Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: World Premiere of the Volkswagen E-Up! Concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-world-premiere-of-the-volkswagen-e-up-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-world-premiere-of-the-volkswagen-e-up-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-world-premiere-of-the-volkswagen-e-up-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Volkswagen E-Up! Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

While today might be the middle of September, 2009, Volkswagen is looking to the future. 2013 to be exact. That's when Chairman Martin Winterkorn says they'll be launching the E-Up!, an all-electric city specialist. The E-Up!'s killer app is the lightweight lithium-ion battery that kinda tips the scales at five hundred pounds. That might sound like a lot, but keep in mind that the Panasonic Metal Case Prismatic pack in the Prius weighs over 100 pounds and has a gasoline engine to boot. Not so with the E-Up! The whole teeny kit and kaboodle clocks in at a sprightly 2,387 pounds.

Volkswagen's already calling the E-Up! the Beetle of the 21st Century (no word from VW on how the current New Beetle feels about it), and based on their claim that 100 kilometers (62 miles) of driving can be had for just €2 (like five bucks) we see no reason to protest. Interestingly, the E-Up! is the smallest VW ever, so tiny in fact that it's a 3+1 seater. Because Volkswagen largely eliminated the E-Up's dashboard, the front passenger seat is about five inches forward of the driver's seat, increasing the leg room for that person seated directly behind the passenger. The person seated behind the driver, well, he's out of luck. But in a pinch you can carry around a fourth passenger.

There's a 1.4 square meter solar panel on the roof that adds power to the E-Up!'s electrical system. Not enough power? Flip down the solar cell covered sun visors and voila! -- you have 1.7-meters of solar power. That power in turn spins a electric motor that makes 155 lb-ft of torque at zero rpm. This can move the E-Up! from a standstill to 60 mph in just over eleven seconds. News flash: the E-Up! is not a Lamborghini. Still, if like Volkswagen is predicting, E-Up!s (or is that E-Ups!?) will spend most of their time in the city then who cares? Future E-Up! owners, we guess. Full details in the press release below the fold.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Volkswagen E-Up!



Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: World Premiere of the Volkswagen E-Up! Concept

Frankfurt 2009: World Premiere of the Volkswagen E-Up! Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E-UpE-Up ConceptE-upConceptFrankfurst Motor ShowFrankfurstMotorShowFrankfurtFrankfurt 2009Frankfurt Auto ShowFrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowMartin WinterkornMartinWinterkornVolkswagenVolkswagen E-Up ConceptVolkswagenE-upConceptVWTue, 15 Sep 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[VW's Winterkorn reportedly proposes a trio of new Porsches]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/vws-winterkorn-proposes-a-trio-of-new-porsches/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/vws-winterkorn-proposes-a-trio-of-new-porsches/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/vws-winterkorn-proposes-a-trio-of-new-porsches/#commentsFiled under:

2010 Porsche Panamera - Click above for a high-res image gallery

VW CEO Martin Winterkorn appears to be laying out a future for Porsche that could make the company happier, but might not please its core customers... again. Of course, the impetus is to increase volume. Porsche sold nearly 100,000 vehicles in its last fiscal year -- but won't get anywhere close to that this fiscal year -- but Winterkorn wants the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer to put out 150,000 units annually by 2013.

More volume means selling more of what they've got, or making something new to sell. The new proposed direction is the latter: three new models, two of which would be lower-cost numbers-makers. There were no details given beyond market placement, but the first car would slot in below the Boxster. If you have images of a 914 sputtering through your head, banish the thought -- Winterkorn promises that VW will not make Porsches.

The second car has been referred to as a "baby brother" for the Cayenne, or a Porsche version of VW's Tiguan. That could be the mini-ute that Porsche and Audi have spent the past few years denying its existence. At the top is another version of the Panamera, maybe one with the same stellar interior and driving abilities but with a stellar back end to match. No matter what they end up looking like, the real point is that you'll be seeing a lot more Porsches on the roads soon.


