Volkswagen Blog
EU grants Porsche permission to purchase VWFiled under: Euro, Government/Legal, Porsche, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials 
Porsche is one step closer to its goal of purchasing Volkswagen. Back in April of last year, the German automaker passed the 30-percent mark, forcing it to make an outright offer for The Volkswagen Group in its entirety, which it did. Not too many VW shareholders sold their stake to Porsche, as the bid was for the bare minimum amount allowed by law. Still, the legal requirement had been met, allowing Porsche to continue gobbling up the automaker according to its own timetable. Earlier this year, the VeeDub board approved a request by Porsche to obtain 51-percent of the company for some $15.73 billion, which would give it a majority stake. Before the house that Ferdinand built could complete its acquisition, the European Commission required it to make one last purchase, which took place in June of this year. Finally, the EU has granted its permission for the buyout.
This story is likely far from over, as the German State of Lower Saxony still claims a 20-percent stake in Volkswagen, which gives it certain rights to block decisions made by VW's new parents. Still, it seems that its only a matter of time before VW and Porsche are united under a different Ferdinand... Piech that is, grandson to Mr. Porsche himself.
[Source: Reuters] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Volkswagen considering price hikeFiled under: Euro, Volkswagen  Volkswagen is making money hand over fist right now thanks to cost cutting measures and increased global sales, and the German automaker wants to keep the good times rolling. High commodity prices for items like steel, aluminum and rubber are beginning to eat away at VW's cash horde, so the German automaker may hike the prices of its vehicles. VW marketing chief Detlef Wittig told reporters that he feels automakers are afraid to raise prices in such a competitive sales environment, and that the company was monitoring the situation closely. While VW may not be afraid to pull the trigger on price hikes, it likely still won't ask customers to pony up the entire amount for high commodities. A lot will depend on whether VW's many competitors also jack up MSRPs, and by how much.
It seems as though most automakers here in the States have either announced price hikes or are "thinking about doing it." The market is even more competitive in Europe, so such a decision isn't as easy. Wittig expects several automakers to raise prices in the second half of the year.
[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd)] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
More details on VW's design renaissanceFiled under: Euro, Volkswagen 
It seems Volkswagen has breathed a collective "Oops!", and is now working to turn its design ship around. VW was known for neat, differentiated designs with great interior details. While this stayed true in some parts of the world, in the U.S., Volkswagen design turned into chrome shield grilles fronting identical bodies in various sizes.
When Martin Winterkorn was lured back from academia, "he looked at Volkswagen's upcoming designs and binned the lot." Audi's design chief was brought in. VW started over on the Golf, which will be coming out later this year. The Polo redesign was taken up again from scratch. The Up! "was not fully thought through as a concept," and is getting a workover.
VW's new language is said to be about "simplicity," "a confident identity," "crisply-detailed functionality," and cars that aren't "over-designed." The chrome shield is gone (thank goodness) and headlights that wrap around to the front wheel arches have also been sent packing, "because that's not what a headlight is for." Stay tuned for more horizontals, as seen on the Scirocco -- and here (so much for no more chrome) -- and hopefully a slew of compelling shapes.
[Source: Evo] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Volkswagen unveiling two-door Elise fighter in LA, new sports carFiled under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen 
Click either image for a high-res gallery.
Over the past five years, Volkswagen has continued to tease us with sports car concepts that never seem to come to fruition. Back in 2003, VW unveiled the Concept R in Frankfurt to critical acclaim and two years later, the wraps came off the EcoRacer, proving that the automaker was still kicking around the idea of a lightweight, affordable roadster for the masses.
In the interim, VW had two similar concepts that never left the studio, but when the Los Angeles Auto Show rolls along later this year, a new mid-engine coupe will be revealed, and this one actually has a shot at production.
 According to Autocar, this newest concept aims to be a budget alternative to the Lotus Elise, balancing performance and fuel economy in a low-cost package. Sources suggest that the coupe will feature either a 168 hp, 1.4-liter TSI gasoline engine or a 125 hp, 1.6-liter TDI mounted amidships and sending power to the rear wheels via a seven speed DSG gearbox. If and when the production version debuts in 2011, the coupe's curb weight is pegged at just over 2,200 pounds, allowing it to run to 60 in under seven seconds while still returning over 55 mpg.
