Another four-door coupé rendering

German car mag Auto Zeitung has posted a new rendering of the yet-to-be-named Volkswagen four-door coupé that we really have heard little about. All we know is that Volkswagen will be marketing this against the Mercedes Benz CLS, only cheaper.

The article does state some interesting information. It claims that the four-door coupé, codenamed CC or I/O 551, is slated for an introduction during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit with a market introduction Summer of next year. The NAIAS debut goes against everything I have heard, which states that the four-door coupé is supposed to debut during the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. For some reason, I still have faith in a Frankfurt debut. But well shall see come September. A Summer 2008 market launch, on the other hand, is not unlikely.

The article also claims that the four-door coupé will be the first Volkswagen to benefit from a new strategy which Volkswagen adopted from Audi. Modular architecture strategy enables Volkswagen to expand their model range while cutting development time and cost. The article also says that the four-door coupé will not share platform with the Passat, as previously thought, but rather with the Audi A6. Technical components, however, should still be derived from the Passat.

Source: Auto Zeitung (Translated)

Porsche makes official bid for Volkswagen

It was just a matter of time. After Porsche increased it's stake past the 30% threshold that would make a takeover bid mandatory, it was just a matter of time until they would indeed make an official bid. And that's exactly what they did today.

Stuttgart-based Porsche has made an official bid for Volkswagen, at a price of Є100.92 per common share and Є65.54 for preferred shares. It is important to note that the offer Porsche has put on the table is only the bare minimum required for a bid, what with the current Volkswagen share price at around Є112. Porsche explains that they aren't necessarily seeking to takeover Volkswagen just yet. They only launched this bid so that should they decide to purchase more shares in the future, they wouldn't have to launch another takeover bid. However, where things are sitting right now, Porsche's stake plus that of the State of Lower Saxony now shields Volkswagen from any hostile takeover by foreign interests, something Porsche fears would happen if the controversial Volkswagen Law is brought down by the EU.

Regardless, Porsche has given Volkswagen 4 weeks (May 29) from today to decide the fate of their bid. Analysts say that it will not be accepted by board members.

Source: Business Week

Volkswagen introduces new TSI engine and 7-speed DSG

Volkswagen has recently unveiled a new TSI engine and a 7-speed DSG at the Vienna Motor Symposium. Unlike the first TSI engine, which utilized a turbocharger as well as a supercharger, this new engine will only be paired with a turbo and as a result, will be less powerful at 122 hp compared to 138 hp or 168 hp with the first engine. So, why the reduction in power? Fuel economy. The 122 hp TSI produces 7% more power and 30% more torque all while using 6% less fuel than the 1.6L FSI engine it replaces. Impressive.

And to mate the new TSI, Volkswagen has added a gear to their lauded DSG transmission, giving the DSG 7 speeds. Again, all in an effort to save on fuel. Unlike the previous 6-speed DSG, the 7-speed DSG is not bathed in oil. The new gearbox can also withstand up to 184 lbs. ft. or torque.

The two will be first available in the Golf in the second half of this year and will eventually be available in other models thereafter.

Press release after the jump.

Source: Autoblog

PIONEERING SEVEN-SPEED DSG GEARBOX BREAKS COVER

Volkswagen has developed an evolution of its pioneering DSG gearbox. The new seven-speed system – a world first and codenamed DQ200 – uses a pair of dry clutches in preference to the six-speed version's twin wet clutches. This increases efficiency and performance over the wet clutch six-speed system.

The six-speed DSG gearbox, which was introduced in 2003, uses a pair of clutches submerged in oil. The new seven-speed gearbox adopts a pair of dry, organic bonded friction linings that do not require cooling, making the drivetrain more efficient through the extra ratio and the fact that less power is required for the gear selection and clutch servo system.

For the first time the DSG gearbox has been mounted transversely. Measuring only 369 mm in length and weighing only 79 kg including the dual-mass flywheel the gearbox is remarkably compact. These modest proportions mean it can be applied to models from the Polo right up to the Passat and, in its current form, it is capable of coping with power outputs of up to 170 PS and 184 lbs ft of torque.

