Berlin Celebrates New Disney Movie with a Herbie Parade

Text from Volkswagen AG.
Volkswagen fans rolling through the heart of Germany’s capital for the premiere of ”Herbie fully loaded”

WOLFSBURG, Germany - The Herbie-Parade – a line-up of Volkswagen Beetles and New Beetles – is rolling through Berlin’s city centre this afternoon.

Thousands of fans of both models have come to celebrate the national premiere of the movie ”Herbie fully loaded”. The first participants have already arrived for the line-up at Berlin’s Siegessaeule (triumphal column) this morning at 6 a.m., the actual parade starts at 3 p.m.


Many special automobiles can be spotted in the line-up: Among those is the very last out of the 21.529.464 Beetles made overall before the assembly ended in Mexico in the summer of 2003. Also there are early models of the 1950s as well as numerous type 1200 and type 1302-veterans from the early 70s. Among the Volkswagen New Beetles there is a strong convertible-share. A specialty is a unique New Beetle Pick-Up.

Later on there will be three showstars on the open-air-stage of Berlin’s Waldbühne. Shootingstar Yvonne Catterfeld, the rock band Manfred Mann’s Earth Band as well as the newcomers Itchycoo will entertain the audience at the premiere-party of Disney and Volkswagen, after the sundown the movie “Herbie fully loaded” will begin.

Golf GTI Sales Blazing

Text from The Courier-Mail.
The hottest newcomer since Volkswagen took direct control in Australia turns out to be too hot for its own good.

Sales of the new Golf GTI are blazing, creating a six-month waiting list.

Volkswagen Group Australia is doing everything it can to get extra cars, and has managed to keep pace with demand for other popular models including the Golf turbodiesel and FSI, but admits that customers are having to wait.

It is now pushing for extra stocks in 2006 and says the success of the GTI, apart from the waiting list, is giving the German carmaker a big push and will help it go beyond 9000 Australian sales this year.

"It is a good hero car for the brand. We're now working out how to manage the success of that car," says Matthew Wiesner of Volkswagen Group Australia.

"Demand is very strong but we're doing everything we can to get cars. We are talking to customers and working to make the experience as positive as possible.

"It is something that we haven't experienced before. We're trying to treat it as a positive But there will always be people who want to get into their car today."

VGA has had several lifts in its Golf allocation since the arrival of the new car this year, but is fighting other countries for supplies and admits that customer orders will not be filled until around March next year. There are some cars in stock, but special orders will mean delays.

"Golf generally is fine. The concerns with turbodiesel and FSI have abated. GTI is the one where we are trying to get hold of more allocation," Wiesner says.

"We've been continually lifting production. We're probably in excess of 20 per cent of where we were at launch.

"It's just a matter of us continuing to put the pressure on."

He says the situation with the Golf GTI is not confined to Australia because of the mechanical package in the car.

"The global demand for that car has been completely unprecedented. From what we are seeing in the UK and Europe, it just has not stopped.

"GTI was launched there in October last year and in those 10 months it is still roaring along as it was when it was launched.

"It's a couple of key things with the GTI. It's the demand for the engine and the DSG transmission, which is not just on that car but also across other Volkswagen models and Audi too," he says.

Wiesner also says that VGA has banked the boost in diesel sales as the price of petrol has soared.

"The severe fuel price movements have definitely worked in our favour. It has been a great surprise that the market has accepted it so well. It is genuine incremental business."

Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board brought up to date on investigations

Text from Volkswagen AG.
Wolfsburg, 25 July 2005 - Following indications of irregularities in the conduct of business, the Volkswagen Group dismissed two employees and notified the Braunschweig Public Prosecutor’s Office in June 2005. At the same time, the Group commissioned its Internal Auditing Department and the auditors KPMG with the comprehensive and exhaustive clarification of events in the company. KPMG and the Internal Controlling Department today presented the organization of the investigation and current findings to the Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board during a special meeting in Wolfsburg.

At the meeting, the auditors explained that the analysis currently concerns several individuals and companies. Each of these companies in turn has different shareholders.

In addition to the complex international company and shareholder structure, the experts also have to examine large quantities of documents and data carriers, including 30 packing cases of records from the Czech Republic alone as well as numerous hard disks. Extensive enquiries in Germany and abroad are required to evaluate the information available. Given this complex situation with regard to data, the auditors were not yet in a position to present tenable interim results on Monday.

The same applies to open questions concerning expense reports which are also part of the investigation.

In this context, the Audit Committee agreed with the proposal by Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder and the Chairman of the Group and General Works Councils, Bernd Osterloh, to file charges under § 119 of the German Industrial Constitution Law. This step is being taken to obtain legal clarification of whether members of the Works Council were given preferential treatment in connection with expense reports.

Dr. Pischetsrieder: “The objective of our application is to obtain clarification from an independent source whether, and if so, which individuals have violated the relevant legal provisions.” Bernd Osterloh confirmed the wish for joint action: “It is important for our further cooperation in the Group to clarify this matter as quickly and conclusively as possible.”

