Polo (VW)

On April 2, Green Hills Software announced the expansion of its products and services for microcontrollers by adding support for the newest Texas Instruments (TI) AM26x high-performance microcontrollers (MCUs) including the AM263x, AM263Px, and AM261x MCU portfolios.

Green Hills Software’s ISO 26262 ASIL D-certified µ-velOSity real-time operating system (RTOS) provides the small footprint and safety-certified high-performance software foundation while the MULTI integrated development environment (IDE) enables software developers to reduce the development and debug time required to create products that use AM26x MCUs. 

This integrated platform is ideal for automated factories and software-defined vehicle electronics that require safety-certification, real-time processing, advanced motor-control topologies, and analytics at the edge.

The AM26x MCU safety solutions from Green Hills Software are a complete offering that simplify creating, debugging, and deploying software for production-focused designs.

(Green Hills release on April 2, 2025)

On April 1, VW announced that it has begun operations at the Port de Vitória (ES), expanding its logistics strategy along Brazil’s coast.

The first shipment included 32 Taos SUVs from Argentina, with another expected in May. Vitória will also receive key future models like the new Jetta GLI from Mexico, part of VW’s plan to launch 16 new vehicles by 2028.

In 2024, VW imported 33,597 vehicles, a 22% increase over 2023, with 86% from Argentina. The company also uses the ports of Santos (SP), Paranaguá (PR), and Suape (PE). In 2024, it handled 46,126 units at Paranaguá alone.

The new Vitória operation enhances distribution efficiency across Brazil, especially to states like Minas Gerais and Bahia, reducing long-distance road transport. Local officials praised the state’s infrastructure and favorable business environment.

In the first two months of 2025, VW exported 19,368 units, which represents an increase of 117% compared to the same period last year, led by the Polo, Saveiro, T Cross, and Nivus. Argentina, Mexico, and Chile were top destinations. In 2024, the brand exported 90,142 vehicles to 18 countries, reinforcing its position as Brazil’s top automotive exporter, thanks to strong demand, product success, and an integrated logistics strategy.

(VW Brazil on April 1, 2025)

On March 18, it was announced that Volkswagen has officially discontinued the Polo GTS in Brazil, a model that will be replaced by the Nivus GTS.

The Polo GTS has been removed from the website, and its production ended in November 2024 at the São Bernardo do Campo plant.

The Nivus GTS will take its place as the brand’s new sporty compact SUV. Its series production is expected to begin in March 2025, at the same Anchieta plant. This facility is also set to take on production of the Polo Track, in order to free up space at the Taubaté plant to ramp up manufacturing of the Tera.

The Nivus GTS model is expected to cost around BRL 170,000 and will share the same 1.4-liter turbo 250 TSI engine as the Polo GTS, delivering 150 hp and 25.5 kgfm of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The interior is expected to feature sport-inspired trims with red stitching and carbon-fiber-style finishes.

(Auto Esporte on March 18, 2025)