Posted by Lorenzo at 12:48 am
Text from Volkswagen AG.Pischetsrieder: Significantly strengthening position in RussiaWolfsburg/Moscow, 29 May 2006 - The way for a new Volkswagen AG production plant in Russia is clear. The Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Skoda Auto, Detlef Wittig, signed the necessary contracts with the Russian Federation and the Kaluga Oblast in Moscow on Monday. The new plant will be built in the city of Kaluga some 160 kilometers to the south west of Moscow. Representing the Russian partners, the contracts were signed by Minister German Gref on behalf of the Russian government and Governor Anatoly Artamonov on behalf of the city of Kaluga. “We will be significantly expanding our position in Russia over the coming years with this new plant. It represents an important strategic step for our Group, and also contributes to securing jobs in Germany,” commented Pischetsrieder.
"We are firmly resolved to tap the considerable growth opportunities offered by the Russian market,” said Pischetsrieder. He added that, due to high customs duties on imported automobiles, Volkswagen and Skoda models could only be offered at competitive prices if they were produced in Russia. “The new plant means lower customs duties and more attractive prices for our cars. That is how we can significantly increase our market volumes in Russia and thus raise capacity utilization at the Group’s component plants.” Pischetsrieder stated that the objective was to expand Group sales from some 30,000 vehicles at present to 150,000 units over the next four to five years.
During the run-in phase, semi knocked-down Volkswagen and Skoda brand models will be assembled in Kaluga from the second half of 2007. The Skoda Octavia will be the first model to leave the assembly line. Initially, some 20,000 units will thus be produced annually. At the same time, full production facilities comprising body shop, paint shop and assembly lines will be installed, with operation scheduled to commence in the first half of 2009.
The Volkswagen brand will develop a vehicle especially for the Russian market. On the basis of present plans, this vehicle will sell for less than 10,000 euros. The notchback limousine will be based on the Polo platform. The Skoda brand will build the Octavia.
The new plant will employ up to 3,500 people. Numerous production parts will be delivered by suppliers in Russia, thus generating a significant share of the automotive added value in Russia. Gearboxes and engines will be supplied by other Group plants.
At its meeting on April 20, 2006, the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG approved the Board of Management’s plans for a significant expansion of the Group’s commitment in Russia.
Posted by Lorenzo at 5:12 pm
Text from Detroit Free Press.Volkswagen of America will lose hot-selling diesel models of several of its most popular cars as the automaker catches up to new federal emissions standards that take effect this fall.
VW will drop the diesel versions of its Jetta, Golf and Beetle models for the 2007 model year, which begins this fall. The new U.S. limits for nitrogen oxide emissions are among the most stringent in the world.
VW has promoted its fuel-efficient diesel engines heavily this year as a way to beat high gasoline prices. The frugal engines can boost a car or truck's mileage as much as 35% compared with a similar gasoline engine.
VW's diesel sales have boomed in 2006, helping propel the German brand to a 20.4% increase in U.S. sales. Diesels accounted for 22.7% of VW's U.S. sales for the first four months of 2006, nearly twice their traditional 12%, VW spokesman Steve Keyes said.
"They are becoming a significant part of our business, so it's disappointing," Keyes said. "If diesels continue to contribute 20%-22% of our sales, this has some significant impact on us."
VW has credited its surging U.S. sales to diesels and the addition of new models like the Passat midsize sedan and Jetta compact sedan.
VW will offer a diesel version of its Touareg SUV in '07, and the company plans to build extra '06 diesel Jettas, which it hopes to sell well into next year.
A new diesel Jetta that meets emissions standards in all 50 states should be available for the 2008 model year.
Posted by Lorenzo at 6:47 pm
© 2006 The VW Gazette.Volkswagen of America has issued a recall for all Jettas from 1999 through 2002 and New Beetles from 1998 through 2002. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 362,000 Jettas and New Beetles will be recalled due to a malfunction in these model's brake lights. The NHTSA said that a brake light switch may malfunction if it was not installed properly during a previous safety recall on these vehicles. The brake lights may either become inoperative or stay on all the time, which could lead to a crash, according to the NHTSA. Steve Keyes, spokesman for Volkswagen of America said that the recall affects vehicles with automatic transmissions and cruise control and that no accidents or injuries have been reported.
Volkswagen will install a newly designed brake light switch free of charge when the recall begins on or before December 8, 2006. Contact Volkswagen of America at 1-800-822-8987 or your local Volkswagen dealership for more information regarding this recall.
Posted by Lorenzo at 7:45 pm
Text and photo from Volkswagen AG.