If the project is given the green light, the same architecture that underpins the VW variant could form he basis for the oft-rumored and continually denied Audi R4. And with Porsche's stake in V-Dub, that means a 914 successor is just a badge and prayer away.
[Source: Autocar] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
VW swabs deck with Touareg "North Sails" design studyFiled under: Concept Cars, Etc., Euro, Volkswagen 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the VW Touareg North Sails
Volkswagen has treaded carefully down the path first blazed by the largely ignored Mercury Villager Nautica with a sailing-themed Touareg concept that has debuted at the famous Travemünder Woche, which we're told is the second largest annual race week for sailing in Germany. Teaming up with a company called North Sails, which actually sells boat sails unlike Mercury's branding partner, Nautica, which sells polo shirts, VW has added a new ground effects kit, a yellow rub strip, watery-blue reflectors, and 19-inch wheels. Stepping aboard, occupants will find a cabin decked out with teak flooring, LED lighting accents, white leather seats with aquamarine stitching, and an alcantara headliner. We think we've seen that window tint color on our beloved Matchbox SuperFast cars from the early 1980s, too. North Sails branding shows up in the form of logos on the B-pillar and stainless steel sill plates. The instrument panel gets a compass, and there's also a pair of binoculars in the center console so you can make sure that it's your team rounding the pin and raising the chute for the long run to the finish line. Once docked, there's even a North Sails bicycle so you can cruise the marina in style. Spiffy, but we doubt it'd float, unlike the original Beetle.
[Source: World Car Fans] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
eBay find of the day: BTTF SriLoreanFiled under: Aftermarket, Time Warp, Auction Action, Etc., Volkswagen 
The seller states he's not really sure what this car is worth. Here's our estimate: it's worth even less than a regular '89 Scirocco with 123,000 miles. Why? Because it's been molested into a Delorean imposter. Not just any Delorean, either, but the Back To The Future Delorean, which so many people feel compelled to recreate as a rolling manifestation of their overdeveloped love for a movie prop. Don't get us wrong, the BTTF DMC's masterful design has had astounding resonance with the public, becoming a real icon of its time. It's just that while the original design by Andrew Probert and Ron Cobb was something new, rehashing it endlessly for twenty-five years has gotten tiresome.
With that out of our system, let's go on to say that the seller has a sense of humor about this car. It was used to promote a primary school play, +1 for kickin' it with the kiddies, and there's obviously a lot of effort here. It's also heartwarming that the mods were perpetrated on a somewhat more common Scirocco, versus a rarer Delorean. The Flux capacitor and time circuits have not been tested, according to the seller, so caveat emptor. If it actually works, we'd love to go back and whisper in VW's ear to build more Sciroccos, and do likewise with Johnny Z, too. Bids currently stand at £156 with the reserve not met, so you're not yet OUTATIME. Thanks for the tip, Tim!
[Source: eBay] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Volkswagen considering offering Polo in U.S. marketFiled under: Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchbacks, Volkswagen 
The Rabbit is currently the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered vehicle in Volkswagen's U.S. fleet, getting around 26 mpg on the EPA's combined city/highway cycle. But V-Dub wants something better for the U.S. market. Speaking with Bloomberg, VW CEO, Stefan Jacoby revealed that the automaker is considering bringing a subcompact vehicle, similar to the Polo, to the U.S.
With the Toyota Yaris rated at 32 mpg and the Honda Fit coming in at 31 mpg (combined city/highway), Volkswagen is hoping to meet or exceed the competition. While it's unlikely we'll see the current Polo on U.S. shores anytime soon, it's expected that the next generation will be available in the States in 2010 when the new Jetta is released, followed by a new midsize sedan that will replace the Passat.
The additions and revisions to VW's product line is an effort by the automaker to boost U.S. sales to 800,000 units by 2018, nearly tripling the 230,571 vehicles it sold in 2007. VW is also looking to build a new engine plant in Mexico, along with its recently announced Tennessee plant.
[Source: Bloomberg] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
VW up! could be switched to FWDFiled under: Economy, Hatchbacks, Volkswagen 
Volkswagen is working hard to make the up! a reality, but the technological challenges of a rear engine, RWD car are proving to be more daunting than expected. The VW engineering team is reportedly having trouble conjuring up a low cost rear-engine layout. The problem has been trying to accommodate a radiator in the up!'s nose and transferring coolant through the car. Early up! prototypes are also having a difficult time with cross-wind stability due to the unbalanced heft of its rear drive/rear engine layout. To correct these issues, some styling changes may be necessary, but if the basic shape of the up! is compromised, the German automaker may have to look at front wheel drive as an option. In spite of any problems engineers are having, VW executives are confident any difficulties will be overcome.
