VW Meteor celebrates five years in Brazil
The VW Meteor extra-heavy truck celebrates five years since its launch in 2020. With more than 16,000 units sold in Latin America and an initial investment of R$ 1 billion, the Meteor is consolidated as the largest vehicle manufactured by Volkswagen Truck and Bus, standing out for its technology, comfort, and power.
Volkswagen Truck and Bus celebrates another important milestone in its trajectory. After recently celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Delivery model, now is the time to highlight the five years of success of the extra-heavy Meteor. Launched in 2020, the line was the brand's first to be presented virtually to journalists and customers.
With more than 16,000 units registered in Brazil, the Meteor family is also present in international markets such as Argentina, Costa Rica, Panama, Paraguay, and Uruguay, reinforcing its relevance in Latin America.
Composed of models 28.480 6x2 and 29.530 6x4, the Meteor family was manufactured to meet the requirements of long-distance freight transport, offering tailor-made solutions that combine safety, comfort, robustness, and cutting-edge technology.
"Meteor trucks represent the largest vehicles ever manufactured by Volkswagen Truck and Bus. In total, we invested more than R$ 1 billion in the project at the time of launch to guarantee a product that meets market demands," says Roberto Cortés, President and CEO of Volkswagen Truck and Bus.
The investment in the new family contemplated, in addition to research and development, also the construction of a new extra-heavy cab assembly line, from the frame to the finishing, with modern manufacturing 4.0 in terms of automation and data connectivity.
Aboard a first-class truck
The Meteor family incorporates one of the most advanced engines in the world, equipped with a robust set formed by the D26 13L engine and a latest-generation 12-speed automated transmission.
Designed to provide drivers with a true first-class experience, the VW Meteor extra-heavy truck line offers excellent operational solutions, combined with a cab that stands out as one of the most spacious and comfortable in the segment.
Models 28.480 and 29.530 feature a premium seat with an integrated seat belt, cab suspension with four airbags, and a 100% digital multifunctional panel, which puts the main functions within reach with total safety and practicality. Combining technology, power, and reliability, they precisely meet customer requirements.
Equipped with the RIO system, the digital service solution has been delighting customers, with reports and adapted solutions for each type of operation; the reduction in the total cost of ownership (TCO) can exceed the 5% reduction.
Furthermore, they can be acquired with eight airbags in both models, whether 6x2 or 6x4. At the same time, the customer can also choose the wheelbase in the following options: 3,200, 3,400, or 3,600 mm, depending on the most suitable implement for the best load distribution in their application, which is also valid for the version with metallic suspension. In this way, they meet, more efficiently, the demands of most sectors in which they operate.
Most powerful retarder brake on the market
Since last year, the Meteor family features the retarder brake, an intelligent system that ensures even more safety, control, and efficiency for operations.
The component is available as an option, which allows optimizing the total cost of ownership and significantly increasing the lifespan of components.
The retarder brake is an auxiliary braking system that operates independently, significantly reducing the use and wear of the service brakes. When activated, it creates hydraulic resistance in the transmission output shaft, which greatly increases braking power and reduces vehicle speed smoothly and controllably.
With six activation stages, the system acts automatically, but can also be managed manually through the lever on the steering column. These features make it especially useful on long descents, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and safety with a combined power of up to 1,225 hp.