Performance plus: one horsepower more for each year
Equipped to satisfy a profile of special wishes of customersWolfsburg, 21 May 2006 – Volkswagen today introduced the Golf GTI Edition 30, a new study to mark the 30th anniversary of the GTI at the Golf Record Day in the Veltins Arena in Schalke, Gelsenkirchen in front of an audience of thousands of Golf drivers from throughout Europe.
With a powerful 230 PS (169 kW) 2.0 litre turbo FSI engine, the Edition 30 study is closely related to the production model and responds to the wishes of GTI enthusiasts. The options package, a profile of desired equipment, is a reaction to the numerous wishes from customers.
Especially prominent are the flat black 18-inch alloy wheels, the lower front and rear panels, the side skirts in body finish and the darkened tail lights. A plaque on the right side of the rear hatch with the text “Edition 30” identifies this GTI study.
The interior includes top-quality, part-leather sport seats sporting the distinctive "Interlagos" diamond pattern in the cloth centre section.
The red-stitched leather steering wheel is trimmed with a clip bearing the text "GTI" on a red background. Another eye-catcher is the foil with the text “Edition 30” on the door sill. A special highlight is the gear stick knob in the form of a golf ball. Floor mats trimmed in red round out the dynamic character of the study.
Posted by Lorenzo at 7:53 pm
Text from Volkswagen AG. Photo is artist's sketch.
Order safeguards 500 jobs at Hanover plantWolfsburg/Hanover, 19 May 2006 - The Volkswagen Group has won a major order from Porsche AG. The Volkswagen plant in Hanover will produce the painted bodies for Porsche’s new “Panamera” sports coupé to be launched in 2009, and deliver them to Porsche’s plant in Leipzig.
Dr. Bernd Wiedemann, Spokesman for the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, commented: “The order from Porsche shows we have made significant progress towards more competitiveness. Our efforts are taking us in the right direction. Productivity, flexibility and quality were the decisive factors in securing this order for our Hanover operations.” He underlined that the decision would bring long-term security for some 500 jobs in Hanover.
Wiedemann added that the decision in favor of Hanover was good news for the plant. “The model diversity of our T5 demonstrates we have high production flexibility. Our large suction press can produce parts up to five meters in length, and our paint shop can apply 24 different standard colors and some 130 special color combinations.”
President and CEO of Porsche AG, Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking, said: “We examined several offers very closely before taking our decision. The VW plant in Hanover not only impressed us with its range of services, but above all with its high flexibility and broad production know-how. We are therefore convinced this plant will supply us with bodies that meet our premium quality specifications.”
The Committee for Business Relations with Shareholders, which has been set up by the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG, has taken note of the planned cooperation between Volkswagen and Porsche.
Posted by Lorenzo at 7:44 pm
Text from Volkswagen of America.AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced pricing for its all-new, 2007 Eos convertible, arriving in showrooms this fall. This four-seater features a revolutionary three-panel roof that transforms a hardtop coupe roof with an integrated sunroof, to an open convertible. Volkswagen will offer the Eos with two engines: an award-winning 2.0 liter turbo, 200 horsepower, four cylinder starting at $27,990 and a 3.2 liter, 250 horsepower version of Volkswagen’s narrow angle V6 starting at $36,850.
In addition to the innovative CSC (coupe-sunroof-convertible) roof, the Eos includes high-quality standard features such as Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), safety-optimized front headrests, front airbags and specially developed front side head-thorax airbags; 16-inch alloy wheels (17-inch standard on the V6 model), air conditioning system, fog lights, panoramic sunroof, power windows, and cruise control.
The dimensions of the Eos enhance the vehicle's dynamics. Together with its length and height, the vehicle's width lends the Eos a particularly powerful appearance and contributes to the car’s extraordinarily agile and safe handling characteristics. Its leading-edge roof engineering includes multi-folding components with fully automatic operation. The result is pure driving enjoyment regardless of whether the roof is up or down.
The Eos is available with an even more impressive lineup of options, including a double clutch (DSG™) 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic®, steering wheel, shift knob and brake handle each wrapped in leather, automatic headlights, dual-zone Climatronic™ climate control, 12-way power driver seat, heated front seats and washer nozzles, windblocker, center armrest and trip computer, for $31,065. A further upgrade to the 3.2 liter, 250 horsepower V6 engine with added wood trim, all-season tires, multi-function steering wheel, HomeLink®, rain sensing wipers and satellite radio is available at $36,850. Additional options include a Dynaudio premium sound system with ten-channel amplifier, ten loudspeakers and 600-watt output power, bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic and static cornering lights, DVD navigation system, park distance control and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Like all new Volkswagen models, the Eos comes with 24-hour Roadside Assistance for four years with unlimited mileage, and new vehicle warranties including:
- Five-year/60,000 mile (whichever occurs first) Powertrain Limited Warranty.
