From our family to yours, we would like to wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
From Santa Monica to the Statue of Liberty: Volkswagen supports Alex Flynn’s Trans America Challenge
"We love cross-country drives. There’s no better way to really see the U.S. than from ground level. But we have to admit that Alex Flynn’s Trans America Challenge is a bit more impressive than your average road trip.
Flynn’s plan is to travel more than 3,500 miles across the U.S., raising awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research. His trek —which starts September 5th in Santa Monica, CA and is planned to end October 4th at the Statue of Liberty in New York City—will not just be in a car. That would be too easy. Flynn, a trained athlete diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, plans to cycle, kayak, and swim the route. Along the way, the UK native will challenge himself by climbing Mount Whitney, running 135 miles across Death Valley, cycling to Chicago, kayaking across Lake Erie, and swimming across the Hudson River to the finish line.
We’re supporting his efforts by contributing a pair of 2012 Volkswagen Touareg SUVs. Each vehicle offers 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space and will transport Flynn’s crew, supplies, and equipment, including a kayak, bike, and more." [Read more]
Flynn’s plan is to travel more than 3,500 miles across the U.S., raising awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research. His trek —which starts September 5th in Santa Monica, CA and is planned to end October 4th at the Statue of Liberty in New York City—will not just be in a car. That would be too easy. Flynn, a trained athlete diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, plans to cycle, kayak, and swim the route. Along the way, the UK native will challenge himself by climbing Mount Whitney, running 135 miles across Death Valley, cycling to Chicago, kayaking across Lake Erie, and swimming across the Hudson River to the finish line.
We’re supporting his efforts by contributing a pair of 2012 Volkswagen Touareg SUVs. Each vehicle offers 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space and will transport Flynn’s crew, supplies, and equipment, including a kayak, bike, and more." [Read more]
Consider us totally honored: Strategic Vision names Volkswagen Total Quality Index leader
"At Volkswagen, we take pride in everything we build—from fun, safe, fuel-efficient cars to a massive 22-person foosball table. That’s why we are especially proud that Strategic Vision, a research-based consultancy that studies how and why consumers make buying decisions, has named Volkswagen their Total Quality Index leader.
Strategic Vision identifies consumers’ motivations to purchase a particular product by looking at everything from product attributes and personal benefits to perceived value and emotions. Three Volkswagen models were named segment leaders in the Total Quality Index study. The Golf took top honors in the small multi-function segment, the Eos led in the convertible under $30,000 segment, and the Tiguan placed first in the entry utility segment." [Read more]
Flat-out Fast: Jetta Hybrid sets speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats
"When you think “hybrid,” you probably don’t think “land speed record.” It’s a good thing no one ever told us that, because a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid recorded the fastest speed ever achieved by a hybrid car on the famed Bonneville Salt Flats, reaching 185.394 mph (298.363 kph).
Since 1914, the Bonneville Salt Flats have been a place where everything that rolls—from hot rods to motorcycles to trucks and more—tries to roll as fast as possible. The Jetta Hybrid raced across the flats—or, as they say in Bonneville, “shot the salts”—near Wendover, Nevada as part of Southern California Timing Association’s (SCTA) annual Speed Week. Motor Trend Associate Road Test Editor Carlos Lago was behind the wheel for the record runs.
The Jetta Hybrid that Lago drove was specially modified to meet SCTA regulations. To add the kind of horsepower needed to reach more than 185 mph, the powertrain was modified by Volkswagen R&D in Wolfsburg, Germany. And since the Jetta Hybrid is designed to run on asphalt instead of salt, various safety mods were handled by A-Salt Racing and Advanced Product Engineering in Camarillo, California." [Read more]
Since 1914, the Bonneville Salt Flats have been a place where everything that rolls—from hot rods to motorcycles to trucks and more—tries to roll as fast as possible. The Jetta Hybrid raced across the flats—or, as they say in Bonneville, “shot the salts”—near Wendover, Nevada as part of Southern California Timing Association’s (SCTA) annual Speed Week. Motor Trend Associate Road Test Editor Carlos Lago was behind the wheel for the record runs.
The Jetta Hybrid that Lago drove was specially modified to meet SCTA regulations. To add the kind of horsepower needed to reach more than 185 mph, the powertrain was modified by Volkswagen R&D in Wolfsburg, Germany. And since the Jetta Hybrid is designed to run on asphalt instead of salt, various safety mods were handled by A-Salt Racing and Advanced Product Engineering in Camarillo, California." [Read more]
Mid-sized car with full-sized allure: Passat named Most Appealing Midsize Car by J.D. Power and Associates
"At Volkswagen, driver satisfaction is a huge priority for us. That’s why we we’re excited that awarded the Volkswagen Passat the most appealing midsize car in their 2012 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, which looks at how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive.
The APEAL Study gauges satisfaction based on owner evaluations of almost 100 vehicle attributes that range from fuel economy to vehicle interior to engine to driving experience and more. The Passat TDI boasts a single-tank range of 795 miles, and with best-in-class rear legroom, passengers can enjoy every mile in comfort. The Passat wasn’t the only Volkswagen recognized in the study. The GTI, Tiguan, Touareg, and Golf all placed second in their categories, while the Beetle and Jetta placed fourth and sixth respectively. If you parked them all together, you’d have one of the world’s most gratifying garages (as well as our eternal gratitude)." [Read more]
Driving across America in a Beetle TDI
"We love seeing friends bond over a long drive in a Volkswagen; it’s a part of our DNA. So when childhood friends Tim Bennett and John Nash, co-hosts of The Focus Group on Sirius XM satellite radio, decided to embark on a cross-country road trip from Philadelphia to Las Vegas (with a surprise stop farther west), we thought of the perfect car for them. You see, when they were 16, Tim taught John to drive in an old Volkswagen Beetle that, according to John, featured a Flintstone-esque hole in the floorboard. In honor of that experience, we sent them a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI manual six-speed turbo diesel (complete with a brand new floorboard).
This wasn’t John’s first experience with a TDI. In fact, his daily driver is a Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI. Even so, he found the 2013 Beetle experience to be “pretty phenomenal.” John explained that the Beetle TDI “drove beautifully and the manual was a delight.” And both Tim and John—who are over six feet tall—found the diminutive Bug to be “as comfortable as a car can be for 10 hours a day.” John added, “When you see pictures of me leaning against the Beetle, I’m taller than the car. But when you’re in it, it felt completely like the cockpit of my Jetta Sportwagen.” [Read more]
This wasn’t John’s first experience with a TDI. In fact, his daily driver is a Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI. Even so, he found the 2013 Beetle experience to be “pretty phenomenal.” John explained that the Beetle TDI “drove beautifully and the manual was a delight.” And both Tim and John—who are over six feet tall—found the diminutive Bug to be “as comfortable as a car can be for 10 hours a day.” John added, “When you see pictures of me leaning against the Beetle, I’m taller than the car. But when you’re in it, it felt completely like the cockpit of my Jetta Sportwagen.” [Read more]
The Beetle Collection from Volkswagen
"Few car enthusiasts can hold a candle to Beetle fans—they just can’t get enough of their beloved Bugs. Since they can only drive one at a time, we’re always trying to come up with ways to help them incorporate even more Beetle into their lives. Enter the Beetle Collection from DriverGear, the only officially licensed Volkswagen merchandise supplier." [Read more]
Volkswagen to Take Over Porsche Brand in Accelerated Deal
"Volkswagen AG said Wednesday it will take over in August the remaining 50.1% stake in Porsche Automobil Holding SE's sportscar unit it doesn't already own for 4.46 billion euros in cash plus one common share, as the two German auto makers hammered out an accelerated deal to reap more cost synergies faster.
"The unique Porsche brand will now become an integral part of the Volkswagen Group--that is good for Volkswagen, good for Porsche and good for Germany as an industrial location," Volkswagen Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn said in a statement.
