Volkswagen likely bring Space up! to US

Volkswagen seems to have all this up! business figured out. During the Tokyo Motor Show from last week, Volkswagen revealed that the Space up! is more likely a better fit for Americans because it's larger than the up! Concept that came before it at Frankfurt.

Take from those comments what you may, Volkswagen is definitely considering this vehicle for our consumption. It is important to stress that no decision has been made about whether or not any iterations of the up! will reach production. But Volkswagen sure has received very positive feedback about it so it's almost a shoe in. Don't forget that there's also another concept that is set to be unveiled at the LA Motor Show next month. All we know about this model is that it will be all electric.

Personally, I think that the concept in LA will be a minivan from which the Bulli will be based off. In many respects, the up! already has the design cues that could make a good Camper revival. And now that we've seen a two- and four-door, four-seater up!, What else could the up! concept in LA be?

Source: Autoblog

Porsche to keep Volkswagen the way it is

Responding to reports that claim Porsche is seeking to break Volkswagen up into smaller companies, a Porsche spokesperson called such claim as "rubbish". WirtschaftsWoche reported in a preview of its Monday issue that Porsche is seriously considering breaking up the Volkswagen Auto Group into individual companies. Of course, Porsche holds 31% stake in Volkswagen and recently gained the chance to increase its shareholding.

This does not mean that Bugatti and Lamborghini are safe. They could still be dumped from the Group once Porsche gets majority stake. Porsche really hasn't commented of these rumours.

Source: Reuters

Projected Mk. VI Golf release moved back

The Mk. VI Golf had been projected to be released sometime in the Fall of next year with an unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show in March. But now, tweaks to the Mk. VI's design has caused Volkswagen to move the sixth generation Golf's release by six months, bringing it to a 2009 release and an unveil in the Paris Motor Show in September 2008.

It had been speculated that Volkswagen's head Martin Winterkorn told designers to go back to the drawing board for the Mk. VI's design. Of course, Volkswagen's chief designer, Walter Da'Silva is overseeing the project.

Source: Auto Express

VW's Caddy Maxi for Workers Revealed

The Commercial Vehicle version of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles newly released Caddy Maxi Range is making it World Debut at the The European Road and Transport Show in RAI Amsterdam.

The Caddy Maxi range will bridge the gap between the Caddy range and Transporter range.

Also of note is that Caddy Maxi is on the Shortlist for International Van of The Year 2007.

Good Luck to VWCV.

Within link is Full Press Release and Photos of VWCV's new baby.


Caddy Maxi will be unveiled as both a panel van and a window van at a press conference today.

Hanover, 25 October, 2007: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will present the commercial vehicle versions of the new Caddy Maxi today at Europe's most extensive commercial vehicle show, the "European Road Transport Show" in Amsterdam. With this vehicle, the company fills out its offer between the city van segment and the Transporter B segment.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will offer the Caddy Maxi with a choice among one petrol and two diesel engines. The petrol engine has an output of 75 kW (102 PS or 101 bhp). Both the TDI engines are characterised by more power with especially good economy. A 103 kW (140 PS or 138 bhp) powerful 2.0 litre TDI is a new addition to the programme. The proven 1.9 litre TDI with 77 kW (105 PS or 104 bhp) continues to be the entry-level diesel option. It may be optionally combined with the dual clutch gearbox, DSG.

The market introduction of the commercial vehicle versions of the Caddy Maxi is planned for the first quarter of 2008.

The Caddy Maxi, stretched by 47 cm to an overall length of 4,873 mm, is one of the largest models among the compact vans – and offers in addition very great flexibility. With a wheelbase of 3,002 mm, it boasts a cargo capacity of up to 4.2 cubic metres and 800 kg, a trailer load of 1,500 kg and a load floor length of up to 2,250 mm. And the floor can be extended to over 3 metres through the use of the Vario partition and the folding passenger seat. Optionally, it is possible to equip the Caddy Maxi panel van with a second sliding door as well as a rear hatch in place of wing doors. The load width between the wheel housings is a generous 1,170 mm so that a Euro pallet can be loaded lengthwise.







Source:Volkswagen

Tokyo 2007: Volkswagen space up!

As promised, Volkswagen unveiled a derivative of their up! concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. The space up! is a small (4-seater) minivan/MPV type vehicle based on the up! Concept that was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in September.

It's longer and taller than the 3-door up! hatchback. Access to the inside are via suicide doors that lead into the four-seat cabin. Volkswagen claims 4.5 meters of legroom in the space up!, which is only 3.68m long. The space up! also keeps the up!'s rear-mounted engine and will have cargo stowage up front and at the rear.