- Four-year/50,000 mile (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty with wear and tear items and adjustments excluded after the initial 12 months/12,000 miles.
- 12-year unlimited distance Limited Warranty against corrosion perforation.
Climatronic™ and DSG™ are trademarks of Volkswagen AG. All other trademarks used in this document are the property of their respective owners.
Posted by Lorenzo at 11:13 pm
Text from Auto Express.Dozens of Volkswagen models are being given the chop from the firm's product list in a bid to save cash and reorganise the line-up.
The German giant has dropped the cars to simplify its range. The firm had more than 10,000 different build combinations available within its line-up - a situation that VW admits was 'too complicated'. Now bosses have taken action and axed unpopular colours and trims.
Entire spec levels are set to be withdrawn from sale as well. "The move only affects cars where there is an extremely low take-up," said a company spokeswoman.
Models that have bitten the bullet include some 1.4-litre petrol and diesel Polos, three-door Golf SEs and 2.0-litre 150bhp Tourans. Trims and colours will be dropped from the Phaeton, Beetle, Passat and Sharan lines.
Existing owners looking for repairs to these models won't be affected by the cuts, promises the firm. "The supply and availability of parts for these cars won't change," said the spokeswoman. New or updated vehicles, such as the Fox, Eos, Jetta and Touareg, are not included in the cull.
Meanwhile, cost cutting at Daihatsu has halved the average price of 15,000 genuine parts. Spark plugs, oil pumps, door handles and front wings are all included in the new deals. Owners of the firm's older Fourtrak, Cuore, Charade, Move or Applause models will benefit most.
VW's fallen fleet:
Polo: 1.2 petrol SE, 1.4 petrol S, SE and Sport, 1.4 TDI E, S, SE and Sport, 1.9 TDI 130 Sport.
Golf: 1.4 petrol S, 1.4 FSI S, 1.6 petrol Sport, 2.0 FSI GT (plus 4MOTION), 1.9 TDI 105 Sport DSG, all 3dr SE models.
Golf Plus: 1.4 petrol S, 1.6 and 1.9 petrol Sport, 2.0 FSI GT, 2.0 TDI GT.
Touran: 2.0 FSI 150 SE and Sport trims.
Passat saloon and estate: 1.6 petrol S and SE trims, 2.0 and 3.2 petrol Sport trim, 2.0 petrol SEL.
Phaeton: 4.2 V8 petrol SWB, 6.0 W12 petrol SWB, V10 TDI SWB, luxury four-seater option deleted on all models.
Posted by Lorenzo at 5:40 pm
Text from Volkswagen AG via WorldCarFans.com. Photo from Volkswagen AG.
Range-toppting Polo GTI in Volkswagen showrooms todayThe new Volkswagen Polo GTI is officially launched today, completing the Polo range renewal and adding extra excitement to the model line-up.
The range-topping Polo went on sale in February when prices were announced and customers have been placing orders for the car since then.
Available in both three- and five-door guise, the Polo GTI is equipped with the proven 1.8-litre 20 valve turbocharged engine. In the GTI it develops 150 PS and 162 lbs ft (220 Nm) of torque from just 1,950 right up to 4,500 rpm, making for the most powerful production Polo ever. The GTI accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 8.2 seconds, and goes on to a top speed of 134 mph.
Style-wise, the Polo GTI takes cues from its ‘big brother’ Golf GTI and features a honeycomb front grille; twin tail pipes; red brake callipers; 15 mm lower suspension;
and 16" versions of the GTI alloy wheel. Prices for the Polo GTI start at £14,810 ‘on the road’ for the three-door model, with a £600 premium for the five-door model.
The GTI features a high level of standard equipment including: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist) and ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme); driver’s and front passenger’s airbags; and front side airbags. Other items include Climatic semi-automatic air conditioning; remote central locking with alarm; electric windows and mirrors; and a radio/CD player.
Around 80 per cent of new cars are purchased with some form of finance or borrowing. The financial services arm of the Volkswagen Group, Volkswagen Finance, supports the retailer network with a range of finance and insurance products including its flexible personal contract plan, Solutions. The combination of brand values and flexibility of Solutions could ensure that a customer gets more Volkswagen for their motoring budget.
A typical finance example for a Polo GTI is shown below, for a Solutions Personal Contract Plan.
Posted by Lorenzo at 3:39 pm
Text from AutoWeek.
Volkswagen is poised to kill the wacky 125-mph three-wheel GX3 shown as a concept at January’s Los Angeles auto show.
Though production and U.S. sales appeared likely a month ago, GX3’s future is in doubt over worries it could create huge legal bills for VW under U.S. liability laws.