The final agreement to add Porsche to Volkswagen's stable of 10 car and truck brands draws a line under one of the most spectacular takeover bids in the European car industry in recent years, which eventually backfired badly.
Porsche initially acquired a minority stake in Volkswagen to benefit from better economies of scale, but then bypassed disclosure rules through a complex set of stock options to acquire additional voting stock in Volkswagen. When Porsche revealed in October 2008 that it had direct and indirect access to almost 75% of Volkswagen's voting stock, VW's common stock skyrocketed above EUR1,000 per share and temporarily made the Wolfsburg, Germany, firm the world's most valuable company.
Mr. Winterkorn also became CEO of Porsche's holding company after Porsche's ill-fated attempt to take over the much larger Volkswagen finally collapsed in 2009. After a fierce power struggle that raged for more than two years, Porsche had to finally agreed to a deal under Volkswagen's leadership as its debt ballooned in the wake of the financial crisis." [Read more]
"The unique Porsche brand will now become an integral part of the Volkswagen Group--that is good for Volkswagen, good for Porsche and good for Germany as an industrial location," Volkswagen Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn said in a statement.
The final agreement to add Porsche to Volkswagen's stable of 10 car and truck brands draws a line under one of the most spectacular takeover bids in the European car industry in recent years, which eventually backfired badly.
Porsche initially acquired a minority stake in Volkswagen to benefit from better economies of scale, but then bypassed disclosure rules through a complex set of stock options to acquire additional voting stock in Volkswagen. When Porsche revealed in October 2008 that it had direct and indirect access to almost 75% of Volkswagen's voting stock, VW's common stock skyrocketed above EUR1,000 per share and temporarily made the Wolfsburg, Germany, firm the world's most valuable company.
Mr. Winterkorn also became CEO of Porsche's holding company after Porsche's ill-fated attempt to take over the much larger Volkswagen finally collapsed in 2009. After a fierce power struggle that raged for more than two years, Porsche had to finally agreed to a deal under Volkswagen's leadership as its debt ballooned in the wake of the financial crisis." [Read more]
Happy 4th of July!
From our family to yours we would like to wish you a very safe and fun 4th of July!
Passat TDI gets 45 mpg in Edmunds.com challenge
"As phrases go, “true shocker” just begs for additional context. If it’s a reference to your kid’s report card or the latest reading on your bathroom scale, the news could go either way. So when the automotive experts at Edmunds.com referred to the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI as a “true shocker,” we just had to find out more.
The shock, as it turns out, was that the 2012 Volkswagen Passat, the largest car in Edmund.com’s 40-MPG Challenge, outperformed smaller competition like the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Turbo and the 2012 Hyundai Veloster. In fact, the American-made Passat took top honors, managing an “incredible” 45 mpg average between city and highway. Even in city driving, it averaged an impressive 43 mpg, while on the interstate portion of the test, it scored a whopping 51.7 mpg. That’s the kind of shock we can get used to." [Read more]
Jetta named one of 10 Coolest New Cars under $18,000
"When Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com posted its 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000, we scanned the names faster than a Volkswagen Turbo on the Autobahn. Imagine our joy when we saw that the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta made the cut for the second year in a row.
On Wednesday, June 20, 2012, Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com released its annual picks for 2012. Their expert editors shared these kind words: “Priced and sized for American tastes, the Jetta is also wrapped in clean, tasteful styling that will look sharp for years to come.”
We’ll admit that we’re somewhat biased, but we think the Jetta is cool in lots of ways." [Read more]
Putting the “R” in “sporty”: Volkswagen unveils the CC R-Line
"When we unveiled the all-new Volkswagen CC at the LA Auto Show last November, it turned a lot of heads—and with good reason. By combining the sleek spirit of a sports coupe with the practicality of a four-door sedan, the 2013 CC appeals to a wide audience. And now, we’re making a great thing even better by introducing the CC R-Line.
On June 1st at the Leipzig International Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled the R-Line version of the CC. What makes it so sporty? That’d be its 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter, turbocharged TSI® engine, which can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
But there’s so much more: the R-Line upgrades continue inside and out. Its newly redesigned front bumper boasts a more aggressive stance than the one found on the Sport, Lux, and Executive models. It also features a large lower air intake and projector-style fog lights as well as side skirts, shaded taillights, an R-Line logo on the grille, and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Once inside, there are stainless steel R-Line scuff plates and, for the DSG-equipped model, paddle shifters on the steering wheel." [Read more]
Volkswagen Passat named Best Family Car
"What makes a car the ultimate family car? Some would say it’s a backseat barrier that prevents inter-sibling warfare, while others would say it’s a special device that blocks all “Are we there yet?” sound frequencies. Until those features are invented, we’re flattered to defer to the expert editorial staff at Parents magazine and Edmunds.com, who recently named the Volkswagen Passat as a Best Family Car of 2012.
Every year, Parents and Edmunds.com test-drive, analyze, and compare prices and features on a variety of vehicles. And because mother and father know best, they also consult parents who own said vehicles. Each one was judged on performance, interior, exterior, and family-friendly features. The Passat got high marks in all categories, thanks in part to standard features like Bluetooth® connectivity, dual-zone climate control, and class-leading rear seat legroom." [Read more]
Volkswagen aims to double its U.S. sales in six years
"Volkswagen will step up its presence in the crossover-SUV market in a big way as the automaker elbows its way into the mainstream of the U.S. car market.
VW is in the early stages of an ambitious plan to boost its American car sales from 324,400 last year to 800,000 by 2018.
"We need a core of products to drive our volume," VW of America CEO Jonathan Browning says.
A couple of years ago, the goal looked like a pipe dream. A couple of strong new cars changed that. Sales of the Jetta compact sedan soared 54.5% last year to 150,513. After just a few months in production, the new Passat midsize sedan is selling so well that VW hired 1,000 people at its new U.S. assembly plant, a move that will raise its capacity to 170,000-180,000 cars a year. Further refinements at the plant are expected to increase its output to 250,000 Passats annually.
After decades of trying to convince Americans to buy cars engineered and priced for European tastes, VW aimed those cars at the heart of the American car market. It reduced Jetta prices to compete with popular models like the Honda Civic. The new Passat's size and price pit it squarely against favorites like the Ford Fusion and Toyota Camry." [Read more]
VW is in the early stages of an ambitious plan to boost its American car sales from 324,400 last year to 800,000 by 2018.
"We need a core of products to drive our volume," VW of America CEO Jonathan Browning says.
A couple of years ago, the goal looked like a pipe dream. A couple of strong new cars changed that. Sales of the Jetta compact sedan soared 54.5% last year to 150,513. After just a few months in production, the new Passat midsize sedan is selling so well that VW hired 1,000 people at its new U.S. assembly plant, a move that will raise its capacity to 170,000-180,000 cars a year. Further refinements at the plant are expected to increase its output to 250,000 Passats annually.
After decades of trying to convince Americans to buy cars engineered and priced for European tastes, VW aimed those cars at the heart of the American car market. It reduced Jetta prices to compete with popular models like the Honda Civic. The new Passat's size and price pit it squarely against favorites like the Ford Fusion and Toyota Camry." [Read more]
You never forget your 100,000th: Chattanooga rolls out a milestone Passat
"Joanne Benante was in the market for a new car, and she knew she wanted something special. She went to Jim Ellis, a dealer in her hometown of Atlanta, and placed an order for a Volkswagen Passat TDI SEL Premium, complete with six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission, Night Blue exterior and Moonrock leather interior. Pretty special, right? We sure thought so. She drove from Atlanta to our state-of-the-art facility in Chattanooga to pick up her new Passat. What made it even more special, though, is that Joanne’s car was the 100,000th Passat produced in Chattanooga. Clearly, that called for a celebration.