We're hoping that means we can still expect the inexpensive hatch to be pushed via the rear wheels just like the original Bug. Then again, the Mini has proved that small cars can be fun and driven by the front wheels, and as long as the up! is cheap, efficient, and adorable, there will be plenty of buyers.
[Source: Autocar] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Volkswagen announces plans for factory in Chattanooga, Tenn.Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen  Volkswagen announced this morning that it would build a manufacturing plant in Chattanooga, Tenn. where it will build a vehicle specifically for the North American market. The plant will employ 2,000 workers from the tri-state area and is expected to invest $1 billion in the local economy.
The plant is an integral part of Volkswagen's plan for expansion in the N.A. market, with sales expected to crest 800,000 units by 2018. The 1,350-acre site will produce 150,000 vehicles annually - specifically a midsize sedan - in 2011.
Make the jump for the full press release.Continue reading Volkswagen announces plans for factory in Chattanooga, Tenn. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Jetta TDI = hotcakes, Tiguan, not so muchFiled under: Car Buying, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Volkswagen  Despite the fact that Volkswagen's 2009 Jetta TDI sedan and Sportwagen cost more and have yet to get here, plus fuel prices in the five-dollar range, customer desire for the sparkless VeeDubs is running high. Perhaps buyers don't realize that these ain't the old Rabbit rattlers that cost three cents to run and would rack up a billion miles with five tanks of fuel. TDI maintenance costs are not insignificant, but the allure of inherent efficiency has folks putting their money where their mouths are and some dealers have sold out before even taking delivery. All in all, an auspicious start for the latest TDI Jetta.
Not faring as well is the Tiguan, VW's smallest 'ute. While we find the Tiguan delightful to drive and well executed besides the smallish cargo area (Jetta Wagon FTW), the launch hasn't gone as swimmingly as Wolfsburg had hoped. Maybe the TDI powertrain could add some sales sparkle to the Tiguan. It would fit, being on basically the same platform as the Golf.
[Source: Automotive News] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Next Volkswagen Passat could be built StatesideFiled under: Sedans/Saloons, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchbacks, Volkswagen  Following-up on last week's announcement that Volkswagen was looking at Alabama for a new manufacturing facility, the German automaker's management board is expected to make their final recommendation today. Following that announcement, Volkswagen's supervisory board, headed by former VW group CEO Ferdinand Piech, will make its decision by tomorrow. Whether Huntsville, Alabama, or second-choice Chattanooga, Tennessee, gets the nod, the move is key for Volkswagen as they attempt to increase sales in the United States with more targeted, and lower priced, vehicles. In addition to the Volkswagen Jetta (itself being redesigned to better compete with the Honda Civic) the new facility will produce an all-new Passat-sized sedan with a base price of about $20,000. Larger, in order to compete with the Toyota Camry, the new sedan would undercut the current Volkswagen Passat's pricing by about $5,000--a significant margin. The plant would open in late 2010 with an annual production capacity of nearly 250,000 vehicles.
[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd] Permalink | Email this | Comments
New VW Beetle could be North America's up! variant?Filed under: Coupes, Economy, Green, Volkswagen 
The VW Beetle is a cult favorite here in the States, but in Germany, it's not so well loved. That could be part of the reason why Volkswagen has been slow to produce a successor to the new Beetle, but word from Motor Trend is that two models could be coming shortly. The first Beetle will be based off the Gen-VI Golf and will hit production in 2010 or 2011.
Word out of Wolfsburg is that a second Beetle could be on the way as well, but this one would be based off the up! minicar. That would give VW a sub-brand Beetle lineup, kind of like what Toyota has with Scion, but with an eye on MINI buyers. The smaller up!-based Beetle would also be more true to the original Bug, which was a cheap and efficient "People's Car" with the engine out back (supposedly). Quality problems and a weak dollar have lead VW to struggle in the U.S. over the past few years, but an inexpensive, reliable car with top-notch fuel economy would go a long way toward reversing that trend.
[Source: Motor Trend] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
VW 9.150 ECE armored robot bulldog...er...truckFiled under: Etc., Commercial Trucks, Volkswagen 
Click above for 16 high-res images of the 9.150 ECE.