The low-slung GX3 legally would have been considered a motorcycle, meaning VW could have engineered it to different standards than a car. But blurring the line between cycle and car could be too risky.
“It was somewhere between the two—a motorcycle and a car—and that is a problem,” says a source close to the project.
A final decision is still “some weeks away,” but insiders are resigned to the GX3 dying despite thousands of hours of research and development and design work.
“It’s not final yet, but things have really changed in the last few weeks,” says a source, “and we don’t think we can do it.”
Lotus Engineering’s ride and handling experts had been evaluating the GX3 at Hethel, and the company also was advising on low-volume production methods.
Only a few weeks ago VW insiders were confident the GX3 would get the green light, with a production start in mid-2007. VW had even decided to build the car in the United States and was searching for a production base.
VW recently told its U.S. dealers that each of them would be offered the GX3 for sale, but dealers—such as those in Snow Belt states—could opt out if they projected minimal sales.
Posted by Lorenzo at 11:21 am
Text from Volkswagen of America.GTI outranks 11 different coupes and sedans, tested by Consumer Reports, as Top Sporty Car Under $25,000AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The highly acclaimed all-new Volkswagen GTI has been named the top sporty car under $25,000 by Consumer Reports. The car received the top scores in its class, and the magazine acknowledged its powerful engine, sporty performance, well-crafted interior and impressive list of standard safety features.
The fifth generation Volkswagen GTI comes standard with a high-tech turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that creates 200 horsepower at 5100 revolutions per minute and an adrenaline-pumping 207 pound-feet of torque at just 1800 rpm. Other significant technical updates include standard traction control with Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), an electro-mechanical power rack-and-pinion steering system, and for the first time, an advanced multi-link fully independent sports-tuned rear suspension.
Base-priced at $21,990, the all-new GTI continues the Volkswagen tradition of a value-priced, fun-to-drive, German engineered driving experience. The 2006 GTI comes equipped with 17-inch wheels and tires, blacked-out trim, and larger brakes. Inside, the redesign features sport-bolstered seating and a flat-bottomed Formula One (F1) inspired steering wheel adding to the sporty appeal.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, GLI, Jetta, Passat, Passat Wagon, Touareg and Phaeton through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers.
Posted by Lorenzo at 11:20 am
Text from Forbes.com.FRANKFURT (AFX) - Volkswagen AG is considering building its Passat model for North America in Mexico instead of Germany, Automotive News Europe said, citing an interview with VW production head Reinhard Jung.
Jung said the move would be a natural hedge against continued euro-dollar currency fluctuations.
'We face day-to-day exchange rate costs that we simply can't ignore,' said Reinhard Jung.
VW builds the upper-medium Passats at two German plants and exports them to the US. The sedan and station wagon are assembled in Emden. Some Passat sedans also are built in Mosel.
Jung said VW is considering the switch in production in time for the next generation of Passat, which is due by the end of the decade.
Posted by Lorenzo at 10:34 am
Text from Volkswagen AG.WOLFSBURG, Germany - With effect of 1 June 2006, Volkswagen is increasing the recommended retail prices of all models in Germany by an average of 0.9 percent.
The new Volkswagen Eos cabriolet coupé launched in May and the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion, the most economical Polo ever, which will be in the showrooms from July, are not affected by this.
The increase remains well below the general level of inflation in Germany, which in March 2006 stood at 1.8 percent.
Posted by Lorenzo at 10:30 am
Text from Volkswagen AG.20 young people receive “Best Apprentice Award 2006”WOLFSBURG, Germany - The Volkswagen Group conferred the “Best Apprentice Award 2006” on its best apprentices from all over the world in Wolfsburg.
This year, 20 young people from ten countries and three continents received the award. Last year, the Group trained more than 9,000 people worldwide.
The award certificates were presented by Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, Board Member for Human Resources Dr. Horst Neumann, and Bernd Osterloh, Chairman of the Group Works Council. This is the sixth time that the “Best Apprentice Award” has been presented. “The Award provides an incentive to achieve top professional skills,” said Dr. Peter Haase, Managing Director of Volkswagen Coaching.
Pischetsrieder underlined the importance of lifelong learning and stressed: “A good apprenticeship is the best investment for both a company and an individual.” Neumann shared five thoughts with the young people: “First, our focus must be on products and customers. Second, apprentices and employees must look to the world, to a broad horizon.” The Board Member for Human Resources presented the peripatetic program giving apprentices who have completed their training the opportunity for extended stays to gain experience at Volkswagen’s international sites. “Third, a company such as Volkswagen needs outstanding specialized performance.” Furthermore, Neumann urged the young guests to seek role models and act as such themselves. “And finally, cooperation, working together in a team, is crucial.”