Volkswagen employees drove Joanne’s milestone Passat off the production line to the facility’s Conference Center, where an all-employee meeting was being held. Volkswagen Chattanooga CEO and Chair Frank Fischer personally handed the keys over to Joanne, who received a hearty round of applause from hundreds of Volkswagen employees as she drove her new car through the front doors back to its new home in Atlanta." [Read more]
Volkswagen Unveils CC R-Line, Available Late 2012 in U.S.
"We might not get a downsized version of the Volkswagen CC, but we will get an R-Line trim level of the saucy sedan later this year. VW will officiallly pull the wraps off at the Auto Mobil International show in Leipzig, Germany on June 1st. Powered by the 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower four-cylinder and riding on the same 18-inch Mallory alloy wheels featured on the Sport Plus, the R-Line adds the option of a six-speed manual on top of the six-speed DSG transmission." [Read more]
VroomGirls review the 2012 Passat
Volkswagen to offer Fender edition Beetle
"Volkswagen worked with Fender, its stereo partner, to put together the concept Beetle shown at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show. The concept had an iPod dock set into amp-like mesh, a tube amp, sunburst-patterened wood trim and a trunk-mounted sub you could plug your guitar into." [Read more]
Volkswagen previews 220-hp Polo WRC Street special ahead of Wörthersee debut
At the heart of VW's motorcade for this year's pocket-rocket fest is the Polo WRC Street, a preview of a special edition modeled on the actual rally car which Volkswagen Motorsport will be fielding in the top-level rally series next year. The street version features a 220-horsepower 2.0-liter TSI four-cylinder – significantly more than the existing 180-hp Polo GTI and a whole lot of muscle for such a little car – with an aggressive aero package and of course the requisite decals. In other words, it is, for all intents and purposes, a Polo R with some stripes." [Read more]
Volkswagen Group Maintains Growth Trajectory: 8.6 Percent Increase in Deliveries From January to April to 2.89 Million Vehicles
"The Volkswagen Group continues to go from strength to strength, delivering 2.89 (january-april 2011:2.66)* million vehicles to customers from January to April, representing an increase of 8.6 percent. Europe's largest automaker therefore once again outperformed the overall market which grew by some six percent. The Group also reported a rise in deliveries for the month of April, handing over 732,000 (april 2011:690)(april 2011:800)(april 2011:+6.0 percent)* new vehicles to customers. "The Group's worldwide deliveries continue to develop in the right direction. We are benefiting from our convincing model range and are looking to keep up the momentum over the coming months as well," Group Board Member for Sales Christian Klingler said in Wolfsburg on Friday. "We expect the markets in Western Europe to deteriorate further. Our current projection has been adjusted downward and we are therefore keeping an even closer eye on market developments."
The Group brands delivered a total of 1.25 (1.23; +2.3 percent) million vehicles on the overall European market from January to April, of which 661,400 (703,000; -5.9 percent) units were delivered in Western Europe (excluding Germany) where conditions remained difficult. In contrast, Europe's largest automaker grew deliveries in its home market of Germany by 5.6 percent to 387,500 (367,000) units. The company once again reported vigorous growth in the Central and Eastern Europe region, handing over 205,100 (155,300; +32.0 percent) vehicles to customer there." [Read more]
The Group brands delivered a total of 1.25 (1.23; +2.3 percent) million vehicles on the overall European market from January to April, of which 661,400 (703,000; -5.9 percent) units were delivered in Western Europe (excluding Germany) where conditions remained difficult. In contrast, Europe's largest automaker grew deliveries in its home market of Germany by 5.6 percent to 387,500 (367,000) units. The company once again reported vigorous growth in the Central and Eastern Europe region, handing over 205,100 (155,300; +32.0 percent) vehicles to customer there." [Read more]
Volkswagen Passat Travels 1,626 Miles on One Tank of Diesel
"Self proclaimed mileage experts John and Helen Taylor are considered to be “The world’s most fuel efficient couple” by Volkswagen. The recently drove from Houston, Texas to Sterling, Virginia without having to stop for fuel at all, that is a distance of 1,626.1 miles on 19.3 gallons of fuel. There were driving a 2012 Passat TDI SE which, with this information means it got 84.2 miles per gallon. This is a new record in the high mileage game from the couple who currently holds the Guinness World Record for fuel economy in the 48 Contiguous United States.
John Taylor was happy to comment with, “We’re excited to have broken the record for the longest distance driven on one-tank of fuel. The Passat TDI was the perfect car for the trip. It offers plenty of interior and cargo space, yet is frugal enough to help us achieve this record.”
The Taylors took meticulous records of their three day trip from Houston to Sterling to use in the workshops they facilitate on driving efficiently. They carried 120 pounds of luggage with them and drove during daylight hours in order to replicate the most normal driving conditions during the fourteen hours per day of driving they shared with their own turns at the wheel. This was a serious record for them and add to the more than 90 world fuel economy and vehicle-related records from drives around the globe that they currently hold." [Read more]
John Taylor was happy to comment with, “We’re excited to have broken the record for the longest distance driven on one-tank of fuel. The Passat TDI was the perfect car for the trip. It offers plenty of interior and cargo space, yet is frugal enough to help us achieve this record.”
The Taylors took meticulous records of their three day trip from Houston to Sterling to use in the workshops they facilitate on driving efficiently. They carried 120 pounds of luggage with them and drove during daylight hours in order to replicate the most normal driving conditions during the fourteen hours per day of driving they shared with their own turns at the wheel. This was a serious record for them and add to the more than 90 world fuel economy and vehicle-related records from drives around the globe that they currently hold." [Read more]
Part of the People's Car Project, in which Chinese citizens submit designs to VW, the Hover Car is one of the more compelling ideas to appear so far
"The People's Car Project was launched last year in China as a way to engage Chinese designers in the future of VW in their country. Meant to run for a year, the project was so successful that it's been extended indefinitely. One of the more compelling ideas to emerge from the initiative is the Hover Car concept.
Several example concepts are on display at Auto China 2012, including this one by an unnamed Chinese designer. The Hover Car is a two person commuter shaped like a sphere with a boot-heel-type tail at the back. The car would be very aerodynamic as well as relatively simple to manufacture - at least in terms of body work.
It's most unique property is the fact that it hovers. It uses magnetic levitation (MagLev) to both hover and propel itself, making it completely electric. How exactly the MagLev would work is not detailed, but the People's Car Project is about dreaming up the future, not explaining it. The idea behind the initiative and the designs it produces is to give long-term direction to Volkswagen in the important Chinese auto market.
Another design in the Project is the Music Car, which has organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) on its surface that react to the music the driver is playing. If you thought teenagers with their loud, bumping cruisers were annoying already, wait until they have light shows to go along with that..
Also displayed was an interesting idea called the Smart Key. What it's name lacks in originality, it makes up for in cool functionality. It's a slim key (9mm) similar to the key fobs currently used for many cars on the market, except it has something new: a small touch screen display in high resolution that uses a 3G network connection to get information from the car, allowing the driver to see fuel status, climate conditions, and security (door lock status, windows up or down)." [Read more]
Several example concepts are on display at Auto China 2012, including this one by an unnamed Chinese designer. The Hover Car is a two person commuter shaped like a sphere with a boot-heel-type tail at the back. The car would be very aerodynamic as well as relatively simple to manufacture - at least in terms of body work.
It's most unique property is the fact that it hovers. It uses magnetic levitation (MagLev) to both hover and propel itself, making it completely electric. How exactly the MagLev would work is not detailed, but the People's Car Project is about dreaming up the future, not explaining it. The idea behind the initiative and the designs it produces is to give long-term direction to Volkswagen in the important Chinese auto market.
Another design in the Project is the Music Car, which has organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) on its surface that react to the music the driver is playing. If you thought teenagers with their loud, bumping cruisers were annoying already, wait until they have light shows to go along with that..