Volkswagen Brasil's commercial arm released the 9.150 ECE armored truck back in February of this year, but it's been off of everyone's radar until today, when photos began making the internet rounds. Looking like a giant, wheeled metallic bulldog that could transform into a giant talking robot at any moment, the 9.150 ECE is powered by a 4750cc inline four-cylinder turbodiesel mated to a five-speed transmission. Power is a modest 150 horses, but peak torque is a stout 405 lb.-ft., delivered between 1,600 and 2,000 rpm. It clearly needs that low-end grunt to haul a full payload of duckets. We call for VW to import a civilian version to North America posthaste. After all, the civilian-trim Chevy Kodiak, International CXT, GMC TopKick and Ford F-650 could use a little competition. How do you say "Das Auto" in Portuguese?
[Source: VW Brasil] Permalink | Email this | Comments
Volkswagen releases three concepts... from 2028Filed under: Concept Cars, Time Warp, Green, Volkswagen 
Click the above image of the Ego for more shots of VW's 2028 concepts
For years, Inquiring minds have been imagining what the world will look like in the not-too-distant future, and, as you're no doubt aware, our brains have a knack for envisioning more than our feeble hands can produce. That appears to be the case with Volkswagen and its look 20 years into the future of the automobile. So, with that in mind, what does VeeDub see as the future of transportation in twenty years? To begin with, customizable cars which can be summoned up in just minutes. Traveling alone? Choose the One, a single-seater, for the smallest footprint possible. Want to have some fun? Choose the aptly named Ego, a sporty two passenger coupe with an instant custom flame job. If you need to haul the whole clan, the future's family truckster VW Room needs no driver, leaving you with plenty of quality time with the kids.
Volkswagen envisions vehicles which communicate with each other, meaning that driver involvement is kept to a minimum, traffic is a thing of the past and accidents are completely avoided. Of course, no vision of the future would be complete without the elimination of fossil fuels, and VW sees to it that biofuels and electricity power the cars of the future. Interestingly, the not-so-futuristic up! concept is used as the starting point for the German automaker's future designs. Head on over to the micro-site for more.
[Source: Volkswagen 2028] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Volkswagen looking at Alabama for new plantFiled under: Sedans/Saloons, Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen Volkswagen's management will meet tomorrow to refine plans to expand automobile production into the United States. While a final recommendation isn't expected until July 15, Alabama appears to be the front runner (over second-choice Tennessee) to receive the $788 million plant that will initially build the Volkswagen Jetta sedan and an all-new Passat-sized sedan. VW is also rumored to be considering production of a long-wheelbase version of the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Audi's Q5 on our shores. Volkswagen isn't the only German automaker to announce manufacturing expansion in the United States this year. The falling value of the dollar has also encouraged BMW to increase U.S. production in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd] Permalink | Email this | Comments
Volkswagen kills plan for pickup in EuropeFiled under: Trucks/Pickups, Euro, Volkswagen  High oil prices have snuffed out Volkswagen's plans to build a European-market pickup truck. The vast and versatile loading area of a pickup, while a selling point in the US, is seen by VW as a sales liability on Euro soil. The vehicle's sales potential didn't stand up to analysis by the automaker, which cited oil prices as the culprit for shifting market desires. The Volkswagen Robust is still underway, with the program ramping up to churn 90,000 pickups out of VW's Pacheco, Argentina plant starting in 2009. It looks like Europe will still be graced with funky working vehicles that take the place of our pickups - vive la difference!
[Source: Forbes]
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Forbes lists top 10 family carsFiled under: Car Buying, Convertibles, Minivans/MPVs, Wagons/Estates, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks, Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, Carsumer Advocacy 
As the self-appointed family car reviewer for Autoblog, I have some opinions on the topic. If money were no object, my nomination for the ultimate family car would be split between the Mercedes-Benz R-Class and the BMW 5 Series wagon. But the R-Class entry price is $42k, and the Bimmer's is close to $50k -- not exactly family-friendly.
Forbes Magazine, however, is a bit more realistic in its quest for the perfect family car, and considers price a deciding factor, like the majority of families. I agree with its Compact Car pick. The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit is a good deal for your $16k entry price (though Forbes says $19k). On paper, its 15 cu. ft. of cargo space doesn't sound like much, but in reality, it's bigger than it sounds. The Rabbit also averages about 25 mpg, and these days, that's a big deal.
