Renate Noessler isn’t a stranger parachuting into the Lion City. She’s clocked in serious miles within the automotive world, particularly in Singapore and Malaysia. From Volkswagen to Škoda, and even the spirited CUPRA, she’s had her fingers on the pulse of what makes drivers tick in this region.

Now, with the title of Co-Managing Director of not just VGS, but also Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) and PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM), Renate’s got a full plate, and one she seems more than ready to dig into.

“I am honoured to continue working with our customers and partners in Singapore,” she shared. “With exciting new products from Volkswagen, Škoda and CUPRA, we are committed to delivering an elevated experience for our customers in the Lion City.”

So what does this new structure mean for car buyers? Think broader portfolios, seamless customer experiences, and possibly more of the European motoring flair that Volkswagen Group is known for.

Whether it’s a family-friendly Škoda, a business-ready Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle, or a spicy CUPRA Born you’re after, VGS wants you to know there’s something in their garage just for you.

And while one door opens, another gently swings shut. Denyu Bostandzhiev, who has been co-leading VGS since July 2023, is heading to a new post with Porsche Holdings Salzburg in Bulgaria.

Backed by Porsche Holding Salzburg, Volkswagen Group’s distribution muscle in this part of the world, VGS is quite the powerhouse. From Das WeltAuto-certified pre-owned vehicles to service centres that wouldn’t look out of place in a German engineering lab, the focus remains on quality, consistency, and that touch of Continental class.

So, will Renate steer the ship well? All signs point to yes. She’s walked these halls, faced this market, and now, she’s leading the charge.

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Think of it as the most comprehensive aftersales safety net available for Volkswagen, Škoda, CUPRA, and SEAT vehicles, covering more than 130 individual components for as little as $1,962.

There’s no cap on the number of claims you can make either, and the plan covers up to the market value of your car.

What’s Covered?

WePROTECT covers over 130 components across 15 key areas. These include the engine, gearbox, mechatronic systems, air conditioning, and brakes. What sets WePROTECT apart is Volkswagen Group Singapore’s commitment to only using brand-new, genuine parts; no reconditioned parts here.

For those of you driving a Volkswagen, Škoda, CUPRA, or SEAT, the WePROTECT plan will kick in from the 6th year after your car’s first registration and lasts until the 7th year, or up to 140,000km, whichever comes first.

If your vehicle’s mileage is lower or you’re looking for earlier protection, there’s also WePROTECT Lite, which starts at the 3rd year and goes up to the 5th year or 100,000km.

You don’t need to have been a loyal customer from day one. Even if your car wasn’t serviced by Volkswagen Group Singapore in its early years, as long as you can show records of your last two services, you’re good to go.

And for those with third-party aesthetic or performance upgrades, you too are welcome under the WePROTECT umbrella.

Eligibility and Flexibility

If it’s a Volkswagen, Škoda, CUPRA, or SEAT, and the first registration was handled by Volkswagen Group Singapore, your vehicle qualifies. You just need to ensure all maintenance and repairs are done by VGS or follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to keep things running smoothly.

Even if your car isn’t insured between the 3rd and 7th year from the first registration date, you’re still eligible to opt for the WePROTECT extended warranty. However, vehicles older than 5 years or those with over 100,000km on the odometer won’t qualify for either plan.

If you want more details on the WePROTECT and WePROTECT Lite plans, head over to the official site at Volkswagen Group Singapore.

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It’s an electrifying time in Singapore as Volkswagen unveiled its Electric City event, slated for the 11th and 12th of May 2024. This showcase takes place at the Volkswagen showroom on Alexandra Road, marking a significant step in the automotive giant’s journey into electric mobility.

The event debuts a lineup of seven new electric models from both Volkswagen and Skoda brands, promising a glimpse into the future of driving.

Among these, the stars of the show are likely to be the ID.4 and ID.5 from Volkswagen, both boasting impressive specs and a sleek design tailored for the modern driver.

These models differentiate mainly in body style, with the ID.4 featuring a traditional SUV design and the ID.5 sporting a fastback-style tailgate, adding a touch of elegance and improved aerodynamics.

These vehicles pack a punch too with a 282bhp electric motor delivering a robust 545Nm of torque. This power allows the ID.4 to sprint from zero to 100km/h in a brisk 6.7 seconds, with the ID.5 slightly edging it out in range thanks to its aerodynamic shape.

