Volkswagen Tiguan production tops 6-M units

MANILA: The Tiguan SUV proved to be Volkswagen's global bestseller in 2019, and cumulative production of the nameplate has now breached six million units. with 910,926 units were produced in 2019 alone.

The Volkswagen Tiguan is sold in 80% of markets worldwide and is considered to be the most popular SUV in the European market. Volkswagen manufactures the Tiguan across four time zones in three different continents, guaranteeing round-the-clock production. On average, a new vehicle rolled off the manufacturing line every 35 seconds in one of the Tiguan factories of Volkswagen in 2019.

The global launch of the first-generation Tiguan happened in Germany during the Frankfurt International Motor Show in 2007, with the first unit released later that year.

In 2008, Volkswagen was able to produce over 150,000 units, making the Tiguan the most popular SUV in Germany. At this point, the new model had secured a global demand. An updated version of this SUV was revealed in 2011, and it marked an impressive achievement as annual Tiguan volume reached 500,000 in sales for the first time.

The second-generation Tiguan appeared in April 2016. The SUV was then designed based on the Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB), which enabled a muscular and authentic SUV design. The interior of the vehicle was more spacious, due in part to a longer wheelbase. The new assist systems improved the active safety of the vehicle.

Refurbishing again occurred in 2017 with the launch of the second Tiguan model, which is the XL version. It has a modified design, a wheelbase extended by 4.3 inches, and seats up to seven passengers. The new version enabled the product line to have another significant improvement.

In most countries worldwide, particularly in European markets, the long-wheelbase version was introduced as the Tiguan Allspace, and it was promoted in China as the Tiguan L1. In October 2019, Volkswagen was able to add a plug-in hybrid drivetrain for its Chinese variant.

The normal wheelbase (NWB) version is produced at the main plant of Volkswagen in Wolfsburg Germany. This is for the brand’s markets in Oceania, Asia, Africa, and Europe. The Kaluga manufacturing facility in Moscow, Russia, manufactures NWB vehicles for Russia and its adjacent Central Asian countries. Volkswagen produces the LWB Tiguan in Shanghai for the Chinese market. The LWB versions of the Tiguan, though, are also manufactured in Puebla City, Mexico, for the South and North American markets as well as for the countries in Oceania, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan (SEL Premium R-Line variant) has notable key features, making it one of the successful SUVs of the auto brand. It has a signature Digital Cockpit wherein significant information can be displayed on its digital screen in high resolution. It also features four driver profiles, which allows the vehicle to remember the personal preferences of the driver for various systems and settings. The available full-screen navigation view of the 2020 Tiguan also expands the map size, providing drivers with a better view of how to get to their desired destinations.

Moreover, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan (SEL Premium R-Line) has available adaptive cruise control (ACC), which aids the vehicle in maintaining a standard distance and speed from the car in front of it. When the ACC is activated, sensors can detect modifications in the movement of the car that is in front, and the Tiguan automatically follows suit. When conditions change, the Tiguan also has a 4Motion all-wheel drive that promotes the distribution of power between the rear and front wheels whenever necessary to aid in the optimization of stability and traction. It also features an automatic post-collision braking system that aids in slowing down the vehicle when a collision occurs — helping reduce the likelihood of having additional impacts.

In more than two generations, the Volkswagen Tiguan has progressed into one of the most prominent SUVs worldwide. 

Currently, Volkswagen is developing the Tiguan in terms of a significant visual and technical update of the NWB version in 2020. Some of its notable features include a new plug-in hybrid powertrain for the European market, the MIB III infotainment system which will be utilized for the first time in this vehicle, new assistance systems like Travel Assist, and enhanced rear and front styling to generate a stronger appeal for the Tiguan.