In adopting seven-speeds, Volkswagen engineers were able to lower first gear to improve acceleration from a standstill. By contrast seventh gear has been raised to act as an overdrive function making it ideal for motorway driving with the additional effect of raising economy and comfort levels.

The volume of oil contained within the gearbox has also been reduced by 75 per cent. The oil circuits are split into two in an effort to protect the lubrication's purity. As with a conventional manual gearbox, one of the circuits is used for cooling and lubrication of the gear teeth, the second feeds oil to the gear actuators. Since the clutch does not require cooling the quantity of oil was reduced from seven litres in the six-speed DSG gearbox to only 1.7-litres in the new seven-speed system.

Production of the gearbox is set to start at the end of the year with its first application in the UK being planned for the Golf and mated to the 1.4-litre TSI petrol and 1.9-litre TDI diesel engines.

NEW TSI TO REPLACE EXISTING 1.6-LITRE FSI UNIT

Volkswagen is also introducing a new turbocharged 1.4-litre engine to replace the existing 1.6-litre FSI engine. Based on the 1.4-litre TSI engine the new unit is not fitted with a supercharger and instead uses a sophisticated turbocharger. The result is an output of 122 PS linked to a choice of manual or DSG gearboxes.

The new engine is planned to be fitted to the Golf, Golf Plus, Golf Estate, Jetta and Passat models, replacing the current 1.6-litre FSI engine when production commences later this year.

Volkswagen rethinks Sportvan direction

The Mercedes Benz R-Class' received a lukewarm reception when it was introduced into the market. People asked, "Is it a van?", "Is it a station wagon?", or" Is it an SUV?". It appeared these questions kept people away, thus suffering the same fate as its corporate cousin, the Chrysler Pacifica. Since it's market introduction last year, the R-Class has been deemed a failure by basically everyone in the auto industry. So, when news came out last October that Volkswagen would be working on a model that would rival the R-Class, the whole automotive world probably rolled their eyes collectively saying, "here we go again".

Well, not anymore. It seems that Volkswagen's chief Martin Winterkorn has given the Sportvan the thumbs down, thus halting its development. And what else would Volkswagen blame for the death of the Sportvan than the S-Class' utter failure in the market. Honestly, I don't blame them.

Had it gone into production, it would probably look something like the rendering above.

Source: Autobild via German Car Blog

Volkswagen and LG make MP3 players

Remember back in the early part of the decade when Volkswagen had this interesting promotional campaign with Apple where every New Beetle came with an iPod. "Pods Unite" they said. Not anymore.

Volkswagen has teamed up with LG to create a slick looking Volkswagen branded MP3 player. And folks, this one may actually give the iPod a run for its money. It can play a variety of audio formats from the venerable MP3 to the more obscure Ogg, with video capability in the form of MPEG-4 and Windows Media Video 9. All that on a 2.4 inch display. Not too shabby. It seems the interface is touch screen which adds another dimension of coolness. This thing even has two flash games! And don't let the garish red colour scare you. This one comes in a variety of colours based off of Volkswagen exterior colours such as Salsa Red (pictured), Shadow Blue, or Sunflower Yellow.

It is available in both 2 and 4 GB configurations with 20 hours of music playback or 3 hours of videos. Although LG introduced the Volkswagen themed players in the Seoul Motor Show, plans to market them are still to be decided upon.

Source: Engadget

Phaeton 2 will be smaller, cheaper

The next Phaeton is already in the works. Volkswagen AG head Martin Winterkorn has already announced that we can expect the second iteration in four years. Other than that, however, he was short on details. And for a project fragile as the Phaeton, details are important.

Now, Winterkorn is revealing that the next Phaeton will be based off of the next gen Audi A6. This fact alone reveals exactly where they have kept costs down. Unlike the last Phaeton, the 2nd generation will use an existing platform and will be built in an existing plant mass produced (presumably). So this means a smaller Phaeton (small is relative because the A6 is actually a big car, just not A8, S-Class, 7-series big). And though the Phaeton will still remain as Volkswagen's flagship car, it will be positioned only slightly above a top end Passat, which indicates that it will be cheaper than the current Phaeton.