Both can charge impressively fast, achieving an 80% charge in just 33 minutes with a 135kW DC charger.

For those seeking a blend of sportiness with environmental consciousness, the ID.4 GTX and ID.5 GTX models are on display too, enhancing performance with dual electric motors and cutting down the acceleration time to just 5.4 seconds.

Not to be overshadowed, Skoda makes its mark with the Enyaq lineup, including the Enyaq and Enyaq Coupe, both providing a slightly better range than their VW counterparts and a similar dash to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.

The crown jewel of Skoda’s offerings, the Enyaq Coupe RS, features dual motors that propel it to 100km/h in only 5.5 seconds.

But the excitement doesn’t stop with just car displays. Volkswagen is also teasing future offerings with models like the retro-inspired ID. Buzz and the ID.7, which promises an augmented-reality head-up display.

The event is also a festival of modern motoring culture with activities for families, live performances, and a variety of dining options.

Dr Kurt Leitner, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Singapore, encapsulates the spirit of the event: “As a global automotive leader, we proudly present the Volkswagen Group’s core brands all in one place. With many models debuting in Southeast Asia, this underscores our commitment to the region and Singapore as a key market.”

With its groundbreaking new models and a festive atmosphere, Volkswagen Electric City is an event for car enthusiasts and families alike, highlighting the synergy of technology, luxury, and eco-friendly innovations.

So, if you’re free this weekend, why not head on down to check it out?

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One of Volkswagen’s best sellers has just made a smashing return, and it’s bringing a lot to the party along with it. 

For those who don’t know, the Volkswagen Tiguan nameplate is a combination of the German words for “tiger” (Tiger) and “iguana” (Leguan).

The German marque now has an easier way for you to remember it, by instilling animal motifs into the rear windows.

Fresh New Design

Its new design is unmistakably Volkswagen yet entirely fresh. The front end stands taller and more commanding, with standard LED headlights nestled within.

The traditional radiator grille is replaced by a glass-covered horizontal bar with an integrated LED strip, adding a modern touch.

The Tiguan features newly developed IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights, a high-tech lighting system with 38,400 multi-pixel LEDs derived from the Touareg.

The design also boasts improved aerodynamics, with drag coefficient dropping from 0.33 to 0.28.

The silhouette is dominated by athletic shoulder sections above the wheel housings, and the wheels can be as large as 20 inches. A horizontal LED strip between the taillight clusters accentuates the rear end’s width.

Built on the latest MQB Evo platform, the all-new Tiguan has grown about three centimetres in length while maintaining its height, width, and wheelbase nearly identical to its predecessor.

Despite its modest increase in length, the luggage compartment capacity has expanded by 37 litres to a class-leading 652 litres.

Modern Tech

The interior of the Volkswagen Tiguan has been completely redesigned with the latest modular infotainment matrix (MIB4) components, including a huge 15-inch infotainment screen dominating the centre console alongside a new 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit. 

Other items include a head-up display, and a multifunction driving experience switch with an integrated OLED display.

The new IDA voice assistant allows easy operation of numerous vehicle functions using natural language, enhancing convenience.

For long-distance comfort, the new ergoActive Plus seats feature pneumatic four-way lumbar adjustment, a pneumatic 10-chamber pressure massage function, and ventilation, ensuring both the driver and front passenger stay cool and comfortable.

Singapore-Friendly Power

The all-new Tiguan will be available with a new 48V mild hybrid eTSI system, delivering 129hp and 220Nm mated to a 7-speed DSG. Top speed is rated at 198km/h, and one can rock the century sprint in just 10.6 seconds. Gear changes will be made using a steering column switch, a feature borrowed from the Volkswagen ID. models.

For safety, the Tiguan also features a host of convenience and assist systems, including Side Assist, Front Assist, Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Park Assist Plus for automatic parking.

Dr Kurt Leitner, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Singapore, shared his enthusiasm: “The Tiguan has been a global bestseller for both Volkswagen Passenger Cars and the Volkswagen Group. With the eagerly awaited new generation, we’re proud to unveil an SUV that redefines design and technology standards.”

“Now available in Category A COE with the enhanced efficiency of mild hybrid drive, we’re confident that the Tiguan will continue to captivate and offer exceptional value to Singapore’s car buyers.”

