Spied: Robuts pickup truck

Nothing really new to report about this forthcoming pickup truck from Volkswagen. However, another spyshot of the Robust cold-weather testing was taken. This time, it's a quad-cab midsize truck.

Reports are also coming in saying that the Robust (apparently the chosen nameplate from the Volkswagen pickup) will also spawn another SUV to slot between the Tiguan and Touareg. Think Nissan Pathfinder for size.

Source: Auto Express via Autoblog

Volkswagen plans to source 80% of parts locally for US production plant

For a company that hasn't said anything official about a production plant in the US, Volkswagen is sure saying a lot. Short of actually making the whole shindig official, Volkswagen's Head of Production Jochem Heizmann revealed some key details about the factory. He said that 80% of the parts for the US plant will be sourced locally, within the dollar zone. This rules out a Mexican factory. The plant must also be close to an airport, not be in a hurricane zone, and not be close to another manufacturer's plant.

The plant, tentatively planned to be up and running in 2011, will initially churn out 150,000 cars and then ramp up to a maximum capacity of 250,000 cars. The factory will be instrumental in producing the Passat replacement for North America.

Source: German Car Blog via Autoblog

Volkswagen purportedly eyeing Zastava

Zastava, the ex-Yugoslavian car manufacturer, infamous for the Yugo, is apparently for sale and Volkswagen is purportedly taking a closer look at this Serbian company. Now, you may be asking why in the world would Volkswagen want to even be associated with the Yugo? Well, it all goes down to capacity. Zastava has many automotive factories that are underutilized. Volkswagen could come in, retool them to their standards, then use them to capacity.

No formal bid has been presented by Volkswagen, or any car company for that matter.

Source: Autoblog

Volkswagen US plant could be built for 250,000 capacity

The officially unconfirmed (but unofficially confirmed) Volkswagen production facility to be located in the US is reportedly going to built to handle a production output of 250,000 cars, according to Motor Trend, with production beginning sometime around 2010/2011. The first car to be produced Stateside in the new facility is said to be the Passat replacement, which utilizes one of the four modular architectures that Volkswagen is developing for all its brands.

Specifically, the Passat replacement will utilize the MQB architecture with a transversely mounted engine. The MQB architecture can be used for models ranging from the Fox to the A3 and everything in between. The advantage of using modular architecture is that various models can be built using basically the same components such as engines and transmissions, without having to worry about them fitting. MQB alone will reported cut costs by as much as 40% and development times by as much as a year.

Of course, Volkswagen hasn't officially said whether or not they will build a factory in the US. But all indications point to the affirmative and the weak dollar isn't helping Volkswagen much these days. It is expected that Volkswagen will make an announcement sometime in June.

Source: Motor Trend

Volkswagen outlines its recipe for success in the US

The US market is a contentious issue for Volkswagen. After years of losing money, only now is Volkswagen taking action to stop the bleeding. They have already revealed their goal to beat Toyota by 2018. What isn't known is how.

Of course, Volkswagen won't reveal their secrets just yet but they have outlined some points as to exactly how they will go about their plan. The theme is to release newer and cheaper models and to utilize factories in Mexico and the forthcoming factory in the US.

The Passat nameplate will be scrapped, and the car itself will be smaller than the current one to be priced around $20,000. The Jetta will also be cheaper (and smaller, presumably) at around $15,000. A version of the Polo may finally arrive to the US and may be built locally to keep costs down. An up! derivative, a body-in-frame pickup, and a cheaper Phaeton are also in the pipeline. With the Passat gone, the new Phaeton may actually fill in the gap the Passat would leave in the lineup.

We don't know when all of this takes place. We don't even know if we will still see the B7 Passat on our shores. Most likely not.

Update: I forgot to mention that the Passat CC will still be available in the US and will therefore be the sole model with the Passat name in the US.

