Posted by Lorenzo at 6:10 pm
A
previous recall Volkswagen issued last year to 362,000 models about defective brake lights now turns out to have been larger than first expected. Volkswagen is now extending the recall to an additional 790,000 vehicles including 1999-2006 Golf and GTI models, 2001-2005 Jettas, 2001-2007 New Beetles and the 2004 R32. The recall concerns a brake light switch that may not be installed properly causing the brake light to stay on or not turn on at all. In extreme cases, some vehicles with automatic transmissions might be immobilized if the brake light switch can't be activated so that the transmission can be shifted out of park.
When the recall begins in April, Volkswagen will install a new brake switch to vehicles affected for free. If you think your vehicle is affected, you can contact your local dealership or Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Source: Autoblog
Posted by Lorenzo at 4:03 pm
Image source: Volkswagen AG.
Volkswagen today has given us a sneek preview of the Golf Variant that will officially debut in the Geneva Auto Show within a few weeks time. When it launches it will come in a whole bunch of diesel and gasoline engines with a 140 hp 1.4L TSI topping the range. A 140 hp diesel is also available.
All the action is at the business end of the Golf Variant, being longer than a regular Golf by more than 14 inches. This station wagon can carry 5 passengers and 24 cubic feet of stuff in it's back. With rear seats folded down, cargo room increases to a whopping 58 cubic feet, putting some SUVs to shame.
It is said that the Golf Variant will become the Jetta Wagon over here. Whether that's true or not is not sure but Jalopnik says that if it's so, we may see a North American debut in New York.
Jump for more pictures.
Source: Motor Authority, Jalopnik
Posted by Lorenzo at 6:45 pm
It is being reported that the may be revealed in the Geneva Motor Show next month. It also seems that the
Golf Variant will become the Jetta Wagon over here and is expected to be on the streets by late this year.
Posted by Lorenzo at 6:43 pm
AutoTelegraaf is reporting that a R version Touareg is in the works. The news was accidentally revealed by a overzealous Volkswagen employee during a media presentation. This R Touareg will be nothing like the R32 and R36 as it will have under its hood a variant of the Touareg's powerful 5.0L V10 TDI engine. And as far as naming goes, the R Touareg is said to be christened the R50 and, though official figures haven't been released, the R50 is expected to surpass 365 hp and 625 ft-lbs. of torque, figures which have been achieved by aftermarket tuners. The R50 is expected to look like the R-line Touareg (picture) currently offered by Volkswagen Individual in Europe. Speaking of Europe, the R50 may very well stay there. The chances of it crossing the pond (despite the Touareg's fording capabilities) is unlikely.
Posted by Lorenzo at 9:38 am
It was about two years ago when a blue Touareg named
Stanely made headlines when it won the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge traversing desert conditions in Primm, Nevada only with sensors and computers and no human intervention.
Now, the Stanford Racing Team, who was also responsible for Stanley, has revealed their entry into the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge, which is just like the Grand Challenge except in an urban city environment. The Urban Challenge consists of a 60 mile course of a simulated urban setting and each entrant must obey California State traffic laws, not crash, and not be aided by any sort of human input. And for the Stanford team, a blue Volkswagen Passat Wagon will be doing all the work. That and a slew of computers and sensors to guide it along its way. Indeed, Junior is packed to the brim with laser rangefinders, radar, GPS, and enough Intel Core 2 Duo processors to power a small city.
You can find more information in the
Stanford Racing Team website for more about Junior and on the DARPA site for more about the
2007 Urban Challenge.
CNET also has a few pictures of the interior.
Posted by Lorenzo at 4:54 pm
Image source: Auto Motor und Sport
The New Beetle is single-handedly responsible for Volkswagen's comeback in the late 90s, yet is the only model that receives the least attention by Volkswagen. The New Beetle has remained the same for almost ten years, thirteen years of you count the Concept 1 unveiled in the 1994 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Heck, it took Volkswagen eight years just to give it a slight refresh. And if you think about it, the New Beetle does pose a dilemma for Volkswagen. How can you redesign an iconic design?