Osterloh commented: “Training is part of Group culture and corporate philosophy. An excellently trained and qualified workforce is a security for safeguarding the future.” An international company needed outward-looking employees. “If young people are not taught this at school or at home, we as a company must encourage such an attitude through specific measures.”
The young people who received the awards in Wolfsburg achieved excellence in various fields of expertise. From the mechatronics technician from Anchieta (Brazil) to the bank clerk from Brunswick and the electrician from Bratislava (Slovakia) – these 20 young people will now enter special programs specifically developed by the relevant Group companies. Eduardo Ortuño of VW de Mexico, for example, is looking forward to continuing his career in the Volkswagen Group now that he has completed his apprenticeship: “My apprenticeship brought me into contact with many different areas and I have built up networks.” He trained as an industrial electrician.
The apprentices toured the Volkswagen plants and training centers during their four-day stay in Wolfsburg and talked to training mentors. Test drives in the Autostadt, a visit to VfL Wolfsburg and the new Phaeno museum rounded off the program.
Posted by Lorenzo at 11:19 pm
Text and photo from Volkswagen AG.
“International Engine of the Year Award 2006” for the Twincharger TSI from VolkswagenWolfsburg, 10 May 2006 - The new engine concept featuring dual-charging with a supercharger and turbocharger has impressed experts from across the globe: The new 1.4-litre engine delivering 125 kW (170 hp) picked up two prizes at the “International Engine of the Year Awards 2006”. The Twincharger won in the “1-litre to 1.4-litre” category. Furthermore it was voted the “Best New Engine of 2006” by the jury.
Volkswagen engineers have combined the innovative downsizing concept with a supercharger, which works in the lower rev ranges, and a turbocharger. The success can be seen both in the output (125kW/170hp) and also in the consumption (7.2 litres/100km). The motto “maximum power – minimum consumption” sums up the advantage of the TSI.
The jury of the “International Engine of the Year Awards” is made up of 61 automotive journalists from 29 countries. The awards are organised each year by the UK’s largest group of technical car publications.
Here are some of the comments made by the jury:
“This sort of ‘hybrid’ direction is where it’s at for the next 10 years. Turbos and Kompressors have a lot of room for exploration – this is a great start and easily for me the best new one” Matt Davis, freelance journalist, Italy.
“Maybe the most sophisticated technology available today”,, Arturo de Andrés, Automóvil, Spain.
“Again, the Volkswagen TSI stands out for power per litre of displacement as well as technological interest” Jim Kenzie, The Toronto Star/freelance/TSN TV presenter, Canada
“A 1.4-litre engine that thinks like a 2-litre” Gary Tsang, Automobile, China.
“A remarkable engine that shows great potential for some other future engines, in terms of both sheer power and economics under partial load” Jeroen Jongeneel, De Telegraaf, Netherlands.
“What an elegant combination of technologies, an uncannily smooth small displacement in-line four, a supercharger and a turbo, seamlessly coordinated” Jack Yamaguchi, freelance journalist, Japan.
“1.4 litres and 170bhp? This is the engine every engineer must have dreamed of. Volkswagen has solved the synchronous problem of two different technologies” Halit Bolkan, Turkey.
“Genius supercharging with two systems previously considered as basically different ways of engine boosting. Now Volkswagen has proved these solutions can work together” Gabor Szecsenyi, Auto2, Hungary.
Production of the 1.4-litre TSI powerplant has now started in two performance classes. In the sporty Golf GT, the 1.4 litre TSI delivering 125kW/170hp needs just 7.2 litres of Super plus every 100 kilometres. On extra urban roads, the Twincharger consumes as little as 5.9 litres. The Golf GT is available with the TSI engine from €22,500.
In the Touran, the TSI delivers 103kW/140hp and consumes 7.5 litres combined and 6.2 litres extra urban. The Touran with the Twincharger starts at €22,590.
This is the third award that Volkswagen has received for the new, dual-charged engine: Last autumn, Volkswagen received the new product prize from the world’s biggest science magazine Popular Science in the USA, in Spring 2006 it was awarded the Paul Pietsch Prize.
Posted by Lorenzo at 9:59 pm
© 2006 The VW Gazette. Photo-rendering from Auto Motor und Sport.
The Germans over at Auto Motor und Sport has a new picture of what the rumored return of the Scirocco might look like. Although the picture is just a photo-rendering of what the Scirocco could look like, it still gives a pretty good idea as to what we can expect when it does launch sometime in two years.
The AMS article mentions that the Scirocco would come in a 2+2 seat configuration and would cost around €22,000, or around US$28,000, putting the new Scirocco between the Golf and the Eos. As well, the Scirocco is said to sport a grille similar to that of the EcoRacer's wide-mouth grille. Although the Scirocco name is resurrected, it looks like the old Scirocco's angular design won't be.