Also displayed was an interesting idea called the Smart Key. What it's name lacks in originality, it makes up for in cool functionality. It's a slim key (9mm) similar to the key fobs currently used for many cars on the market, except it has something new: a small touch screen display in high resolution that uses a 3G network connection to get information from the car, allowing the driver to see fuel status, climate conditions, and security (door lock status, windows up or down)." [Read more]
Volkswagen Reports 31.5 Percent Increase In April U.S. Sales
"Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported 37,525 units sold in April, a 31.5 percent increase over prior year sales, 38 percent increase year-to-date and the best April since 1971.
"The demand and enthusiasm for our products continues at a strong pace and we are beginning to see the fruits of our investments pay off, marking the best April in over forty years," said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. "As our sales continue to outpace the industry, we are investing in our infrastructure to ensure sustained growth."
Last month, the company announced expansion plans for VW Credit Inc. (VCI) facility in Libertyville, IL. The ground breaking took place on April 20 for a 30,000-square-foot expansion of the facility. The multimillion-dollar expansion, to be completed early next year, will accommodate approximately 150 new jobs that VW Credit, Inc. expects to create through 2018. This comes on top of the additional 1,000 jobs that the company announced it would add at its manufacturing plant in Chattanooga, TN to meet growing demand of the 2012 Passat.
Jetta sedan, including the enthusiast GLI model, remains the volume leader for Volkswagen with sales totaling 13,754, while Jetta SportWagen totaled 1,904. Sales of the Chattanooga-built Passat continue to rise with record sales of 10,096 units in April, the second month breaking 10,000 units.
The 2012 Beetle, recently named to Ward's list of "10 Best Interiors," sold 2,065 units. The Beetle TDI Clean Diesel Coupe will go on sale late summer 2012. The Tiguan continued to see strong sales with 2,333 units sold and the Golf saw a 14.6 percent increase in sales with a total of 3,876 units sold." [Read more]
"The demand and enthusiasm for our products continues at a strong pace and we are beginning to see the fruits of our investments pay off, marking the best April in over forty years," said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. "As our sales continue to outpace the industry, we are investing in our infrastructure to ensure sustained growth."
Last month, the company announced expansion plans for VW Credit Inc. (VCI) facility in Libertyville, IL. The ground breaking took place on April 20 for a 30,000-square-foot expansion of the facility. The multimillion-dollar expansion, to be completed early next year, will accommodate approximately 150 new jobs that VW Credit, Inc. expects to create through 2018. This comes on top of the additional 1,000 jobs that the company announced it would add at its manufacturing plant in Chattanooga, TN to meet growing demand of the 2012 Passat.
Jetta sedan, including the enthusiast GLI model, remains the volume leader for Volkswagen with sales totaling 13,754, while Jetta SportWagen totaled 1,904. Sales of the Chattanooga-built Passat continue to rise with record sales of 10,096 units in April, the second month breaking 10,000 units.
The 2012 Beetle, recently named to Ward's list of "10 Best Interiors," sold 2,065 units. The Beetle TDI Clean Diesel Coupe will go on sale late summer 2012. The Tiguan continued to see strong sales with 2,333 units sold and the Golf saw a 14.6 percent increase in sales with a total of 3,876 units sold." [Read more]
Volkswagen E-Bugster Presages Shape of Drop-Top Beetle
"Volkswagen used the Beijing auto show to unveil a convertible version of its E-Bugster, an electrically powered Beetle concept first shown in Detroit in January.
The automaker has not made it easy to parse all the clues about future models embodied in this vehicle. Volkswagen says the concept presages the coming gasoline-powered convertible version of the 2012 Beetle, which is expected to be introduced at the Los Angeles auto show in November. But whether an electric powertrain would reach that car or its hardtop equivalent is not so clear, especially with the E-Golf undergoing an internal fleet test." [Read more]
Passat TDI wins green accolade from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com
"Because Earth is our very favorite planet (no offense, Jupiter—you’re super special, too), we prefer to celebrate Earth Day year round instead of just once a year. So you can imagine how happy we were when we heard that the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI was named a 10 Best Green Car by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.
The 10 Best Green Cars announcement comes just in time for Earth Day, perfect timing for a list of eco-friendly cars. And with gas prices well over $4 a gallon in many US cities, there’s never a bad time to drive a fuel-efficient vehicle. The top 10 cars were selected on a variety of criteria, but the Passat TDI was chosen in part because it offers up to 43 mpg with a powerful, responsive engine." [Read more]
Source: The VW Blog
The 10 Best Green Cars announcement comes just in time for Earth Day, perfect timing for a list of eco-friendly cars. And with gas prices well over $4 a gallon in many US cities, there’s never a bad time to drive a fuel-efficient vehicle. The top 10 cars were selected on a variety of criteria, but the Passat TDI was chosen in part because it offers up to 43 mpg with a powerful, responsive engine." [Read more]
Source: The VW Blog
Volkswagen to Add Jobs in Tennessee
"Volkswagen AG will add 800 jobs at its only U.S. plant to increase production of the Passat sedan, the company said on Thursday.
The new hires will be added to the Chattanooga plant's existing workforce of 2,200 Volkswagen workers and another 500 who work for a contract firm called Aerotek.
The plant will not add another shift, but will place a third "team" of workers on the existing two shifts and add a Saturday shift to accommodate the additional production, said Hans-Herbert Jagla, head of human resources at the factory.
Plant manager Frank Fischer said there are thus far no plans for a second model to be produced at the Chattanooga plant, which opened in May 11.
Jonathan Browning, head of VW operations in North America, said the plant's additional production will bring its annual capacity to 170,000 vehicles, up about 20,000 from current capacity. In its ramp up year of 2011, the plant produced about 40,000 Passats.
He said 25 percent of all Volkswagens sold in the United States are Passats made in Chattanooga.
Browning said that soon VW is likely to announce an increase of its forecast for industry-wide U.S. auto sales in 2012 to 14 million vehicles from its current forecast of 13.7 million vehicles, based on stronger-than-expected first-quarter sales for the industry.
In the first two months of the year, Volkswagen sold 14,500 Passat sedans in the U.S. market. Last year, Volkswagen's U.S. sales increased 26 percent to about 325,000 vehicles for the VW brand. Including its Audi luxury brand, the VW Group sold about 450,000 vehicles in the U.S. market in 2011." [Read more]
The new hires will be added to the Chattanooga plant's existing workforce of 2,200 Volkswagen workers and another 500 who work for a contract firm called Aerotek.
The plant will not add another shift, but will place a third "team" of workers on the existing two shifts and add a Saturday shift to accommodate the additional production, said Hans-Herbert Jagla, head of human resources at the factory.
Plant manager Frank Fischer said there are thus far no plans for a second model to be produced at the Chattanooga plant, which opened in May 11.
Jonathan Browning, head of VW operations in North America, said the plant's additional production will bring its annual capacity to 170,000 vehicles, up about 20,000 from current capacity. In its ramp up year of 2011, the plant produced about 40,000 Passats.
He said 25 percent of all Volkswagens sold in the United States are Passats made in Chattanooga.
Browning said that soon VW is likely to announce an increase of its forecast for industry-wide U.S. auto sales in 2012 to 14 million vehicles from its current forecast of 13.7 million vehicles, based on stronger-than-expected first-quarter sales for the industry.
In the first two months of the year, Volkswagen sold 14,500 Passat sedans in the U.S. market. Last year, Volkswagen's U.S. sales increased 26 percent to about 325,000 vehicles for the VW brand. Including its Audi luxury brand, the VW Group sold about 450,000 vehicles in the U.S. market in 2011." [Read more]
Volkswagen Q1 Sales Reach Record 2M Cars
"Volkswagen Group's global first-quarter sales surpassed two million vehicles for the first time as North American and Chinese sales rose dramatically, the Germany company announced Friday.
Wolfsburg-based Volkswagen sold 2.16 million cars in the first quarter of 2012, a 9.6 percent increase on the same time last year. The record first-quarter sales were carried by a 12.6 percent increase in March compared with the previous year and strong numbers in North America and China.