Source: Autoblog

Official concept drawing of new Robust pickup revealed

For a few months now, we've been hearing about a certain pickup being developed by Volkswagen. Internally called the Robust, it will be developed for emerging markets and possibly the US market (small chance for the latter, though). Up until now, we only know the Robust pickup by it's Hilux façade. That changes today, however, as a concept drawing of the Robust was revealed at an event in Argentina called ExpoAgro.

As drawings go, it doesn't reveal much, except for the overall shape, which is reminiscent of a smaller, less boxier Honda Ridgeline due to that sloping part of the roof. In reality, the Robust may just be like those old Rabbit-based pickups from years past. Honestly, we don't know. If the old spy photos are to go by, then it looks to be a hell of a lot bigger than a Rabbit-based pickup.

Source: Autoblog Argentina

ESP to come standard on all MY2009 models.

Starting with the MY2009, Electronic Stability Program (or ESP) will come standard on all models across the range. This is to comply with an NHTSA mandate that all cars sold in the US must have some sort of electronic stability control as standard by 2012. But it's only 2008 you say. Yes, and that makes Volkswagen the first automaker that isn't a luxury marque to comply with this forthcoming standard.

Of course, in a controlled environment, ESP can be turned off for a bit of spirited driving.

Press release after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen

VOLKSWAGEN INSTALLS ELECTRONIC STABILIZATION PROGRAM ACROSS THE LINE IN 2009

Volkswagen ahead of industry and the government's deadline

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that its Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) will be standard equipment on every 2009 model year Volkswagen vehicle – passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and minivans. By offering ESP as a standard feature, Volkswagen is the first non-luxury manufacturer to include an electronic stabilization system at no additional cost on every vehicle it sells – well ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) deadline requiring all 2012 model year vehicles to have such systems.

"Volkswagen has long been a leader in making high technology accessible to all," said Volkswagen of America, Inc. CEO Stefan Jacoby. "ESP has been available on all Volkswagens in the US for several years. Now, making ESP standard across our entire line reinforces Volkswagen's commitment to safety for all our customers, and further shows why we are a market leader in offering some of the safest vehicles on the road today."

NHTSA predicts nearly 10,000 lives could be saved each year if all automakers included electronic stabilization systems as standard equipment.

Volkswagen's ESP system uses a number of electronic vehicle controls to make a safe car even safer and helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle during dynamic driving conditions. The ESP system works in conjunction with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Anti-slip Regulation (ASR), components of the Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) system, and additional sensors.

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.

Weak US dollar keeps the Scirocco out of North America

It seems the truth finally comes out. Volkswagen's sales and marketing chief Detlef Wittig revealed that "the exchange rate is the only reason for not selling [the Scirocco] in the U.S.," and even goes futher in saying that "[The Scirocco] would fit the U.S. market but at the current exchange rate we wouldn't make any money." The Scirocco will be built in Palmela, Portugal, in the same production facility that builds the Eos.

This is a far cry from the explanation Volkswagen of America head Stefan Jacoby gave for not selling the Scirocco in the US. He said that the Scirocco would cannibalize GTI and R32 sales. But clearly, especially after seeing the Scirocco in production form, it would appeal to a different market.

So where does this put us? Well, there are only two ways Volkswagen could reverse their position: either the US dollar improves or Volkswagen builds the Scirocco in their forthcoming US production plant. I am almost sure, however, that the latter is not likely.

The Scirocco debuted earlier this week in the Geneva Motor Show. It will be available in Europe late-summer of this year.

Source: Bloomberg

Volkswagen reveals 2008 Beijing Olympics torch relay convoy

The Beijing Summer Olympics are just months away and the torch relay is set to start at the end of this month. With the Beijing Olympics torch relay being the longest distance of any torch relay in history, they will need the best convoy to make sure nothing gets in the way. Volkswagen is up to the job and has just unveiled the convoy for the torch relay.

Five models will take part in the convoy: a Touran, Passat Lingyu (Passat based on the B5), Crafter, Sagitar (Mk. V Jetta), and Magotan (long-wheelbase B6 Passat) and a total of 1,000 vehicles will be used.