All members of the Audit Committee praised the speedy investigative work undertaken so far by the Volkswagen Internal Controlling Department and KPMG. It was agreed that KPMG would submit an interim report to the next regular meeting of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG in September 2005. In view of the volume of data still to be analysed, KPMG does not expect to issue a final report before the end of October.

Today’s meeting of the Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG was attended by Dr. Klaus Liesen (Chairman), Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Piëch and Bernd Osterloh. Following the resignation of Dr. Klaus Volkert, the Supervisory Board must elect the fourth member at its next meeting in September. Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder attended the meeting as a guest.

New Passat Estate Identifies Accident Risks With Automatic Distance Control

Text from Volkswagen AG.
WOLFSBURG, Germany - Volkswagen dealers in Germany will be presenting the new Passat Estate in a few weeks’ time, on 19 August.

Advance sales have been underway since June and there has been an excellent customer response. No wonder: the progressive, sixth generation of the bestseller offers a wide range of new technology.

The Passat Variant will be one of the few automobiles in the world to offer automatic distance control. The new system uses a radar (at an angle of twelve degrees) to monitor the traffic situation for up to 200 metres ahead of the vehicle, thereby ensuring not only an automatically defined safety gap, but also that the stopping distance is shortened.

Once the system, which operates at speeds of up to 210 km/h, identifies the risk of a collision, it initiates two measures within fractions of a second, i.e. before the driver himself can react. First, the brake is readied for operation, with the brake pads set against the brake discs, to ensure that pedal manipulation is a lot quicker in the event of an all-out braking manoeuvre. Second, the actuation threshold for the hydraulic braking assistant is reduced (adaptive braking assistant). This ensures that maximum braking is more quickly enabled when necessary.

Together with the ABS and ESP, the automatic cruise control with stopping distance control, available exclusively in combination with an automatic gearbox, is the third revolutionary driver assistance system in the Passat and Passat Estate to prevent serious accidents.

Active safety has been perfected with ESP with trailer stabilisation, fitted in all Passats and Passat Estate with a tow bar. Aside from the familiar functions which ESP offers, the system also helps to ensure early identification of the swaying motion to which towed vehicles are susceptible and to reduce such swaying by way of targeted automatic braking and engine manipulation.

Both the saloon and estate version will be available with the option of an altogether newly developed generation of integrated child seats. One advantage of these is that the side supports can be set in an upright position, thus offering added support. So-called booster pillows have also been integrated into the headrest mountings, therefore offering additional side support. The boosters therefore improve both comfort and safety.

Fully automatic self-levelling system for the rear suspension optimises comfort and safety in the Passat Estate. The system was designed specifically for both body versions in this vehicle series and is available as an optional extra (not in vehicles with sports suspension). The individual components of this self-pumping, hydro-pneumatic self-levelling system were designed as integral parts of the shock absorbers, so that no additional space was needed to accommodate them. The self-levelling system is particularly suitable for the new Passat Estate, as the vehicle can transport a load of 638 kilos.

For the first time ever, Volkswagen offers an electrically opening and locking tailgate. Its ultra-flat power unit is mounted into the roof area of the Passat Estate. The angle of the opening, and therefore the height of the tailgate opening, is infinitely variable.

In its basic design, the new bicycle carrier system is similar to those carriers mounted on the tow bar. However, the carrier no longer requires the effort of fixing it to the tow bar, since it is simply mounted onto two pins attached to the specially equipped bumper element. This solution is simple, quick and safe. The bicycle carrier system will also be available for the Passat saloon.

The Passat Variant features a new, specially designed luggage management package for the luggage compartment floor. The system comprises two rails positioned on the left and the right side of the luggage compartment floor. Straps, a telescopic rail and four lashing eyelets can be fixed into place individually using these rails.

The electronic parking brake, fitted as standard in the series, responds at the push of a button. Its electronic control system is linked to other systems via a network. This means it can perform a series of new functions, including a dynamic emergency braking function and auto release (for hill starts). An auto-hold function (stopping at traffic lights without the need to keep the foot on the brake) is fitted as standard in models with an automatic gearbox and with towing attachment and is available as an option for all other models.

In addition to these new systems, the following innovative technology also featured in the saloon is available for order in the Passat Variant: Kessy locking and starting system (Keyless-Entry-Start-and-Exit-System), premium mobile telephone preparation with Bluetooth interface, DVD navigation system, VW sound system (250 Watt), Dynaudio sound system (600 Watt), 230 Volt Euro plug socket, bi-xenon headlights with cornering light, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPM), tyres with emergency running mode, solar sun roof and climate control (Climatronic) with an indirect ventilation function.

The Essentials - The New Passat Variant

Text and photos from Volkswagen AG.
Edited on July 25, 2005
Enhancements throughout
The new Passat Variant will be available in most European markets by the end of September. This sixth generation combines professional functionality with compelling design. For decades it has been the first choice for young families.

Wolfsburg, 25 July 2005 - Volkswagen presents the new Passat Variant. The sixth generation of this bestseller estate car is due to be launched in Germany on August 19, followed by its introduction in most other European markets in September and in the markets of North America and Japan in Spring 2006. For 43 years now, the term variant has been the trademark for Volkswagen estate car models around the globe. The original variant was given the simple name of Type 1500. Eleven years later, Volkswagen presented the first of more than 4.3 million Passat produced to date as a variant.

