Industry News: 58 of Volkswagen's sales consultants get the Volkswagen International Basic Training certification

Volkswagen Malaysia had announced that 58 of its sales consultants graduated from the International Basic Training (IBT) certification. Held for the third year, the IBT included 15 days of classroom training designed to develop sales competence and to provide knowledge of brand and history, and Volkswagen’s technology. What this basically means is that these people would actually be able to get a sales job with Volkswagen sales outlets any where around the world due to its global certification.

It is also these sort of technical qualifications that Malaysians need to have aside from just the usual diplomas or degrees to get the chance to work elsewhere. A global outreach is very important these days. It gives you a chance to go elsewhere if you think that the grass is greener on the other side.

PRESS RELEASE

VOLKSWAGEN CERTIFIED 58 SALES CONSULTANTS

KUALA LUMPUR, 27 August 2015 – Volkswagen Malaysia is pleased to announce that 58 of its sales consultants graduated from the International Basic Training (IBT) certification.

Held for the third year, the IBT included 15 days of classroom training designed to develop sales competence and to provide knowledge of brand and history, and Volkswagen’s technology. Having completed the training, these candidates were then examined in all these area which not only consist of written exam but also video analysis and role plays. The scoring was done by a panel of judges comprising of the region managers and dealer sales managers.

“At Volkswagen, we are focused in training and development to provide better career opportunity to our employees. We first introduced the IBT certification in 2013 to further enhance the knowledge of our team of sales consultants. Today, we are very proud of our 58 graduates this year and are confident that their learnings will enable them to better serve our customers,” says Volkswagen Group Malaysia managing director Armin Keller.

This group of graduates joins 85 other IBT certified sales consultants nationwide. These consultants are all trained and examined by a panel of experienced trainers from the Volkswagen sales training department and the dealer sales management for.

Read More

Volkswagen Malaysia celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Volkswagen Polo

Mr Armin Keller with Vincent Paul Yong

Aside from launching the Volkswagen Polo Club edition last week Volkswagen Malaysia threw a photo exhibition, a fashion show and a dance party all at once. I attended the event last friday. Only for a short while before little ol' me decided to call it a night. I suddenly felt all forty three years of my life even though the party brought me back to my twenties.  The heart was willing, but the body was dead tired (after three launch/events from morning till after the sun had set). 

Anyway, Volkswagen Group Malaysia celebrated 40 years of Polo by collaborating with local photographer Vincent Paul Yong Photography, better known as VPYP. Vincent brings alive this classic car’s exciting personality through a Polo exhibit where he coated the car in chrome and showcased a photo series featuring DJ duo LapSap and illustrations by Cloakwork.

The exhibition launch at APW on 21 August included Pearly Wong’s SS16 fashion show and LapSap taking on the decks.

PRESS RELEASE

Volkswagen celebrates 40 years of the Polo

Ms Martina Berg, Mr Armin Keller, and Mr Robert McAllister

(21 August 2015) The Volkswagen Polo is German engineering at its best in a fun sized package and this year it’s celebrating its 40th birthday.  This hatchback made its first appearance in 1975 and has since gained a legion of fans.

Currently in its fifth generation, the Polo hatchback is one of the brand’s top-selling passenger cars around the world and in 2014, Malaysia introduced the locally assembled Polo making it more affordable and accessible. Mr Armin Keller, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia commented “To date, the status of the Polo in Malaysia is unmatched. With over 13,000 units sold it is no wonder that this practical, yet fun car has captured the hearts of Malaysians. It’s agile but solid performance results in a drive best suited for KL’s busy roads as well as long highways. “

In Malaysia, the Volkswagen team decided to celebrate this milestone by collaborating with established fashion lifestyle photographer Vincent Paul Yong Photography (VPYP) to produce a photo series that showcases the driving fun with the car.  

Self-taught photographer Vincent has brought the Polo to live with a photo-story highlighting a day in the life of DJ duo LAPSAP and includes illustrations by graffiti artist Cloakwork. This exciting collaboration emphasizes the spirit of the colourful spirit of the Polo. The images were revealed at an launch event at APW titled WYSIWYG- What You See Is What You Get.