Posted by Lorenzo at 5:24 pm
Text from Volkswagen of America.EPA, Department of Energy recognize New Beetle, Golf and Jetta as fuel economy leaderAUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Travel season is quickly approaching – a time when millions of people will take to their cars for the annual family vacation and trips to the beach. This summer, however, recent spikes in fuel prices have many people canceling their plans and keeping the car in the garage. Volkswagen, the leading manufacturer of diesel passenger cars in the United States offers much-needed relief for those planning to hit the open road, by offering up to a 35 percent increase in fuel efficiency – a fact recently recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
Diesel versions of the New Beetle and Golf are the highest fuel economy models in their respective vehicle classes, according to the EPA and DOE’s 2006 Fuel Economy Guide. Additionally, the Volkswagen New Beetle, Golf and Jetta hold four of the top ten positions for best fuel economy, according to the EPA.
In the 2006 Fuel Economy Guide, the New Beetle TDI leads the subcompact car class for both manual and automatic transmission, with 37/44 (city/highway) mpg for the manual and 35/42 mpg for the automatic. The Golf TDI leads the compact car class for manual transmission, with 37/44 mpg.
Volkswagen has reported TDI diesel sales of more than 22 percent of total sales for April year-to-date. During the month of April, Volkswagen witnessed a correlation between rising fuel prices and diesel sales, with diesel sales accounting for more than 40 percent of New Beetles sold and 38 percent of Jettas for the month. Volkswagen diesels have also been approved for use of B5 biodiesel fuel.
Regardless of engine type, there are ways to improve a vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Volkswagen offers the following tips to maximize every gallon of fuel:
- Maintain proper tire pressure. Driving on tires with low air pressure uses more gas.
- Get your car serviced regularly to avoid gas-guzzling problems such as dirty air. filters and low transmission fluid.
- Limit the time your vehicle is idle.
- Use the appropriate grade oil for your vehicle's engine.
- Slow down, accelerate gradually and avoid sudden braking.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat Wagon, Touareg and Phaeton through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers.
Posted by Lorenzo at 5:15 pm
Text from Bloomberg.com.May 8 (Bloomberg) -- Volkswagen AG, Europe's largest carmaker, said its U.S. sales of cars with diesel engines reached a record 22 percent last month.
``We think the numbers reflect a growing awareness of the potential fuel savings diesel-powered vehicles offer and a growing acceptance of diesel in the U.S.,'' Steve Keyes, Volkswagen's U.S. communications chief, said in an interview on May 5.
Volkswagen is betting on increased diesel sales to help return the Wolfsburg, Germany-based carmaker to profit in the U.S., where the company posted losses the last three years. Volkswagen's overall sales in the U.S., the world's largest automobile market, last month rose 11 percent to 20,528 vehicles, with its market share gaining to 1.4 percent from 1.2 percent.
U.S. consumers are opting for diesel engines, which Volkswagen says are about 30 percent more fuel efficient than gasoline motors, as gasoline prices have surged. The average U.S. retail price rose to $2.92 a gallon last week, the highest since September and an increase of 13 percent from the beginning of April, according to Energy Department figures. The record was $3.07 in September.
``It's an interesting sign that U.S. consumers are starting to recognize the fuel efficiency and other benefits of diesel,'' said Adam Jonas, an analyst with Morgan Stanley in London with an ``overweight'' rating on Volkswagen shares. Diesel vehicles may be starting to ``get over the bad image they have in the U.S. from the '70s and '80s.''
Volkswagen's sharp increase last month follows a gradually rising trend for the carmaker in the U.S. Last year 14 percent of the Volkswagens sold in the U.S. had diesels, compared with 12 percent in each of the previous two years.
Diesel Models
Of the three models that Volkswagen sells in the U.S. with a diesel-engine option, the diesel versions accounted for 38 percent of Jetta purchases, 40 percent of New Beetle sales and 13 percent of Golf purchases. Diesel sales of the Golf were constrained by a dwindling supply before the coming switchover to a new version of the model, which is being renamed the Rabbit, Keyes said.
Diesel sales growth in the U.S. has been hindered in the past by a perception that diesels are dirty and noisy, and has tended to fluctuate with the rise and fall of gasoline prices.
``Now the market is feeling that these higher prices are here to stay, and diesel is a viable alternative,'' Keyes said. ``We're starting to approach sales numbers for diesel engines that was common in Europe a few years ago.''
The U.S. market share for diesel-powered cars and light trucks will almost quadruple by 2015 as automakers meet fuel-efficiency demands and as state emissions rules become uniform, J.D. Power & Associates forecast last month.