Universal: In Germany, the Passat Variant, especially the TDI version, is often the automobile of choice for young families as well as businesses. At the same time, it is considered the ideal vehicle for activities of all kind by hundreds of thousands of private buyers around the world. Its attractive introductory price means the dream of owning a Passat Variant remains an affordable one. This Volkswagen automobile is equally attractive to fleet operators with a keen focus on value for money and private car buyers who place exceptional demands on their automobile.

The comprehensive programme of series fittings

Complete: The new Passat Variant will be available in the four fittings versions Trendline, Comfortline, Sportline and Highline, with even the basic version (Trendline) including series fittings such as an electric stabilisation program, Climatic, six airbags, 16-inch wheels, electric front window lifts, remote-controlled central locking, electronic parking brake, electromechanical power steering, the Press & Drive ignition system, LED indicator and rear lights plus automatic emergency-braking warning lights, an unfoldable loading surface, an asymmetrically collapsible rear bench (seating surface and backrest; when folded down completely, it creates a level surface) and roof rails, among other features.

Stabilising: Passat Variants ordered with a tow bar also include the electric stabilisation program with a stabiliser for towed vehicles. This feature helps to neutralise the swaying motion to which caravans in particular are susceptible.

Performance spectrum from 75 to 184 kW

Powerful: Eight types of engines will be available in Europe, with the performance spectrum of these engines ranging from 75 kW / 102 hp to 184 kW / 250 hp. Seven of the available petrol and diesel versions are direct-injection engines, four feature a turbo charger, and all meet the EU-4 standard. The basic-version engines feature a five-speed gearbox, while all others come with a six-speed one. The DSG and Tiptronic automatic versions likewise feature six speeds. Two of the engines have been newly developed: a 2.0-litre TDI with 125 kW / 170 hp, Piezo unit injector and diesel particulate filter, and a 3.2-litre V6 FSI provided as a series feature in combination with the direct-shift double-clutch gearbox (DSG) and 4MOTION all-wheel drive. A further option available for the 4MOTION version as of autumn 2005 is a 110-kW petrol engine (2.0 FSI) and a 103-kW turbo diesel engine (2.0 TDI).

Design that is as emotional as it is powerful

Compelling: Take the professional functionality of the Passat Variant and add a new dimension of fascinating design. This Volkswagen displays more emotion and more power than ever before – all the while, however, continuing to produce a clear and timeless look. One of the distinctive features of this automobile is the strong upward flow of its side contours from front to back as well as the accompanying window design. The aim of this design element is to arouse fascination for the new Passat Variant as well as interest in the upcoming models due to be launched as part of the current VW campaign of new products.

New dimensions and as much as 1,731 litres of cargo space

Expanded: The dimensions of the new Passat Variant are another compelling attraction. With a length of 4.77 metres and a width of 1.82 metres, this automobile is 9.2 centimetres longer than its predecessor and 7.4 centimetres wider. Even though the new Variant seems lower and more dynamic than the fifth-generation model, it is actually 1.9 centimetres higher (1.52 metres, including series-fitted roof rails).

Inviting: The car’s expanded length, width and height mean more cargo space and more passenger room. The storage volume afforded by the space up to the cargo area cover/bottom edge of the window is 603 litres (+108 Litre). The full capacity of this spacious automobile, i.e. including the 90 litres of space provided by the spare wheel well, is 1,731 litres (+131Litre). The volume of the tank was increased from 62 to 70 litres. The Passat Variant can also take on quite a bit of weight more than its predecessor, with a payload of up to 638 kilograms, i.e. 43 more than the previous model.

Cargo bay extendable to a length of 2.9 metres

Loaded: To ensure that loading is as simple as possible, the tailgate lifts up to a height of 2.06 metres, with the load sill situated at a height of only 62 centimetres. The long-cargo channel measures a length of 72 centimetres. The interior cabin affords headroom to the roof lining of 83 centimetres; the width between the wheel wells on either side measures 1 metre. The area of greatest width in the cargo area is 1.3 metres; minimum length: 1.13 metres. When the rear seatback is folded down to create a level surface (series bench: 1/3 and 2/3 divided), the cargo area offers an available loading length of 1.96 metres. Seat surfaces and backrests in the rear compartment can be individually folded within a matter of seconds. A series feature in the Passat Variant Comfortline and optional for the Trendline model, Volkswagen also provides a fold-down front-passenger seat, thus allowing objects of up to 2.9 metres in length to be stowed in the Passat Variant.

A fireworks of technology

Innovations: The new Passat Variant possesses the same exciting technology highlights that were featured in the saloon version presented at the start of the year. However, this five-door automobile also comes with a number of other new systems as well as technology features now available in both versions:

Newly integrated child seats: The Passat will be available with the option of a newly developed generation of integrated child seats. For one thing the side supports can be set in upright positions, thus offering added support. For another, so-called booster pillows have been integrated into the headrest mountings. These offer even more side support, enhancing both comfort and safety.