For a limited time, the all-new Tiguan is available in two variants, Life and Life Plus, with a choice of seven colours, including new shades like Persimmon Red Metallic and Cipressino Green Metallic.

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Das WeltAuto is Volkswagen Group Singapore’s pre-owned division, and it’s hitting a significant milestone – its 10th anniversary in Singapore. To mark the occasion, they’re rolling out a slew of new initiatives and deals, including a new loyalty program for their customers.

Since setting up shop in Singapore in 2014, Das WeltAuto has been on a mission to provide Singaporean car buyers with reliable certified pre-owned vehicles. They’ve focused primarily on Volkswagen, Skoda, and more recently, Cupra models.

They’re all about ensuring reliability through strict quality assurance measures, all to give their customers that much-coveted peace of mind. Thanks to the global expertise of the Volkswagen Group, Das WeltAuto can offer perks like warranty coverage and vehicle inspections to enhance the customer experience.

In celebration of their first decade, and as a gesture of gratitude to their loyal customers, Das WeltAuto has introduced a Loyalty Programme specially tailored for repeat customers.

Das WeltAuto customers can get tiered discounts based on the number of vehicles they’ve bought. For the second vehicle, they’ll get a $700 discount, $1,000 off for the third, and a sweet $1,500 off for the fourth vehicle and beyond. So, loyal customers can save up to $1,500 on their next vehicle purchase.

For those eyeing certified pre-owned Volkswagen, Skoda, and Cupra models, there’s more good news. For a limited time, selected vehicles from these three brands are available with savings of up to $10,000 (while stocks last).

Customers can also enjoy a complimentary grooming package, in-car dash cameras for the front and rear, an extra six months of warranty, high trade-in valuations, and special delivery gifts for select models.

Das WeltAuto prides itself on its 115-point inspection, ensuring that each pre-owned vehicle meets high standards, from the paintwork to engine performance and safety features. They use genuine parts for replacements to maintain authenticity, conduct vehicle history checks for service records, mileage accuracy, and accident-free status, and offer warranties for up to 12 months.

Their showroom is staffed with dedicated consultants, each committed to providing a delightful experience for customers. Every certified Volkswagen, Skoda, and Cupra pre-owned car comes with a Certificate of Quality. Plus, the trade-in values for existing vehicles are said to be the best in town.

Das WeltAuto is located at 247 Alexandra Rd, Singapore 159934. The showroom is open:

• 9:00 am to 7:00 pm from Mondays to Saturdays
• 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sundays and Public Holidays

For those who prefer browsing from the comfort of their own home, the company’s website is just a click away.

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Get ready for a bonanza of blessings this Lunar New Year as Volkswagen Group Singapore rolls out a red carpet of irresistible offers.

If you’ve been eyeing that Volkswagen of your dreams, now’s the time. The firm is dishing out discounts to the tune of $8,888, plus travel vouchers worth $3,000 and petrol and retail vouchers adding up to $1,000.

Every Volkswagen bought before 14 February 2024 comes with a trio of treats:

• 3 years of free servicing
• 5-year warranty
• 5 years of 24-hour roadside assistance. 

For more information, visit this highlighted text.

Skoda enthusiasts are not left out of this either. With every Skoda purchase, there are sure-win lucky dip prizes, which can grant you cash discounts of up to $8,888, $1,000 in petrol rebates, aftersales credits, and paint protection packages.

And for those setting their sights on the Kodiaq range, you can snag up 2 extra complimentary service packages, totalling 5 free services. Each Skoda comes with a year’s worth of road tax, a solar film package, and front and rear in-car cameras.

Discover more about these exclusive Skoda promotions at this other highlighted bit of text.

What about existing owners?

Already part of the Volkswagen family? Freshen up your ride for the festivities with a full respray service starting from $2,800.

Handled by certified technicians, the Miracle Makeover package promises a 5-year paint warranty, meticulous dismantling, and pristine interior part spraying.

Prefer to keep the original gleam? Enjoy a $20 discount on premium polishing packages starting at $168, and pair them with top-notch deep cleaning services for your vehicle. And to shield your paintwork, consider the ceramic coating package starting from $328.

Finally, ride into the new year on new tyres and enjoy fabulous perks. Purchase four tyres from Volkswagen Group Singapore and bag a $40 grocery voucher, a complimentary wheel alignment, and enrolment in the Volkswagen Group Singapore Tyre Shield Plan, all at no extra cost.