Still, there are some Forbes picks I just don't agree with. For example, the mag selects the Saab 9-3 Sport Combi as best wagon. Really? I admit I've never driven one, but I'm just wondering where the new Jetta Sportwagen placed. (I just stepped out of reviewing one for a week.) Forbes cites the Saab's maximum 72.3 cu. ft of cargo space as a big factor. But it only bests the VeeDub's by 5.4 cu. ft. And while the VW gives up 110 horses to the Saab's 280, but the VW gets, on average, 24 mpg to the Saab's 18. Oh, and the Saab requires premium fuel. I guess the question is this: Do you want to drag race your wagon or save money? My family will take the cash, please.Continue reading Forbes lists top 10 family cars Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
VW 1-liter eco-friendly car set to make a returnFiled under: Concept Cars, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Volkswagen 
Click above for more shots of the VW One-Liter concept car
A few years back, Volkswagen introduced a concept vehicle which derived its name from its stated goal of using just one liter of fuel per one-hundred kilometers traveled, and according to CAR production version may be on the way in 2010. The original concept actually beat its lofty goal rather handily as it managed to achieve a miserly 282 miles per gallon in testing. Much of its amazing fuel-saving capability stemmed from its 660 pounds (300 kilograms) curb weight. The concept also featured a single cylinder engine and a 1+1 seating arrangement down the center of the car. While the engine is likely to be replaced by a twin-cylinder turbodiesel with hybrid drive, the carbon fiber construction and canopy-style roof are likely headed for production.
As you'd expect, such technology and carbon-heavy construction isn't going to come cheap. To offset part of the cost, the automaker is surely looking for some government assistance for purchasers of the limited edition machine, though it could still be sold at a loss. Safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control aren't lacking, but convenience items like air conditioning may be optional. In that case, we'd recommend being really comfortable with your passengers in the rather close-knit quarters.
[Source: CAR] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Next Volkswagen Polo could get the Scirocco treatmentFiled under: Euro, Hatchbacks, Volkswagen 
As reported previously, Volkswagen is about to undergo a design renaissance that puts a premium on simplicity, style and, apparently, more Scirocco design cues. According to AutoExpress, the first model to benefit from Walter Da'Silva's new dictum is the 5th generation Polo, which is expected to go on sale sometime next year sporting a new front end inspired by the recently released Scirocco.
The new model is based off the PQ25 small car platform that currently underpins the SEAT Ibiza. As such, the dimensions will remain, but the interior will be larger and will include upmarket materials, soft-touch surfaces, a Scirocco-inspired dash, MP3 inputs, Bluetooth connectivity and the possibility of a sat-nav docking station that allows portable units to be removed on the go.
A range of gasoline and diesel mills, including 1.4- and 1.6-liter FSI fours, a supercharged, 138 hp 1.4-liter and a 168 hp GTI version, will provide motivation and all models will have the option of being fitted with VW's new seven-speed DSG. Expect three- and five-door models to be released at launch and then joined by a coupe-cabrio version sometime in 2010.
[Source: AutoExpress] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
VW CrossPolo successor to get AWDFiled under: Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks, Volkswagen 
There are some vehicles which mainstream automakers sell overseas that we wish we could get in the United States. Faux-offroaders like the outgoing Volkswagen CrossPolo (pictured above) aren't among them. The previous CrossPolo (sold as the Polo Dune in the UK) is little more than a some body-cladding applied to the standard hatchback that is supposed to make it look more rugged. Thankfully, the new-generation CrossPolo will actually get the machinery to back up the image: Volkswagen has deemed to outfit the soft-roader with its 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, effectively making this an even smaller brother to the Tiguan crossover and a worthwhile competitor to the upcoming MINI Crossman.
What remains to be seen is whether the new model will carry the same appearance (and badge) as the model it replaces, upgrading the standard Polo with some body-cladding, or whether Volkswagen will give it an even more SUV-like body styled after the Tiguan. Engines options will include 1.2-liter inline-3s with 60-70 hp, a 1.4 liter unit producing 85hp and a range-topping 1.2-liter TSI pumping 105 horses through those four little wheels, while diesels will be offered along the same output range along with a Bluemotion powertrain option.
[Source: AutoExpress via paultan.org] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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