German mag Auto Motor und Sport has obtained sketches of what the New Beetle's predecessor could look like. The source of these sketches are unknown so there is no way of knowing if these are official Volkswagen drawings but what it depicts is a bold change for the Bug. Everything about the car seems longer than the original, from the longer hood to the longer body. Another noticeable detail is the less bulbous wheel arches. All these little features add up to a car that looks like a conventional hatchback, which is not necessarily a bad thing, especially for the Beetle. The convertible version looks sleeker than the current Beetle Convertible and also reveals that the rear will drop the round taillights found on the current Beetle. This could mean the same for the front of the car as well.
These sketches, though not officially from Volkswagen are good indications of what we can expect in the forthcoming model, which, according to AMS, should arrive in 2010. Finally, the Beetle can grow up and evolve; pick up from where the current one left off.
Posted by Lorenzo at 4:18 pm
This little bit of news is not really confirmed however, it wouldn't really be out of the ordinary in the Volkswagen of late, what with all the previous delays that have been confirmed. In any case, it is still worth reporting in case there is a shred of credibility in this rumor because the implications (or rewards) are considerable.
It has been purported that the forthcoming Tiguan and Scirocco will be delayed as per Marting Winterkorn, Volkswagen's new chief. It seems, just as with the previously reported next gen
Golf,
Jetta, and Passat, he isn't too keen on these two model's designs. So as is the routine, he has (allegedly) handed over the Tiguan and Scirocco to Volkswagen's new head of design,
Walter de'Silva for scrutiny.
Personally, I thought the Tiguan was a really slick looking car, dare I say, one of Volkswagen's better looking models. The Scirocco on the other hand has always been one car that I wanted to like. If this rumor is true, it would be interesting to see what can be done to improve upon these two models.
Posted by Lorenzo at 6:39 pm
The European Union says the so-called Volkswagen Law "wrongly preventing the free flow of captial". The Law, if struck down, would be a critical blow to Volkswagen. Under the law, no shareholder can exercise more than 20% voting rights, regardless of their level of stock holding. The law, enacted in the 1960s just after Volkswagen was privatized, allowed the State of Lower Saxony and Germany to prevent the risk of a foreign takeover and have say in any politically sensitive decisions. As it stands, Lower Saxony holds 20.1% stake in Volkswagen, giving them 2 seats on the supervisory board.
If this law is struck down, Volkswagen would be open and unprotected against any foreign takeover. Recently, Porsche has purchased 27.4% stake in Volkswagen with the intention that the combined stakes of Porsche, Volkswagen, and Lower Saxony would prevent a foreign takeover.
The EU's inital findings is expected to be the final ruling, which will be made in the next four to six months.
Posted by Lorenzo at 5:51 pm
Volkswagen's newest addition to the BlueMotion lineup has been officially set to
debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March and Volkswagen has now revealed some details about the upcoming model. BlueMotion, of course, is Volkswagen's lineup of clean, fuel-sipping models that currently consists of the Polo and now, the Passat, with more models expected.
According to Volkswagen, the Passat BlueMotion is capable of 5.1 L/100 km, that's about 46 mpg which is very good for a car its size. CO2 output is rated at 136 g/km. All those numbers translate to 840 miles of driving between fill ups. This is all possible with the ultra economical Bluetec engine that is fitted in the Passat: a 105 hp diesel engine that is capable of tops speeds of up to 120 mph.
It's safe to say that this model, unfortunately, will probably stay in Europe.
Press release after the jump.
Source: Volkswagen AG.
Low fuel consumption: Passat BlueMotion consumes just 5.1 liters of diesel over 100 km
It just keeps running: Passat BlueMotion with 1,350 km range
Wolfsburg, Germany - The new Passat BlueMotion – no other vehicle of its size consumes less fuel. The saloon needs exactly 5.1 liters of diesel for 100 km. And just as convincing: a CO2 emission level of just 136 g/km. The world premiere of the Passat BlueMotion is 6th March at the Geneva Motor Show.
With the new Passat BlueMotion, Volkswagen is forcing ahead with the launch of vehicles that are particularly efficient and environmentally friendly. The first BlueMotion model was the Polo in the summer of 2006– an immediate success and its production figures have already been increased threefold due to the high demand throughout Europe. "BlueMotion" is now the seal of quality for a model version with the lowest rate of fuel consumption.