Gallery: 2010 Porsche Panamera


[Source: AutoBild (translated) via German Car Blog]

VW's Winterkorn reportedly proposes a trio of new Porsches originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxstercayennemartin winterkornMartinWinterkornpanameraporscheporsche boxsterporsche cayenneporsche panameraPorscheBoxsterPorscheCayennePorschePanameraproduct plansProductPlanstiguanvolkswagenvwvw tiguanVwTiguanMon, 24 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VW-Porsche cross-pollination as Winterkorn, Pötsch join Porsche board]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/vw-porsche-cross-pollination-as-winterkorn-potsch-join-porsche/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/vw-porsche-cross-pollination-as-winterkorn-potsch-join-porsche/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/vw-porsche-cross-pollination-as-winterkorn-potsch-join-porsche/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The assimilation of Porsche into the Volkswagen Group continued today as two top executives from Wolfsburg have taken up similar positions at the parent company of the sports car maker. Volkswagen CEO Dr. Martin Winterkorn will become CEO of Porsche Automobil Holding SE on September 15. He will be joined on the Porsche SE board of management by Hans Dieter Pötsch, who will serve as chief financial officer. Porsche SE is the holding company owned by the Porsche and Piech families that controls Porsche AG, the automaker.

Conversely, Michael Macht, who recently replaced Wendelin Wiedeking as CEO of Porsche AG, will be appointed to a senior management position at Volkswagen where he will represent the interests of Porsche. Macht will also retain his role at Porsche AG. Hit the jump for the official press release.

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading VW-Porsche cross-pollination as Winterkorn, Pötsch join Porsche board

VW-Porsche cross-pollination as Winterkorn, Pötsch join Porsche board originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingmartin winterkornMartinWinterkornmichale machtMichaleMachtporscheporsche volkswagenporsche vwporsche vw mergerPorscheVolkswagenPorscheVwPorscheVwMergervolkswagenvolkswagen porschevolkswagen porsche mergervolkswagen-porscheVolkswagenPorscheVolkswagenPorscheMergerThu, 13 Aug 2009 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[VW boss says Audi must make cars in U.S. to meet sales goal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/06/vw-boss-says-audi-must-make-cars-in-u-s-to-meet-sales-goal/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/06/vw-boss-says-audi-must-make-cars-in-u-s-to-meet-sales-goal/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/06/vw-boss-says-audi-must-make-cars-in-u-s-to-meet-sales-goal/#commentsFiled under: ,



In 2007 Audi set itself a very lofty goal of more than doubling its U.S. sales to 200,000 units by 2015. Without a significant turnaround in the economy, that goal appears increasingly unlikely to be be met, but everyone needs a dream right? With that dream in mind, VW CEO Martin Winterkorn told a gathering of officials from Tennessee recently that the four-ringed brand must build cars in the U.S. Winterkorn said a mid-sized car targeted specifically at the U.S. market would be the product, but a location and timing are still undetermined. The Volkswagen factory that is being built in Chatanooga, TN is one obvious option. VW will start production there in 2011 with a capacity of 150,000 cars a year, but the plant is being designed with expansion in mind. The possibility of building an additional 100,000 cars there does exist. Winterkorn told the guests that no decisions have been made yet but something would happen in 2009.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

VW boss says Audi must make cars in U.S. to meet sales goal originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Volkswagen New Beetle was first thrust upon the world in 1998. Its release was an immediate success and thus spawned an insurgence of retro inspiration in automotive design. However, after 10 years on the market the novelty of the bug's cutesy styling and flower holder have begun to wear off. While some rendered speculations of what a Beetle update might look like have not struck a chord, it is hopeful that VW has been holding back on dropping any hints about the future direction of its iconic vehicle. With recent comments, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn has further added to the mystic surrounding the impending Beetle successor. During a celebration at VW's plant in Puebla, Mexico, he called the planned replacement attractive. The comment is not much to go by though, as those who have most vehemently adored the Beetle's design have also held rather unique perspectives. On the other hand, Winterkorn added that he is certain the next generation New Beetle will be a continued success. At least for now, it is almost certain the vehicle will be a success for Mexico, since most likely the Puebla plant will be outfitted for its production.