ACC + stopping distance control: The Passat Variant will be one of the few automobiles to offer automatic cruise control (ACC). The ACC system uses a radar to monitor traffic ahead of the Passat Variant, thereby ensuring not only an automatically defined safety gap, but also that the stopping distance is shortened when the brake is operated preventively. Such stopping distance control is the third revolutionary driver-assistance feature (the other two being ABS and the electric stabilisation program) which actively helps prevent serious motor-vehicle accidents (only in combination with automatic transmission).

Automatic level control: Fully automatic level control of the rear axle optimises comfort and safety. The system was designed specifically for this particular vehicle series and is available as an optional extra (not in vehicles with performance running gear). The individual components of this self-pumping, hydro-pneumatic level control system were designed as integral parts of the shock absorbers, so no additional space was needed to accommodate them.

Ingenious bicycle carrier system: In its basic design, this new bicycle carrier system is similar to those carriers mounted on the tow bar. The new VW carrier, however, no longer requires the effort of fixing it to the tow bar, since it is simply mounted onto two pins attached to the specially equipped bumper bar. This solution is simple, it is quick and it is safe. Even when the bicycle carrier system is mounted, the hatchback opens without a problem.

Luggage management package: The Passat Variant features a new, specially designed luggage management package for the cargo surface. The system comprises two rails positioned on the left and the right side of the cargo area interior. These rails can be used to individually fix straps, a telescopic rail and four lashing eyelets into place.

Electric tailgate: For the first time ever, Volkswagen offers an electrically opening and closing tailgate. Its ultra-flat power unit is mounted into the roof area. The angle of the opening, and thus the height of the tailgate opening, is infinitely variable.

Analogous technology: In addition to these new systems, the following innovative technology also featured in the saloon is available for order in the Passat Variant: lock and start system Kessy, Premium Mobile phone fixing with Bluetooth interface, DVD navigation system, VW sound system (250 Watt), Dynaudio sound system (600 Watt), 230-volt Euro socket, bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light, tire-fill-pressure control system, tires with emergency running properties, a solar sun roof and, last but not least, automatic air-conditioning (Climatronic) with an indirect ventilation function.

Notes:
All the data and descriptions included in this press folder are valid for the programme of models available for sale in Germany. Different details may apply in other countries. This information may be subject to change or correction.
The terms FSI, TDI and DSG are protected Volkswagen AG trademarks or the trademarks of other companies belonging to the Volkswagen Group in Germany.

VW plans to launch 10 new models in US

Text from the Associated Press.
German car maker Volkswagen AG Thursday said it plans to launch 10 new car models in the U.S. within the next three to four years, according to the latest edition of the company's newsletter.

Volkswagen Chief Executive Wolfgang Bernhard recently told investors at a conference in Dallas, Texas that the company plans to launch the new models in efforts to revive its struggling North American business.

Between 2002 and 2004, Volkswagen's North American unit sales fell around 20 percent per year, and decreased another 17 percent in the first half of 2005 primarily due to the company's low ranking in quality standards studies, the newsletter said.

In addition, company spokesman Frank Gaube told Dow Jones Newswires Thursday that Volkswagen doesn't expect its earnings to be impacted by currency fluctuations related to Thursday's revaluation of the Chinese yuan.

"We invoice our Chinese joint-venture partners in euros," Gaube said.

VW to be official automobile partner for World Youth Day

Text from Volkswagen AG.
Volkswagen, Audi and Europcar are official automobile partner of XX World Youth Day in Cologne

Wolfsburg / Köln, 22 July 2005 - The organizers of the XX World Youth Day in Cologne from 16 – 21 August 2005 are expecting some 800,000 young people from 160 countries for the first official journey of Pope Benedict XVI. Under the motto “We Have Come to Worship Him” taken from St. Matthew’s Gospel, young people of all confessions will have the opportunity to, pray, sing, discuss and celebrate at over 500 events. The highlight is the Concluding Mass with Pope Benedict XVI on the Marienfeld to the west of Cologne on 21 August 2005. As the official automobile partner, the Volkswagen Group represented by Audi, Europcar and Volkswagen supports the XX World Youth Day with a broad selection from its product range.

100 Volkswagen Group vehicles, including the Audi A3 Sportback, Audi A8, Golf Variant, Golf Plus, Phaeton and Touran models, will be deployed round the clock to guarantee optimum mobility for the organizers and guests from all over the world.

“As a global company, we are delighted that the young people of the world are making their way to Cologne in August. By supporting the XX World Youth Day as a forum for exchange, Volkswagen AG is accepting a social responsibility for the young people of this world who will shape our future,” said Dr. Josef-Fidelis Senn, Volkswagen Group Representative for Church Affairs. “It is a wonderful commitment on the part of Volkswagen to help ensure the safety of the Papal retinue when Pope Benedict XVI travels to Germany. Volkswagen is truly getting things moving,” said Hermann-Josef Johanns, managing Director of the XX World Youth Day.