The VPYP photo exhibition featuring the Polo will be on showcase from 21 to 30 August 2015 for the public to view.

In conjunction with the Polo’s 40th anniversary, Volkswagen Malaysia is pleased to announce the introduction of the Polo Club that will feature a multimedia head unit with navigation and window tint. The Polo Club will be available at RM88,888 and the Polo Sedan Club at RM89,888 while stocks last.  

Read More

Volkswagen Malaysia introduces the Volkswagen Polo Club Edition in conjunction with the Polo's 40th anniversary

Volkswagen Malaysia seems to be doing a lot of innovative marketing these days. In conjunction with the Volkswagen celebrating 40 years of the Volkswagen Polo, Volkswagen Group Malaysia decided to celebtate this momentous milestone by collaborating with established fashion lifestyle photographer Vincent Paul Yong Photography (VPYP) to produce a photo series that showcases the driving fun with the car.

This hatchback made its first appearance in 1975 and the current Polo is its fifth generation. The Polo hatchback is one of the brand’s top-selling passenger cars around the world. Last year, Volkswagen Malaysia introduced the locally assembled Polo making it more affordable and accessible. To date, over 13,000 units sold. 

Having driven the locally assembled Polo 1.6 hatch I have to say that the basic 1.6liter engine and that torque convertor 6 speed transmission is one of the more reliable and refined offerings that Volkswagen has in its stables. It is actually fun to drive and the simplicity of this model makes it the one for people who want to experience the pleasure of owning a German engineered car without any extra cost.

And so, in conjunction with the Polo’s 40^th anniversary, Volkswagen Malaysia has announced the introduction of the Volkswagen Polo Club (based on the recently facelifted model). It will feature a multimedia head unit with navigation and window tint. The Polo Club will be available at RM88,888 and the Polo Sedan Club at RM89,888 while stocks last. The prices are actually the same as the standard variant offered. 

PRESS RELEASE

Volkswagen celebrates 40 years of the Polo

(21 August 2015) The Volkswagen Polo is German engineering at its best in a fun sized package and this year it’s celebrating its 40^thbirthday. This hatchback made its first appearance in 1975 and has since gained a legion of fans.

Currently in its fifth generation, the Polo hatchback is one of the brand’s top-selling passenger cars around the world and in 2014, Malaysia introduced the locally assembled Polo making it more affordable and accessible. Mr Armin Keller, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia commented “To date, the status of the Polo in Malaysia is unmatched. With over 13,000 units sold it is no wonder that this practical, yet fun car has captured the hearts of Malaysians. It’s agile but solid performance results in a drive best suited for KL’s busy roads as well as long highways. “

In Malaysia, the Volkswagen team decided to celebrate this milestone by collaborating with established fashion lifestyle photographer Vincent Paul Yong Photography (VPYP) to produce a photo series that showcases the driving fun with the car.

Self-taught photographer Vincent has brought the Polo to live with a photo-story highlighting a day in the life of DJ duo LAPSAP and includes illustrations by graffiti artist Cloakwork. This exciting collaboration emphasizes the spirit of the colourful spirit of the Polo. The images were revealed at an launch event at APW titled WYSIWYG- What You See Is What You Get.

The VPYP photo exhibition featuring the Polo will be on showcase from 21to 30 August 2015 for the public to view.

In conjunction with the Polo’s 40^thanniversary, Volkswagen Malaysia is pleased to announce the introduction of the Polo Club that will feature a multimedia head unit with navigation and window tint. The Polo Club will be available at RM88,888 and the Polo Sedan Club at RM89,888 while stocks last.  

Read More

Beetle CLUB Now Available in Malaysia at RM152,888

I was at the launch of the limited to 50 units Volkswagen Beetle Club yesterday. The car is priced from RM152,888 and quite like the previous limited run Beetle 'Bug' Edition, it gets basically a cosmetic touch up only and no extra performance enhancing items like a sports exhaust, larger turbo for it's 1.2liter TSI engine, machine guns, rocket launchers and anti-aircraft guns.