That's all well and good but the question still remains: has the Phaeton left such a bad taste in people's mouths (you know, with it being a Volkswagen and all) that people, especially North Americans, are still willing to look at a smaller and cheaper version? That remains to be seen.

Source: Autoblog

Mk. VI Golf delayed until late 2008

In an interview of Ulrich Hackenburg by Automobilwoche during the Shanghai Auto Show, he reveals that the next generation Mk. VI Golf will be delayed until late 2008. He cites the fact that the current Golf is still selling well enough that no pressure is put in releasing the Mk. VI early.

Hmmm, that line is a far cry from recent reports that say Volkswagen chief Martin Winterkorn did not like the design of the Mk. VI Golf that he had his top designer from Audi, Walter de'Silva take over and redo some key aspects of the design, thus delaying the next Golf by quite a few.

Whatever the reason, the Mk. VI is now expected for a late 2008 introduction.

Source: Automobilwoche

BREAKING: Scirocco is a no-go for the US

In an unexpected and shocking revelation, Automotive News is reporting that Volkswagen of America will not be bringing the Scirocco, previewed as the Iroc Concept, to the US market. And, it's not as if the folks at Wolfsburg did not approve the model for US consumption. It seems it is Volkswagen of America VP Adrian Hallmark himself who finds the thought of a Scirocco on US soil "crazy". He apparently fears that the Scirocco, a two-door, Golf-based model would cannibalize GTI sales. That and combined with American's dislike for hatchbacks, Hallmark thinks sales would be less than stellar saying, "Having six different coupes and hatchbacks would be crazy."

I think Volkswagen is shooting themselves in the foot by not having the Scirocco available in the US. With the correct positioning and marketing, Volkswagen can differentiate the GTI and the Scirocco, which they can put somewhere above the GTI. Regardless, if Volkswagen keeps the low roof of the Scirocco, people will see it as a coupe and not a hatchback, just like the original.

We shall see where this goes. Maybe if we enthusiasts make enough noise, Volkswagen will hear. The same thing happened with the four-door GTI.

Source: Automotive News via Autoblog

Volkswagen of America gets green light to expand lineup

This isn't really new news, just reassurance that they will happen. Volkswagen of America VP Adrian Hallmark has revealed in an interview with Automobile News that he has, for a long time, been pushing the bigwigs at Wolfsburg to expand Volkswagen's model lineup in the US. Now, it appears that Wolfsburg has approved certain models to be added to Volkswagen's US lineup.

“The specific products we requested have been through an absolutely critical review process, in detail,” he told Automotive News. “Small details have been changed, but nothing that will fundamentally threaten the cars or the timing.”

So the following models are guaranteed to be in Volkswagen's US lineup:

• Tiguan small SUV
• Four-door coupé (Which apparently could be this. Doubt it, though.)
• Minivan from Chrysler

So, as I've mentioned, nothing really we didn't know, except for maybe the four-door coupé, which we haven't heard of for a long while. As for time frames, The Tiguan is slated to hit US streets in the second half of 2008, while the Chrysler minivan, dubbed "Project M" will also make an appearance in the second half of 2008. As for the four-door coupé, still no definite time frame. Best guess is sometime in 2008 with a possible premiere at September's Frankfurt show. There is also word of a Phaeton replacement for the US. Now, whether this means the 2nd gen Phaeton or a whole other model remains to be seen.

Source: eGMCarTech

Volkswagen revives plan for 200-mpg small car

It was exactly 5 years ago (to the day) when Ferdinand Piëch and then Volkswagen chief Bernd Pischetsreider drove a weird looking, tear drop-shaped black car from Wolfsburg to Hanover and averaged a claimed 222 mpg. This weird looking car was the 1-Litre concept (pictured) which had an 8.5 hp, 299cc one-cylinder engine and was a study to see if Volkswagen could feasibly build a small car that could average over 200 mpg. Judging from how much we've heard of it since, the 1-Litre concept obviously didn't get far.