Preliminary information:
Dr. Josef-Fidelis Senn will be presenting the first vehicles to the Managing Director of the World Youth Day, Herrmann-Josef Johanns, and the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Dr. Norbert Feldhoff, on Friday, 29 July 2005. The presentation will take place at 1 p.m. in the Hotel Hyatt Regency Cologne, Kennedy Ufer 2a.

Volkswagen to pay two million Euro to Indian state of Andhra Pradesh

Text from Volkswagen AG.
Wolfsburg, 21 July 2005 - Volkswagen AG is to pay just under two million Euro to the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The company is thus assuming responsibility for the damage caused by the suspected illegal dealings of the former Head of Human Resources at Skoda, Helmut Schuster.

According to present findings, former Skoda Board member Dr. Helmuth Schuster acted in India without authority and furthermore misled the state of Andhra Pradesh.
With respect to the payments to Vashishta Wahan arranged by the state of Andhra Pradesh, the Volkswagen Group will assume responsibility for the damage caused amounting to just under two million Euro.

In the context of its investigations to clarify the issue, the Volkswagen Group will however call to account those responsible for the damage – both inside and outside the company. The Volkswagen Group is counting on vigorous support from the Indian authorities.

Volkswagen does not hold and never has held an interest in Vashishta Wahan. Vashishta Wahan was originally set up as a project company which was to have been responsible for building a factory in India for Volkswagen – following an investment decision by the Volkswagen Board of Management which is still pending. Volkswagen remains interested in entering the Indian market.

The Volkswagen Fox „Grows“ Its Roof

Text from Volkswagen AG.
Through the use of the High-Tech natural fibre „Curauá“ in the new Fox, Volkswagen is also supporting community projects

WOLFSBURG, Germany - With the employment of Curauá fibres for the Fox headliner, Volkswagen strikes out in a new direction: on the one hand, an organic, fast-growing material is deployed, on the other hand, new jobs are created in some underprivileged areas of Brazil due to the new demand of Curauá fibres.

A vehicle’s roof consists of Polyurethan lather fortified with glass fibre - except new Fox. In this car, the new organic fibre “Curauá” is used. Curauá is a Bromelia plant (latin: Ananas lucidus Miller) and has in comparison to ordinary materials several advantages: It is 100 percent organically grown and 100 percent recyclable. Furthermore, it is odourless and has a pleasant surface structure. Due to its excellent material attributes regarding weight and stability, the Curauá fibre is highly suitable as a material for automotive interior parts.

With this new approach, Volkswagen is cooperating with the Brazilian research and development programme “Poverty and Environment of the Amazone”, also named “Poema”. Consequently, approximately 10,000 new jobs for the original inhabitants in the Brazilian state Pará near the city of Santarém, are to be added by the end of 2006. In addition to earning a wage employees and their families also gain access to schools and medical facilities, which continues to be out of reach for a significant part of Brazil’s population.

100 million mission: Volkswagen in the fast lane with on-line prize game

Text from Volkswagen AG.
Half time in the virtual hunt for the next 100 million vehicles

Wolfsburg, 20 July 2005 - The Volkswagen brand “100 million mission” worldwide computer and mobile game has notched up its first success: players from 84 countries so far have joined up to produce over 63,000 vehicles.

The realistic, three-dimensional on-line game from Europe’s largest automaker was launched at the end of May. Players’ enthusiasm for producing as many virtual vehicles as possible within three months is impressive. So far, over 63,000 New Beetle, Golf and Passat have been jointly manufactured worldwide. That corresponds to an average of 1,200 models per day. The only vehicles that count are those which have completed all nine production stages. The Golf has proved the most popular model to date, and accounts for almost half of total virtual production.

Gamers from Germany are particularly busy, closely followed by players from Egypt. So far, PC game participants come from a total of 84 countries including Ireland, Brazil, Russia, Australia, Singapore and the Sultanate of Oman.

The mobile game of the same name has also caught the attention of players. Nifty-fingered users thoroughly enjoy this classical racing game developed to complement the PC game. The object is to get back the plans for the new Volkswagen Fox stolen by an industrial spy in a game comprising nine levels.

This idea for this unique game was triggered by the anniversary to celebrate production of the 100 millionth vehicle bearing the Volkswagen badge. Players successfully completing the entire virtual “100 million mission” are registered for a prize game where they can win a real 20,000 Euro Volkswagen Golf. The game ends on 28 August 2005 and is available in seven languages.

Further information on the free download and the prize game is available from 100 Million Volkswagens

More spyshots and more info about Eos

Text from Edmunds.com
Photos by Hans G. Lehmann

WOLFSBURG, Germany — Expect to see the production version of Volkswagen's Concept C convertible at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The vehicle will go on sale in April, May or June of next year in the U.S. In a recent phone interview with Inside Line, a VW spokesperson said he did not believe the vehicle has been named, although it has had a "working title" of Eos.

The name "Eos" is not likely to go on the production model, as that is the name for a family of Canon cameras. But although the vehicle's name may be undetermined, VW appears to be finalizing its powertrains. When the convertible goes on sale in America, it will have one engine option: a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower power plant that VW will also use in its forthcoming Golf GTI hot rod.

