sixty2 and Flat Track Pro. The new XDiavel, Hyperstrada 939 and 959 Panigale models, among others, also debuted in 2016, as did the 1200 Enduro and 1200 Pike’s Peak versions of the Multistrada series.