With reference to the new Passat BlueMotion this means: an average of 5.1 liters of diesel over 100 kilometers. The Passat Estate BlueMotion needs 5.2 liters (137 g/km) – also a top value, even in comparison to vehicles worldwide. Both body versions have a driving range of up to 1,350 kilometers with a full tank! With an average annual distance driven of 15,000 kilometers, this means that the driver only needs to refuel eleven times a year with an average of 68 Euro* in fuel costs per month.
Volkswagen can achieve such low consumption figures through the fine tuning of the engine, which was already extremely efficient. In this case a 77 kW / 105 bhp TDI engine with a diesel particulate filter fitted as standard. This fuel efficiency does not, however, reduce levels of agility. The Passat BlueMotion can accelerate up to 193 km/h (Estate: 190 km/h) if required. That is an element of the BlueMotion philosophy: fuel efficiency and agility in a combination that still makes driving fun.
* = Basis: 3rd week of 2007, price in Germany, details from the Association of the German Petroleum Industry
Posted by Lorenzo at 4:32 pm
In a recent interview with German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Martin Winterkorn revealed plans for a new model that will be positioned below the Fox and will compete with DaimlerChrysler's Smart ForTwo ultracompact. It will be "an economical, everyday small car that looks attractive and is affordable," according to Winterkorn and adds that it will "have space for four people plus luggage" unlike the ForTwo.
There is no official word on when the model would be available but sources say it should be ready within the next 30 months.
Posted by Lorenzo at 9:32 pm
Image source: Auto Express
Car mag Auto Express have captured spyshots of the next gen Sharan, which is expected to go on sale in Europe late 2008. As is the case with the current Sharan, the next iteration will most likely remain in Europe.
Volkswagen is really keeping the Sharan project close at heart because of recent competition from the Ford S-Max, which is really selling well in Europe. The forthcoming Sharan, which will be based on the Passat platform, will receive a more dynamic styling, leaving behind the staid, utilitarian design of the current model. While the spy shots reveal the current design, rest assured, the next Sharan will sport a slicker design receiving, among other things, Volkswagen's signature grille.
Jump in to see the actual spy photos.
Posted by Lorenzo at 6:57 pm
Image source: Infomotori.co.uk
New renderings of Volkswagen's upcoming Mk. VI Golf have surfaced on the Internet. The renderings depict an Iroc-esque Golf. That means an aggressive front end with a large grille and large air intakes. If these renderings contain a shred of truth, then they are inline with recent reports that claim Winterkorn has handed over design of the Mk. VI to Walter de'Silva to tone down the air intakes, which he thought were too large. The rear, on the other hand is very unGolf-like with an oddly shaped window and taillights. The interior is a mishmash of Iroc and Golf parts.
The Mk. VI's release into the market has been fast tracked and it's main goal is to reduce production costs from the current Mk. V. Don't be fooled, the Mk. VI, at least according to sources, will still be on the Mk. V chassis but will be sporting a more aggressive skin.
More photos after the jump.
Posted by Lorenzo at 6:09 pm
The moment 5000 lucky people (and the rest of us) have been waiting for has finally arrived today. The second generation R32 makes it's North American debut in Chicago during the Chicago Auto Show. This thing is hot. Dressed in blue with a bodykit that compliments the standard Golf body very well. Under the hood, a naturally aspirated 3.2L narrow angle (15 degrees) V6 is the centerpiece, producing 250 hp and 236 ft. lbs. of torque. That's a whopping 100 hp more than the standard Rabbit offering, and 50 hp more than the GTI. Power is routed to Volkswagen's acclaimed DSG transmission and distributed to all four 18-inch wheels. The R32 takes 6.4 seconds to reach 60 mph.
As mentioned earlier, only 5000 units will be made available in North America. Volkswagen has already released the reservation process for the R32.
Jump for both press releases.
Source: Volkswagen of America
Hot New R32 Warms Up the Windy City with its North American Debut
CHICAGO – Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced the return of its motorsports-inspired R32 at the Chicago Auto Show. First introduced in 2004 to an enthusiastic reception, the R32 delivers the ultimate in Volkswagen sports performance with dynamic handling and refined road manners.