Volkswagen's press release at time of writing was only available in German so watch this space for the English press release once it's available. Photos after the jump.

Update: Press release is now available after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen



Second variant of the space wonder by Volkswagen
Wolfsburg/Tokyo, , 24 October 2007 - Just six weeks after the world premiere of the two-door city specialist – the up! – at the IAA in Frankfurt, Europe’s largest car producer is now showing the next member of the “New Small Family” – the space up! concept car – at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Being the largest small Volkswagen, the space up! is a small space wonder; on just 3.68 meters length and 1.63 meters width it offers the space of a significantly larger vehicle. The designers intentionally avoided any superfluous gimmickry here. Like the up!, the space up! is characterized by a fully new harmony between technical layout on the one hand and emotional design on the other.

The clever space concept of the space up! is largely due to its engine layout. The environmentally friendly gasoline, diesel and electric drives of the future up! family are located – as they were at one time on the Beetle and the Bulli – in the rear. An abbreviated comparison: The four-door space up! is exactly 23 centimeters longer and four centimeters taller than the up! shown at the IAA in Frankfurt.

"The world premiere of the up! at the IAA in Frankfurt served as an initial test to see how the concept of our New Small Family would be received in Europe. And the results of this test were more than favorable," says Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Head of Technical Development. Walter de Silva, Chief Designer of the Volkswagen Group, underscores this assessment: "In formal design terms, one can see that the space up! is fun and at the same time offers maximum space on the smallest of platforms. Our New Small Family brings a smile back to the road."

BREAKING: Volkswagen Law struck down by European Court

Porsche is one step closer to owning controlling stake in Volkswagen today as the European Court of Justice brought down the highly contentious Volkswagen Law. The law stipulates that any shareholder cannot excercise more than 20% of its voting rights regardless of how much stake it holds in Volkswagen. that German and Lower Saxony are each entitled to appoint two members on the Supervisory Board, and that the majority required to pass a resolution is more than 80%. The law was enacted in order to protect Volkswagen from hostile takeovers by foreign investors.

As it stands, the State of Lower Saxony and Porsche both hold 20% and 31% stake in Volkswagen, respectively, so with or without the Volkswagen Law, Volkswagen should be safe from any takeover (as it is in the best interests of all parties involved to keep Volkswagen German-owned). But now, with the Volkswagen Law overturned, Porsche can now exercise the full power of its voting rights.

Porsche, obviously, has welcomed the decision. Their official line right now is that they're happy that they are now "in a position, as Volkswagen's largest shareholder, to fully exercise [Porsche's] voting rights". No mention however, of a takeover just yet. Porsche is playing this slow as there are other things to consider. They are not expected to raise its stake before the end of the year, and when they do, they will be doing it in small increments.

Source: New York Times

Microbus, take 2?

Many will remember 2005 as the year Volkswagen killed the Microbus project for good, citing reasons that it was too costly to build. Of course, for those who do not remember (or refuse to), the Microbus was a concept of a retro-looking minivan that hearkens back to the days of the Camper. Since 2005, Volkswagen has had nothing in its pipeline that can be considered as the successor to the Camper.

That may change soon, however. Looking for inspiration from the famous rock band The Who, which used a Camper bus in their early days (and also has a song called "Magic Bus"), Volkswagen and the band have joined forces in order to bring back the Camper. After performing at the Camper's 60th anniversary celebration at Hanover, Germany, The Who met up with Volkswagen executives, where Pete Townsend revealed that he still has a Camper parked in his garage. Now, Volkswagen is looking into possibly reviving the Microbus Concept and find ways to keep production costs down.

But retro will still be the key selling point of this new Microbus concept and so the exterior will look as such, only in a more stripped out and simple appearance that will appeal to a wider range of buyers. Volkswagen says that the vehicle will most likely be built in the US and will likely be badged Bulli, a name they recently registered.

Nothing has been set in stone but if all goes well, a Microbus may be coming out after all.

Source: Auto Express

Volkswagen to drop US prices in line with Toyota

Volkswagen has a lot of work ahead of it if its to accomplish its lofty goal of taking the title of world's largest away from Toyota within their self-alloted timeframe of 8 years. With that in mind, Volkswagen CEO wastes no time in laying out a plan on exactly how to accomplish said goal. He has announced that Volkswagen will be dropping prices in the US to be more in line with Toyota. To put things in perspective, the Corolla and Camry costs US$15,200 and US$20,000 respectively. The Jetta and Passat, however, costs US$17,000 and US$23,900 respectively. That's an US$1,800 premium over the Corolla and US$3,900 premium over the Camry.

