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[REPORT: Volkswagen confirms Karmann purchase, plans to build new car at factory in 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/report-volkswagen-confirms-karmann-purchase-plans-to-build-new/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/report-volkswagen-confirms-karmann-purchase-plans-to-build-new/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/report-volkswagen-confirms-karmann-purchase-plans-to-build-new/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Volkswagen AG has announced it will be establishing a new manufacturing unit in Osnabrueck, located in VW's home state of Lower Saxony, Germany. Interestingly enough, VW will be purchasing the land, equipment, and machinery formerly owned by Karmann -- the coachbuilder and convertible roof specialists who manufactured the classic Beetle-based Karmann Ghia coupe (Karmann filed for bankruptcy protection in April, and has been struggling since).

Production of a new vehicle at the plant is slated to start in 2011. In the meantime, 200 people will be needed to open the plant next year, and VW is estimating more than 1,000 new jobs will be created by 2014. Volkswagen AG has not disclosed which model will be built at the plant, or any financial details.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Volkswagen confirms Karmann purchase, plans to build new car at factory in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>KarmannKarmann Ghiakarmann volkswagenkarmann vwKarmannGhiaKarmannSaleKarmannVolkswagenKarmannVwLower SaxonyLowerSaxonymanufacturingnew modelNewModelOsnabrueckPlantProductionVolkswagenVWMon, 23 Nov 2009 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Karmann saved by VW's multi-million euro order for electric vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/report-karmann-saved-by-vws-multi-million-euro-order-for-elect/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/report-karmann-saved-by-vws-multi-million-euro-order-for-elect/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/report-karmann-saved-by-vws-multi-million-euro-order-for-elect/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


DuraCar Quicc! Diva - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has struck a deal worth "at least 10 million euros" with Wilhelm Karmann GmbH to keep the insolvent coachworks and specialty builder alive so it can reorganize a new company and "focus on building electric-powered cars." That's according to an unsourced report in the Neue Osnabruecker Zeitung that can be found on Bloomberg. A separate report on HLN.be says that the EV deal is worth 20 million euros, the fruits of which are expected to go on sale in 2011.

Earlier this year, Karmann showed off an EV concept called the E3 Limosine, co-developed with utility company Oldenburg Energy Group (EWE). Last October, Karmann said it would help build some of DuraCar's Quicc! DiVas EVs. Thanks to Frederik for the tip!


Gallery: eBay Find of the Day: electric 1974 Karmann Ghia


[Source: Bloomberg, HLN.be]

REPORT: Karmann saved by VW's multi-million euro order for electric vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric carselectric vehicleElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehiclekarmannkarmann ghiakarmann volkswagenkarmann vwKarmannGhiaKarmannVolkswagenKarmannVwwilhelm karmann gmbhWilhelmKarmannGmbhWed, 08 Jul 2009 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Karmann Go: Legendary coachbuilder shuts down as last car comes off the line]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/karmann-go-legendary-coachbuilder-shuts-down-as-last-car-comes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/karmann-go-legendary-coachbuilder-shuts-down-as-last-car-comes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/karmann-go-legendary-coachbuilder-shuts-down-as-last-car-comes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Karmann throughout the years - Click above for high-res image gallery

Troubled coachbuilder and specialty car manufacturer Karmann has gone dark. The firm's final vehicle - a Mercedes-Benz CLK came off the lines on Monday as the legendary company has been shuttered because of insolvency.

Perhaps best known for its Volkswagen-based Karmann Ghia coupe and convertible (shown above), Karmann has actually produced in excess of 3.3 million automobiles for various automakers - mostly convertibles. In recent times, it's been responsible for assembling cars like the Spyker C8, Audi A4 Cabriolet, Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible, and the Pontiac G6 Convertible.

According to German's The Local, Karmann actually "went bust last week," though it still hopes to change its focus to parts production if officials are able to successfully reorganize the firm and stay in business. Unfortunately, finger-pointing between the Osnabrück company's management and its unions is preventing any sort of restructuring, let alone a quick turnaround.

The company's 2,240 workers have all apparently been given notice, and their benefits plans will likely be eliminated. Check out more details at the link below and peruse a high-res gallery of Karmann's vehicles (including some of its concept cars) by clicking on the thumbnails below. Thanks for the tip, Gregg.


Gallery: Karmann throughout the years


[Sources: The Local; StraitsTimes]

Karmann Go: Legendary coachbuilder shuts down as last car comes off the line originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptbankruptcycoachbuildercoachbuildingcoachbuiltinsolvencyinsolventKarmannKarmann ghiaKarmannGhiasuppliertier-1 supplierTier-1SupplierTue, 23 Jun 2009 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Karmann possibly for sale soon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/karmann-posibly-for-sale-soon/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/karmann-posibly-for-sale-soon/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/karmann-posibly-for-sale-soon/#commentsFiled under: , ,



German coachbuilder Karmann could be on the block soon. The company, a longtime supplier to German automakers, has been having trouble getting contracts lately. The family that owns the company is reportedly considering all options, and some talks with potential buyers have already taken place. No decision about whom to sell to has been made yet, but within a month Karmann may decide which suitor's offer to accept. The convertible roof business is going well for Karmann, but deals to assemble vehicles for automakers are way down, threatening the painting and assembly operations. Karmann has already cut 500 jobs from its German workforce of 5,000, and another 1,000 are slated for elimination. Perhaps a buyer will swoop in and snap up Bertone and Karmann? Mr. Tata, you listening?

[Source: Auto News - sub req, Photo: Dr Dub]

Karmann possibly for sale soon originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coachbuildergermanykarmannkarmann for salekarmann ghiakarmann salekarmann volkswagenKarmannForSaleKarmannGhiaKarmannSaleKarmannVolkswagenporschevolkswagenTue, 10 Jun 2008 08:28:00 EST