Volkswagen may bring new VW Microbus to U.S.

"Volkswagen AG, Europe's biggest carmaker, may bring the new version of its iconic VW Microbus to the U.S. as it aims to boost sales of VWs and Audis to 1 million in the nation by 2018.

"If that could come into the market at some point in the future, that would be great," Jonathan Browning, VW's U.S. chief executive officer, said Thursday in an interview at the auto show in Washington. There is as yet no plan to bring it to the U.S., or a mid-priced sport-utility vehicle he said he'd also like to import.

Volkswagen, which has its U.S. headquarters in Herndon, Va., introduced a Bulli electric concept vehicle last year.

"Our first focus is very much making sure we expand the footprint of the existing products," said Browning, who said there is a "high probability" of the company making its 500,000-vehicle sales target in the U.S. this year. "We're growing the business with Passat right now."

The carmaker sold 444,178 vehicles in the U.S. last year, up 23 percent from 2010, according to Autodata Corp., the industry researcher based in Woodcliff, N.J." [Continue reading...]

VW Unveils E-Bugster Concept Car at the Detroit Auto Show

 
"Volkswagen rolled into the Motor City with something a little different this year—think of it as a time machine in the guise of a car. Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show, it’s a little something we call the E-Bugster, and it’s the latest addition to our Blue-e-motion™ line of concept cars. While its design lines hearken back to the classic Beetle era, it takes a future-forward leap with an all-electric motor and pumped-up, speedster styling.

At the heart of the E-Bugster is a 114-horsepower (85 kW) electric motor and a lithium-ion battery that enables the car to go more than 100 miles with zero emissions. Stored under the trunk floor and the rear bench, the battery weighs a mere 695 pounds—pretty light, considering all the power it’s producing. The battery is recharged via a plug interface located beneath the hood’s VW logo and can accommodate all three types of available chargers: Level 1 (120V), Level 2 (240V) and, where available, Level 3 (quick charge; 80 percent charge in 30 minutes).

Up front, the E-Bugster boasts a distinctive flat, wide. The E-Bugster features the same “C”-shaped LED daytime running lights offered on the production Beetle, mirrored as reflectors in the rear bumper. The front end is arched and stretched, like a chopped-down speedster; it’s three inches shorter than the production Beetle." [Continue reading...]

Volkswagen at the Detroit Auto Show

 
The North American International Auto Show, affectionately known as the Detroit Auto Show, has been showcasing the best that the automotive world has to offer for more than 100 years. [Editor's note: They don't look a day over 40.] The show officially opens to the public on Saturday, January 14th, and if you make it out to the Motor City, be sure to drop by our booth and check out a few of the latest cars and technologies that Volkswagen has to offer. 

VW Jetta Hybrid
The all-new Jetta Hybrid debuted during press days and is located on the main stage at the Volkswagen booth. Unlike other Jetta models, the Jetta Hybrid is powered by a high-tech turbocharged gasoline engine that is paired with a zero-emissions electric motor. It can also be driven in pure electric mode at speeds of up to 44 mph and for up to 1.2 miles, depending on operating conditions. It’s the world’s first hybrid to feature a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and it has a class-leading 0-60 mph time of less than 9.0 seconds. Sure, it’s a hybrid, but it’s safe to say that this is not a typical hybrid. The Jetta Hybrid launches in North America in late 2012, so don’t miss your chance to see it now. [Continue reading...]

The 2012 Volkswagen Golf’s interior comfort is among the best in its class Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/cars/2012+Volkswagen+Golf+interior+comfort+among+best+class/5991509/story.html#ixzz1jMZU4ZSV

The 2012 Volkswagen Golf, a compact hatchback, has a base price of $21,475 and is powered by a 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 177 foot-pounds of torque. An optional 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI diesel engine makes 140 hp and a generous 236 ft-lbs of torque.

"Selling a competitive small car is a difficult task these days, with brands like Hyundai and Kia upping their quality game while keeping prices down. The result is that more established carmakers – Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen, for examples – have had to work hard in the last few years to either try to price-match those thrifty Koreans, or continue to give buyers a reason to continue to spend more money for their products instead.

It’s an especially interesting situation for Volkswagen, whose Golf hatchback and Jetta sedan are among the most expensive small cars your cash can buy. One of Volkswagen’s trump cards is its diesel engine, marketed as TDI (short for Turbo Direct Injection), which in its current form is one of the most powerful and fuel-efficient motors available in a compact car."  [Continue reading...]

Volkswagen unveils hybrid version of top-selling Jetta at Detroit auto show

"Volkswagen AG on Monday showed off a new hybrid version of its Jetta sedan, designed with the U.S. market in mind and offering an estimated combined 45 mpg.

The hybrid Jetta, which will go on sale in North America before the end of the year, is a key part of Volkswagen’s plan to boost its U.S. sales, company officials told reporters at the North American International Auto Show press days in Detroit. Its North American sales rose 26 percent last year.

The new Jetta is the German automaker’s second hybrid model. It already makes a hybrid version of its Touareg SUV."  [Continue reading...]

Volkswagen unveils Jetta Hybrid, E-Bugster electric vehicle

onathan Browning, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, introduces the 2013 Jetta at the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center in Detroit, Monday, Jan 9, 2012.

"Volkswagen brought all of its board members and CEO Martin Winkertorn to Detroit to reveal two vehicles today: The 2013 Jetta Hybrid and the pure electric E-Bugster.


The Jetta Hybrid will be launched in the U.S. at the end of 2012 while the Bugster – a version of the Beetle with a lower roof – is a pure electric car. It has a 114-horsepower electric motor and a 100-mile range. Both were revealed today at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit."

012 Volkswagen Tiguan Highline Review

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Highline rear 3/4 view

"You’re all set. You got the spouse and the kid loaded and ready to go. The family vehicle is a brand new, right-sized 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. When you started off shopping for a new, more versatile car, you researched and inspected all the usual crossover suspects, namely the Toyota RAV4, Honda CRV, and Ford Escape. In the end, why the Tiguan?

Because you enjoy driving, first and foremost. There's nothing wrong with that. Too often, this critical element is ignored for other considerations such as fuel economy. Because you’ve done your homework, you are well aware that the Tiguan features one of the best 4-cylinder engines around."  [Continue reading...]