But it looks like things have changed and the 1-Litre concept is back on track. In an interview with German newspaper Braunschweiger Zeitung, Piëch said, on occasion of his 70th birthday, that building a car capable of travelling 100 km on just a liter of fuel (equivalent to 235 mpg) is finally possible with the advances in materials and reductions in costs. Piëch hinted that current Volkswagen chief Martin Winterkorn will likely green light such a vehicle, something Pischtsrieder didn't do (and had, in fact, haulted the R&D for the 1-Liter concept and a Lupo 3L, which was capable of 78 mpg).

With regards to the cost of such a vehicle, Piëch is quoted as saying, "I have spoken with a manufacturer. He believes he can deliver components within two years for €5,000 rather than €35,000 [U.S. $6,775 rather than $47,400]. It then comes into the sort of territory where a normal customer can afford it. That was at my time not possible." Piëch wouldn't promise a time frame, or a price for that matter. However, we should hear something before the end of the decade.

So, after all this, you may be asking yourself if this is possible. All I'll say is that Piëch is the guy who thought of a 1000 hp Bugatti and a $100,000+ Volkswagen and no one thought he could do it. Let's just say no one's thinking that now.

In the meantime, take a look at a few shot of the 1-Litre concept after the jump.

Source: Autocar, Edmunds

Defiant Motors wants to revive dead GX3 project

Perhaps no other Volkswagen concept has captured so much attention than the ill-fated GX3 (well, that and the Concept R, which also is dead). When the GX3 debuted in the Los Angeles Auto Show in January of 2006, people at first didn't know what to think. Later, however, this brainchild of the Moonraker group gained acceptance among the public and eventually, people wanted one. So, Volkswagen looked at their options and in the end, the GX3 project was shelved simply to escape possible litigation. Indeed, the GX3 was a class-action lawsuit waiting to happen.

But now, a group that calls themselves Defiant Motors is willing to assume all legal responsibility if it means seeing the GX3 project revived. Defiant Motors is currently gauging interest in the GX3. They are currently asking people who are interested in the GX3 to sign up on their website. Eventually, they intend on taking their list of sign ups to Volkswagen directly to convince them to continue the GX3 project. What Defiant Motors ultimately wants from Volkswagen is that they finish designing and produce the GX3 while Defiant Motors will badge and market them. As well, as mentioned, Defiant Motors will assume the point of contention that has prevented the GX3 from seeing the light of day: lawsuits. I'm not legal expert but it seems like a risk-free venture for Volkswagen.

It's an interesting idea. I honestly don't know if Volkswagen will listen but I applaud Defiant Motors for starting something like this. I'm sure with enough people signing up, they can make Volkswagen listen.

Take a moment to sign up. The GX3 may still have a chance after all. We'll keep you updated on this.

Source: Defiant Motors. Image from Volkswagen.

Volkswagen "Logan" spyshots

It is unclear what exactly this model is. And while it would be easy to assume that this is a testmule for the Mk. VI Jetta, it may not be. My French isn't that great but from what I can gather in Caradisiac's article, this may be a mule for Volkswagen's Dacia Logan fighter (hence the name) or it could also be a mule for the next Polo. We have heard about a possibility of a Dacia Logan fighter from Volkswagen about a few years ago but never really heard about it again until now.

Details remain sketchy. But what is for sure is that this is a Volkswagen. The camouflaging does nothing to hide the Volkswagen logo up front and even a hint of the Eos style headlights can be seen if one looks carefully.

It would be interesting to see where this goes. It looks like it's almost ready to be mass produced which could mean an introduction soon. If you want to see more, link to Caradisiac's gallery.

Source: caradisiac.com, Lehmann Photo Syndication.

Touareg 2 unveiled at New York Auto Show

Relax. Despite what Volkswagen's press release may lead you to believe, they haven't changed the name of their one and only SUV to "Touareg 2". It is a bit puzzling as to why they have attached the "2" to this facelifted Touareg. The biggest changes are up front, which now match the Volkswagen face with Eos-style headlights and that shield grille. In the back, tinted taillights are added. Touareg 2? More like Touareg 1.5.

