VeeDub Love

MANILA, Philippines – The Camp Aguinaldo Grand Parade Grounds in Quezon City was turned into a love fest dedicated to everything Volkswagen as the 29th All VW Classic/Custom/New-Generation Car Show was held successfully. It was a convergence of classic, iconic models as well as current and upcoming ones as owners, Volkswagen enthusiasts, and curious onlookers made their way through the open-air exhibit. Volkswagen Philippines showed their full support as it showed off the Touran Popemobile as well as the Golf GTI at their spacious stand.

“We believe this event is an excellent way to showcase VW’s latest models together with the VW heritage. Visitors got the chance to test drive a number of Volkswagen Philippines’s current line-up including the Touran, Tiguan, Polo, and the iconic Beetle,” says Klaus Schadewald, Volkswagen Philippines’s Chief Operating Adviser.

At the sidelines of the car show, Schadewald also sat down with members of media as he reiterated the brand’s aggressive plans for 2015.

As he mentioned during the Media Thanksgiving Party, Schadewald said that Volkswagen will be introducing no less than eight new models this year headlined by the all-new Passat (B8). As the brand’s entry in the executive sedan market, the Passat is built on top of the company’s MQB architecture making it lighter in weight without compromising on chassis rigidity and strength. The 2,791-mm wheelbase promises expansive interior room while the compact 4,767-mm overall length makes it more maneuverable in traffic. Though no pricing or specifications were announced, Schadewald is confident it will close the gap to high-end executive sedans with its aggressive pricing and features. The Passat is due to arrive in the later part of the year.

Aside from the Passat, Schadewald previewed the all-new Golf GTI at Volkswagen’s stand. On sale starting next month, the Golf GTI is equipped with 18-inch “Austin” wheels and GTI specific cues on the grille, bumpers, rear spoiler, and tailpipes. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected gasoline engine with 220 hp and 350 Nm of torque. This potent engine is mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox driving the front wheels.

Schadewald also understands the preference of Filipino consumers for automatic transmission variants given the traffic situation. He says that Volkswagen Philippines has worked hard with their counterparts in Germany to bring in automatic transmission models into the country. This year, he says models such as the Polo and Jetta will have automatic transmission variants added to the line. The Polo, in particular, will also gain a hatchback body style given the increasing popularity of subcompact hatchbacks in the country.

And for those who want a bit more style, Schadewald also says the company is bringing in R-Line models beginning with the Tiguan. R-Line models receive a sport-tuned suspension to go with spirited detailing in the form of body kits and aggressive alloy wheels.

Indeed, Volkswagen is in a strong position to continue strong this year. After selling more than 600 units during its first full year of operation, Volkswagen Philippines is aiming for an even more aggressive 2015. This optimism is based on the Philippine automotive industry’s impressive growth (projected to hit 300,000 units) as well as consumer demand and preference toward well-engineered cars at affordable prices.