"The Volkswagen Group developed very well in the first quarter. We produced another strong performance in North America, China and Russia. However, uncertainty continues, particularly on the markets in Western Europe," Christian Klingler, group board member for sales said Friday.
While sales overall in the European market rose modestly for VW, increasing 3.2 percent in the first quarter to 937,000 cars, sales in Western Europe, excluding Germany, plummeted 4.7 percent. Volkswagen did well in its German home market, though, bolstering sales by 5.7 percent to 282,400 cars. The company enjoyed a 35.1 percent increase in sales in Central and Eastern Europe.
Sluggish sales in Europe, though, were more than compensated for by strong sales in the Asia/Pacific region and the Americas. Asia/Pacific sales rose 16.8 percent to 726,100 cars, and sales in China, VW's largest single market, charged up 15.6 percent to 633,900 cars.
The Americas were also a bastion for VW, and the company increased North American deliveries by 24.5 percent to 179,100. U.S. deliveries were up 34 percent. South American deliveries rose 3.9 percent to 229,400 cars." [Read more]
Wolfsburg-based Volkswagen sold 2.16 million cars in the first quarter of 2012, a 9.6 percent increase on the same time last year. The record first-quarter sales were carried by a 12.6 percent increase in March compared with the previous year and strong numbers in North America and China.
"The Volkswagen Group developed very well in the first quarter. We produced another strong performance in North America, China and Russia. However, uncertainty continues, particularly on the markets in Western Europe," Christian Klingler, group board member for sales said Friday.
While sales overall in the European market rose modestly for VW, increasing 3.2 percent in the first quarter to 937,000 cars, sales in Western Europe, excluding Germany, plummeted 4.7 percent. Volkswagen did well in its German home market, though, bolstering sales by 5.7 percent to 282,400 cars. The company enjoyed a 35.1 percent increase in sales in Central and Eastern Europe.
Sluggish sales in Europe, though, were more than compensated for by strong sales in the Asia/Pacific region and the Americas. Asia/Pacific sales rose 16.8 percent to 726,100 cars, and sales in China, VW's largest single market, charged up 15.6 percent to 633,900 cars.
The Americas were also a bastion for VW, and the company increased North American deliveries by 24.5 percent to 179,100. U.S. deliveries were up 34 percent. South American deliveries rose 3.9 percent to 229,400 cars." [Read more]
Volkswagen Launches Factory Restoration Program for Microbus
"Automakers offering restoration services for vehicles they built decades before isn’t exactly uncommon. Aston Martin’s Works Heritage Service will gladly maintain your wanna-be-Bond DB5. Mercedes-Benz Classic will restore a 600 Grosser, a 300SL Gullwing, and everything in between.
And Volkswagen, it seems, is more than willing to give your Microbus a museum-quality restoration in the same city it was built nearly 50-60 years ago.
The timing couldn’t be better, since interest in vintage Transporters appears to be on the rise in Europe. So much so, in fact, that Volkswagen’s Dutch branch is actually importing Kombis from Brazil — which largely resemble the second-generation T2 –and customizing them with a retro touch.
Unlike that operation, which added old soul to new vehicles, VW’s new “Commercial Vehicles Oldtimer” program breathes new life into old vehicles. Services performed range from light repairs to a full restoration. Customers also have the option of restomodding their vehicles, although those who desire a faithful restoration can take heart in the fact the Oldtimer group has access to extensive historical records and original parts." [Read more]
Volkswagen Up! Named 2012 World Car of the Year in New York
"The jurors presiding over the annual World Car of the Year awards at the 2012 New York Auto Show have awarded the top honor to a car that is not offered in the U.S.
In fact, it’s not even offered in all of North America.
Nevertheless, Volkswagen’s tiny up! hatchback has beaten worthy rivals including the BMW 3-Series and Porsche 911 to be voted 2012 World Car of the Year.
The jury, consisting of 66 journalists and auto industry representatives from 25 countries, voted by a majority to name the up! the winner.
They noted that the up! has altered what consumers--outside the U.S.--have come to expect from the city car segment. Of note were its responsive steering, sophisticated suspension setup, efficient engines and high-quality materials and finish.
On a minimal footprint (11.6 feet long) the up! also provides space for four people, plus extremely efficient drive technologies including three-cylinder units for gasoline and diesel fans. The vehicle also comes in three- or five-door bodystyles and in the near future a sporty GT model is expected.
The reason the up! was eligible was because of the competition's rules, which state that to be eligible for the overall World Car award, the candidates had to have been available for sale on at least two continents during the period beginning January 1, 2011 and ending May 30, 2012.
One of the runners up in the competition didn’t go home empty-handed. The 2012 Porsche 911 was voted the winner in the 2012 Performance Car of the Year category, beating out the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 and McLaren MP4-12C supercars." [Read more]
2012 Volkswagen Alltrack Concept: New York Auto Show
"Volkswagen has revealed that it will be showing a new Alltrack Concept, next week at the New York International Auto Show, that could make VW a rival for the rugged-wagon business that Subaru has long coveted.
While strictly a concept for the U.S. market—and we still haven't seen an official picture of the version to be shown at New York (the production-bound model of the same name, that made its debut last year, at Tokyo, is shown above)—the Alltrack sounds like it very closely resembles the Passat Alltrack model that was already shown at the Tokyo Motor Show last November and is headed for summer 2012 delivery in some overseas markets.
The model, which Volkswagen says bridges the gap between passenger car and SUV, is essentially the Volkswagen brand's equivalent of the Audi A6 Allroad—although the two models wouldn't be closely related.
As we've seen time and time again, with the Subaru Legacy Wagon swallowed up by the Outback, and the Volvo V70 effectively canceled out by the XC70, very few wagons sell well in the U.S. when they're presented in the same guise as sedans. Dress them up with some token rugged cues and raise the ride height slightly, and it's somehow a recipe for popularity.
Green performance is provided by VW's well-respected and fuel-stingy 2.0-liter turbo-diesel (TDI) four-cylinder engine, making 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG) and 4Motion all-wheel drive.
The 4Motion system includes an off-road mode that can be used at up to 18 mph, for different calibration of vehicle systems, like stability control, and for a milder, more progressive throttle calibration. Hill Descent Control is also automatically engaged for downward slopes of 10 percent or more. As with VW's other 4Motion vehicles, the Haldex-based 4Motion system can send nearly 100 percent of power to the rear wheels when needed, or about ten percent under normal driving." [Read more]
Volkswagen Launches Electric Car Pilot Program
"Following the lead of corporate sibling Audi, Volkswagen is launching an electric vehicle (EV) pilot program in the United States. Cars will be distributed in specific markets and driven over a nine-month period to gather data for future electric Volkswagens.
Like Audi and other companies, VW modified an existing model for its EV pilot program. In this case, it’s the Golf, known to most Americans as the Jetta hatchback. The 20 test cars will be five-door Golfs, with electric powertrains in place of the standard hardware. The E-Golf is powered by an electric motor that makes 199 lb-ft of torque; VW did not say how much horsepower it makes.
The motor gets its energy from a 26.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Volkswagen did not quote an estimated range, but it did say the E-Golf was designed with energy-saving features. These include three different driving modes and regenerative braking, which are standard features on many other electric cars, and hybrids. The E-Golf can also coast when the driver takes their foot off the throttle.
Twelve of the E-Golf test vehicles will be given to Volkswagen employees, the rest will be distributed in Detroit, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. beginning in April. Volkswagen hopes to acquire data on the effects of climate conditions and driving patterns in the different regions.
Volkswagen will also test charging hardware. The 12 employees in the E-Golf program will get 220-volt charging stations installed at their houses. Every E-Golf will come with an iPhone that, through an app, lets drivers check the status of charging, adjust the air conditioning, and remotely charge the car (if it’s plugged-in). “For a successful market launch of electric vehicles, the way that home chargers are handled is very important, along with easy access to public charging infrastructure,” said Dr. Rudolf Krebs, head of Volkswagen Group E-Traction.