Kidding aside, it was smart for Volkswagen not to change the formula too much. And they did improve on it by just a bit with the relatively new engines that the Touareg comes in. A 3.6L V6 replaces the previous 3.2L and now makes 280 hp and the 4.2L V8 that now makes 350 hp, 40 hp up from the previous one. The one that takes the cake is still the 5.0L V10 TDI that still makes 310 hp but produces an astounding 533 lbs. ft. of torque.

The Touareg is available with a host of features which include a rollover sensor, various driver aids, and the new ABSplus braking system which reduces stopping distance over loose roadbeds by up to 20% by temporarily locking the wheels to push loose material to help the Touareg stop. And as always, 4XMotion is standard.

You can get one sometime in the Spring (read: really soon) for $39,320.

Press release and photos after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen of America.



TOUAREG 2 MAKES U.S. DEBUT AT NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Features a fresh exterior and two recently updated engines

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Volkswagen’s first-ever SUV has been restyled for the 2008 model year, returning as the Touareg 2. The updated version will enter showrooms with refreshed exterior styling, an impressive list of safety features and vehicle capabilities, and three powerful engine options. After its U.S. debut at the New York International Auto Show, the Touareg 2 arrives at dealerships later this spring, with pricing starting at $39,320.

Taking design cues from others in the Volkswagen model lineup, the Touareg 2’s updated exterior styling now echoes the brand’s signature design with its new Volkswagen “face”— specifically its chrome front grille. The Touareg 2 also has a redesigned aerodynamic and sporty rear spoiler with integrated third brake light. Other distinctive exterior features include 17-inch alloy wheels, standard on the VR6 FSI, and 19-inch alloy wheels, standard on the V8 FSI and V10 TDI Twin Turbo models; redesigned headlamps and darkened taillights; redesigned luxury seating system, with standard 12-way power driver’s seat; and four all-new exterior color options – Alaska Gray, Cranberry, Galapagos and White Gold.

The Touareg 2 boasts three engine variations— with both the VR6 FSI and V8 FSI recently upgraded. The Touareg’s 3.2-liter VR6 has been replaced with a more powerful 3.6-liter VR6 FSI, which has an additional 40 horsepower, now at 280 hp. The FSI technology has considerably improved the driving performance of the Touareg 2. This significant performance upgrade is accompanied by increased torque with an optimized torque curve. The recently upgraded 4.2-liter

V8 FSI is the first eight-cylinder Volkswagen engine with unleaded fuel direct injection, generating an impressive 350 horsepower, 40 more than the previous V8, and 325 lbs. ft. of torque. The Touareg 2’s 5.0-liter V10 TDI Twin Turbo offering delivers 310 horsepower and a staggering 553 lbs. ft. of torque. All three Touareg 2’s offer an incredible 7,716 pounds of towing capacity.

The Touareg 2 also features a variety of driving systems designed to ensure safety and enhance the vehicle’s handling. These features include a new rollover sensor system, which records both turning angle and turning speed to determine whether the vehicle will encounter a possible rollover situation. The rollover sensor system merges with the airbag control device to activate side and side head curtain airbags if a rollover hazard is present. An enhanced tire pressure monitoring system that informs the driver of any tire pressure loss is now standard. The Touareg 2 features various Electronic Stabilization Program innovations, including hydraulic braking assist, a preventative braking pressure build-up system for sudden lifts off of the gas pedal which prepares the vehicle for a sudden stop. Other ESP innovations include rain brake support, which intermittently wipes the rotors dry when windshield wipers are activated; and an understeering control logic system which improves turning behavior during understeering.

In addition to these features, the Touareg 2 boasts a world-first “ABSplus” braking system. This Volkswagen-developed and patented system shortens braking distance for the Touareg 2 by up to 20 percent on loose roadbeds by pushing a portion of the road material under temporarily locked wheels to form a chock. This innovation is the first of its kind in the world and is a Touareg 2 exclusive feature.