[Source: Auto News, Sub. Req'd]

Volkswagen confident about success of next New Beetle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Martin WinterkornMartinWinterkornVolkswagen BeetleVolkswagenBeetleVW BeetleVwBeetleFri, 08 Feb 2008 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[VW's Winterkorn: "We want to be in 2010 where Toyota is now."]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/10/vws-winterkorn-we-want-to-be-in-2010-where-toyota-is-now/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/10/vws-winterkorn-we-want-to-be-in-2010-where-toyota-is-now/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/10/vws-winterkorn-we-want-to-be-in-2010-where-toyota-is-now/#commentsFiled under: ,

Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn has put a bull's-eye on Toyota. He believes the German automaker can outpace the Japanese company in ten years time, if not sooner. He sites German design aesthetics and meticulous engineering as VW's strong points over Toyota. However, he knows that's not all it takes to win the global battle, as sales in the North American market will be the focus of Winterkorn's plan to grow. Part of VW's sales deficiency is its high market price over its competition. In order to reduce costs, Volkswagen must streamline production and decrease exchange rate losses through new plant locations, such as building a new one in the United States (Auto News, Sub. Req.). With these future goals in mind and the assistance of a 9.5 billion Euro investment. Winterkorn hopes to develop 20 new cars over the next three years. Ultimately, by 2010 Winterkorn would like to see VW where Toyota is today.

It is a bold move by the VW CEO (apparently bold moves aren't just limited to Ford), but it also seems a bit contradictory. Usually designs that are efficient and low cost to produce are not the most detail oriented. Toyota has also demonstrated how high production volumes can lead to reduced overall quality ratings. Let us hope that VW does not lose touch with its heritage while attempting to dethrone the king.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

VW's Winterkorn: "We want to be in 2010 where Toyota is now." originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Martin WinterkornMartinWinterkornVolkswagenVWMon, 10 Dec 2007 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen Golf MkVI delayed to 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/26/volkswagen-golf-mkvi-delayed-to-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/26/volkswagen-golf-mkvi-delayed-to-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/26/volkswagen-golf-mkvi-delayed-to-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Back in January we told you that new VW boss Martin Winterkorn ordered a strategic review of the Golf, Tiguan, and Scirocco. The goal of the review was to spice up design, and an unfortunate side effect is delayed product launches. Auto Express is reporting that the Golf MkVI is now scheduled to be unveiled in Paris next fall; six months later than the original plan to debut the car in Geneva. Here in the US, we're used to waiting longer than expected for an updated Golf, but this is undoubtedly a big letdown for fans of one of the world's most popular compacts. If Europe isn't getting the Golf until 2009, there is a good chance our Rabbit won't receive its overhaul until next decade.

[Source: Auto Express]

Volkswagen Golf MkVI delayed to 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Oct 2007 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Martin WinterkornMartinWinterkornRabbitSciroccoTiguanVolkswagen GolfVolkswagenGolfVWFri, 26 Oct 2007 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Bugatti to retain ultra-exclusivity with new model]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/25/bugatti-to-retain-ultra-exclusivity-with-new-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/25/bugatti-to-retain-ultra-exclusivity-with-new-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/25/bugatti-to-retain-ultra-exclusivity-with-new-model/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The debate as to whether Bugatti was going to create a second model eventually led to former Bugatti head Thomas Bscher's resignation. Bscher wanted another car, Martin Winterkorn, head of VW, said that a second car would remain nothing more than Bscher's dream.

Somewhere, minds have changed. Although Bugatti isn't meeting original sales projections, new Bugatti CEO Franz-Josef Paefgen assures the continuation and growth of the brand. Not only that, but it has been decided that the second model won't be one priced in the thick-growth band of ultra luxury vehicles, around $150,000 to $200,000. No, it will be just as much, and be just as exclusive, as the current $1.4 million Bug. According to Paefgen, it will have "lifetime volumes in the hundreds."

No one has any idea what such a vehicle will be. And if Bugatti keeps losing money in the amounts rumored, no one knows if VW won't have another change of mind and shut it down. So until then, I guess we'll just have to be happy with Veyron variations like the Pegaso, Pur Sang, and convertible.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Bugatti to retain ultra-exclusivity with new model originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's hardly been a week since we told you that the sexy VW Scirocco wouldn't be coming stateside, and now it seems VW of America vice president Adrian Hallmark may have been premature in his assessment. Now VW spokesman Hans-Gerd Bode is telling us that the big cheese, VW Chairman Martin Winterkorn, will have the final say in this matter.

The folks over at Autoweek seem to think that the 2008 Geneva Motor Show would be the best time for VW to announce whether or not the Scirocco will be coming to the US, but we aren't so sure. It makes sense for VW to unveil the production version of the Scirocco at Geneva, where VW was eerily silent during the 2007 show, but we'll put our money on Volkswagen making that announcement on US soil if the Scirocco is headed here.