Testing EVs is a significant change of course for Volkswagen, whose previous eco-car efforts were focused on diesels. However, VW isn’t the first company to try an EV pilot program. BMW built an electric Mini, the Mini E, and is now testing electric versions of its 1 Series. Honda loaned a few Fit EVs to Google and Stanford University for testing. Audi, which is owned by Volkswagen, is testing its A3 e-tron with a similar pilot program." [Read more]
Volkswagen to test electric Golf in U.S.
"Volkswagen, which has scored big with diesels in the U.S., is about to expand its horizons. It's going to field about 20 Golf electric vehicles in a test, Automotive News reports.
It's only a nine-month test, but it should be at least a start in trying to see how owners will deal with the notion of having to plug in their car every day and other issues. It's a prelude to the e-Golf, which will arrive in showrooms sometime next year, the News says.
Buyers won't just get a car. Rather they will also get a 200-volt charging station, Apple iPhone with a VW app and a reference to a website where they can get more information." [Read more]
Volkswagen AG says it will add 800 new jobs at Chattanooga, Tenn., plant to build Passat
"Volkswagen will add 800 new jobs at its Chattanooga, Tenn., plant to boost production of the Passat sedan.
The new jobs will increase the plant’s work force to more to 3,500 by the end of the year, the German company said Thursday. The additional workers will be used to bolster the existing two shifts at the plant, and expand production to Saturday, it said.
“We’re adding a third team at this plant for a simple reason: Customers want to buy Passats,” said Jonathan Browning, the president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.
VW rolls out 35 cars an hour at the plant, which surpassed 50,000 vehicles in February. VW built its first Passat at the plant last April.
“Volkswagen is definitely on a roll in this market,” Browning said. “I can assure you, we don’t plan to stop.”
Volkswagen AG, the world’s second-largest car company, said last week that it intends to increase deliveries and revenues in 2012 despite difficult conditions in Europe.
Earlier this month, the company said it will open a $40 million distribution center for parts about 80 miles from Chattanooga. VW plans to hire about 45 people at the center." [Read more]
The new jobs will increase the plant’s work force to more to 3,500 by the end of the year, the German company said Thursday. The additional workers will be used to bolster the existing two shifts at the plant, and expand production to Saturday, it said.
“We’re adding a third team at this plant for a simple reason: Customers want to buy Passats,” said Jonathan Browning, the president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.
VW rolls out 35 cars an hour at the plant, which surpassed 50,000 vehicles in February. VW built its first Passat at the plant last April.
“Volkswagen is definitely on a roll in this market,” Browning said. “I can assure you, we don’t plan to stop.”
Volkswagen AG, the world’s second-largest car company, said last week that it intends to increase deliveries and revenues in 2012 despite difficult conditions in Europe.
Earlier this month, the company said it will open a $40 million distribution center for parts about 80 miles from Chattanooga. VW plans to hire about 45 people at the center." [Read more]
Volkswagen Teams Up With Stupid Cancer for "Get Busy Living" Road Trip
"As part of a new partnership, Volkswagen of America, Inc. and Stupid Cancer (aka the I'm Too Young For This! Cancer Foundation) have embarked on a cross-country road trip to raise awareness in support of young adults affected by cancer, and to empower the young adult cancer community to "get busy living."
Volkswagen has provided a new, co-branded 2012 Beetle Turbo to power the "Stupid Cancer/Get Busy Living Road Trip" from New York to Las Vegas, culminating at The 5th Annual OMG! Cancer Summit for Young Adults ("OMG2012"), an oncology conference and social networking event for the young adult cancer movement. Volkswagen will serve as the lead automotive sponsor of OMG2012, which takes place March 30th through April 1st at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas.
Buckled into the Volkswagen Beetle, two young adult cancer advocates, including one documentary filmmaker, are off on a 10-day, 10-city tour meeting with the organization's many volunteer-led chapters, organizing community events and filming the stories of local young adult cancer survivors and caregivers.
Fans can track the team's progress online at http://StupidCancerRoadTrip.org , which features daily video webisodes and real-time social media feeds from YouTube, Facebook, Twitter (#vwdasroadtrip), Tumblr and Instagram. The entire series will be presented live at OMG2012.
"Volkswagen is proud to partner with such a pioneering motivator as Stupid Cancer in steering what is a much needed and powerful movement," said Mike Beamish, executive vice president of human resources, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. "We are glad to lend our vehicles and support to help carry this organization's uplifting message to the young adult cancer community."
During OMG2012, Stupid Cancer and Volkswagen will present the "Stupid Cancer/Get Busy Living" Survivor Award to a young adult who has challenged the status quo and overcome the odds to embody the spirit and mission of Stupid Cancer. Throughout the road trip, nominations will be submitted to a judging panel and public vote to determine the winner, who will be presented with a two-year lease of a 2012 Passat TDI. The public can visit http://getbusylivingaward.org/vote to read finalists' stories and vote for the winner." [Read more]
Volkswagen has provided a new, co-branded 2012 Beetle Turbo to power the "Stupid Cancer/Get Busy Living Road Trip" from New York to Las Vegas, culminating at The 5th Annual OMG! Cancer Summit for Young Adults ("OMG2012"), an oncology conference and social networking event for the young adult cancer movement. Volkswagen will serve as the lead automotive sponsor of OMG2012, which takes place March 30th through April 1st at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas.
Buckled into the Volkswagen Beetle, two young adult cancer advocates, including one documentary filmmaker, are off on a 10-day, 10-city tour meeting with the organization's many volunteer-led chapters, organizing community events and filming the stories of local young adult cancer survivors and caregivers.
Fans can track the team's progress online at http://StupidCancerRoadTrip.org , which features daily video webisodes and real-time social media feeds from YouTube, Facebook, Twitter (#vwdasroadtrip), Tumblr and Instagram. The entire series will be presented live at OMG2012.
"Volkswagen is proud to partner with such a pioneering motivator as Stupid Cancer in steering what is a much needed and powerful movement," said Mike Beamish, executive vice president of human resources, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. "We are glad to lend our vehicles and support to help carry this organization's uplifting message to the young adult cancer community."
During OMG2012, Stupid Cancer and Volkswagen will present the "Stupid Cancer/Get Busy Living" Survivor Award to a young adult who has challenged the status quo and overcome the odds to embody the spirit and mission of Stupid Cancer. Throughout the road trip, nominations will be submitted to a judging panel and public vote to determine the winner, who will be presented with a two-year lease of a 2012 Passat TDI. The public can visit http://getbusylivingaward.org/vote to read finalists' stories and vote for the winner." [Read more]
Volkswagen confirms late 2013 launch date for all-electric Golf
"As we said when we first drove the Volkswagen Golf Blue-e-motion, Volkswagen is taking its time getting into the all-electric game. Given the tremendous ups and downs that electric vehicles and EV start-up companies are going through, maybe making sure you have a car where everything is working smoothly – to say nothing about getting the infrastructure in place – isn't such a bad idea. And it now seems like VW is confident enough in its Golf EV, which is undergoing testing in California, to push up its estimated release date from 2014 to late 2013.
Sure, technically, that could be a difference of just one day, but we don't think that's what VW of America president Jonathan Browning meant when he confirmed next year's U.S. release date with Automotive News. Late 2013 is also when the car will go on sale in Europe. A plug-in hybrid Golf is supposed to go on sale in 2015." [Read more]
Volkswagen’s New Engine Turns Off Cylinders To Save You Gas
"You may not know this, but internal combustion engines are only efficient during a tiny part of their total operating range.
And that means when driving at lower speeds when demand on the car’s engine isn’t large, your car might not get the gas mileage you’d expect.
But Volkwagen’s latest 1.4 liter engine -- unveiled at this week’s 2012 Geneva Auto Show -- can make itself more efficient by deactivating its second and fourth cylinders when not required.