The R32’s power comes from a 3.2 L naturally aspirated 15-degree narrow angle V6 engine. With 250 horsepower and 236 ft. lbs. of torque, the R32 is all muscle. The standard 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system transfers at least 75 percent of available torque to the rear wheels. Volkswagen’s acclaimed DSG® transmission allows for seamless gear changes and accelerates from 0-60 in approximately 6.4 seconds.
With a fully independent multi-link rear suspension that sits wider and lower than its GTI sibling, the R32 flaunts its authority both inside and out. Twin chrome exhausts, 18-inch alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights, a uniquely shaped front grille and R32 badging distinguish this car from anything else on the road. A rear roof spoiler and deep front spoiler, coupled with body-colored bumpers, side bump strips, door handles and door mirrors, add to the streamlined, sporty look.
The R32 boasts a long list of safety features, including Electronic Stabilization Program that reacts to critical driving situations in milliseconds by controlling the speed of individual wheels; and a confidence-inspiring Anti-Lock Braking System that helps to prevent wheels from locking under heavy braking. Brake Assist boosts brake pressure in emergency braking situations and the state-of-the-art Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle's brakes based on road and driving conditions.
Inside, the R32 takes it cues from racing with aluminum-look foot pedals and deep front sports seats. Features such as automatic climate control (Climatronic™), ten-speaker premium CD stereo system, rain sensing wipers, automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror, heatable front seats and heated washer nozzles, anti-theft alarm, cruise control and trip computer are standard luxuries that complement this performance-driven champ.
Volkswagen Announces Reservation Process for New R32
Strong Demand Anticipated for Limited Production Sports Model
CHICAGO – Volkswagen of America, Inc. anticipates significant consumer demand for its sporty new R32 performance model, debuting today at the Chicago Auto Show. The new R32 is a reprise of the 2004 edition, which sold out its entire United States allocation of 5,000 shortly after its market debut.
The new edition, limited to a quantity of 5,000, is expected to appeal to previous and current R32 enthusiasts, owners of the sporty GTI who are looking for “something more” and to the larger automotive enthusiast community. To satisfy those customers with the strongest R32 ownership aspirations, Volkswagen has established an order reservation process. Current GTI and R32 owners will be notified of the opening of an R32 micro-site on www.vw.com, concurrent with today’s introduction. An R32 prospect will be referred to a Volkswagen dealer. The first 832 people who place a deposit with an authorized Volkswagen dealer, will be eligible to secure one of the first R32 vehicles to be delivered in August 2007.
The R32 features an exclusive combination of high performance components, such as a narrow-angle 3.2L V6 producing 250 horsepower mated to a six speed dual clutch DSG transmission, with steering wheel mounted shift controls. It features a full compliment of comfort, convenience and performance features, as well as unique R32 interior and exterior design cues.
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, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.
Posted by Lorenzo at 5:23 pm
The Eos, not wanting the New Beetle Convertible to steal the spotlight today, was also awarded "Best Convertible" by MotorWeek's Driver's Choice Award. You can see the episode touting the Eos's as the best convertible on PBS on February 10.
As with most everyone else who gets their hands on one, MotorWeek commends the design of the CSC hardtop of the Eos. As well, the value that can be had with the Eos sets "a benchmark for other convertibles", says MotorWeek host John Davis.
Jump to read the complete press release.
Source: Volkswagen of America.
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – MotorWeek TV has named the Volkswagen Eos the “Best Convertible” in its annual Drivers’ Choice Awards. The announcement was made today at the Chicago Auto Show and MotorWeek will feature the Drivers’ Choice Award winners on a special episode to air on PBS February 10.
“The four-season retractable hardtop design of the Volkswagen Eos sets a new benchmark for affordable convertibles,” said MotorWeek host John Davis. “The cleverness of the top is obvious. Add in strong and efficient engines and great driving pleasure and the Eos is an easy convertible standout.”
The Volkswagen Eos is the world’s first four-seat, hard-top convertible with an integrated glass sunroof. The CSC™ (coupe-sunroof-convertible) is a revolutionary five-panel roof that transforms the coupe’s hardtop, with integrated sunroof and heated-glass rear window, into an open-air convertible.
