Latest news with #VolkswagenCanada
Cision Canada
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- Cision Canada
Volkswagen named Official Automotive Partner of TIFF 2025
The all-electric ID. Buzz makes its Canadian festival debut as Volkswagen drives culture and creativity at TIFF's 50th edition AJAX, ON, July 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Volkswagen Canada is proud to announce a new partnership that will see Volkswagen join TIFF 2025 as the Official Automotive Partner. As the Festival celebrates its milestone 50th edition, Volkswagen will play a visible and integrated role throughout, building on its deep roots in film and its commitment to driving progress through innovation, both on the streets and screens of Toronto. Recognized as one of the world's most influential film festivals and a defining moment on Canada's cultural calendar, TIFF offers the perfect stage for Volkswagen to step into the spotlight. This year, the brand will show up in a bold, meaningful way across the Festival's biggest moments, helping shape the experience for talent, guests and audiences alike. At the heart of the partnership is the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, making its Canadian festival debut. Fully electric and full of character, the ID. Buzz carries forward the legacy of the beloved VW Microbus, famous for appearances in fan-favourite films like Little Miss Sunshine, while redefining what mobility looks and feels like today. "Volkswagen has always had a place in film history. Our vehicles have appeared on screen for decades, becoming icons in their own right. Partnering with TIFF allows us to celebrate that legacy while looking ahead to the future of mobility," said Edgar Estrada, President, Volkswagen Canada. "The ID. Buzz represents everything this moment stands for: reinvention, creativity and connection. We're proud to bring it to life at one of Canada's most influential cultural events." Volkswagen's presence at TIFF 2025 will be seen and felt across the Festival, creating moments that blend mobility, culture and creativity. In the lead up to TIFF, the brand is launching Buzzcodes, a national social activation challenging Canadians to spot Volkswagen vehicles in film and television over the decades, and share them on social using #Buzzcode – everything from the all-electric ID. Buzz to the classic Microbus and any other Volkswagen model. Participants will have the chance to win an exclusive TIFF opening night experience for two. Throughout the Festival, a fleet of all-electric ID. Buzz vehicles will serve as a bold and unmistakable presence across the city, transporting talent and guests while turning heads and reinforcing Volkswagen's role as a symbol of progress and design. Beyond the streets, Volkswagen will show up in immersive ways across red carpets, venues and exciting moments, reinforcing its position not just as a transportation partner, but as a driver of culture and conversation. To follow Volkswagen's journey at TIFF, visit or @VWCanada on major social platforms. About Volkswagen Canada Founded in 1952, Volkswagen Canada is headquartered in Ajax, Ontario. It is the largest volume European automotive nameplate in Canada, and sells the Golf GTI, Golf R, Jetta, I.D. 4, I.D. Buzz, Taos, Tiguan, Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport through 150 independent Canadian Dealers. It forms part of Volkswagen Group Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and is Europe's largest automaker.
Globe and Mail
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Globe and Mail
Volkswagen Golf loses stick but keeps hot hatch credentials
Volkswagen's venerable Golf hatchback is nearly 50 years old this year, but its refresh for the 2025 GTI and R versions is thoroughly on trend. The biggest news is what's missing – the cars are no longer available with a manual transmission, falling in line with a lack of demand and the global shift toward automatics. To make up for it, the new Golf R has more horsepower. Its less brawny twin, the GTI, makes do with a minor refresh of looks and trim levels. Some drivers may see the end of the manual GTI and R as a loss, but it provided a huge boost for Volkswagen Canada in 2024. According to Volkswagen Group Canada Inc.'s manager of public relations Thomas Tetzlaff, the company ordered as many of the cars as they could, anticipating a surge in demand for the last of the six-speeds. The gamble paid off and sales of the 2024 Golf R surged more than 200 per cent compared to 2023, while the GTI saw a 37-per-cent jump. That translates to more than 4,000 Golf Rs and 3,700 GTIs sold in Canada. That surge in sales made the 'OG hot hatch' – as Tetzlaff characterized the Golfs – the best-selling sportscar in Canada last year. It will surely be a challenge to sell that many of the 2025s. Although