This plan covers damage leading to air leaks and offers enticing rebates on future tyre replacements. 

Interested? Find out more via these links – Volkswagen / Skoda / Cupra.

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Volkswagen Group Singapore just hit the refresh button on their Volkswagen Life and Škoda Smart apps, and it’s a turbocharged transformation for an elevated ownership experience.

Imagine this: managing your four-wheeled companion with the ease of scrolling through your favourite playlist. Well, now you can. The app overhaul makes scheduling services, using credits, and redeeming vouchers a breeze, all under one shared account. It’s like having a personal concierge for your car.

And here’s the twist – primary and secondary owners now dance to the same tune, streamlining the entire vehicle management symphony. No more juggling, just smooth coordination.

Registering your ride in the app is like getting a VIP pass to a world of perks. Service credits and appointment bookings are just a tap away. Plus, say goodbye to forgetting those crucial service appointments; automated reminders have your back.

The app also showers you with exclusive offers, vouchers, and after-sales packages. And for those who dread the check-in hassle, fear not. A simple QR code is your golden ticket to hassle-free entry at Volkswagen or Škoda Singapore. No more waiting in lines.

Now, let’s talk gifts. As a welcome treat, new app users snag an exclusive voucher for a 10% discount on aftersales accessories or services. It’s like a little welcome gift for your car, courtesy of Volkswagen Group Singapore.

But hold your horsepower because there’s more. If you find yourself around 247 Alexandra Road or 26 Leng Kee Road, brace yourself for some year-end magic. The Miracle Makeover programme is here to give your car a fresh start. A full respray, minor repairs, and a five-year paint warranty, starting at just $2,800.

And for those who just want a touch-up, grooming packages are on the menu. A $20 discount awaits, making your car shine inside out. Prices start from $168, ensuring your ride turns heads wherever it goes.

Planning a holiday road trip? Volkswagen Group Singapore has you covered. Service your vehicle and enjoy a complimentary pre-travel inspection check. It’s like a health checkup for your car, ensuring a smooth journey. Oh, and let’s not forget the extended roadside assistance package. For just $150 over two years, you get a dedicated assistance team and free towing. It’s peace of mind, anytime, anywhere.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the future of car ownership with Volkswagen Group Singapore. Your car deserves it, and you do too.

Helpful Links To Volkswagen Group Singapore Apps

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Category A COE cars are all the rage these days in Singapore. With soaring petrol prices and astronomical COE premiums, these wallet-friendly city runabouts are just the sort of thing a budget-conscious buyer wants – practical, fuel-efficient, and versatile.

For those of you reading outside of Singapore, here’s how we classify Cat A vehicles being registered here:

• Non-fully electric cars with engines up to 1,600cc and Maximum Power Output up to 97kW (130bhp).
• Fully electric cars with Maximum Power Output of up to 110kW (147bhp).

However, as we can see from the figures above, in traditional cases owning a Cat A vehicle means sacrificing performance and oftentimes driving fun in exchange for a cheaper set of wheels.

But, with the advent and advancement in new engine technology alongside innovations like electrical assistance, engine capacity is no longer the defacto indicator of performance.

So that begs the question, can Cat A cars be any fun? Well, to find out, I went on a road trip with Volkswagen Group Singapore (VGS) to Desaru, in order to answer this with four wheels and a steering wheel.

What four wheels you might ask? VGS has very kindly offered their existing range of Category A Volkswagen and Škoda cars. Despite our end goal being Desaru, the gang opted to travel in a 500km U-shaped route instead, savouring some of Malaysia’s best B-roads along the way.

The cars accompanying us on this journey included the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI (Life and Life Plus), Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSI, Škoda Scala 1.0TSI Monte Carlo and the Škoda Octavia 1.0TSI. Nothing over 1.5 litres of engine block goodness.

My group were assigned to the Škoda Octavia first, our vessel to cross into Malaysian tarmac. Once the speed limits turned into suggestions, I placed my foot down and started hunting.

Yes, it might only have a 1.0-litre 3-pot heart, but having access to its 200Nm of torque at low RPMs coupled with mild-hybrid assistance meant that it could hold its own both on the straights and the corners. It could easily keep up with its Octavia RS sibling driven by the support crew, bar brief moments of harsh acceleration.