Diesel Sales
Diesel vehicles will account for 11.8 percent of U.S. sales by 2015, increasing from 3.2 percent last year, the marketing-research firm estimates. Worldwide share will rise during the same period to 34.2 percent from 24.7 percent in 2005, according to the study.
U.S. gasoline costs have risen as crude oil prices hover at historically high levels. Crude oil rose to a record $75.35 a barrel in New York April 21 on concern that shipments from Iran and Nigeria would be disrupted as the U.S. increases gasoline output for the summer driving season.
Since 2002, the cost of gasoline has risen to 3 percent of U.S. household budgets from 2 percent, according to the University of Michigan's Office for the Study of Automotive Transportation.
Posted by Lorenzo at 10:57 pm
Text and photos from Volkswagen AG.
The 365-Days-a-Year-Cabriolet
The first convertible-coupe with integrated sliding/tilting glass roof
Eos will start in May of 2006 in Europe and later on will be available on all continentsWOLFSBURG, Germany - After more than one million VW convertibles of the Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Golf and New Beetle series, the new Eos takes off to a flying start in May 2006. As the first standard automobile world wide the four-seater is equipped with a five piece convertible, sliding and coupe roof (CSC-roof).
The hard top folds tightly together providing a powerful design
- A friendly panorama: The CSC-roof opens or closes completely within 25 seconds and offers technical as well as visual finesse. Firstly: the front section is held in a transparent glass look and can be used as a panorama sun roof opening it either completely or tilting it upwards by 35 millimeters. Even in the closed mode the roof creates a bright, friendly and fresh atmosphere in the interior. Secondly: thanks to the wide CSC-roof span it was possible to design a short windscreen frame. This creates a pure convertible feeling. Thirdly: another benefit is that the proportions are streamlined, the roof line is elongated, the rear is muscular and the overall impression is one of high quality.
- One VW, two segments: The clientele addressed by the Eos is comparatively large because the convertible-coupe is positioned between the A and B class. Example A-class (Golf-class): the Eos recommends itself as a vehicle with the overall impression of the higher quality B-class. In addition the Eos stands out from many of its competitors in the A-segment because of the higher end performance spectrum of the engines and high-end technologies such as the automatic DSG double clutch transmission, a Dynaudio sound system and of course the new CSC-roof. Example B-class (Passat-class): Even though the Eos is a little shorter than its competitors it offers a comparatively spacious and in any case comfortable interior. No top-end convertible in the B-class offers a glass sun roof, only one offers a folding steel roof. On top of this, the Eos has a clearly more favorable price. To put it differently: this Volkswagen transcends class borders.
New designs throughout
- CSC-Design: When closed, the CSC-roof curves in an arc between the rear and the windscreen. This creates an outstanding coupe roof, elegant and sporty. The roof’s curve is elongated, the rear is muscular and the overall impression is one of high quality. With the roof open, it is obvious that the Eos was specifically designed as a convertible-coupe and that its bodywork design was not derived from an existing model. Due to the CSC-roof it was possible to keep the windscreen frame short and the rear compact. Consequence: clear cut proportions in the style of classic convertibles. Not even one antenna disturbs its appearance. Background: the developers built each antenna into the trunk lid made of high rigidity synthetic.
- CSC characteristics: The five-section CSC structure offers not only visual, but also practical advantages. Firstly, the pure convertible-feeling. Since the windscreen frame - or to be precise - the roof cross member - projects out into the interior to a far lesser degree than many similar vehicles there is nothing but the sky above the driver and front passenger. Secondly: optimal entry and exit. The reduced width of the wind screen frame makes it easier to get into the open Eos, since it is not necessary to maneuver around the frame. Thirdly: the integrated CSC-roof of the Eos captures light, air and a good mood. The complete opening and closing of the roof systems happens very quickly - from the first ‘clack’ to the last ‘click’ it only takes around 25 seconds. Once everything is covered, the system confirms the completion of the action by sounding a signal. In addition the CSC-roof offers the general advantages of an unlimited all-year-round suitability as well as lower driving noise levels when closed. The hard shell also makes life harder for vandals and thieves.
Very wide and powerful
- Dimensions: The convertible-coupe is 1.79 meters wide, 4.41meters long and 1.44 meters high. In their relationship to each other these dimensions affect the dynamics of the Eos: due to the relatively broad width in comparison with the length and height, the Eos sits powerfully on its wheels. The considerable track width (more than 1.55 meters) doesn’t just look good; it rather adds to the agility and road handling. The result is a fun driving experience, whether the top is up or down.