We were a little surprised that Hallmark's reasoning for not bringing the Scirocco to the US was because it "might cannibalize GTI sales". VW's current lineup consists of four small cars, a mid-size, and an SUV, what's one more good-looking, fun to drive hatch going to hurt?

Give it to us straight: VW exec says Scirocco may be U.S.-bound afterall originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 May 2007 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Martin WinterkornMartinWinterkornSciroccoVWWed, 02 May 2007 19:29:00 EST<![CDATA[One more time: VW Phaeton returning to U.S.?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/11/one-more-time-vw-phaeton-returning-to-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/11/one-more-time-vw-phaeton-returning-to-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/11/one-more-time-vw-phaeton-returning-to-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen Phaeton
Click image for hi-res gallery of the facelifted VW Phaeton

It appears that the VW Phaeton will make a return to the Unites States market, according to Volkswagen CEO Dr. Martin Winterkorn. In an interview with Financial Times Deutchland, he essentially stated that to be successful with a product, it has to be something sold worldwide. (We're paraphrasing from a Google Translation of the FTD article, so be advised that the wording may be off a bit.)

The other thing we took from the translated article is that the car earmarked for a return to the States is the "successor" to the Phaeton. That has us thinking that the facelifted car introduced at Geneva last week is not the one Winterkorn's talking about. The Phaeton story is well known by now; poorly marketed and just as poorly received by car shoppers, the VW super sedan is a beautiful, handbuilt machine that tanked thanks in large part to an idiotic campaign at the car's launch (remember the TV commercials where VW showed still photos of the car with the logos covered while a voiceover clown said things like, "No question...that's a BMW"?) and a price tag that was incongruous with what people were willing to pay for a Volkswagen. The 8-cylinder Phaeton stickered at over $64K, and a gargantuan $94K was the price set for the range-topping W12. For that kind of money, people could go shop at Audi (or BMW, or Mercedes), and that's likely what many of them did. The Phaeton was pulled from our market in 2005.

Assuming this actually happens, it'll be interesting to see what Volkswagen does to help make round two a success for the Phaeton. If any readers have a proper command of German and can better elucidate what the FTD article says, please chime in with your own comments. The Financial Times piece can be found here. If you don't read German, this will come in handy.

Thanks to all who sent tips.

[Source: FT Deutchland]

Gallery: VW Phaeton (facelifted)

One more time: VW Phaeton returning to U.S.? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Mar 2007 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi has raided the castle at Wolfsburg and changes are in store. New boss Martin Winterkorn has ordered that the new Scirocco, Golf and Passat be presented for scrutiny. Rounding out the new royal court at Volkswagen will be a coterie of raiders from Ingolstadt, among them Walter de'Silva. de'Silva will be tweezing the look of the new cars until Winterkorn is satsified. Also, the petrol-powered V10 returns to the Touareg, giving back a unique offering and hopefully enticing sales. We're not sure what Mr. Winterkorn doesn't like about the styling of the new cars, but we're hopeful that de'Silva will be allowed to stretch his legs and stun us when the re-designs start trickling out. As Winterkorn consolidates and centralizes power in Wolfsburg, we're sure to see bigger changes coming out of Volkswagen and its brands. We're all for it - what's the worst they can do, screw up? Judging from de'Silva's portfolio, that's not bloody likely.

[Source: Germancarblog]

VW post-Bernhard getting major changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jan 2007 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Wall Street Journal is reporting today that Volkwagen brand chief Wolfgang Bernhard will be leaving his post next month after the company's board votes to approve a new management shakeup. Supposedly the management reorginization involves offering Bernhard a new position in which he would oversee production across all brands in the VW/Audi group. Bernhard, however, has been reported as saying he would leave the company if his job changed.

Speculation that Bernhard would pack up and leave has been rampant ever since the man who hired him, ex-CEO Bernd Pischetsrieder, was replaced by his counterpart at Audi, Martin Winterkorn. If Bernhard does choose to leave VW, it's not entirely certain he could accept a position at another automaker due to a two-year non-compete clause built into his contract. This could potentially block Bernhard from returning to a post at his previous employer, DaimlerChrysler. Rumor has it that DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche would love to his bring his former prodigy back to the company, perhaps to replace current Chrysler Group CEO as the captain of the company's U.S. domestic division.