So you don't get all of the above (I wish I could) but 17" Ravenna alloy wheels to the text decal with ‘Club’ lettering, side sills with chrome strip for the exterior. The interior gets orange stitching for the leather seats, ‘Club’ exclusive ‘Vienna’ leather sport seats and a steering wheel with ‘Club’ lettering.

It is fully imported from Central America. Yes, they make right hand drive Beetles for export in Mexico and comes in Habanero Orange.

The RM152,000+ pricing did make my eyes water a little. But aside from this iconic styled car, only the Mini One comes close at around the same price.

PRESS RELEASE
WELCOMING THE BEETLE TO THE CLUB
Beetle CLUB Now Available in Malaysia at RM152,888

Mr. Armin Keller, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 August 2015 – Volkswagen Malaysia celebrated the launch of its Beetle Club at an exclusive ‘Welcome to the Club’ party. Prior to the launch, fans were given a sneak preview of the trendy limited edition Beetle Club at the recent Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2015.

Beetle Club is all about its look. From its 17" Ravenna alloy wheels to the text decal with ‘Club’ lettering and side sill with chrome strip, the look is indeed chic. As for the interior, Beetle fans will rejoice in the stylish orange stitching, ‘Club’ exclusive ‘Vienna’ leather sport seats and a steering wheel with ‘Club’ lettering.

Commenting about the launch of the Beetle Club, Mr. Armin Keller, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia said, “Since its arrival on Malaysian shores 60 years ago, the Volkswagen Beetle has preserved its reputation of being an iconic car. We seek to constantly excite our fans by bringing these limited editions to them.”

Fully imported from Mexico, the Beetle Club in Habanero Orange is available from RM152,888, limited to 50 units in Malaysia. Customers can book a unit of the Beetle Club at selected Volkswagen authorised dealerships, available while stock lasts.

Also on display, the Jetta Club launched in May, featuring a multimedia head unit with navigation and window tint, which is available from RM122,888.

For more information, please visit www.volkswagen.com.my

Read More

Volkwagen Malaysia collaborates with Alia Bastamam at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week Ready to Wear 2015

Every year, there is something called the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week. Of course not every motorhead or petrolhead is aware of this or truly bothers about this as they are usually in love with their cars instead of clothes. But anyway, the Fashion Week happens every year and it showcases Malaysian fashion. Not many cars involved usually but this year, Volkswagen has decided to connect directly into the fashion crowd by collaborating with homegrown couturier Alia Bastamam at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week Ready to Wear 2015 (KLFW RTW 2015). 

This marks Volkswagen's entry into the fashion world and fits well with the brand DNA which is known for its timeless design and good performance. According to the good people at Volkswagen Malaysia, KLFW RTW  has demonstrated that it is a great platform to feature creativity and ingenuity. So this time, Volkswagen has decided to become the Official Car Sponsor this year and to celebrate their debut, decided to showcase their most iconic (and therefore recognisable) designs with the Beetle, Golf R, and CC. 

They also previewed a new limited run Volkwagen Beetle called the Club. The Beetle Club in Hanabero Orange was proudly on display at the entrance of Pavillion Kuala Lumpur throughout the KLFW 2015 (i.e. the whole of last week). I suppose if any of you ended up there, you would have noticed that Beetle. Now you know it is another limited run variant. Much like the Bug edition launched recently too.

PRESS RELEASE
HONEST, SIMPLE AND SOLID
Volkwagen Malaysia collaborates with Alia Bastamam at 
Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week Ready to Wear 2015

13 AUGUST 2015, KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Malaysia is looking to connect with fashion enthusiasts through its collaboration with homegrown couturier Alia Bastamam at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week Ready to Wear 2015 (KLFW RTW 2015). 

This marks the brand’s entry into the fashion world and fits well with the brand DNA which is known for its timeless design and good performance. “Over the years, KLFW RTW has demonstrated that it is a great platform to feature creativity and ingenuity. We are very happy to be the Official Car Sponsor this year and celebrate our debut, by showcasing our iconic designs with the Beetle, Golf R, and CC,” says Ms. Martina Berg, Marketing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia.