Of course, this does not come without a few shortfalls. That means major decontenting across the board. According to Winterkorn, US bound models have suffered from "too many added technical items that [Americans] don't want to pay for" citing the folding sideview mirrors as an example of one item they may exclude from US spec vehicles.

And, let's not forget about that plant Volkswagen wants to build on US soil. Producing locally will enable Volkswagen to eliminate importation duties and exchange rate differences.

Ultimately, Volkswagen wants to sell a million vehicles annually by 2018. Price reduction is a small step in the right direction but reliability is also a pressing issue that needs their immediate attention.

No timeframe was given as to when we can see prices go down, but considering their 2015 goal, I'd reckon very soon.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Volkswagen unveils Touareg R50 in Sydney

As expected, Volkswagen took the wraps off its latest addition to the R lineup. The Touareg R50 is one powerful beast with 350 hp and 627 lbs. ft. of torque, up 37 and 74 respectively, all coming from the Touareg's V10 TDI engine. Volkswagen managed to squeeze even more power from this already powerful engine by modifying the ECU to pump more air through the twin-turbos. Naught-to-sixty is a quick 6.7 seconds and press the throttle even further to reach a top speed of 147 mph.

Notable exterior accouterments include 21-inch alloys, the body kit, and of course, the signature blue paint on the brake calipers and sheetmetal. The R50 will be in German showrooms in November. North American availability is unlikely but shouldn't be ruled out.

Press release and images after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen



The Touareg R50: World Premiere in Sydney

Impressive power: The V10 TDI of the Touareg R50 develops 350 PS of power and 850 Newton-meter of torque

Exclusive features: Distinctive exterior, leather sport seating system, 21-inch wheels and air suspension sport chassis

Wolfsburg / Sydney, October 08, 2007. In a world premiere, Volkswagen will be presenting the Touareg R50 on October 11 at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. Its power of 258 kW / 350 PS (at 3,500 rpm) positions the new Touareg version among the most powerful SUVs in the world. The Touareg R50 can be ordered in Germany at prices starting at 88,260 Euro; it will be introduced to the market this November.

The engine characteristic of the Touareg R50 is marked by a torque level nearly unattainable by the competition: The V10 TDI of the Touareg R50 develops its enormous power of 850 Newton-meter at a low 2,000 rpm. The turbo diesel was derived from the well-known ten cylinder with 230 kW / 313 PS. Adjustments to its turbo charging and modified engine management enabled a 28 kW / 37 PS increase in power and a considerable 100 Newton-meter increase in maximum torque. Under these new parameters, the SUV accelerates to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds (production car: 7.4 seconds); its top speed is 235 km/h. In relation to engine power and vehicle size, the fuel consumption of the production ten-cylinder diesel equipped with a particulate filter is a moderate 9.6 liters per 100 km (highway) and 12.6 liters per 100 km (overall). Despite big gains in power and torque, its DIN fuel consumption values have remained constant compared to the Touareg V10 TDI.

In keeping with the performance potential of the R50, Volkswagen Individual designed new exterior and interior features according to the R philosophy. From the outside, the new Touareg R50 is easy to recognize with its 21-inch Omanyt type alloy wheels and size 295 tires, blue painted brake calipers, discrete wheel well flares, side skirts and distinctive bumpers (Sport Design Package), as well as a modified radiator grille (in a matte finish chrome).

Offered exclusively on the Touareg R50 is the car color "Biscay blue". Blue hues of this type have been typical of the high-powered R models since the first Golf R32 was introduced in the year 2002. Offered as optional car colors on the Touareg R50 are "Campanella white", "Reflex silver", "Black Magic" and "Atacam gray".

The car's extensive features also include an air suspension sport chassis: The so-called "Driving dynamics package with adaptive roll compensation" and chassis lowered by twenty millimeter supplements the "Sport" mode of the manually or automatically controlled air suspension by achieving a stiffer spring rate.

On the inside, the SUV's features include a sport seating system in anthracite-colored nappa leather with R50 logo integrated in the headrests. The logo was also integrated in the stainless steel tread plates. Also in keeping with the sporty character of the Touareg is the light-colored "engine spin" decor of the interior – a metallic structure similar to that previously used on race cars – as well as metal worked caps for the accelerator and brake pedals. An R50 logo also decorates the gearshift lever of the six-speed automatic transmission (Tiptronic). Standard features the Touareg R50 also include a winter package (including seat heating for the rear seats), the Premium Memory Package (including electrically adjustable seats, steering column and seatbelt height), net partition behind the rear seats and a ski sack.

