Laser welding is becoming more and more important in car-making. A rigid body shell, crafted by state-of-the-art laser welding techniques, not only creates additional strength - offering greater protection and better road holding - but also ensures narrow, uniform gaps between the body panels, dramatically reducing wind noise. The ability of the laser to bundle light energy into ultra-thin beams is opening up new possibilities with regard to bodywork quality and stability, as the resultant weld seams are extremely narrow and precise. The highly amplified and bundled light beam in laser welding generates very high temperatures which melt the material on a focal point of around 0.5 to 1 millimetre in diameter. Because of its narrow working area, laser welding is particularly suitable for butt-welding of sheet metal panels. Its benefits lie in the higher strength of the joint and in the new design possibilities it offers.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

With 4-zone temperature control you can programme four different temperature zones in your car - side to side and front to rear - so everyone is comfortable. It is possible to set a temperature difference between the individual occupant zones of 4°C.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

ACC adaptive cruise control helps to avoid accidents by always keeping your car at a safe distance from the traffic ahead.

Working together with the radar-controlled Front Assist traffic monitoring system, our adaptive cruise control system keeps you a safe distance from the vehicle in front and that makes driving much easier in slow and stop and go traffic. It means you'll be more relaxed and comfortable on long journeys, knowing you have an extra helping hand.

You pre-set the speed range which you want the Adaptive Cruise Control to brake and accelerate the car within - you can restrict your car's speed to the limit of the road you're on, for example. The system builds on the familiar cruise control system by adding a radar sensor. It immediately detects traffic slowing ahead and automatically reduces your speed to match. If you are driving too close to the car in front, it will warn you in two stages. First, with visual and acoustic signals, and then with a short braking jolt. If necessary, the system will bring your car to a complete stop.

It does this with the help of the Front Assist system which primes the brakes if it senses a collision is likely, shortening the stopping distance when the driver hits the brake pedal.

How it works

The system's radar sensor has a range of up to 200 metres and a beam angle of 12 degrees. The radar sensor and control unit are combined into a single unit which is located - on the Passat, for example - behind the Volkswagen badge in the radiator grille.

Using the signals from the radar sensor, the control unit computes the distance to the vehicle ahead and your car's speed relative to it. It also works out its lateral position on multi-lane roads. If there are several vehicles within the sensor's field of coverage at the same time, this information is used to select which of the vehicles the system should track. The radar sensor is not capable of detecting stationary obstructions, such as the end of a tailback or crash barriers, however.

If approaching a slower vehicle ahead or if another vehicle cuts in front of you, the adaptive cruise control slows down the car by initiating corrective controls in the engine management and, if necessary, in the braking system too. If the required rate of deceleration exceeds 30% of the vehicle's maximum stopping power, visual and audible warning signals will prompt the driver to apply the brakes manually.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

The Golf’s success story enters the seventh generation as the car continues to inspire both customers and the specialist media. The Golf has been honoured with two dozen prestigious awards over the last twelve months. It was voted European “Car of the Year” and crowned “World Car of the Year 2013”. The new Golf also recently beat the competition in Japan, becoming the first imported car in the 34-year history of the country’s top award to claim the accolade and be named “Car of the Year 2013/2014 Japan” with a score that was streaks ahead of the field. Other awards include the “Golden Steering Wheel 2013”, the “Auto Trophy”, “Auto der Vernunft” (Car of Reason) and “Best cars of 2013”. Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, commented: “The Golf will remain the most important model and a powerful engine for the Volkswagen brand.”

The 500,000th latest-generation Golf will be delivered in a few days’ time just one year after the car was launched. And the bestseller has yet to make its debut in key countries such as China and the United States. Moreover, important derivatives in the Golf family are waiting in the wings: The new Golf Estate has just arrived in showrooms and will be followed next year by the Golf Sportsvan which Volkswagen premiered at the IAA in Frankfurt. There will also be innovative versions such as the e-Golf and the Golf Plug-in Hybrid. “We are delighted the Golf has got off to such a brilliant start and is enjoying such a positive reception from customers. That is first and foremost due to a committed team. Our people very definitely went the extra mile for the Golf and have done a great job,” Winterkorn added.

For years now, the Golf has been the best-selling car in Europe, enjoying this status in several individual countries and taking pole position, for example, in Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Croatia, Luxemburg, Norway, Austria, Switzerland and, of course, its home market of Germany.

The first generation of the Volkswagen Golf went on display at dealers in May 1974 as the successor to the legendary Beetle and has continued its predecessor’s success story for almost 40 years. The Golf has lent its name to an entire vehicle class and has always been available in a range of variants. From the ultra-economical Golf TDI BlueMotion to the sporty GTI, from the three-door model to the estate version, Volkswagen has a Golf to suit every taste and need. That has convinced customers: Volkswagen celebrated the 30 millionth Golf in June 2013.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk