To mark its 50th anniversary, the current generation is now receiving an update, which will be presented in a few weeks. VW will be showcasing the success story of the tradition-steeped compact model from January 31 to February 4 at the Rétromobile trade fair in Paris, and another Volkswagen Classic appearance will follow from February 2 to 4 at the Bremen Classic Motorshow with a Golf I and the unique EA 276 concept car - the predecessor of the Golf from 1969, which was built in Wolfsburg. The world premiere of the new edition, which will feature numerous innovations, will then take place at the end of January 2024.

Most successful European car

It was an automotive revolution when Volkswagen presented the first Golf and thus the successor to the Beetle in 1974. Front-wheel drive instead of a rear engine, with a variable overall concept thanks to a large tailgate and folding rear seat backrest. In addition, the linear design by Giorgetto Giugiaro introduced a new design language. The first million were sold as early as 1976, and 37 million have been delivered to date. This makes the Golf the most successful European car and the best-selling VW of all time. Over the decades, many variants have been added to the model range: the GTI, the Cabriolet, the Variant and others. Each model generation also brought technological and comfort innovations.

In the anniversary year 2024, Volkswagen is presenting the eighth-generation evolutionary stage. It comes with visual refinements, new assistance systems and drive systems as well as infotainment and software of the current generation.

Video: Retro Channel

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This is the 25th time in a row that VW dealers have defended first place in the Swiss new car sales statistics.

Claude Gregorini, Brand Director Volkswagen: "2023 was a very special year for the Volkswagen brand. We were able to celebrate 75 years of Volkswagen in Switzerland with customers and employees. At the same time, we once again managed to take first place in the Swiss sales statistics. And it continues. We are looking forward to an exciting 2024."

Incentive for employee events
Garage Kocher AG in Erlach on Lake Biel wins the title of Dealer of the Year 2024 and with it a cheque for an employee event worth CHF 10,000. Küry Automobile AG in Rüschlikon on Lake Zurich now holds the title of Customer First Dealer of the Year 2024. It was presented with a cheque worth 7,000 francs.

Mikael Norlindh, Head of Sales Volkswagen: "Especially in these challenging times, it shows how strong and professional the Volkswagen partner network is. Congratulations to the two winners, Garage Kocher AG and Küry Automobile AG. We are delighted to have such competent, committed and reliable partners at our side."

All Volkswagen dealerships were assessed on the basis of qualitative and quantitative criteria. The best dealership was determined from the sum of the various evaluation points in the areas of sales and service.

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Drivers in the lowlands were confronted with snow and slippery road conditions early on this winter. Even with the right equipment, you can get into trouble. According to the TCS, the most common mistakes made when driving in winter conditions are not adapting your speed and not leaving sufficient distance to other vehicles.

Adrian Suter, Head of Education and Training at Touring Club Switzerland: "Most people don't realize that the braking distance on snow is many times longer. What's more, some drivers are overwhelmed when their vehicle starts to slide."

In addition to the 15 year-round driver training centers in Switzerland, the TCS operates two further winter driving centers in Zernez/GR and in Bourg-St-Pierre/VS. Special driver training courses on snow are held there in January and February.

From dry snow to ice
As soon as the ground is frozen, the training areas in Zernez and Bourg-St-Pierre are prepared for winter training. During the one-day course, participants practise assessing different situations and mastering the vehicle in winter conditions. During the course of the day, the snow becomes hard as a rock and increasingly slippery, which affects the grip of the tires and the driving behavior and additionally challenges the participants with new conditions. The TCS instructors give instructions and tips by radio.

Commitment to road safety
These TCS courses are part of the commitment to road safety. The aim is to prevent accidents, and the club is involved in all three relevant road safety issues: People, means of transportation and infrastructure. In addition to basic and advanced training courses, the human factor includes the distribution of didactic materials for road safety education in schools, prevention campaigns and the distribution of almost 200,000 illuminated belts and vests for children every year. On the subject of infrastructure, the mobility club carries out tests and audits in municipalities and on roads, and when it comes to the transport factor, the TCS provides advice on all mobility issues.

One day of the Snow & Ice course costs from CHF 410 (CHF 370 for TCS members) including meals. The course must be completed in your own vehicle. Winter tires are mandatory, spikes and snow chains are not permitted.

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From January 1, 2024, CO2 billing for the registration of vehicles from small and direct importers will take place online. If a passenger car or delivery van exceeds a certain CO2 target, a penalty must be paid before initial registration. The penalty will now be levied by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE), which means that this business will come from a single source. The data required for the calculation will be recorded digitally in future.

No additional eye test from March 1
Anyone who already has a learner's or driver's license and wants to acquire a new license category will no longer have to take an additional eye test from March 1. This also applies to people who wish to acquire a professional license category. Their eyesight will be tested during the road traffic medical examination.

Anyone aged 75 or over who applies for a learner's permit or driver's license for the first time must undergo a medical examination. Previously, this age limit was 65. There is also a change to the duration of the practical driving test for categories A and B. The practical tests must now be taken on public roads for at least 45 minutes.

More driver assistance systems from April 1
In accordance with European registration regulations, new vehicles must be equipped with an accident data recorder and new driver assistance systems from April. The systems are used, for example, to warn of drowsiness or distraction, for automatic emergency braking in the event of danger or for assistance when reversing and turning. The protection of personal data is guaranteed and the changes are in line with the Swiss Data Protection Act. Improved bodywork elements also increase the safety of vehicle occupants and pedestrians.

To ensure that the maximum speeds are adhered to, particularly in 20 km/h and 30 km/h zones, all e-bikes with pedal assistance up to 45 km/h must be equipped with a speedometer in future. The speedometer equipment requirement will also apply to new fast e-bikes from April 1. Vehicles already on the road must be retrofitted by April 1, 2027.

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The all-electric version of Europe's best-selling van series, the Ford Transit Custom, is now moving to the top of this product range. At the same time, the manufacturer is also opening the order books for the new E-Tourneo Custom for up to nine people. At the same time, Ford is also offering both Custom versions with Ecoblue diesel engines and petrol engines with plug-in hybrid technology.

Attractive for small companies
The E-Transit Custom makes it easier for small and medium-sized companies in particular to get started with electromobility. It is integrated into the networked Ford Pro ecosystem, which can significantly reduce the operating and deployment costs of the e-transporter with advanced charging, service and software offers. There are also numerous features and digital solutions that make the driver's day-to-day work easier.

Hans Schep, General Manager Ford Pro Europe: "Tradespeople and smaller companies are the real heroes of the European economy. They deserve our special support in the transition to electromobility."

Range of up to 327 kilometers
The Transit Custom is available as a panel van or double cab version as well as an estate, and the Tourneo Custom offers space for up to nine people as a bus. Ford Pro Service increases the service life of the E-Transit Custom and E-Tourneo Custom through extended maintenance intervals. They now cover two years with no mileage limit, thus contributing to reduced deployment and operating costs. In addition, Ford delivers the E-Transit Custom with one year's free access to the fast-growing Blue Oval Charge Network.

The battery of the E-Transit Custom has a capacity of 64 kWh and enables a range of up to 327 kilometers. The electric motor produces 100 or 160 kW (136 or 218 hp) and delivers a maximum torque of 415 Nm. Ford specifies a maximum permissible towing capacity of 2300 kilograms.

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The Dakar Rally is undisputedly one of the greatest adventures in motorsport. The 45th edition will take place in 2024. Saudi Arabia will host the event for the fifth time. The "Dakar" has its origins in Africa. From 1979 to 2007, the desert rally was held on the original route from Paris to Dakar (later also from Lisbon to Dakar, among others). In 2008, the world's largest off-road event had to be canceled at short notice due to terror warnings. From 2009 to 2019, the event was held in South America.

Marathon stage over 600 kilometers
This year's edition is also a tough one. 7900 kilometers are on the program. 4800 of these will be counted. As a special challenge, there is a 48-hour marathon stage over 600 kilometers. The starting signal will be given on January 5. The final stage will take place two weeks later on January 19 - with the finish in Yanbu on the Red Sea.

These Swiss are aiming for the podium
Three Swiss riders will also be at the start. First and foremost Alexandre Pesci from St-Sulpice (VD). The owner of the Rebellion watch brand is the most experienced Swiss driver in the Saudi desert. He finished 43rd in 2020 and 53rd in 2022. Pesci will start with co-driver Stephan Kühni in a Toyota Hilux with the #251 in the T1 class (gallery on the right).

Jérôme de Sadeleer is also back. Born in Gstaad, he made his debut in 2022 but had to take a break in 2023 due to a racing accident. De Sadeleer will be driving a Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbo with the #420 in the agile, two-seater desert buggy (SSV) category.

The third participant also comes from French-speaking Switzerland and is celebrating his premiere: Cédric Goumaz, 40 years old, from Choulex. The farmer from the canton of Geneva is driving an MD Optimus Buggy dieselmal with the #266 in the T1 class (gallery left).

Meeting of the international driving elite
A glance at the start list shows that the Dakar continues to enjoy a special status. Everyone who is anyone is there in Saudi Arabia: Nasser Al-Attiyah, Sébastien Loeb, Carlos Sainz sr, Stéphane Peterhansel and others. Incidentally, the latter will once again be navigated by Edouard Boulanger. The co-driver with French roots, who lives in Les Paccots, is competing with a Swiss license and won the 2021 Dakar alongside Peterhansel.

Photos: Audi, Rebellion, MMP Competition

Source: Auto Sport Switzerland

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With the music video "Die krassesten Schlitten" by the group Deine Freunde, we are taking a break for a few days to provide all friends, acquaintances, partners and followers with daily news from the automotive scene again from January 2, 2024.

And last but not least: some rappers still claim to have the sickest beard. In the video, you can find out why this is not quite true and why only a very specific bearded man can claim this. See for yourself. We hope you enjoy it.

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A winter wonderland of silver-white sculptures and feather-light origami birds was created by international star designer Charles Kaisin. In the middle of it all: a Mazda CX-60 in shimmering Soul Red Crystal. The visual contrast could not be greater. And yet both are intended to combine the same deep passion for artistic expression and craftsmanship in perfection. Like Kaisin, Mazda stands for attention to detail and the pursuit of perfection.

Expertise and passion
At the opening, Managing Director Mazda Matthias Walker and Charles Kaisin experienced first-hand how the symbiosis of expertise and passion is created using a clay model (center gallery). Hisato Ishii, an artisan at Mazda, demonstrated how an idea takes shape and becomes a vehicle under his own hands and with tools he made himself. Last but not least, a Mazda.

The exhibition will be on display until December 28, 2023.

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With increasing connectivity, cars are becoming more intuitive with each new generation. As with smartphones, the operating system of the multimedia touchscreen and instrument panel with Google integration is designed for regular updates. This includes updates and improvements for the infotainment system as well as completely new functions. The Software Factory, a department at Renault specializing in software development, has launched the FOTA (Firmware Over The Air) project to update cars such as the new Megane E-Tech Electric remotely.

Until now, the technology was available in models with the Renault Easy Link multimedia system. Updates to the operating system and the installation of new functions can be carried out much more easily thanks to FOTA. While car owners previously had to take their vehicle to a workshop, the system saves time and increases the number of updates at the same time.

The Megane E-Tech 100% Electric now takes FOTA technology to a new level. For example, the welcome sequence can be extended to include light and sound effects. The new Open-R Link multimedia system is also regularly updated.

Adjustments from the background

Another advantage of the new technology is that it is extremely discreet and usually even completely invisible, as it literally works "over the air" via the GSM telephone network. Specifically, the vehicle downloads an update in the background while driving. If the driver switches off the ignition after stopping, a message appears on the screen informing about the update. If the driver agrees to the update, it is carried out automatically.

FOTA updates cover a wide range of applications in the vehicle. For example, they can provide new multimedia content and additional applications or even make the navigation interface more user-friendly. Even safety-relevant functions such as driver assistance systems or steering and braking management can be optimized. Even the operating system can be expanded with completely new functions in this way.

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The dream of racing has been dormant in Michael Fassbender (center gallery) since childhood. The 46-year-old, who was born in Heidelberg, took the first steps towards achieving this goal in 2018. US actor Patrick Dempsey, who himself raced with Porsche three times at Le Mans, put him in touch with Porsche.

With the support of the sports car manufacturer, the Oscar-nominated film star learned how to work behind the wheel of a racing car in the Porsche Racing Experience, in the Porsche Sports Cup and then in the European Le Mans Series as a training camp. He always had a Porsche coach at his side. Cameras accompanied him right from the start.

Three years of preparation
Fassbender, known for blockbusters such as X-Men and Inglourious Basterds, temporarily put his film career on the back burner and threw himself into the full-throttle business on the racetrack with great enthusiasm. After three years of preparation, Fassbender competed in the 2022 24 Hours of Le Mans with Proton Competition in the Porsche 911 RSR - and unintentionally found himself at the center of the action in several accidents.

On June 12 of this year - the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans - Fassbender was once again at the start. Together with works driver Richard Lietz from Austria and Martin Rump from Estonia, Fassbender delivered a good performance in the 24-hour classic with the number 911 from Proton Competition. "The race showed that he has not only made incredible progress in sporting terms, but also mentally," summarized Sebastian Borowski, Project Manager of Road to Le Mans.

Sound barrier broken
The development process is impressive: Fassbender's fastest race lap at the wheel of the 515 hp Porsche 911 RSR was almost four seconds faster than the previous year. For the first time, the film star beat the 4:00-minute sound barrier, which is important for GT cars on the 13.626-kilometer circuit.

The 90-minute documentary traces the entire journey of Michael Fassbender and Porsche in motorsport from 2018 to 2023. The film is the conclusion of the YouTube series, which has generated a cumulative 100 million views with its 33 episodes in four seasons.

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