With the click of a switch, owners of the 2007 Eos enjoy the attributes of a traditional “rag top” and the benefits of a protected and quiet interior environment of a hard-top. In an industry “first-and-only,” the panoramic, tinted glass power sunroof is integrated into the folding roof of the Volkswagen Eos. The externally-guided, tilt-and-slide sunroof with automatic pinch protection gets “sandwiched” between roof panels as the hard-top is lowered.
Available with the award-winning 2.0T four-cylinder or the innovative 3.2 L narrow-angle V6 engines, other notable features of the Volkswagen 2007 Eos include Climatic single-zone air conditioning as standard in the base Eos, with dual-zone Climatronic™ standard in the Eos 2.0T and 3.2 L models. Easy entry rear seats that "remember" the driver's and front passenger's longitudinal seating positions, and return to these once the rear passengers have entered or exited the vehicle are standard on the Eos 3.2 L and optional on the 2.0T models.
The 2007 Eos 2.0T offers 200 horsepower and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder engine. High-pressure, Fuel Stratified Injection helps with performance and efficiency. The 2007 Eos 2.0T is EPA rated at an estimated 23 miles per gallon in the city and an impressive 32 mpg in highway driving.
The 2007 Drivers’ Choice Awards were selected by a team of 15 judges, comprised of the writers, producers and crew of MotorWeek. The judges evaluated more than 150 cars and trucks, focusing on key features of superior performance, technology, practicality and dollar value. The vehicles selected for a 2007 Drivers’ Choice Award made it through the grueling gauntlet of road and track tests as well as a comprehensive comparison to competitors.
MotorWeek, the original automotive magazine series on television, is one of the nation’s leading sources for automotive industry news, new car information, and entertainment, focusing on consumers’ needs and the driving experience. The award-winning series can be seen on more than 240 PBS stations nationwide and on cable’s SPEED. MotorWeek is nationally sponsored by Cars.com, The Tire Rack, Valvoline, and Goodyear. Visit MotorWeek online at pbs.org/motorweek
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, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.
Posted by Lorenzo at 5:16 pm
The 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible was chosen "Best Overall Value of the Year - 2007" by Intellichoice. No specific reason was really given (not that I'm complaining) other than the standard "we look at value" spiel.
Jump in to read the press release.
Source: Volkswagen of America.
IntelliChoice award for convertible class value leadership made during the 2007 Chicago Auto Show
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Volkswagen of America, Inc announced today that the 2007 New Beetle convertible was chosen as IntelliChoice’s “Best Overall Value of the Year – 2007.” The annual award acknowledges automakers for producing a vehicle, whose cost of ownership is considerably lower than its counterpart models, therefore helping consumers make smarter purchasing decisions. The models that are honored for best overall value are top-ranked vehicles in their relevant categories.
IntelliChoice analyzes value and ownership cost in more than 1,800 vehicles to determine the automotive market's best values for the consumer. Some techniques used to identify a vehicle as having the most value are determined by title verification, roadside assistance, special financing, certification inspection process, manufacturer warranties, return/ exchange policies and much more.
“We are delighted to receive this important award from IntelliChoice,” says David Goggins, director of product marketing and strategy at Volkswagen of America, Inc. “It is particularly satisfying to be recognized for value and low ownership costs, both core values for Volkswagen. Since its introduction in the U.S., over 83,000 customers have chosen the New Beetle Convertible for its winning combination of value, fun and charm and it continues to maintain an enduring appeal.”
The 2007 New Beetle convertible feature many of the most popular comfort and convenience features as standard, including fully reclining, height adjustable front seats, a height adjustable and telescoping three-spoke padded steering wheel, and a 10-speaker premium in-dash CD/MP3/satellite-ready stereo.
The model offers Volkswagen’s 2.5-liter, in-line, five-cylinder gasoline engine. The 2.5 L engine delivers 150 horsepower at 5,000 revolutions per minute and 170 lbs.-ft. of torque at 3,750 rpm.
The automatic transmission achieves an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency of up to 32 miles per gallon in highway driving and 23 mpg in city driving. With a manual transmission, the EPA estimates are 31 mpg highway and 22 city.
The 2007 New Beetle convertible is available at Volkswagen dealers with a starting price of $17,180.
For more information on the 2007 New Beetle convertible, as well as all other Volkswagen models and products, log on to www.media.vw.com. Registration is required.
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
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, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.