In addition, fans of the iconic Beetle are treated to an exclusive sneak preview of the Beetle Club in Habanero Orange which is displayed at the entrance of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur through the course of KL Fashion Week.

Commenting on the collaboration with Alia Bastamam, “Alia is unquestionably one of the most established local designer, whose commitment to timeless and solid design perfectly complements our own philosophies. We are delighted to be exclusively debuting her Spring/Summer 2016 designs at the Volkswagen Fashion Night with Alia Bastamam runway show,” she adds.

“I am honoured to be collaborating with an iconic brand that I personally admire. It is amazing that we share an interesting thread of commonality,” Alia says. 

In the previous seasons, Alia dove into a permanent night, where blinding glamour ruled the collections in rich fabrication, sequins, fine lace and hand sewn embellishments. For Spring/Summer 2016, Alia puts that luxury away and pares down the offerings - she comes back to the lightness that inspired her to start the eponymous label when she debuted with a Resort collection in 2011.
"Fresh and hopeful," she says, "are what I want this collection to be. I want to bring back that ease and comfort for my clients because that's why I came into this industry in the first place - to design and create pieces that I would want to wear myself."

A lighter palette lays a calm over the Spring/Summer 2016 mood where 'light and bright' are key. Where there were luxurious fabrics and embellishments, Alia finds a replacement that makes the Alia B. and Alia Bastamam collections more appealing to an all-inclusive panorama of women. Pleated fabric becomes the focal point for the latest Alia Bastamam offering - an edged play to the pastel shades of butter and lilac. Loose silhouettes and string details give a free and undone ease for a slight bohemian tone. 

"Over the years, we've garnered a wider customer base and it's our responsibility to offer something for everyone. So for SS16, I'm including design for the modest woman. I love them and I love how they make modest fashion fresh and chic - I want to be a part of that for them because they've been so supportive of our brand," she adds. 

Spring/Summer 2016 would be Alia's 16th and 17th collections in her five years. To celebrate those five years, here is a collection that is close to the heart of the brand; sending out positive vibes that was previously outshone by ultra-glamour.

All shoes are especially designed for the show by Lewre Bespoke

Read More

Volkswagen 'Balik Kampung' tips for this Raya holidays

It’s almost Raya. It's that time of the year again. Soon it will be time to get into our cars and balik kampung (even if the 'Kampung' is actually a short trip from Gombak to Kajang or from Butterworth to Balik Pulau). But before you get started on your journey, Volkswagen Malaysia would like to share some important tips to help you be a smart traveler. 

The top six tips Volkswagen have identified are:

1. Take your car for a checkup

Ensure your ride is in tip top condition for a safe drive home.  

2. Get your car pumped-up

Fill up your tank before you hit the road.

3. Don’t join the crowd

Check the Travel Timetable to plan your route and avoid the jam.   

4. Pack Snacks

Stock simple snacks to keep you fulfilled during the long drives.   

5. Buckle up!

Do not compromise on the safety, keep all passengers strapped in.

6. Beat the queue

Take the fast lane with Touch ‘n Go to save time at the tolls.  

Anyway, this Raya season which has already begun till 31st July 2015, Volkswagen is offering fans of the brand savings up to RM54,000*. The Polo Sedan, Jetta, Tiguan, Passat and Volkswagen CC are available with no downpayment* and no interest for up to 7 years*. T&C applies of course! 

Be a smart traveller this Raya

Kuala Lumpur, 14 July 2015 –The Raya festivities is about spending quality time with family while enjoying all the delicious food. It‘s also when the annual balik kampung migration happens increasing the amount of traffic on the roads.   

Volkswagen would like to encourage everyone travelling during this festive season to be a smart traveller; to enjoy a happy, smooth and safe journey.

The top six tips Volkswagen have identified are:

1. Take your car for a checkup

Ensure your ride is in tip top condition for a safe drive home.  

2. Get your car pumped-up

Fill up your tank before you hit the road.

