| Volkswagen's Touareg has accomplished new | | | | spotlights fitted to the roof rack, which |
| heights in the realm of off-road capability. | | | | also accommodates spare wheels and rescue |
| It has set a new world altitude record for a | | | | equipment. Because at 5,000 metres the air |
| motor vehicle of 6,080 metres. Accomplished | | | | becomes thinner, the crew was given |
| by a standard-engined Touareg 3.2 litre V8, | | | | additional oxygen by altitude specialist Dr. |
| this record has been officially recognized by | | | | Rainald Fischer, to prevent potentially |
| the Guinness World Records (TM) Book. | | | | life-threatening altitude sickness. |
| | | | |
| This feat was achieved on January 29 in the | | | | The route of the expedition was selected with |
| slopes of the world's highest volcano. The | | | | the help of the Institute of Cartography at |
| expedition team battled against icy winds and | | | | the University of Dresden following a |
| lack of oxygen to achieve this record. The | | | | four-week survey of the summit region for the |
| altimeter and GPS system displayed the result | | | | purpose of making new maps. In return, the |
| of 6,080 metres. Currently, this is the | | | | knowledge gained in the expedition will help |
| highest point on the earth's surface that a | | | | the cartographers verify their work. |
| vehicle can reach and safely return from. By | | | | |
| reaching this altitude, the Touareg proves | | | | The Institute for Cartography at the |
| its abilities in extreme conditions and | | | | University of Dresden helped to select the |
| surpassed the performance of all other | | | | route to the summit following a recent |
| off-road vehicles. | | | | four-week survey of the summit region for the |
| | | | purpose of making new maps. The knowledge |
| Headed by Rainer Zietlow, the team of eight | | | | gained by the expedition will help the |
| first went through the Atacama Desert, the | | | | cartographers verify their work. But the most |
| world's driest area. The base camp is located | | | | important scientific aspect of the expedition |
| above the salt lake Laguna Santa Rosa, famous | | | | was the installation of a seismographic |
| for its pink flamingoes, 4,400 metres above | | | | station, managed by the Geological Research |
| sea level. From here the trail continues over | | | | Centre in Potsdam in this region endangered |
| stones and pebbles with an 80 per cent | | | | by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. |
| gradient, snow fields and soft volcanic sand. | | | | |
| Driving the Touareg was Ronald Bormann, | | | | With this achievement, the Volkswagen Touareg |
| previous winner of the European Truck Trail | | | | establishes its reputation as a tough |
| competition. | | | | off-roader capable of meeting challenges such |
| | | | as extreme weather conditions and rocky |
| In some sections of the mountainous terrain, | | | | terrain. Volkswagen's renowned excellence in |
| huge rocks blocked the path. A winch, fitted | | | | automotive design is manifested in the |
| as standard accessory to the Touareg | | | | Touareg, along with other models including |
| Expedition, a special edition version, helped | | | | the Golf, Jetta, and the new Beetle. |
| the team on its way. There were also | | | | |