About IntelliChoice
Part of PRIMEDIA Enthusiast Media, IntelliChoice is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and value analysis and in automotive leasing cost analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice is the most authoritative provider of independent automobile pricing, specifications, ownership cost and leasing data. Offering proprietary ownership cost and value information, IntelliChoice also publishes the IntelliChoice Buyer’s Guide, a quarterly magazine for consumers featuring the nation's most trusted automotive cost and value data, as well as the award winning annuals, The Complete Car Cost Guide™ and The Complete Small Truck Cost Guide™
Posted by Lorenzo at 5:05 pm
Volkswagen has announced today during the Chicago Auto Show that a production-based GTI racing series will be established in the US and is to begin in 2008. The series will be sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America.
Read on for press release.
Source: Volkswagen of America.
Production-based GTI racing to begin in 2008
CHICAGO – Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced that it will operate a production- based GTI Cup spec racing series beginning in 2008, offering aspiring young racers an affordable entry into professional motorsports. The new series will be sanctioned by Sports Car Club of America.
"Volkswagen as an automotive manufacturer is represented around the globe, and we have a strong history in motorsports, including successful spec racing Cup programs in more than 10 countries," said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. "The GTI Cup in America will underscore Volkswagen’s competitive spirit and the inspiration we take from racing into the building of our vehicles."
While the GTI Cup racer will be optimized for track performance and safety, the heart of the GTI remains the street version’s high-tech, 200-horsepower 2.0T four-cylinder engine that produces 207 ft.-lbs. of torque. Fitted with its automated manual DSG® transmission, electro-mechanical power rack-and-pinion steering system, and advanced multi-link fully independent sports-tuned rear suspension, the production vehicle is an extremely capable car for the track.
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, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.
Posted by Lorenzo at 5:00 pm
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Volkswagen head Martin Winterkorn confirmed that a second generation Phaeton is in the works and is slated for release in 2011. To all the naysayers who never gave the first Phaeton a chance, Winterkorn said that Volkswagen must continue to be on the leading edge, from the Polo to the Phaeton.
Remind you of anyone? I talking, of course, about Volkswagen's former head Ferdinand Piëch, who spearheaded the development of the Phaeton back in the early 2000s. That was, of course, until Bernd Pischetsrieder put the Phaeton on the back burner to return some much needed attention to Volkswagen's volume models. Now, it seems Winterkorn is intent on putting Volkswagen back on the road to going more upscale. In a recent interview, Winterkorn outlined his objective for Volkswagen. He wanted Volkswagen to go upscale and expand into niche markets. If you think about it, this is exactly where Audi is now. Maybe he thinks the Audi recipe can be adapted for Volkswagen. Only time will tell.
In the meantime though, it looks like a second Phaeton is coming, though probably Volkswagen will pass the US on this one.
Posted by Lorenzo at 5:09 pm
Seems like Volkswagen wants a piece of the subcompact pie. They currently have no model in North America to battle it out with the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit. Rumors on the web, however, say that that's about to change. Apparently, though unconfirmed, the Polo is on its way here, arriving sometime in 2010, if the rumors are to be believed. Honestly, though, this wouldn't be the first time we've heard of this so take it with a grain of salt.
Accoriding to said rumor, the Polo would initially arrive with a gasoline engine, with the fuel-sipping BlueMotion model that should arrive thereafter.
Posted by Lorenzo at 6:05 pm
Source: Volkswagen of AmericaBest January Sales Performance Since 2003AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced January 2007 sales of 16,610 units, a 2.3 percent increase over the January 2006 total of 16,237 vehicles. This figure represents the best January sales performance since 2003 for the Volkswagen brand.
The sporty and affordable Jetta sedan continues as the most popular Volkswagen carline, posting a 3.8 percent sales improvement over January 2006. The GTI, recently named 2007 “Automobile of the Year” by Automobile Magazine, posted a sales surge of 119.3 percent, finding 1,351 new owners in January.
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, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.
Jump for detailed numbers.
Click to enlarge.
Posted by Lorenzo at 5:59 pm
Rumors are running rampant as we near the Chicago Auto Show in just a week's time. It seems that Volkswagen will be taking next week's event as an opportunity to debut their much awaited Golf R32, which is slated for launch Stateside by June.