[Source: Automotive News]

WSJ reports Wolfgang Bernhard leaving VW originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Dec 2006 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audimartin winterkornMartinWinterkornvwwolfgang bernhardWolfgangBernhardFri, 29 Dec 2006 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[On the hot SEAT: Sale considered for VW's Spanish brand?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/06/on-the-hot-seat-sale-considered-for-vws-spanish-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/06/on-the-hot-seat-sale-considered-for-vws-spanish-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/06/on-the-hot-seat-sale-considered-for-vws-spanish-brand/#commentsFiled under: ,

Martin WinterkornAutomotive News reports that incoming VW chairman Martin Winterkorn, Audi's current CEO, may want to sell the SEAT brand. In his current position, Winterkorn is responsible for SEAT, as it's part of the Audi group. He is apparently frustrated with the Spanish automaker's disappointing profitability and according to Automotive News, it's not part of his plans when he assumes his new position.

Bernd Pischetsrieder, who will be replaced by Winterkorn, is said to oppose any such sale because it would include a transfer of valuable VW technical and operational information to the new owner. The anti-sale sentiment is apparently shared by Wolfgang Bernhard, but it's reported that he may also be leaving VW and is looking for a way out of his contract.

Amidst all the sale talk, SEAT sales through October are up 4.4%.The automaker has officially issued a blanket denial of any reports regarding a sale, calling the speculation "absurd."

[Sources: Automotive News (sub req), SEAT]

On the hot SEAT: Sale considered for VW's Spanish brand? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Dec 2006 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>martin winterkornMartinWinterkornSEATseat saleSeatSaleWed, 06 Dec 2006 10:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Wolfgang Bernhard could leave VW if commitment doesn't come by Friday]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/14/wolfgang-bernhard-could-leave-vw-if-commitment-doesnt-come-by-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/14/wolfgang-bernhard-could-leave-vw-if-commitment-doesnt-come-by-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/14/wolfgang-bernhard-could-leave-vw-if-commitment-doesnt-come-by-f/#commentsFiled under: ,



Looks like Wolfgang Bernhard may have taken the appointment of Martin Winterkorn as future Volkswagen AG CEO personally. Reports are swirling that Bernhard is likely to step down soon. Newspapers are reporting today that VW has asked for a commitment from Bernhard by Friday. German business newspaper Handelsblatt said Bernhard had threatened as early as May to resign if Winterkorn became CEO.

This would be a pretty big loss for Volkswagen, as Bernhard is widely regarded as a savior for VW because of his efforts to cut costs in Germany. Some put Bernhard's contribution to Volkswagen's bottom line as high as $9 billion (7 billion euros) by 2008. That has come mainly as a result of restructured benefits and extended working hours for VW's 100,000 workers at its plants in western Germany.

This comes on the heels of last week's shakeup that saw the group's chief executive Bernd Pischetsrieder stepping down after a power struggle with VW chairman Ferdinand Piech. That resulted in the nomination of Audi CEO Martin Winterkorn as the new head of VW. Bernd has since been reassigned to the trucking arm of VAG.

[Sources: Reuters and Automotive News, sub req]

Wolfgang Bernhard could leave VW if commitment doesn't come by Friday originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Nov 2006 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bernd PischetsriederBerndPischetsriederFerdinand PiechFerdinandPiechMartin WinterkornMartinWinterkornWolfgang BernhardWolfgangBernhardTue, 14 Nov 2006 18:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi celebrates record year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/18/audi-celebrates-record-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/18/audi-celebrates-record-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/18/audi-celebrates-record-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Audi AG's 117th (!) annual general meeting Wednesday was chock full of positive news for shareholders. The company racked up all-time record sales in 2005, but that record doesn't look like it will stand for very long - the first four months of 2006 have been the best in Audi's history.

According to Audi chairman Dr. Martin Winterkorn, the company will break the one million unit sales mark "as early as the end of 2008." Winterkorn predicts annual sales of at least 1.4 million by 2015.

Adding a little more sparkle to the company's performance is the fact that revenues are rising even faster than unit sales, partly driven by successful upscale models-- notably the A6.

Winterkorn pointed out the importance of global markets to Audi's future growth, noting that two key markets, the U.S. and China, now account for over 22 percent of Audi sales.

[Source: Audi]

Audi celebrates record year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 May 2006 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2005 salesannual general meetingaudi forecastaudi growthmartin winterkornMartinWinterkornThu, 18 May 2006 13:01:00 EST