The torch relay will last 97 days and cover a distance of 40,000 km

Press release after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen

Volkswagen Group China will deliver 1,000 cars as official supplier
Beijing, 28 February 2008 - Two months ahead of the Olympic torch arriving in China, Volkswagen unveiled the first convoy vehicles with Olympic design to the public. These models will be part of 1,000 cars which will accompany the Olympic flame gradually on its way across China. The presentation on Thursday in Beijing was attended by Mr WANG Wei, Executive Vice-President and Secretary General of the Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the 29th Olympiad (BOCOG), Dr. Winfried Vahland, President & CEO Volkswagen Group China, Mr AN Tiecheng, President of FAW-Volkswagen, and Mr LIU Jian, Managing Director of Shanghai Volkswagen. Volkswagen and its joint ventures were nominated at the event as official supplier for the torch relay.

“This relay shall be recorded in the Olympic history as the torch relay with the longest duration and involving the widest geographical areas and the largest number of participants. As such it is a great honor for Volkswagen to have been chosen as the official supplier. Vehicles are an integral part of the torch relay which are necessary to make this great event happen. Our vehicles will be permanently involved. It is a pleasure to be involved in this relay. It stands for peace and friendship. We will do everything we can make this the greatest torch relay ever,” Vahland said.

40 convoys and service around the clock
346 vehicles will be used for the core convoys, while 583 will serve as administration and support cars, while another 30 will be used for security and media purposes. 40 convoys will be formed in the course of the relay through China.

Ten Volkswagen Crafter will be especially equipped to host media and camera teams and to serve as security vehicles. The Volkswagen Touran, Passat Lingyu and Skoda Octavia will be provided by Shanghai Volkswagen, while FAW-Volkswagen put the Volkswagen Magotan, Sagitar and Audi vehicles at disposal. Volkswagen Crafter and Multivans will be provided as imported vehicles. To assure technical support and service around the clock Shanghai Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen will also provide a dedicated team of professionals, comprised of more than 200 of the company’s best technical support and after sales service staff.

Longest torch relay ever
The Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay will last 97 days in total and will cover more than 40,000 kilometers. The flame will arrive in Sanya in the South of China on May 4 and will arrive in Beijing on August 8. It will be carried through 113 cities and regions from all 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities of China and will be carried also on top of the Mount Everest.

Geneva 2008: Scirocco

Not that it needed to be officially unveiled but it did today as the 2008 Geneva Motor Show kicks off. The Scirocco, pictures of which had been leaked last week, officially showed its face to the world.

On the Palexpo floor were three cars: a white one and two red ones. All three samples look very striking. Autoblog compares the Scirocco's design to "an Audi A3 three-door with styling more reminiscent of something from Alfa Romeo" and adds that it looks like a "A squashed R32...but in a tasteful way." Interesting. Design-wise, the Scirocco is in good company.

No engine specs were released with the press release but a 2.0L TSI is for sure. The Scirocco will cost 21,750 euros and should be in showrooms fall of this year. One interesting bit from the press release says that the Scirocco will roll out in other countries over the course of next year. Maybe there's hope for us yet.

Press release and eye candy after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen, images from Autoblog















Versatile and affordable – The legendary two-door makes its comeback
Wolfsburg / Geneva, 03 March 2008 - Volkswagen is putting on a spectacular parade of new models in Geneva with a host of international product debuts. Taking centre stage will be the highlight of the show, the new Scirocco – a completely re-engineered all-round sports car. Another vehicle being showcased at Lake Geneva is the Golf TDI Hybrid. This concept car runs on just 3.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. The 150-PS Passat Estate TSI EcoFuel, also debuting in Geneva, represents a technology leap for automobiles run on natural gas. Other Volkswagen world premieres will be the extremely fuel-efficient Sharan BlueMotion (6.0 litres per 100 km) and the four-wheel-drive Golf Estate 4Motion. The Passat CC will also be on display for the first time ever in Europe.

