Karlheinz Hell, responsible for the development of compact VWs (Golf or Tiguan among others) answers 5 key questions for the group’s communication on the arrival of the new Golf, the eighth episode of a saga that began in 1974…
Golf 8 celebrates its world premiere. What makes it so special ?
Karlheinz Hell: “Golf is an icon: like no other car, it embodies quality mobility for all. I can promise you that the eighth generation is setting new standards in this area. It is modern and elegant. It represents technology, diversity and individuality. The GT and R sports models will also appeal to a wide audience.”
What makes it different from its predecessor ?
K.H. “Klaus Bischoff and his team of designers have developed a product that carries the genes typical of golf. It is evolutionary on the outside – to be immediately identifiable – and revolutionary on the inside. The Golf 8 takes us into the digital age, with its new “Innovision Cockpit” cockpit for example. Thanks to its innovative control concept, it redefines new standards and democratizes many driving assistance technologies, such as driver assistance. Such comfort and safety are generally only known in the higher categories.
The ID.3 sedan of the same segment has just been introduced. Is Golf still necessary in this new context ?
K.H. “I am confident that we will continue its success story. Thanks to its economical and clean engines, it will remain the first choice of many customers. Golf 8 also continues to develop in terms of electrification. We will offer models with TSI engines such as the new eTSI (48 Volt hybridization below) and expand the E-Hybrid range (rechargeable hybrid). In this way, we are making an important contribution towards CO2-neutral mobility.
Are you confident about this new arrival ?
K.H. “Yes, we analyzed customer needs and eliminated less popular variants, such as the 3-door version. This has allowed us to reduce the number of variants by 35% compared to the Golf 7. At the same time, we have added new features. We have also increased productivity: the capacities of Zwickau (Germany) and Puebla (Mexico) will be added to the Wolfsburg parent plant. This will improve the use of production capacity and also reduce costs.”
(It now takes one hour less to produce the new Golf than the 7 generation.)
How are the market launch preparations going ?
K.H. “We are on time. The Golf 8 will be launched on the German market at the end of the year. Customers can already configure their vehicle. The GT and R sports models will follow next year.
GOLF 8 VERSUS THE NEW ID.3: CONFRONTATION OF STYLES