VW may give the convertible a 2.0-liter, 150-hp engine in other markets, but not in the U.S. Rumors suggest VW is preparing a hot-rod, "R36" version of the convertible, which would have a 275-hp engine. "That's what we'd like to see happen," said the spokesperson.

The "R36" designation is a variation on the "R32" badge worn by a hot-rod, all-wheel-drive version of the Golf compact. Regardless of what happens with hot-rod derivatives, VW will build the regular version of its forthcoming convertible in Portugal. The car will seat four and use a retractable hardtop. Its estimated price is $30,000.

Related Articles:
Update: More VW Eos (Concept C) Spyshots
Cabrio (Concept C) Spyshots

VW dominates registration statistics

Text from Volkswagen AG.
Fox, Polo, Golf and Touran top models at KBA. Golf is also the most popular model in Europe

Wolfsburg, 17 July 2005 - June was a very successful month: vehicles made by Volkswagen are at the top of the list both in Germany and in many European markets. Nearly 20% of all newly registered vehicles in Germany are made by VW.

In the most recent registration statistics produced by the Federal Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Drivers (KBA) there are four different models topping the lists. The Fox leads the way in June for the so-called "Minis": the new entry-level model to the Volkswagen world sold 2219 units (+ 26% as compared to May when the Fox was already at the top of its segment). The new Polo has also won the race. An impressive 38 percent increase to 6862 vehicles sold as compared to May makes it the winner in its class. The Touran, which has been the most popular van for more than two years, recorded 8333 new registrations. It appealed to 700 customers more than in May – an increase of 9 percent. The bestseller Golf remains comfortably at the top and even increased its lead to 24678 vehicles sold, a plus of five percent compared to May. In the first six months of the year, Volkswagen had a market share of 18.1 percent (an increase in volume of 1.2 % compared to the same time last year).

Furthermore, the Touareg has a considerable lead in the top class SUV segment. The currently well positioned Passat in third place will improve once the estate has been launched. The new Passat estate, traditionally the more popular version of the mid-class vehicle, will offer new buyer incentive as of 19th August.

The model offensive continues: the new Jetta will be launched at the same time. It will add new volume sales primarily in the markets in Great Britain, Turkey, Austria, Spain, Italy, France, The Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Denmark, Japan and Australia.

The product was launched successfully in North America in the Spring.

International: with the example of the Golf one can see just how successful Volkswagen is in Europe. It has been the most popular vehicle since the Autumn of last year and is in the Top 10 of most markets, taking the top position in Austria and Switzerland alongside Germany.

Proton to Assemble VW Cars

Text from the Associated Press.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- Malaysia's national carmaker Proton and Germany's Volkswagen AG are expected to finalize details of their alliance by the year-end and begin assembly of Volkswagen cars here in the first quarter of 2006, analysts said Monday.
The two carmakers announced a partnership agreement late last year to make cars in Malaysia _ Southeast Asia's largest passenger car market _ but it did not involve any equity participation.

Analysts who attended a Proton briefing last week said the partnership will develop in two phases with the first comprising component sales, manufacturing and distribution, while the second will focus on design and development.

The first phase should kick off in the first quarter next year with the assembly of a localized version of Volkswagen's Passat model, followed by the Fox multipurpose vehicle in the third quarter of 2006 and the Fox hatchback in the first quarter of 2007, the analysts said.

Higher-end Phaeton and Touareg models could be sold in Malaysia in the first quarter of 2006, analysts said. Analysts said they were told that Volkswagen, which earlier this month said it will take seven years working with Proton before it considers a more permanent partnership, is now in discussion to buy an equity stake in Proton.

"We believe the report on VW's need for a gestation period is reasonable since VW could achieve most of its objectives (including increasing its presence in the region and joint-development with Proton) via the joint venture," said an analyst with one of Kuala Lumpur's largest brokerages.

The Edge business weekly reported over the weekend that Proton senior management opposed Volkswagen's bid to take up a substantial stake in the company. But Khazanah Nasional, the government investment arm that has a 42.7 percent stake in Proton, supported the idea.

Officials from Proton, Khazanah and Volkswagen did not immediately return calls.

Proton has long dominated Malaysia's market, but its market share slipped to 45 percent last year with the opening up of the Malaysian market under a regional free trade agreement that reduced tariffs on foreign cars.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the government is committed to removing protections for Proton and demanded that the company improve its quality to better compete with foreign manufacturers.

Phaeton W12 increases in output and registrations in Europe

Text from Volkswagen AG.
*Phaeton W12 increases output from 420 to 450 hp
New Phaeton registrations up 20 per cent in Europe

Wolfsburg, 12 July 2005 - The Phaeton W12 has become even more powerful: the top Volkswagen model now generates 331 kW (450 hp). New registrations of the luxury saloon also made significant strides in Germany and Europe.

The power output of the new Phaeton W12 has been boosted by 22 kW (30 hp) by means of internal engine modifications. At the same time, maximum torque has increased from 550 to 560 Nm, and is now available from just 2,750 rpm instead of the previous 3,000 rpm. This means that the overall drive characteristics have again become more refined.