The Touareg 2 includes a noteworthy array of vehicle capabilities. A permanent four-wheel drive system, 4XMOTION™, provides improved traction on virtually any surface. Hill Roll Back Assist and Hill Descent Assist features stabilize the Touareg 2 during off-road ventures. Standard independent suspension and improved axle pitching further allow this powerful vehicle the capability to navigate uneven terrain with confidence. The Touareg 2 also boasts 33-degree approach and departure angles, 45-degree climbing capability, 35-degree lateral inclination, adjustable air suspension and up to 23-inch fording depth with the optional air suspension.

Additional standard features include Sirius™ Satellite Radio, park distance control, power liftgate, new instrument cluster with larger display, and a new silver metallic trim standard on the VR6 FSI.

Touareg 2 is available with all-new Lux, Lux Plus and Technologie option packages. These packages further enhance the Touareg 2 with additional upgrades including a ten speaker Dynaudio premium sound system, keyless access with a start/stop button, and Bi-Xenon headlights with AFS II, which help improve night time visibility and enhances the driver’s ability to negotiate turns by allowing them to ‘see’ into the curve.

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.

4XMOTION™ is a trademark of Volkswagen AG. All other trademarks used in this document are the property of their respective owners.

Jetta SportWagen makes debut in New York Auto Show

All automotive eyes are now in New York as the New York Auto Show goes into full swing. As predicted, the wagon version of the Jetta did make its debut in the Big Apple and is now officially called the Jetta SportWagen. Aside from the name, nothing has changed, in design at least, from its European coutnerpart. Heck, even the rear license plate holder is sized for European plates. Not even the Touareg is like that.

I won't go into much detail about the virtues of the Jetta SportWagen as it has been written about ad nauseam. I will, however, talk about the engines that it will come in. Volkswagen says that there will be three engines available for the Jetta SportWagen: 2 gasolines and 1 diesel. The engine on launch, which will be in August, is an upgraded version of the current 5 cylinder 2.5L engine that now makes 170 hp (a much needed upgrade). The second gasoline engine will be the 2.0L 200hp engine found in the GTI. The thrid and only diesel engine, a 2.0L, is promised to come in early 2008 in time for when Volkswagen introduces their new Bluetec diesels.

Other interesting details are an optional panoramic sunroof and V-Tex leatherette seating (whatever that means).

So, as mentioned, the first Jetta SportWagens will be available in August with the 170 hp engine. Prices have not been announced but, according to the VW Vortex, expect a $1000 premium over the sedan.

Press release and more photos after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen of America.



JETTA SPORTWAGEN MAKES U.S. DEBUT AT NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Jetta SportWagen, a sporty and dynamic wagon version of Volkswagen’s top-selling model, made its U.S. debut today at the New York Auto Show. The Jetta SportWagen mixes practicality with European style and balances both elegance and sportiness. Its exceptional ride and handling and segment-leading safety features, along with its design are perfect for those with an active lifestyle.

Delivering performance and value, the Jetta SportWagen will be offered with three engine variations. The Jetta SportWagen will launch with an upgraded 2.5-liter, five cylinder engine that now produces 170 horsepower. The 2.5L Jetta SportWagen arrives in dealers this August, and will be followed with the 2.0T, four cylinder engine that produces 200 hp. In early 2008 the Jetta SportWagen will be available with a 2.0L clean diesel engine.

Aside from offering the sporty feel and fun to drive performance of a Jetta, the SportWagen opens up a new world of possibilities in the way of usable cargo room— 32.8 cubic feet to be exact, or an even more impressive 66.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. For those whose active lifestyle requires even more room, there is an optional fold-flat front passenger seat that provides additional cargo space. Fold-flat front passenger seat is available with “V-Tex” leatherette seating.

Like the Jetta, the SportWagen continues the Volkswagen tradition of offering a long list of standard equipment. Some of the many standard features include: air conditioning, anti-theft vehicle alarm, cruise control, CD player, traction control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, eight-way adjustable front seats with height, angle and lumbar support adjustments, and a height-and-telescoping steering wheel. Available as an option on the Jetta SportWagen is a panoramic sunroof. The panoramic sunroof offers its passengers an impressive 12.7 square feet of either daylight or starlight, providing them an open air connection with the outdoors.

