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Ten times Volkswagen were the automotive industry leaders

When it comes to sheer automotive innovation, there are few companies that can match Volkswagen’s legacy. From their iconic Beetle to the cutting-edge electric ID.4, VW has always pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the car industry.

Here are ten examples of when VW has innovated and shaped the automotive industry.

Key Takeaways

The People’s Car
TDI Engine
Dual-Clutch Transmission
Modular Transverse Matrix
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Turbocharged Stratified Injection (TSI) Engine
Electric ID.4
Autonomous Driving
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Over-the-Air Updates

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1. The People’s Car

In the 1930s, VW’s founder, Ferdinand Porsche, was commissioned by the German government to design a car that would be accessible and affordable for the masses. The result was the Volkswagen Beetle, which went on to become one of the most iconic cars of all time.

Simple, straightforward, yet unique in its design, The VW Beetle was an affordable, durable car enjoyed by millions over the decades. Its heyday in the 60s and 70s even saw it become the symbol of the hippie movement and counterculture in the United States.

2. Diesel Engine

Another important innovation from Volkswagen came from the Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engine which offered several advantages over traditional engines. From their increased fuel efficiency to increased longevity and torque, the TDI engine offered a serious alternative to traditional engines and helped shape the future of automotive engineering.

3. Dual-Clutch Transmission

Volkswagen was also one of the first carmakers to introduce dual-clutch transmission (DCT), an automated transmission technology that uses separate clutches for odd and even gear sets. This allowed for smooth shifting between gears, improved acceleration, and a better driving experience all round, making it a popular choice in modern vehicles.

4. Modular Transverse Matrix

Introduced as the MQB in 2012, this is a flexible platform architecture underpinning many VW cars, allowing manufacturers to share components resulting in a more efficient manufacturing process. This reduces costs, improves safety, and future-proofs designs to accommodate new technological trends.

5. Electronic stability control (ESC)

Volkswagen was an early adopter of ESC, a vital safety feature that helps drivers maintain control of their cars in difficult driving conditions. ESC uses sensors to monitor the car’s movement and applies selective braking to individual wheels to prevent skidding. It has been estimated that ESC can reduce the risk of a single-vehicle crash by up to 50%. It is especially effective in preventing rollovers, one of the deadliest types of car accidents, as it can detect and correct a car’s instability before it loses control.

6. Turbocharged Stratified Injection (TSI) Engine

A staple in VW’s lineup, this engine delivers a fantastic performance, fuel efficiency, increased power, and quieter operations in cars like the Golf GTI and Arteon.

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7. Electric ID.4

The company’s first electric SUV, the Electric ID 4, made waves within the industry with a 250-mile range, fast charging capabilities, spacious interior, and impressive performance, making it a serious competitor within the electric SUV market.

8. Autonomous Driving

VW has invested heavily into autonomous driving. With an entire R&D centre established dedicated to the technology, partnerships with several tech companies, and its own system called IQ.DRIVE which offers lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Their goal is to deliver fully autonomous cars by 2025.

9. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

VW were one of the first carmakers to introduce adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts the car’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. This technology increases safety, reduces driver fatigue, and increases comfort.

10. Over-the-Air Updates

VW is embracing the digital age with over-the-air updates that allow the company to update cars’ software remotely. This means they can improve performance, add features, and fix bugs without the need for a physical dealership visit.

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Posted By: BigWantsYourCar

Date Published: May 24, 2023