3. Don’t join the crowd

Check the Travel Timetable to plan your route and avoid the jam.   

4. Pack Snacks

Stock simple snacks to keep you fulfilled during the long drives.   

5. Buckle up!

Do not compromise on the safety, keep all passengers strapped in.

6. Beat the queue

Take the fast lane with Touch ‘n Go to save time at the tolls.  

To ensure you significantly maximise family time and decrease traffic time, Volkswagen urges everyone to use the recommended best travel time as proposed by PLUS. This travel advisory aims to distribute traffic and create better flow on the roads.

This Raya season, Volkswagen is offering fans of the brand savings up to RM54,000*. From now till 31st of July 2015, the Polo Sedan, Jetta, Tiguan, Passat and Volkswagen CC are available with no downpayment* and no interest for up to 7 years*.

Book a test drive online and drop by your selected dealership to test your favourite Volkswagen before 31st July to get hold of an exclusive limited edition Volkswagen Touch `n Go card.

*Terms and conditions apply

Read More

Volkswagen Malaysia establishes a Parts hub in Shah Alam

More good news for those who already use or are planing to buy Volkswagen cars. Volkswagen Malaysia has established a Parts Hub in Shah Alam. The new Parts Hub is an extension of the regional Volkswagen Parts Centre in Singapore (which explains why that when a part needs to be replaced, it may take longer than it should). The new centre has been operational since early this month.

Anyway, with this new Parts Hub, the obvious benefits would be a quicker turn around time for repairs and warranty claims. As it should be for any company that wishes to grow and expand as well as keep its customers happy.

PRESS RELEASE

Wait no more for Volkswagen spare parts as the marque expands its distribution centre to Shah Alam.

Kuala Lumpur, 7 July 2015 – For most Malaysians, getting around in their vehicles is a daily necessity. As it has become an extension of their daily lives, it is vital to ensure the car stays in tip top condition. When a problem arises, parts will need to be replaced, a process that sometimes takes longer than it should.

To alleviate the waiting period, Volkswagen Malaysia has enhanced it’s after sales service offerings by establishing a Parts Hub in Shah Alam. This installation serves as an extension of Volkswagen‘s Parts Centre in Singapore – a facility that manages daily orders and deliveries since July 2014.

The 10,000 sqf storage centre here will receive parts from the Singapore centre and the Volkswagen plant in Kassel, Germany; the second largest production facility.

For an efficient delivery turnaround time, Parts Hub will work hand-in-hand with its counterpart in Singapore to process order submissions twice-a-day. Distribution of parts like market focus inventory, campaign and high demand parts will be dispatched twice-daily to dealerships nationwide from either Singapore or Shah Alam.

“Volkswagen is ‘Always by your side’ and customer satisfaction is our highest priority. With the establishment of this seamless integration between dealerships and Parts Hub, we have significantly reduced the waiting period. Therefore the performance of your Volkswagen car is always optimal,” said Volkswagen Malaysia managing director Armin Keller.

Read More

News: you get to test drive Volkswagen cars at Jakel Mall every weekend of Ramadhan

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 26 – In conjunction with the upcoming Aidilfitri, Volkswagen Malaysia is offering test drives to visitors of Jakel Mall every weekend of Ramadhan. So, if you are visiting the mall, remember to drop by and experience any of the Volkswagen models such as the Polo, Polo Sedan, Jetta and Golf R. 

And if you find your match, enjoy further savings via the Raya campaign. Own any of the Volkswagen models - Polo Sedan, Jetta, Passat and Tiguan at 0 downpayment* and 0 interest and save up to RM48,000*.

On top of that, all Jakel customers will also be rewarded with exclusive Volkswagen Raya packets at any Volkswagen dealership. All you have to do is to retrieve a Volkswagen brochure from any Volkswagen brand ambassadors. 

The Raya test drive event details as follow:
Date: June (26, 27, 28) and July (3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12)
Time: 10.30am – 8.30pm
Location: Jakel Mall, Kuala Lumpur

* Terms and conditions apply

Read More