The Jetta SportWagen also enjoys a long list of standard safety features such as, driver and front passenger front airbags, driver and front passenger side thorax airbags, Side Curtain Protection®, and rear-impact optimized head restraints on driver and front passenger seat.

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.

“Side Curtain Protection’ is a registered trademark of Volkswagen of America. All other trademarks used in this document are the property of their respective owners.

de'Silva on Volkswagen's design

If ever you needed further reassurance that Volkswagen's design department is in good hands with Walter de'Silva at the helm, this might just be it.

Walter de'Silva, former Audi design chief who was moved to Volkswagen by Volkswagen head Martin Winterkorn, was quoted in saying that "We [Volkswagen] have lost our way" with regards to design. de'Silva promises to change this, starting with the new Golf, which comes out next year. de'Silva laid out three targets describing exactly how he plans to change Volkswagen's design.

• Create an identifiable design for each VW Group brand.
• Create a unique face for the Golf.
• Simplify design.

Already de'Silva has began to rework the forthcoming Mk. VI Golf, which had already been designed and finalized. Same thing about the Scirocco, and the next Passat. It also looks like the (in)famous Volkswagen shield grille will no longer be used in the next interations of Volkswagen models. "The single-frame grille is an iconic graphic element that fits all Audi models," de'Silva said and adds, "Volkswagen must be different. VW needs its own face."

Source: Leftlane News

Volkswagen vows to cut consumption and emissions in China by 20%

With the inauguration of Volkswagen's new engine plant in Dalian, China, Volkswagen made a vow to reduce the fuel consumption and emission of it's engines in China by 20%. They plan to accomplishing this by introducing TFSI engines, efficient gearboxes, and lightweight designs among other things.

Meanwhile, North America is still waiting for it's very first TFSI engine. Now, while I do understand that North America is no longer Volkswagen's largest market as China has taken that title, the United States alone produces a quarter of the world's greenhouse gases. If ever Volkswagen is going to initiate an environmental plan, it should be in North America. True, Volkswagen will be bringing over Bluetec diesels next year. But what about the Polo BlueMotion, which has been on sale in Germany for about a year now. And those TSI engines in those Golf GTs that Volkswagen touts as fun yet economical? I can only hope that the Bluetec diesels next year will only serve as a catalyst for more fuel efficient models from Volkswagen in the future.

But back on topic. Press release is after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen AG.

Dalian/Beijing - Volkswagen announced new environmental goals for China at the inauguration of the engine plant in Dalian. These goals envisage a reduction of over 20 percent in fuel consumption and emissions for models built at the plants operated by the two joint ventures FAW-Volkswagen and Shanghai Volkswagen by 2010. Volkswagen intends to become the most environmentally friendly automaker in China with the help of modern TFSI engines, innovative automatic gearboxes, lightweight design and further initiatives. So far, some 80 million euros has been invested in the new engine plant, and total investment until 2011 amounts to roughly 145 million euros. The plant is designed for an annual production capacity of 300,000 engines.

Environmental protection was the central theme at today’s opening ceremony of the Volkswagen engine plant in China. As Dr. Winfried Vahland, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group China, emphasized: "As the market leader in China we have an obligation to ensure that growth is compatible with the environment while also keeping ahead of government regulations."

Volkswagen intends to cut fuel consumption and emissions in China by more than 20 percent by 2010 through the introduction of the innovative TFSI engine technology and a new generation of automatic gearboxes as well as lightweight design for individual vehicle components. In addition, the company is currently arranging for the certification of all production sites in China to the ISO 14001 environmental management standard.

Shanghai Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen have already been complying with the standard for several years, the FAW-Volkswagen powertrain components plant was certified in February. The company has undertaken to recognize the ISO 14001 environmental management standard and plans to complete certification of all productions plants in China by the end of 2007.

Volkswagen of America reports March sales results

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced March 2007 sales of 17,355 units. This represents a decrease of 16.3% from March 2006 sales of 20,730 vehicles.

On a 2007 year-to-date basis, Volkswagen has sold 50,332 units. This reflects a decrease of 5.6% from January through March 2006 sales of 53,296 vehicles.

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.

Detailed numbers after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen of America.

Click to enlarge.