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VW Magotan sales surge in September

By Zhao Bian (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-11-25 08:06

Magotan, FAW-Volkswagen's flagship vehicle. [File photo]

Sales of the Magotan, the flagship vehicle of FAW-Volkswagen - the joint venture between China's First Automotive Works (FAW) and Germany's Volkswagen Group - reached 7,291 units in September, a surge of 16.2 percent over the month previous.

It was another in a long string of milestones for the model, which has maintained steady growth for five consecutive years, showing consumers have come to recognize and embrace the model for its leading-edge technologies and quality.

While specific numbers are not in, the sales boom looks to have continued in October, with dealers throughout the country reporting a substantial increase in numbers of customers at the showrooms for a trial drive and placing orders for the Magotan during the National Day holiday period.

Dealers said customers were especially interested in the buttoned smart key starting system - a gadget that allows drivers to start ignition without turning the key - and other devices like a USB/I-Pod multimedia hub, the in-car Bluetooth phone system, the satellite-guided navigation system that also serves as a DVD player and smart touch screen, all used in the Magotan to offer convenience and fun for the drivers and passengers.

But experienced motorists are attracted by the Magotan's TSI engine and DSG transmission. The TSI, or turbo stratified injection engine, features increased power, lower fuel consumption and lower emission.

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Usual ways of boosting power also increase emissions, but the TSI engine with proprietary in-cylinder direct-injection technology decreases emissions while offering exceptional power at any speed.

With two clutches, two gearboxes and two transmission shafts, the direct shift gear (DSG) transmission system allows both automatic and manual driving. It also helps lower fuel consumption. It is estimated that the use of both TSI and DSG technologies result in a greater than 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.

The first car in China to use the DSG matched with the TSI engine, the Magotan offers motorists a robust driving experience, especially those who value speed and acceleration.

Industry insiders once noted that it would take some time for customers to fully recognize the model's all-new technologies. Its September sales show that the now-mature Magotan is winning ever-more fans, making FAW-Volkswagen even more confident about its performance in the future.

The DSG transmission (right), ESP (electronic stability program) and Auto Hold systems (L below), satellite-guided navigation plus DVD system (R below) and safety airbags (below) all give Magotan drivers a reliable safety performance, fuel economy, an easy and robust driving experience and fun. [File photo]