Das Auto

Volkswagen didn't use the Frankfurt Motor Show only as a platform to unveil the production Tiguan and the Up!. As predicted, also used the show to enveil a new campaign slogan. Volkswagen decided to go short and to the point with their new slogan, dropping the longer "Aus Liebe zum Automobil" (or English variant "For the love of the People's Car") and in its place, chose "Das Auto" to represent the brand.

Das Auto, German for "The Car", was chosen in hopes that Volkswagen will come to mind when you think of a car. Before you dismiss this logic, consider that when you ask for a soda drink, you almost always say "Coke". Xerox is synonymous with photocopiers, Kleenex with tissues. Volkswagen hopes that people will one day say "Volkswagen" and actually mean car. Another benefit with the slogan is that it is easily translatable into different languages. That means better brand recognition across the world.

As with anything new Volkswagen comes out with, the new slogan will probably take some getting used to, just as the previous one did. The new slogan has already rolled out in Germany, though we expect to make it's way throughout Europe soon and hopefully, reach our shores. Volkswagen of America and Volkswagen Canada currently don't have a slogan. This might just be it.

Source: Autoblog

Rumour to reality: Volkswagen to unveil Touareg R50

Rumour turns to reality as Volkswagen has once again added onto the R family after revealing that a Touareg R50 is forthcoming and will debut at the Australian International Motor Show next week. As predicted, it will take it's looks from Volkswagen Individual's R-line Touareg.

Volkswagen remains quiet about the R50's numbers but they do say that the R50 will gain a "generous" increase in power over the 5.0L V10 TDI that it is based on. The standard V10 TDI on the Touareg currently produces 313 hp and 553 lb. ft. of torque. How they will top those already impressive numbers, I don't know but am eager to find out. From what I know, the R50 could possibly surpass the 365 hp and 625 ft. lbs. mark.

The R50 gets the standard R upgrades including upgraded wheels, suspension, exterior, and interior. As with it's two other stable mates, the R50 will be all-wheel drive, perhaps receiving a performance version of the Touareg's 4Xmotion.

A very short press release after the jump.

Source: Autoblog

In another world premiere for the Australian International Motor Show, Volkswagen has announced it will unveil its new Touareg R50 in Sydney next week (11 October). Developed by a team of specialists at Volkswagen Individual GmbH, the Touareg R50 is one of the most powerful SUVs in the world. While Volkswagen has yet to announce detailed specifications, it promises the R50 boasts "generous" increases on the 230kW of power and 750Nm of torque produced by the current V10 TDi model on which it is based. Bigger wheels and tyres and tweaked suspension complete the high-performance package. Volkswagen Individual GmbH has also designed new exterior and interior features to reflect the R philosophy.

The R50 is the third model to appear under Volkswagen's sporty R label, following in the footsteps of the Golf R32 and the new Passat R36 - which was launched last month at the Frankfurt motor show. All three models have 4MOTION all-wheel drive to guarantee optimal traction.

NHTSA further investigates Passat engine fires

It was reported back in May that Volkswagen was being investigated by the NHTSA regarding reports of engine fires caused by coil packs in 2000-2003 Passats. In May, only 19 incidents had been reported and no injuries. This week, however, the NHTSA is reporting that that number has since increased to 78 withing the last few months and now, two injuries have been reported.

Although not yet a full-blown recall (which is the last thing they need), Volkswagen has had over 14,000 warranty claims regarding this issue. Potentially, 346,000 vehicles could be affected. W8 models are in the clear.

Source: Autoblog

Volkswagen of America posts September sales numbers

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. —Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced September 2007 sales of 18,895 vehicles, representing a decrease of 5.9 percent over September 2006 unit sales of 20,082. On a year-to-date basis, Volkswagen brand vehicle sales are down 3.9 percent through September.

The entry level Volkswagen Rabbit sold 1,979 units, representing an increase of more than twenty percent over September 2006 sales. The Jetta also posted strong September 2007 results, without the incremental benefit of diesel engine availability, with sales of 7,715 units. In comparison, September 2006 sales were 7,382, which included 1,445 diesel 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

Tiguan: The whole story

Just a small video montage of the Tiguan story from conception to production, Buggy to the Concept Tiguan. You will see a lot of old faces in this well made Tiguan video that seems to sum up everything the Tiguan is.

Source: YouTube

Volkswagen issues recall for 340,000 vehicles in US

Volkswagen is today issuing a recall for 340,000 Jettas and Rabbits sold in the US that might have a headlight defect. Rubber caps on the horizontal and vertical alignment screws may be missing and will have to be replaced to conform with federal safety standards. Volkswagen says there is no danger to owners without the rubber caps. You can have Volkswagen check and replace them on your car beginning today at your local dealership.

Source: Autoblog