there are likely numerous Golf lovers who were unable to get a manual in 2024, it remains to be seen if the updates for 2025 will be enough to entice them. However, Patrick Danielson, Volkswagen Canada's director of product planning and brand strategy, is confident the new models will bring the company 'another strong year.' The GTI and Golf R are fraternal twins – they are both handsome hatchbacks, looking alike but not identical – and their different personalities shine through when you spend time with them. At a brief media introduction in West Virginia, the disparities between the two were quickly apparent. The Golf R is the show-off of the pair. It's more capable and faster than the GTI. That's not new. In fact, this refresh is more of a tiny tweak. 'It's a classic case of not fixing what isn't broken,' Danielson said. For 2025, the R makes 328 horsepower, 13 more than the previous model, owing to remapped software in its carryover two-litre turbo four-cylinder engine. Everything else in the drivetrain remains the same, including the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox, rear-wheel torque vectoring that can put all of the car's rear axle power to one wheel, electronic differential lock and adaptive damping, along with seven drive modes including a track mode that lets the driver set the level of stability control. There's a Black edition, inspired by feedback from enthusiasts, and available European cloth seats and Akrapovic titanium exhaust. Beyond that, it has a new headlight design, lighter wheels and other cosmetic updates to the front lighting and bumper. Volkswagen brought in championship rallycross and road racing driver Tanner Foust to demonstrate the R's capabilities on the track. The venue was Summit Point Raceway's Jefferson Circuit, a bumpy 2.7-kilometre road course with 14 corners and significant elevation changes. Foust was encouraging as a track instructor, urging me to 'go faster' at every turn and practically reaching over to push down on my right knee as I drove the Golf R. I had never driven the track before and this illustrated his confidence in the car's ability to correct my failings behind the wheel. 'You can go much faster than you think,' he said. When he took the wheel for a couple of hot laps around the circuit Foust proved it. In keeping with his rallycross background, he kept the car sideways, drifting, for as much of the course as he could. He drove mostly one-handed, gesticulating with the other to emphasize his explanations of the car's braking, rear-axle torque vectoring and all-wheel-drive capabilities and how all this works together to improve corner exit speeds. It was a revelation. As the most powerful Golf Volkswagen has put on the road, the Golf R is a pocket race car. And it's a bargain compared to other cars with similar characteristics. It starts at $50,995, while the Black Edition is $53,595. Compare that to an Acura Integra Type S, which at $57,100 is only front-wheel drive and has 320 horsepower. It does have a manual transmission, however. The GTI is the quieter twin. Not much has changed in the refresh, although Volkswagen did listen to feedback about its controls, returning to push-buttons on the steering wheel from widely disliked touch-sensitive controls. Like the R, the GTI sports new design elements, including a standard lightbar and lighted VW logo, new paint colours and wheels. For 2025, Volkswagen has pared down the GTI offering to two models, eliminating the unpopular entry-level trim. The GTI now starts at $36,495, and the top trim Autobahn starts at $40,495. On the track and on the road, the GTI is milder and more discreet than its twin. Its two-litre turbo powerplant makes 241 horsepower and peak torque of 273 lb-ft. With less power and minus the extras such as all-wheel drive and torque vectoring found on the R, the GTI is still sporty and fun to wheel, albeit with reserve. Both cars have had a tech upgrade with a new 12.9-inch freestanding touchscreen and operating system. Danielson called the faster and more powerful system a 'step change' for the GTI and R, although in practice the system was uncooperative when I was using it with an Android phone. So how do you pick which Golf twin to park in your garage? If your pocketbook holds sway in making the decision, the GTI is your car. It is $14,000 less expensive. But if it's your heart and soul in charge, pick the Golf R. It will reward you every day with its extra power, better handling and outgoing personality. The cars are built in Wolfsburg, Germany. Freight for all models is $2,050. The writer was a guest of the automaker. Content was not subject to approval. Shopping for a new car? Check out the new Globe Drive Build and Price Tool to see the latest discounts, rebates and rates on new cars, trucks and SUVs. Click here to get your price.