To keep costs down, Škoda opted for a torsion rear beam instead of the usual multi-link setup. I loved this setup, as it makes the car more predictable around corners. The car feels settled even at speed, and any bouts of oversteer can be mitigated as easily as letting your foot off the throttle.

Plus, you get to do that in a spacious and practical family sedan with tons of room. The Octavia has always been dear to my heart, and this road trip bolstered additional gratification towards it.

After a spot of brunch at Yong Peng’s famous Sunroast, we were on the road again – this time in the Volkswagen Golf Life. The new Life variants are meant to distinguish the Cat A models from their more powerful brethren. With the same engine, the boffins at Volkswagen have managed to detune the 1.5-litre engine to make it fall nicely under Cat A.

Externally and internally, it’s business as usual from the regular Cat B Mk 8 Golf. But, what lies in its engine bay is what truly matters, and boy does this Golf live up to its famed reputation.

With the same torsion beam setup as most of the other cars on this trip, the Golf was effortlessly dancing in the bends. It just so happens I was in the Golf for a particularly twisty bit of road, and it couldn’t have been a better combination.

Keeping up momentum in the corners, any understeer sensations were quickly sorted out as the Golf soldiered on, and shifting through its 7-speed DSG gearbox whilst keeping its revs high was riveting. All of this, even as it started to pour and visibility became limited.

Our little chihuahua gave us a blast all to way to Jemaluang Emerald Lake, and we were sad to part ways with it at Jason’s Bay Beach.

But, this meant we could hop into another ride, and this time it was the biggest of the group – the Volkswagen T-Cross. Now, you take one look at these cars and probably think to yourself, “How can the T-Cross keep up with this pack?”

Yes, I will admit the T-Cross can be a little more tricky to wrestle in the corners, with its taller stature and waftiness. But, despite its SUV proportions, it could just as easily keep up on the highway bits and back roads. It was also arguably the most comfortable of the bunch as well, with tall cabin headroom and ample leg space for toe wiggling.

Turning in for the night, I awoke bright and early for our return journey to Singapore, and the Škoda Scala was there to greet me for the ride home.

This was the Monte Carlo edition of the Scala, fitted with a bunch of extra trinkets like 18-inch alloys, soft bucket seats and a panoramic moonroof. There weren’t many B-roads left to enjoy on the return leg, but the Scala was extremely competent blasting down the highway at legal speeds. Plus, I don’t know about you, but the Scala looks gorgeous in that shade of red.

Our final car swap saw us crossing the border back into Singapore in the Volkswagen Golf Life Plus. Much like its aforementioned Golf Life sibling, it has all of the charms of the Golf, but is now packaged in a bite-sized wallet-friendly form. Plus, with the Life Plus, you get the added advantage of 3-zone HVAC and cooler rims on the outside.

Overall, this was obviously a fun-filled trip, but it was mainly fun because of these Cat A gems. These cars invoke a unique charm behind the wheel and beckon you to just keep driving whilst savouring every last bit of tarmac.

These are not just machines; they’re companions. Companions that can munch up the miles and take you to your next destination, with a big grin plastered on your face.

It’s more fun driving a slow car fast than a fast car slow, right? Just like getaway cars.

Big shoutout to Volkswagen Group Singapore for making this trip possible!

Photo Credits: Horizon Drivers’ Club (@horizondriversclub)

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With the addition of Cupra, VGS will now represent all of the Group’s ‘volume’ brands under one roof. Come 1st June 2023, both existing SEAT and Cupra customers can come to VGS for servicing, maintenance and repairs.

To welcome them into the VGS family, the group will offer complimentary vehicle inspections, special deals on service packages and service voucher giveaways. More details will be officially announced on June 1st.

Vertex Euro Motors, who is the current distributor of SEAT and Cupra, will continue to service SEAT vehicles until the end of 2023. However, any further potential service partnerships is still to be confirmed.

As of now, there are no plans by Vertex Euro Motors to continue selling SEAT models once the existing stock is cleared by the end of 2023.

This differs from Cupra, whose aftersales operations will be handled only by VGS from June 1 onwards. As for their new showroom home, retail operations for the Cupra brand by VGS will commence from 2024.

“Cupra brand’s positioning, character and electrified models fit well with our plans. Electrification is not just our focus but the Volkswagen Group’s.” said Dr. Kurt Leitner, Group Managing Director, Volkswagen Group Singapore.

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