As well as the twelve-cylinder engine, V6 and V8 petrol engines and V6 and V10 turbodiesel engines are available for the Phaeton. All engine versions of the saloon come as standard with permanent four-wheel drive (4MOTION).

According to the German Federal Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Drivers (KBA), new Phaeton registrations between January and May increased by 27.3 per cent compared with the same period last year. The increase in May compared with the previous year was as high as 38.4 per cent. The positive trend is being mirrored in Europe as a whole, where sales until the end of May were up by 20 per cent.

Worthwhile knowledge on the technical basis of the engine of the Phaeton W12: Volkswagen AG – with the Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Volkswagen brands – is the world’s leading supplier of twelve-cylinder engines. With 6,587 W12 models sold in Western Europe, North America and Japan, the Group was 30 per cent ahead of its nearest competitor in 2004.

*Note: The following specifications are not available in North America.

Update: More VW Eos (Concept C) Spyshots

Four more Eos spyshots have been taken, this time depicting a yellow painted car doing what looks like hot weather testing. The new sets of photos does give a better impression of what the car looks like under the camouflaged areas. For example, we now know that the Eos will keep the Concept C's unique headlights. A look at the rear, however, shows that the Eos may have Passat like taillights. We can also see in the rear what seems to be centre mounted twin tailpipes. No word yet on any engine offerings. So what does the name mean? Apparently, Eos ("dawn") was, in Greek mythology, the Titan Goddess of the dawn, who rose from her home at the edge of Oceanus, the Ocean that surrounds the world, to herald her brother Helios, the sun. As the dawn goddess, she opened the gates of heaven (with "rosy fingers") so that Helios could ride his chariot across the sky every day.

Related Article: Cabrio (Concept C) Spyshots

News on the Golf: Trainees Create the Tuned Concept Cars Orange Speed and Yellow Speed

Text and photos from Volkswagen AG.
Showrooms at Autostadt in Wolfsburg and Zoon Center in Berlin

WOLFSBURG, Germany - Trainees of Volkswagen Coaching GmbH have turned two series production Golf into exciting concept cars. The tuned models, boasting a range of components from the Group palette, can currently be viewed in Berlin and Wolfsburg. The vehicles have sophisticated paintwork finishes (orange and yellow), that are normally the exclusive preserve of Lamborghini, the luxury sports car marque.

In addition to these unique colours with the exotic names Giallo Midas and Arancio Borealis, the exterior of the Golf concept cars is enhanced by a central stainless steel tailpipe, a chrome grille, chrome exterior mirrors, 18-inch rims from the luxury programme and other outstanding details.

The vehicle interiors have modified sport seats in leather and Alcantara. The decorative seams on the leather and the decorative trims are colour-coded to the exterior paintwork.

Not only the design of the Golf concept cars, orange speed and yellow speed, is unusual. These concept cars are the work of ten trainees in a project which formed a practical component of their training course. The trainees were commissioned with the entire project – from the first idea to the finished product – giving them valuable experience in industrial and commercial work which will benefit them in their careers. Experienced trainers specialised in optimising start-of-production and processes at the Wolfsburg plant coached the trainees.

Following a highly successful premiere at the Tuningworld Bodensee motor show in Friedrichshafen, Germany, the orange speed Golf concept car is now on show in the Volkswagen pavilion at the Autostadt in Wolfsburg. The yellow speed Golf is being exhibited at the Zoon Center, located within the Sony Center at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin.

VW AG makes record deliveries in June

Volkswagen AG posted a group record of deliveries made to customers in June as the VW, Audi, and Skoda brands showed strong growth, compensating for weaker SEAT deliveries. Estimates show that deliveries rose 10.6% to 489,500 units last month bringing total units for the first half of the year to 2,558,000, a gain of 1.7%. Volkswagen brand passenger car global sales boasted the highest increase in figures with 282,700 units, an increase of 9.8% over the the same time last year. The high sales figures were aided by the launches of the new Golf Plus, Passat, Polo, and Fox models. Market analysts remain optimistic about these numbers as they project an even better second half to the year.

Praises for Fox's safety by the ADAC

Text and photos from Volkswagen AG.
In the current crash tests carried out by the ADAC the Volkswagen Fox has demonstrated impressively that low-cost small vehicles can also be very safe. Thanks to this good result, the Fox is currently at the top of its price segment

WOLFSBURG, Germany - Safety is not a question of money. This is not just Volkswagen's opinion but also the opinion of the ADAC. The experts, however, wanted to know just how safe low-cost small vehicles are. For this reason, the ADAC tested the new Volkswagen Fox, amongst other vehicles, for crash safety.

This test was carried out according to current EuroNCAP criteria at the ADAC technical centre in Landsberg. This test centre simulates the typical front-end crash, in an overtaking situation for example. In this case, the vehicle hits a deformable aluminium barrier at a speed of 64 km/h and with an overlap of 40 percent.