Cylinder deactivation isn’t a new thing. For some time, we’ve seen large capacity engines with 6 or more cylinders use deactivation technology to improve gas mileage when power demands are low.
What makes Volkswagen’s 1.4 liter engine different however, is that it becomes the first four-cylinder, small-capacity engine to use the technology.
Due to launch in the European-only 2013 Volkswagen Polo Blue GT, the 1.4 liter, 4-cylinder, turbocharged, direct-injected, cylinder deactivation engine promises an impressive 140 horsepower and a 0-60 time of under 8 seconds.
Even given its sporty heritage, the small Polo Blue GT -- a car that is slightly smaller in size than Volkswagen’s Golf -- gets up to 52 mpg when combined with VW’s seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.
When engine demand is low to medium, the engine operates as a two-cylinder engine, returning an impressive 16 mpg improvement in fuel economy over 4-cylinder operation at 31 mph in third or fourth gear.
When the accelerator is pressed and engine demand raises, the two deactivated cylinders are reactivated in half a revolution." [Read more]
Volkswagen Commits to US$52 Billion in Green Investments
"German automaker Volkswagen aims to drop the average emissions from its new vehicles to 120 grams CO2/km by 2015, as part of a "fundamental ecological restructuring" likely to be worth more than €40 billion (US$52 billion by 2016.
The company says more than two thirds of its entire €62.4 billion (US$82.1 billion) investment programme for the coming five years will be directly or indirectly spent on "ever more efficient vehicles, powertrains and technologies, as well as environmentally compatible production."
VW has been looking to bolster its green reputation since being targeted by campaign group Greenpeace over its alleged lobbying against deeper cuts to EU emissions targets.
The company's new emissions reduction target would represent a 30 percent cut on 2006 levels for Europe's largest carmaker, and a sizeable reduction on its current average emissions for new vehicles of 135.5g/km, which sits fractionally below the E.U. average of 136.1 g/km in 2011.
VW said that under the new plan it wants every new model generation to be on average 10 to 15 percent more efficient than its predecessor, while emissions will also be cut from both production processes and manufacturing plants.
As part of the announcement the company unveiled a new €600 million (almost US$790 million) investment designed to expand its use of renewable energies such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, in order to achieve a 40 percent reduction in emissions from energy supplies by the end of the decade.
Plants will also aim to reduce water and energy consumption, as well as overall emissions, by a quarter over the next six years." [Read more]
Family values: Volkswagen Passat named top family car
"At Volkswagen, we’re all about family. Sure, our cars are fun to drive, but safety for all is a top priority for us, especially when it comes to our families, the most precious cargo of all. That’s why we were so flattered when Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com announced its picks for the 10 Best Family Cars of 2012—with our very own 2012 Volkswagen Passat taking the number one spot.
Vehicles were selected on a number of criteria, including safety (for which the Passat has already won an award), comfort (we’re not bragging, but the Passat does offer class-leading rear-seat legroom and automatic dual-zone climate control), and child-friendliness (did we mention that we love kids?).
Another important criterion is Total Cost of Ownership, which looks at a variety of factors like expected fuel costs. With a TDI Clean Diesel option that gets an estimated 43 MPG and can go up to 795 miles before refueling, the Passat got top marks in this category. With fuel prices on the rise, families are looking for value in a vehicle. And speaking of value, Passat models start at only $19,995. That’s a lower starting price than previous models, even though the 2012 model is roomier than its predecessors.
A factor that certainly didn’t hurt the 2012 Passat in the rankings is that it’s built at our LEED Platinum manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In addition to being one of the world’s most advanced and energy-efficient assembly plants, the facility also created more than 12,500 new jobs in the Chattanooga area, a huge boon to American families." [Read more]
Volkswagen says earnings more than doubled in 2011 to $20.5 billion, revenue up by a quarter
"Automaker Volkswagen AG said Friday that its net earnings more than doubled last year as revenues grew by more than a quarter and the company benefited from accounting factors related to its stalled takeover of Porsche.
Volkswagen earned €15.41 billion ($20.5 billion) in 2011, according to a preliminary earnings statement, up from €6.84 billion the previous year and better than analyst expectations for €13.9 billion.
The company, which is to release its full earnings report on March 12, gave no fourth-quarter figures.
Revenues rose 26 percent to €159.3 billion from €126.9 billion in 2010, again above market forecasts for €156.2 billion as polled by FactSet.
Volkswagen sold nearly 8.27 million vehicles last year, a 14.7 percent rise from the previous year’s figure of 7.2 million and putting it ahead of Japan’s Toyota.
The company said that its pre-tax profit for 2011 soared to €18.93 billion from €8.99 billion the previous year. It credited “positive effects from equity-accounted investments” and from its revaluation of put and call rights related to Porsche.
The takeover of Porsche has been stalled by legal issues, although the companies already cooperate extensively.
Volkswagen already had announced a large accounting addition from revaluing options when it released its third-quarter results, saying at the time that the move added €6.8 billion to its results.
The company said Friday that it was proposing an increase in the dividend on ordinary shares to €3.00 from the previous year’s €2.20, and on preferred shares to €3.06 from €2.26.
Operating profit for the full year, which does not include those one-time effects, was up to €11.27 billion from €7.1 billion a year earlier, just short of the €11.5 billion analysts had forecast." [Read more]
Volkswagen earned €15.41 billion ($20.5 billion) in 2011, according to a preliminary earnings statement, up from €6.84 billion the previous year and better than analyst expectations for €13.9 billion.
The company, which is to release its full earnings report on March 12, gave no fourth-quarter figures.
Revenues rose 26 percent to €159.3 billion from €126.9 billion in 2010, again above market forecasts for €156.2 billion as polled by FactSet.
Volkswagen sold nearly 8.27 million vehicles last year, a 14.7 percent rise from the previous year’s figure of 7.2 million and putting it ahead of Japan’s Toyota.
The company said that its pre-tax profit for 2011 soared to €18.93 billion from €8.99 billion the previous year. It credited “positive effects from equity-accounted investments” and from its revaluation of put and call rights related to Porsche.
The takeover of Porsche has been stalled by legal issues, although the companies already cooperate extensively.
Volkswagen already had announced a large accounting addition from revaluing options when it released its third-quarter results, saying at the time that the move added €6.8 billion to its results.
The company said Friday that it was proposing an increase in the dividend on ordinary shares to €3.00 from the previous year’s €2.20, and on preferred shares to €3.06 from €2.26.
Operating profit for the full year, which does not include those one-time effects, was up to €11.27 billion from €7.1 billion a year earlier, just short of the €11.5 billion analysts had forecast." [Read more]
Volkswagen joins Sea Otter Classic as Title Sponsor
"North America's largest cycling festival has a new partner for 2012, as automaker Volkswagen of America, Inc. joins the Sea Otter Classic as the title sponsor. The event, which takes place April 19-22 at Laguna Seca Recreation Area near Monterey, Calif., is now the Volkswagen Sea Otter Classic Powered by SRAM.
"It's an incredible opportunity for Sea Otter to welcome one of the most recognizable brands in the world to the event," said Frank Yohannan, president and CEO, Sea Otter Classic. "This partnership speaks volumes about Volkswagen's commitment to our sport and the culture of cycling. And as a corporate leader in promoting safe cycling, Volkswagen is the perfect partner for Sea Otter racers, riders, and fans."
A new title sponsor is the latest in a series of updates for the iconic festival. These include the introduction of cyclocross racing, an expanded kids riding area, an invitational downhill skateboarding exhibition, and enhanced outreach for female cyclists." [Read more]
VW Aims to Start Selling Golf Plug-In Hybrid in 2015
"Volkswagen, a German automobile manufacturer is the biggest-selling brand of the Volkswagen Group, which at preset also owns Audi, Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini. The latest news regarding the car maker is that the firm will begin to sell a plug-in hybrid-electric (PHEV) version of the Volkswagen Golf in 2015. It is estimated that the car will be able to go as far as 30 miles in electric-only mode which is considered to be the major attraction of this new version.
