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Skoda launching two new CNG-powered vehicles in Europe in June

Skoda's second- and third-ever production compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles aren't exactly speed burners, but they are efficient. The Czech automaker, which is owned by Volkswagen, will introduce its Octavia G-TEC and Octavia Combi G-TEC models to most of Europe next month. Skoda's first CNG model was the Citigo, which debuted in 2012. The Octavia models will have a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine that will deliver about 109 horsepower. Quickness isn't these cars' virtue, as their 0-60 mile per hour acceleration time will be almost 11 seconds. But they can go as far as 826 miles on their tanks of gas and CNG, enough to go from Prague to Rome in one shot, in case anyone was curious. Or nuts. The move by Skoda makes sense, as the CNG market in Europe has long been far further along than it is on this side of the pond, where CNG has primarily been used to move delivery trucks, but it's now available in pickups form Chrysler, Ford and General Motors as well as passenger cars from Chevy and Honda. The Skoda Citigo has moved almost 2,000 units since its debut, with 1,300 vehicles sold last year alone. That car can go as far as 385 miles on CNG and gasoline combined, which is impressive but not quite as bladder busting as the Octavia models. Check out Skoda's press release below. SKODA continues its CNG offensive with the new SKODA Octavia G-TEC Launch of the new SKODA Octavia G-TEC and new Octavia Combi G-TEC in June First SKODA Octavia with natural gas drive as standard; 97 g CO2/km High-performance technology: bivalent turbo engine 1.4 TSI/81 kW The ultimate in fuel economy: up to 1,330 km with natural gas and petrol SKODA Citigo G-TEC has enjoyed market success since 2012; only 79 g CO2/km Natural gas is the environmentally-friendly, cost-effective alternative Mlada Boleslav, 19 May 2014 – Expanding its environmentally-friendly model range, SKODA is renewing its emphasis on compressed natural gas vehicles. The new SKODA Octavia G-TEC and the new SKODA Octavia Combi G-TEC will be given their market premiere in June. This will increase the brand's CNG range to three models. Since the end of 2012, the little natural gas-drive Citigo has been successfully touring the European markets. "With the new Octavia G-TEC and the Octavia Combi G-TEC, our model range is becoming even more environmentally-friendly," says Dr Frank Welsch, SKODA Board Member for Technical Development.

VW App-Connect gets celeb-studded campaign

Volkswagen is hoping that some celebrity faces help get the word out about App-Connect in the German brand's latest models with the MIB II infotainment system. The humorous, new commercial titled Party (above) stars Adam Scott, Michael Pena, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and the three of them are using voice commands and the touchscreen to show off the tech while planning a party. Another 30-second commercial titled Sorry with the three guys is coming along soon, as well, to advertise it even more. App-Connect is part of VW's adoption of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink. By supporting all three standards, pretty much every smartphone user can plug into the vehicle's infotainment system. The tech is already available on the 2016 Tiguan and Golf R but is rolling out to all of the German brand's vehicles this model year, except for the Touareg and Eos. VOLKSWAGEN DEMONSTRATES ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY IN NEW CELEBRITY-DRIVEN MARKETING CAMPAIGN Sep 17, 2015 First brand to offer all three major smartphone integration platforms; available on virtually every model and nearly every trim Highlights App-Connect, a new technology which makes compatible smartphone integration seamless through Apple CarPlay®, Google Android Auto™, and MirrorLink® Multimedia Campaign stars Hollywood celebrities Michael Pena, Adam Scott and Christopher Mintz-Plasse Herndon, Va. – Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced the release of a new advertising campaign that highlights the brand's all-new infotainment system, MIB II, and its advanced smartphone integration technology, App-Connect. As part of Volkswagen's available Car-Net® suite of connectivity offerings, App-Connect allows for seamless integration of compatible smartphones across Apple CarPlay®, Google Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®; making it the first automaker to do so. The campaign kicks off with two 30-second television commercials, titled "Party" and "Sorry" starring Adam Scott, Michael Pena and Christopher Mintz-Plasse. In each spot, the celebrities navigate App-Connect by utilizing voice commands, the vehicle's touchscreen, and steering wheel controls.

VW rolls out new California camper van

Volkswagen introduced the sixth-generation Transporter van a few months ago, ushering in a new era for the once-iconic VW bus. But the Transporter isn't the only version Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles bases on its core van chassis. It also offers the Caravelle, the Multivan, and this, the new the California camper. Based on the T6, the latest California is now being rolled out for what you might call "outdoor recreation enthusiasts." Depending on which configuration you choose, it can fit up to seven people on the road and sleep up to five. VW has thrown everything into this van, literally including the kitchen sink. It's also got beds, a pop-top, and a dual-burner gas range. The new VW California can be had in three trim levels (dubbed Beach, Coast, and Ocean) and with a range of gasoline and diesel powertrain options. That is, where it can be had, because despite the name, the California (like the rest of VW's commercial vehicles) isn't actually offered in California or any of the other 49 states in the Union. Off on holiday – advance sales of the new California have begun - In three equipment lines: Beach, Coast and Ocean - Entry-level prices from just ˆ41,429.85 - New TDI and TSI engines – lower fuel consumption and stop/start function as standard - Modern infotainment, assistance systems and DCC suspension Hannover, 10 June 2015 – Advance sales of the new California have started at dealerships in Germany. Prices start at ˆ41,429.85 (Beach with 62 kW TDI). The California is now available in three equipment lines: Beach, Coast and Ocean. The California Beach is the entry-level model. It is the perfect combination of a 7-seat passenger car and a motorhome with up to five berths. Equipped as standard with a manual pop-up roof and two different layouts (double reclining bench seat with storage compartment or folding triple bench seat with multiflex board), it provides the ideal base for everyday life and travelling. Naturally, the integrated roller blinds enable the creation of privacy and shade, just as the ability to turn the front seats around enables driver and passengers to sit together in a cosy seating group. In combination with the removable camping table within the sliding door and the folding chairs in the tailgate, you are always equipped for outings of all kinds. New to the range is the California Coast.