Associated Press
17-03-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Canada Soccer roster expands as Volkswagen joins the team
Volkswagen Canada signs on as Exclusive Automotive Sponsor, making a commitment to continue to drive the growth of soccer in Canada AJAX, ON, March 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Get ready, Canada! Automotive all-star Volkswagen Canada has joined Canada Soccer's official roster, bringing with it proven experience and an authentic commitment to supporting the continued growth of Canadian soccer at every level. In partnering with Canada Soccer as its Exclusive Automotive Sponsor, Volkswagen is dedicated to being a driving force behind the continued swell of momentum around, and passion for, soccer in Canada, from the grassroots pitches from coast to coast to the roar of the international stage. Volkswagen Canada has entered the field, negotiated by Canadian Soccer Business, and is prepared to play a pivotal role on and off the pitch. With experience supporting the Canadian Premier League (CPL) since 2019, Volkswagen Canada recognizes the power of soccer to connect Canadians from all corners. 'Volkswagen Canada is thrilled to join Canada Soccer in its pursuit of excellence,' says Edgar Estrada, President, Volkswagen Canada. 'Just like Canada's National teams, we're driven by a passion for precision and performance – on the field and on the road. We understand that soccer is a game that truly connects Canadians and we're proud to play a bigger role making sure that continues to happen.' Volkswagen Canada's all-star stats at a glance: A seasoned veteran: Volkswagen has proudly played in Canada since its 1952 rookie season, advancing its performance year after year, with countless soccer players, family and fans among its happy drivers. Award-winning performance: The All-Electric fresh off being named the 2025 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, boasts the speed and agility of a striker. Its iconic design, a modern reinterpretation of the Microbus, makes a statement just as bold as a game-winning goal. Record assists: Through the Volkswagen FC: Game Changers program, which launched in 2022, Volkswagen has donated more than $70,000 to champions of the game making a positive impact in communities across Canada through soccer. A defensive edge: From top-of-the-line safety features to roadside assistance, Volkswagen's focus on protecting Canadians from the unexpected is an important feature of their game. Endurance: With fuel-efficient engines and a lineup of electrified vehicles built for Canada, Volkswagen is in the game for the long haul. A shared game plan Soccer has experienced explosive growth in Canada, now the number one team sport by participation and boasting a fervent fan base from coast to coast. Volkswagen and Canada Soccer's partnership will be at the heart of this cultural phenomenon, especially as Canada prepares to participate in a home FIFA World Cup in 2026 during what will be a transformative time for the sport in the years to come. 'The excitement and momentum around soccer in Canada right now is unmistakable,' says Peter Augruso, President of Canada Soccer. 'By supporting Canada Soccer, Volkswagen Canada will be a key player in the National Teams' journey to international success, as well as connecting new players and fans to the game.' Over the course of the partnership, Canada Soccer and Volkswagen Canada will be relentlessly focused on its common goals of advancing the global game in Canada. 'Soccer is one of the most accessible sports in the world and when everyone can play, the game gets better. Volkswagen Canada and Canada Soccer are committed to ensuring it remains open and inviting to all,' says Estrada. 'From players and fans to the tireless network of parents, coaches, and staff, this partnership will proudly support the entire soccer ecosystem. We're honoured to be part of the next chapter of the game's history.' The world-renowned Volkswagen brand has long been an impactful player in the global game of soccer, sponsoring the sport in the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, France and beyond, as well as premier club and international competitions. Volkswagen Canada has been a part of the CPL's lineup since its inaugural season in 2019, and its consistent support of the men's domestic league makes Volkswagen Canada the perfect call-up for Canada Soccer. 'As a founding partner of the Canadian Premier League, Volkswagen Canada has long believed in the potential of our domestic game and has continually shown its faith by activating to benefit everyone who cares about Canadian soccer,' Mark Noonan, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Soccer Business and Commissioner, Canadian Premier League. 'We are thrilled that they will now be able to extend their reach as the Exclusive Automotive Sponsor of Canada Soccer.' About Canada Soccer Canada Soccer, in partnership with its membership and its partners, provides leadership in the pursuit of excellence in soccer, both at the national and international levels. Canada Soccer not only strives to lead Canada to victory, but also encourages Canadians to a life-long passion for soccer. For more details on Canada Soccer, visit the official website at About Volkswagen Group Canada Founded in 1952, Volkswagen Canada is headquartered in Ajax, Ontario. It is the largest volume European automotive nameplate in Canada, and sells the Golf GTI, Golf R, Jetta, I.D. 4, I.D. Buzz, Taos, Tiguan, Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport through 148 independent Canadian Dealers. It forms part of Volkswagen Group Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and is Europe's largest automaker. About Canadian Soccer Business Canadian Soccer Business (CSB) represents a suite of top-tier national assets that are central to the sport of soccer in Canada. This includes representation for all corporate partnerships and media rights (broadcast and distribution) related to Canada Soccer's core assets including the Men's and Women's National Team and the TELUS Canadian Championship, along with all rights associated with the Canadian Premier League (CPL) and League1 Canada.