"The small Fox shows its strength“, writes ADAC crash expert Klaus Brieter in ADACmotorwelt (7/2005). He continues: "The coordination between the belt tensioners, belt tension limiter, the airbags and the collapsible steering column functions well. Both airbags are fully inflated before the head and torso of the vehicle occupants hit them with full weight. The risk of injury for the head, neck and chest is kept at a pleasingly low level. The robust passenger compartment heroically defies the violent crash: the front door pillar is pushed just 24 millimetres to the rear. Very good, because the driver's door can be opened at the door handle without any problem after the crash – making it possible to help the vehicle occupants very quickly after an accident.“

The Fox also achieved good results in the side-impact test, in which a battering ram hits the side of the vehicle at a speed of 50 km/h: "The robust rear door pillar, the slightly deformed sill and the side impact profiles made of steel integrated in the doors are important contributing factors towards distributing the force of the blow across a large surface."

Overall the Fox received a total of 29 points from the ADAC experts, which corresponds to four out of five stars according to the EuroNCAP assessment scheme. With this result, the new Volkswagen is currently at the top of its price class and thus shows that a very high level of safety can be achieved in a low-cost vehicle. The ADAC has also reached this conclusion: "The Fox clearly demonstrates that even a cheap small car can be very safe.“

Independently of the ADAC, Auto Bild also carried out a crash test with the Fox at the DEKRA crash test facility in Neumünster. In the edition dated 22/2005, Auto Bild reaches the following conclusion: "With the Fox, Volkswagen has shown impressively that low-cost vehicles can be safe. For 8,950 Euro the Fox provides top levels of occupant protection and even nearly reached the level of its big brother, the Golf V, in the front-end crash.“

Safety has always been a primary development objective at Volkswagen. This can, of course, also be seen in the new Fox. Furthermore, the Fox demonstrates that an attractive price does not rule out uncompromising occupant protection.

VW issues recall for MY2005 Jetta

Volkswagen is issuing a recall for 39,583 units of the New Jetta (MY2005). According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall concerns a fuel supply clamp in the engine compartment that may not be positioned properly, which could cause a fuel leak running the risk of it triggering a fire if there is a spark.

Contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987 for more information about this recall and whether it affects your vehicle.

More information:
NHTSA : Forbes : LA Times : ConsumerAffairs.com

Cabrio (Concept C) Spyshots

A few spyshots of Volkswagen's Concept C were taken while it was doing some test runs. The spyshots (see images above) depicted an orange 2 door with a distinct roof similar to that of the Concept C. The Concept C has an innovative steel sliding sunroof with a retracting top, which can also be seen on the spyshots alluding to the fact that the production model could see this roof system.

The Concept C was introduced in the Geneva Auto Show in 2004 then was given the green light two months later after it received positive feedback from the public. It will be a 4-seater 2-door hardtop convertible positioned between the Passat and the Golf. Juding by Concept C's photos and the spyshots, the Cabrio will not exhibit the C's agressive styling. Expect the Cabrio to be introduced this September in Frankfurt with a European launch in early 2006.

The Cabrio should have a wide variety of engines including a 280hp 3.6L VR6. It will be built in Volkswagen's Portugese plant Volkswagen Autoeuropa - Automóveis Lda. VW of America Executive Vice President Len Hunt says pricing should be around $30,000, depending on the euro/dollar exchnage

VW Canada June Sales Results

AJAX, ON, July 4 /CNW/ - Volkswagen Canada Inc. sales totalled 2,866 new units for June 2005, compared with 3,412 units in June, 2004, a decrease of16.0%.

This total comprised:
140 New Beetles
577 Golfs and GTIs
1,683Jettas
395 Passats
70 Touaregs.
1 Phaeton

Year-to-date sales for 2005 are 13,993 units compared with 14,465 at thistime last year, a decrease of 3.3%.

VW of America June Sales Results

Text from Volkswagen of America.

VW-US Snapshot				YEAR-TO-DATE
	Jun-05 Actual	Jun-04 Actual	Yr/Yr % change	Jun-05 YTD Actual	Jun-04 YTD Actual	Yr/Yr % change
New Beetle - Coupe	1,439	2,072	-30.6%	7,705	9,434	-18.3%
- Convertible	2,322	2,215	4.8%	10,327	12,816	-19.4%
Total New Beetle	3,761	4,287	-12.3%	18,032	22,250	-19.0%
Jetta Sdn	9,127	7,912	15.4%	41,557	41,039	1.3%
Wgn	287	829	-65.4%	3,318	4,215	-21.3%
Total Jetta	9,414	8,741	7.7%	44,875	45,254	-0.8%
Cabrio	-	-	N/A	-	1	-100.0%
Golf/GTI/R32	1,295	2,382	-45.6%	6,770	11,892	-43.1%
Passat Sdn	1,706	4,292	-60.3%	12,512	26,070	-52.0%
Wgn	1,114	1,178	-5.4%	5,378	6,920	-22.3%
Total Passat	2,820	5,470	-48.4%	17,890	32,990	-45.8%
Phaeton	74	96	-22.9%	442	849	-47.9%
Touareg	1,707	1,706	0.1%	8,695	12,936	-32.8%
T4	-	10	-100.0%	-	202	-100.0%
TOTAL	19,071	22,692	-16.0%	96,704	126,374	-23.5%