It's back: 34 years after the first Scirocco was unveiled to a waiting world at the Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen is presenting a new Scirocco for a new era at the same venue. Now as then, the coupé is inspired by the fascinating idea of creating a sports car for every day of the year at truly affordable prices. And that is the essence of the Scirocco: the successful marriage top technology and low running costs, dynamic performance and high comfort, a surprisingly spacious interior and an uncompromising sporty design.

As the Volkswagen Group's Chairman of the Board of Management, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, commented: "What we have done with the Scirocco is to put the kind of sports car in our showrooms that people have dreamed of owning. A dream that a good deal of motorists – in spite of all the high-end engineering we have integrated – can actually afford." The Scirocco will be launched Europe-wide in late summer with prices in Germany starting at 21,750 euros; other countries will follow over the course of the next year.

Geneva 2008: Sharan BlueMotion

Perhaps the model that made the least bit of noise in this year's Geneva Motor Show is the Sharan BlueMotion. Powered by a 140 hp TDI engine, the Sharan BlueMotion manages an excellent 6 litres/100 kilometres and 159 g/km of carbon emissions.

Deliveries of the Sharan BlueMotion should begin by the summer.

Images and press release after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen, Autoblog Green




Volkswagen is continuing its BlueMotion campaign in 2008. The latest model in the series is the Sharan BlueMotion on display for the first time at the Geneva show. With an extremely low average fuel consumption of 6.0 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, the Sharan BlueMotion uses 0.7 of a litre less than the "conventional" model. By the same token, CO2 emissions are reduced from 177 g/km to 159 g/km. These are first-rate values for a seven-seater van with up to 2,610 litres of cargo volume and a permissible gross vehicle weight of 2,510 kilograms. This Volkswagen is driven by a 103-kW / 140-PS TDI engine complete with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). The BlueMotion option is available in combination with the Trendline and Comfortline equipment packages. Deliveries of the vehicle are scheduled to commence this summer.

Geneva 2008: Passat Variant EcoFuel

Volkswagen has always been about about alternative fuel. So, it comes as no surprise that Volkswagen unveiled the Passat Variant TSI EcoFuel at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. At the front of this Passat sits Volkswagen's first natural gas engine. Performance is not to shabby at about 150 hp whilst consuming just 5.2 kilograms of gas per 100 kilometres so it's sips as well as zips.

Europe can expect the Passat and Passat Estate EcoFuel by the end of the year. No price was given in the press release.

Press release and photos after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen, images from Autoblog





The Passat Estate TSI EcoFuel being premiered in Geneva marks the beginning of a new era for natural-gas-fuelled automobiles. Until now, passenger cars powered by eco-friendly, low-consumption natural gas have tended to be "mild mannered". The Passat changes that once and for all with its 110-kW / 150-PS TSI engine. And yet the direct-injection turbo engine in the Passat, specifically designed to run on natural gas, consumes no more than 5.2 kilograms of gas per 100 kilometres. The Passat and the Passat Estate TSI EcoFuel are due to be launched on the market around year-end.

Geneva 2008: Golf TDI Hybrid

Although the showstopper of the Geneva Motor Show is the Scirocco, the Golf does get some of the spotlight. Volkswagen officially unveils its very first hybrid vehicle, the Golf TDI Hybrid. Unlike conventional hybrids, this Golf has a diesel engine (specifically, the Polo BlueMotion's 74 hp engine) connected to a 27 hp electric motor and a 7-speed DSG. The result is a phenomenal 69 mpg and carbon emission at just 90g/km, thus besting the Prius on both counts. The biggest physical change to the Golf's exterior is the different front end, where the bonnet's leading edge is shaped differently to make the car more slippery. The grille is also different, reminiscent of the Polo BlueMotion's and the wheels have inserts that also help air flow efficiently around them.