Five engines with a performance spectrum from 115 hp to 250 hp
- Engines: The Eos is available with four gas engines (performance spectrum 85 kW / 115 hp, 110 kW / 150 hp, 147 kW / 200 hp and 184 kW / 250 hp) as well as a 103 kW / 140 hp strong TDI with standard diesel particulate filter. For engines up to 147 kW a four cylinder direct injection system is used. The 184-kW option gets its power from six cylinders; gear changes are made via the DSG double clutch transmission.
Sporty-elegant interior
- Interior: The interior was also newly designed. While the details for function and use (e.g. lights, air conditioning; radio systems) are familiar from other models, many of the Eos elements were newly developed. These include the cockpit, door and side cover as well as the rear seats and an air conditioning automatic specifically designed for a convertible. For the first time Volkswagen optionally features electrically activated easy-entry-seats: they ‘remember’ the driver’s and front passenger’s longitudinal seating position and return to it – just by pushing a button - after the rear passengers have gotten in or out. A lordosis support is also integrated into this electric 12-way seat adjustment system.
- Trunk: With an open roof the available space is 205 liters, when closed the volume increases to 380 liters. For the last few millimeters the lid of the trunk closes via a power latching system as a standard feature. In addition there is a service hatch which is integrated into the rear seat bench.
Comprehensive standard equipment / Eos Individual
- Equipment: The Eos reaches the market exclusively equipped with high quality components. The standard equipment that is always present: ESP, maximum safety head rests in the front, front airbags and specially developed head-thorax airbags; 16’’ alloy rims (V6: 17’’), air conditioning (Climatic / V6: Climatronic)), fog lights, power windows, leather steering wheel*, leather leaver knob* and leather hand brake handle* as well as sport seats* (* = standard starting from 103 kW, customized only for 85 kW). It goes without saying that a retractable roll bar system is pushed out in a maximum of 0.25 seconds in a critical driving situation providing extra safety. There are optional innovative features available for the Eos, such as a Dynaudio sound system with a 10 channel amplifier, 10 loud speakers and 600 Watt output or bi-xenon head lights with a dynamic curve light and a static turning light. Among other things, Volkswagen Individual also developed a particularly noble and elegant Eos with two color leather equipment, 18’’inch alloy rims and a dark chrome-radiator grille.
Note:
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.
Posted by Lorenzo at 6:28 pm
Text from Volkswagen AG.Hamburg, 02 May 2006
At its meeting on May 2, 2006, the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG unanimously decided to extend the contract of Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder, Chairman of the Board of Management, until April 16, 2012.
Posted by Lorenzo at 6:24 pm
Text from CNW Group.AJAX, ON, May 2 /CNW/ - Volkswagen Canada sales totalled 2,857 new units for April 2006, compared with 2,982 units in April 2005. Year to date sales for 2006 have totalled 9,422 new models, compared to 8,359 in April 2005, an increase of 12.7%.
This monthly total for April 2006 is comprised of:
145 New Beetles
395 Golfs
192 GTIs
1,672 Jettas
401 Passats
51 Touaregs
1 Phaeton
We are celebrating the return of the GTI with a significant 8-fold sales increase in April 2006 compared to April 2005. In the Jetta lineup, we are pleased to see an increase of 8.6% on TDI sales compared with March 2006.
Posted by Lorenzo at 6:16 pm
Text from Volkswagen of America.New models comprise more than half of salesAUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Volkswagen of America, Inc. today reported April sales of 20,528, an 11.2 percent increase over prior year sales.
The Jetta continues to be the volume car for Volkswagen, selling 9,929 units, up 32.4 percent as compared to last year’s sales of 7,498. With an increase of 52.9 percent, the Passat sedan posted sales of 3,466.
Year-to-date sales are 73,824, an increase of 20.4 percent over prior year sales of 61,336. Below is a breakdown of the model line for the Volkswagen brand for April, 2006.
Posted by Lorenzo at 5:49 pm
Text from The Auto Channel.
Washington DC May 1, 2006; The AIADA newsletter reported that Volkswagen's latest ads for the Jetta, which display the effects of high-impact crashes, appear to have sparked consumer interest.
According to USA Today, "Volkswagen says that since the ads touting Jetta's crash safety began on April 10, requests for brochures are up 37 percent at call centers and 56 percent on the Web compared with the first 15 days of March, and Internet requests for dealer price quotes are up 58 percent."
Volkswagen dealers also say the campaign is having a positive effect on business. "We've seen a real uptick in traffic. Dealer feedback is that it's working," said Bob Grace, president of the Volkswagen Dealer Council and owner of Southpoint Volkswagen in Baton Rouge, L.A. "The advertising is shocking, but customers are saying that it makes you think about the safety of our cars."