The Golf PHEV features a unique power train architecture which integrates elements of both series and parallel hybrid configurations. The new sedan will likely pair a 1.4-liter turbocharged gas engine along with a 107-horsepower electric motor. The German automaker aims to show off the concept of a Golf PHEV vehicle at the Paris Motor Show this September, according to the reports in the website. UK-based AutoExpress website cites a review on PlugIn cars saying that the prototype that the German automaker designs was “very impressive” as they spotted it in a test drive.
Volkswagen, last July, publicized a station-wagon prototype of the Golf “Twin Drive” PHEV. That coupe too paired a 1.4-liter gas engine along with an electric motor that provided 161 horsepower as well as 35 miles of electric-only range and more than 550 miles of range on a full tank which was widely approved by the car aficionados. The company estimated the prototype’s fuel economy at 112 miles per gallon-equivalent and planned at the same time to make 20 Golf Twin Drive vehicles for testing." [Read more]
Volkswagen Sponsors The Museum of Modern Art's Presentation of Eight-Night Live Performance Exhibition
" Volkswagen Group of America today announced it will sponsor The Museum of Modern Art's eight-night live performance exhibition, featuring 3-D visualization and a selection of original compositions by electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk. The sponsorship of Kraftwerk – Retrospective 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8, is part of a multi-year partnership between Volkswagen, MoMA and MoMA PS1 that began in May 2011 to foster and inspire innovative thinking through important exhibitions and education programs.
The performances will take place in MoMA's Donald B. and Catherine C. Marron Atrium, from April 10 –17, 2012. Each of the eight consecutive evening performances will feature one of Kraftwerk's eight albums, showcasing the group's historical contributions and contemporary influences on sound and image culture. The albums will be performed in chronological order: Autobahn (1974), Radio-Activity (1975), Trans Europe Express (1977), The Man-Machine (1978), Computer World (1981), Techno Pop (1986), The Mix (1991) and Tour de France (2003).
Organized by Klaus Biesenbach, director, MoMA PS1, and chief curator at large, MoMA, with the assistance of Eliza Ryan, curatorial assistant, MoMA PS1, the exhibition will mark the museum's first ever live, time-based retrospective." [Read more]
The performances will take place in MoMA's Donald B. and Catherine C. Marron Atrium, from April 10 –17, 2012. Each of the eight consecutive evening performances will feature one of Kraftwerk's eight albums, showcasing the group's historical contributions and contemporary influences on sound and image culture. The albums will be performed in chronological order: Autobahn (1974), Radio-Activity (1975), Trans Europe Express (1977), The Man-Machine (1978), Computer World (1981), Techno Pop (1986), The Mix (1991) and Tour de France (2003).
Organized by Klaus Biesenbach, director, MoMA PS1, and chief curator at large, MoMA, with the assistance of Eliza Ryan, curatorial assistant, MoMA PS1, the exhibition will mark the museum's first ever live, time-based retrospective." [Read more]
Volkswagen targets 100 production plants by 2018
"The head of production at Volkswagen Group says the automotive giant will have 100 vehicle production plants around the world by 2018 and is targeting an annual capacity of 10 million vehicles.
Volkswagen’s takeover of German truck manufacturer MAN, which has 31 production plants, pushed its initial projection from 70 factories by 2018 to 100.
The group is currently building three new production plants in China, the manufacturer’s largest market in the world. It is also looking closely at Malaysia to expand its Southeast Asia operations, and is examining the potential for an Audi plant in Mexico to strengthen its North American presence." [Read more]
Now available in (Think) Blue: VW reveals the Beetle TDI Clean Diesel at the Chicago Auto Show
"The Volkswagen Beetle is known for inducing smiles, and the latest addition to the Beetle family is no exception. Today at the Chicago Auto Show Volkswagen announced that a TDI Clean Diesel model of the 2013 Beetle will be available this summer.
The 2013 Beetle TDI is the first TDI Clean Diesel Beetle we’ve offered since 2006, but we think you’ll agree that it was worth the wait. It’s the most fuel-efficient Beetle yet, with a predicted fuel economy of 29 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. Besides its excellent efficiency, what sets this model apart is what’s under the hood.
The Beetle TDI makes the most of Volkswagen’s innovative 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection Clean Diesel engine, which puts out 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. That’s great news for your right foot, because all that extra torque equals substantially more responsive driving.
We don’t use the term “Clean Diesel” lightly. Like our other TDI models, the Beetle TDI features an exhaust system with a particulate filter and no less than three catalytic converters: one for oxidation, one for oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and one for hydrogen sulfide. For those of you who aren’t chemistry majors, that means that engine emissions are reduced. For that, we can all breathe easier.
The Beetle TDI will be available in three trim levels, including a TDI with Sunroof and a TDI with Sunroof, Sound, and Navigation. All three levels are very nicely equipped, with standard features like power windows with one-touch up/down; cruise control; V-Tex Leatherette seating; the Kaeferfach secondary glove box; Bluetooth®; a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with audio controls; three auxiliary gauges; Keyless entry with push-button start; and a Media Device Interface with iPod® cable."[Read more]
Volkswagen Begins Building Cars in US
"The new Volkswagen Passat seems very European. It has subtle styling, firm seats, taut steering and suspension - all quite German.
But this VW isn't built in Germany. It's built in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Volkswagen has joined countless other international automakers and started building cars in the U.S.
VW will add 200 jobs at its plant.
Aimed to better compete with mid-size sedans like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, this latest Passat is more American-sized. There's lots of room in the seats and the trunk is huge. Options include a sound system by a very American name in music: Fender.
The Passat's base price is $19,995. Higher-end versions get fake wood trim that seems right out of Detroit, though perhaps from another era.
This actually isn't the first time Volkswagen has operated a plant in the U.S. An ill-fated effort decades ago in Pennsylvania resulted in the factory closing down after 10 years.
This is Volkswagen's new plant in Tennessee is a state-of-the-art green facility. Modern manufacturing standards mean that, in theory, quality control here is as good as in Germany.
Other German brands have already shown that it can be done successfully. If you drive a Mercedes-Benz ML Series, it was made in Alabama.
BMW builds every one of its X3, X5 and X6 crossovers in South Carolina, no matter where in the world they're sold."[Read more]
2012 Volkswagen Beetle TDI: Oil-Burning Bug to Have Debut at Chicago Auto Show
The Beetle TDI is powered by the same 2-liter turbodiesel currently available in the Jetta, Golf and Passat, rated at 140 horsepower. Low-speed torque is abundant, with 236 pound-feet available at less than 2,000 r.p.m. Volkswagen projects fuel economy of 29 miles per gallon in city and 39 m.p.g. in highway driving. Such numbers, though competitive with compact models like the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra and Chevrolet Sonic, would not make the vehicle a contender for the small-car economy crown, let alone among the other diesel models produced by VW.
Volkswagen did not offer projected sales figures for the TDI, but Corey Proffitt, a spokesman for VW, said in a telephone interview that the model was expected to account for a similar portion of total Beetle sales as the Passat TDI does for overall Passat sales, about 20 percent.
Pricing has not been announced, but Volkswagen’s other diesel models command a premium of roughly $4,500-$6,000 over their gasoline-burning equivalents. Should the same hold true for the Beetle TDI, a sticker topping $25,000 would be likely.
Like most modern oil burners, the Volkswagen engine relies on direct-injection and turbocharging to generate power far in excess of the normally aspirated diesels of yesteryear. An iron cylinder block, forged-steel crankshaft and piston oil cooling help manage the high cylinder pressure and combustion temperature inherent to diesels.
To meet the stringent nitrogen oxides emission standards of the United States, the engine utilizes an exhaust after-treatment system consisting of three catalytic converters and a particulate filter. The need for after treatment and stout underpinnings contribute to the premium price typically commanded by diesel-powered automobiles in America." [Read more]
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