The press release is lacking in the finer details, including when, where, and for how much it will be available. Though if I was a betting man (which I'm not on principle), I'd say it will be to North America sometime next year.

Press release and photos after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen, photos from Autoblog






With its Golf TDI Hybrid, Volkswagen demonstrates the potential inherent in the combination of a high-tech diesel engine, an electric motor and 7-speed DSG technology. On show for the first time in the world at the Geneva Motor Show, the concept car consumes no more than 3.4 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres. The powerful full-hybrid Golf TDI Hybrid can be run either in internal-combustion mode only or in mixed operation – the powerful yet thrifty combination of TDI and electric motor. The car is also designed to run on emissions-free electric power only. Power transmission to the front axle is managed by a 7-speed DSG gearbox. In city traffic, the automatic stop-start system will even switch off the turbo-diesel when the vehicle is stationary.

Volkswagen reports February 2008 sales results

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced February 2008 sales of 16,556 units, a 1.2 percent increase over the February 2007 sales of 16,367 vehicles.

Reflecting its all-season capabilities, the hardtop convertible Eos posted a 33 percent increase over February 2007. The affordable and fun-to-drive Rabbit also posted strong February sales with a 27.9 percent increase over February 2007 sales. The Jetta, which consistently remains Volkswagen’s top performer also posted increased sales over February 2007.

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

Porsche supervisory board approves bid to increase stake in Volkswagen

Porsche's supervisory board has approved a bid for the automaker to increase its stake from 31% to 51%, thus giving it effective control over Volkswagen. Despite the resultant majority stake, Porsche maintains its position against a takeover. This move will set Porsche back $20 billion.

It is important to note that nothing else has happened other than the supervisory board's approval and Porsche has not even announced when it would actually take action. Besides, this will still have to through Germany's and the EU's bureaucracy to get the necessary approvals so this will take years.

Porsche has been courting Volkswagen ever since the Volkswagen Law was in danger of being struck down. They initially increased their stake in March of last year to 31%. Then, late last year, the EU Court ruled against the Volkswagen Law, leaving Volkswagen open to a foreign hostile takeover and that wouldn't be in the best interest of Porsche. Volkswagen has become a crucial parter for Porsche. Volkswagen shares its know-how in building volume models like the Cayenne and in return, Porsche shares its knowledge of production efficiency and that sort of thing to Volkswagen. It is a partnership that benefits both sides.

If this does go through, the fate of certain Volkswagen AG brands remains to be seen. Bentley, Lamborghini, and Bugatti are especially in danger. Porsche maintains that Volkswagen will not be broken down into smaller companies. We shall see.

Source: Detroit News via Autoblog

Geneva 2008: Golf TDI Hybrid pics

Images of Volkswagen's first hybrid are coming out now (leaked also?). The Golf TDI Hybrid will, of course, be a diesel-electric vehicle that should rival gas-electrics and be better at what they do.

We are learning some new details about the Golf TDI Hybrid such as its 75 hp engine (displacement unknown but probably the same diesel in the Polo BlueMotion) that will be coupled to 27 hp worth of batteries at the back end and a 7-speed DSG in the middle. That should bring fuel consumption to an excellent 69 mpg and carbon emission to 90 g/km. Of course, these numbers are tentative pending the release of official specs from Volkswagen.

The Golf TDI Hybrid will come with a full complement of Hybrid technologies such as regenerative braking, stop/start, and a screen that shows squiggly lines that is supposed to represent how much energy you're saving (or something like that). The Golf TDI Hybrid is a full hybrid so will be able to run on batteries, the engine, or both.

Modifications also had to be done on the Golf itself to aid in making it more aerodynamic: the grille is narrower, suspension lowered, and low-rolling-resistance tires. A new paint colour, Vivid Blue, is also being introduced especially for the Golf Hybrid TDI. Perhaps the paint itself also reduces drag. Who knows?

All these details should be ironed out once the Geneva Motor Show gets underway. While we wait, peruse some images after the jump.

Source: Autoblog