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VW could cut production, new models to weather downturn
Anyone paying attention to the world economy shouldn't be surprised to hear that Volkswagen is the latest company to feel some financial discomfort. Automotive News cites Automobilwoche, which says about 2,000 VW managers will meet Thursday in Dresden with CEO Martin Winterkorn to discuss the company's future plans. A source tells the German magazine that several things are on the agenda. Production cuts are almost a given and plans for future models are not safe. Automobilwoche specifically mentions the plant currently being built in Chattanooga as one that will be under review.
Hopefully this is not the end of the on again/off again U.S.-bound Scirocco or the Mk VI GTI we were looking forward to. But don't get your hopes up for that mid-engined roadster debuting in Detroit.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. via Automobilwoche]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
nagmashot 10:26AM (12/18/2008)
according to German sources VW does not change their plans to build a new factory in the USA. Winterkorn claims no other nation on this planet needs cars like US customers need and sooner or later US customers starts buying cars again. Volkswagen wants to be prepared for the time after the storm....
Winterkorn claims that he belives the world market goes down by a other 20% next year compared to this year and that Volkswagen most likely sells about 10% less cars than this year (They still have a plus 2008 compared to 2007).
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happy_penguin 10:34AM (12/18/2008)
It would be nice if they could do something about their sh*tty reliability.
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Chase 11:49AM (12/18/2008)
Its already dead, bud. Stop beating it.
happy_penguin 11:52AM (12/18/2008)
Funny how it's never dead when it's about American cars, even when it's not true.
F*cking fanboys.
Chase 11:55AM (12/18/2008)
you should change your name to pouty_face
mike j 12:19PM (12/18/2008)
I will say that I have owned 11 VW's and have not had ANY reliability issues with any of them (ranging from a 1984 GTI - 2006 Rabbit).
Randy915 5:45PM (12/18/2008)
Thing about Volkswagen though, especially the Golf/GTI/R32, is that even if it breaks down people LOVE their car. How many American car owners can say that about their unreliable domestic in that price range?
That love equates to the same love an Apple fanatics has for their flawed Macs.
happy_penguin 6:37PM (12/18/2008)
I've owned many very, very reliable domestics. See, the thing about domestic American automobiles is that they range from well above average to about average in reliability. Yet, no matter how unreliable the domestic brand, they ALL OUTRANK VOLKSWAGEN!
http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2008115
Pdexter 10:41AM (12/18/2008)
VW sure is on fly. Intresting to see where they stand when this craze settles down(when ever that is).
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Inthebiz 11:31AM (12/18/2008)
I was just down in Atlanta for a regional meeting. They unveiled the new Scirocco and, at that time, promised the car would land on U.S. shores soon. Whether this comes to fruition or not remains to be seen.
The vehicle itself is FAR better in person than in photos. I will park one next to my S2000 CR.
As far as the plant in Chatanooga? My opinion is that VW will wait and see what happens with the "Employee Free Choice Act", which is anything but an employees free choice. If it passes, VW, along with many other foreign manufacturers would have to strongly reconsider building vehicles on our shores.
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Chase 11:53AM (12/18/2008)
I got to see a Scirocco at VWoA's HQ, and its true, pictures simply don't do it justice. I'm eagerly awaiting the official announcement.
Randy915 5:46PM (12/18/2008)
They better not delay the GTI, my checkbook is ready!!!
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HyeWarrior 9:02PM (12/18/2008)
Yes I drive a VW, and I love it. Have I had problems with it? Aside from the rear third tail light being busted, no. I don't consider myself a fanboy because I love all kinds of cars, but German engineering is in my family. I was planning on upgrading to a Scirocco from my Rabbit after the lease is up... That is if it's still coming to the states after this... Hopefully the MKVI and Scirocco still make it over here.
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