Autoblog

Volkswagen to follow similar formula for new Phaeton

Noah Joseph — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:31:00 EST

Whatever Volkswagen has done to get to the position of dominance in the European - and indeed the global auto industry, it's clearly been working. But some of its decisions still leave us scratching our heads. The Phaeton is one such four-wheeled decision.

A Volkswagen sedan that shares its platform with the Bentley Continental Flying Spur, the Phaeton offers the space, luxury and meticulous engineering standards you'd expect of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7 Series, in a package decidedly bereft of the badge cachet that goes with it. VW clearly spent big dollars developing the vehicle, so when sales never really materialized, we were hardly surprised that plans were floated to phase it out in favor of something a little more cost-effective for both buyer and manufacturer, closing the enormous canyon between the current Phaeton and the Passat and CC ranges that sit below it.

In fact, we've read reports for years now stating that VW will/will won't follow up the Phaeton with a new model - it's one of the most cyclical future product stories in the entire auto industry. This latest report from Motor Trend suggests that Volkswagen is planning to replace the current Phaeton in 2015 or 2016 with another model in the same mold, downsizing in neither price point nor scale - and bringing the new model back to the North American market in the process. MT suggests the Phaeton will be an technological wonder, going with smaller engines (no W12), forced induction power and available hybrid and plug-in models. Us? we wouldn't be surprised to see the Phaeton adopt the new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine found in the 2013 Bentley Continental V8.

Apparently VW is keen to retain the buyers who have enjoyed their Phaetons thus far, giving them the conservatively styled, anti-prestige alternative to the luxury sedans built by its sister company Audi and its own retiring executives - including Group CEO Martin Winterkorn and his product chief Ulrich Hackeberg - something of a parting gift.

Volkswagen to follow similar formula for new Phaeton originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW CEO Winterkorn happy with rebounding Seat, Skoda

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: SEAT, Skoda

Martin Winterkorn is a happy man: Volkswagen is putting up big numbers in North America, its latest field of dreams, Audi, is breaking records every month, there are exciting cars in the pipeline - from Bugatti down to the XL1, Porsche's digestion continues, and now Skoda and especially Seat are turning in no-questions performance.

It seems Skoda has been on the ups for years, making the most of keen pricing and modern redesigns of the chassis and tech it gets handed down from big brothers VW and Audi. Winterkorn predicts the Czech brand will just about double its 2010 sales by 2018, going from 762,000 to 1.5 million.

Seat, on the other hand, wasn't just on the hotseat a year-and-a-half ago, phrases like "uncertain future" - code for "possible demise" - were rumbling in the background. A new CEO was brought in, new money and new models were thrown against the wall, and the efforts have stuck. The Spanish brand has hit three strong chords with Winterkorn, with increased sales, strong performance in China and anticipated models due. If this keeps up there won't be much left for him to do but, a la Alexander the Great, break down and cry with no worlds left to conquer.

VW CEO Winterkorn happy with rebounding Seat, Skoda originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What can Hyundai do silently and inexpensively that Volkswagen and BMW can't?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Budget, Videos, Hatchback, Hyundai, Volkswagen

Someone at the Frankfurt Motor Show caught Volkswagen Group CEO Martin Winterkorn investigating a Hyundai i30 ~~as if he was~~ just like one would expect from an intrigued engineer at a rival company. It might be too much to infer that the Herr Doctor is impressed by what he finds, but there is no doubt that he's got some questions that will need answering when he leaves.

At about 1:45, while sitting in the cabin, he adjusts the steering wheel and begins to query his seconds on what he discovers. As far as our native German speaking helper could tell, Winterkorn wants to know how Hyundai managed to make an adjustment mechanism that doesn't make any noise, going so far as to say, "How do they do it? BMW can't do it, we can't do it... no clanging!" And then one of the gentlemen appears to answer, "We had a solution but it was too expensive..."

Follow the jump for the video and our best attempt to transcribe what Winterkorn says. Feel free to fill in the blanks in the comments, and we believe this officially means everyone is watching Hyundai. Closely.

Continue reading What can Hyundai do silently and inexpensively that Volkswagen and BMW can't?

What can Hyundai do silently and inexpensively that Volkswagen and BMW can't? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM takes issue with VW chairman Winterkorn's statements about Opel

Zach Bowman — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., GM, Volkswagen, Opel

Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn has apparently ruffled some feathers at General Motors. The American automaker took the time to release a scornful statement about the VW executive's comments toward the beleaguered Eureopean brand, Opel. Apparently, Winterkorn took the time to comment on what he believes the brand faces in the near future while speaking with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, fuelling speculation that Opel is in dire straits and that a sale may be on the horizon. GM shot back by saying that VW is simply nervous about the launch of the Ampera in Europe, and that the automaker is simply trying to sabotage the Opel recovery.

Them's fightin' words.

GM says that due to the strong positive response that the Ampera has garnered so far, the company is now planning to crank out an additional Ampera models to satiate demand. Additionally, the statement makes it clear that Opel is an important part of the GM flock and that the brand isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Hit the jump to check out the official statement for yourself.

Continue reading GM takes issue with VW chairman Winterkorn's statements about Opel

GM takes issue with VW chairman Winterkorn's statements about Opel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW board votes to keep Winterkorn as CEO through 2016

Noah Joseph — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Volkswagen

In a vote of confidence in his abilities, the Volkswagen Supervisory Board has elected to extend Dr. Martin Winterkorn's contract as the group's chief executive through 2016.

The German auto giant's management structure works a little differently than most corporations in the United States, with a supervisory board acting essentially like a board of directors, and a management board serving as the executive body. Therefore, the role that Winterkorn has occupied for four years now and will continue to fill for the next five is that of Management Board Chairman.

The extension of his current contract, which was not due to expire until the very end of 2011, creates some stability in an expanding empire that has very public aims to become the largest automaker in the world. Official announcement after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading VW board votes to keep Winterkorn as CEO through 2016

VW board votes to keep Winterkorn as CEO through 2016 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Porsche's baby Cayenne could be called "Cajun"

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Crossover, Porsche, Luxury

The Porsche range spans thus: 911, Panamera, Cayenne, Cayman, Boxster. How would you feel about a Porsche Cajun being added to that? We haven't heard much lately about the long-rumored little SUV supposedly being planned in the Stuttgart product department, and the last time we did it was tentatively dubbed "Roxster."

However, in an interview with Germany's Der Spiegel, after Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn expounded on his views of the company and his tenure with it, he hinted that the sixth model in the Porsche line could be called the Cajun. Admittedly, we're a long way off from this vehicle becoming a reality, so we're probably quite a ways from knowing its name... but something called the Porsche ~~Gumbo~~ Cajun, even at this stage, is a bit unexpected. If that's the case, we'll hold out until we can get the inevitable Creole Turbo special edition. Thanks to everyone for the tips.

[Source: Der Spiegel via 4WheelsNews]

Report: Porsche's baby Cayenne could be called "Cajun" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen CEO Winterkorn sticks around

Zach Bowman — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Volkswagen

The powers that be at Volkswagen have elected to keep Martin Winterkorn, the company's current CEO, on board for at least a few more years. Winterkorn has been instrumental in the German manufacturer's march toward global domination, and is looking to complete a merger with Porsche to become the world's number one automaker.

The 63-year-old executive has already brought a number of changes to the company, including adding Scania AB, a Swedish truck manufacturer, to the corporate stable. According to The Detroit News, Winterkorn is also planning to build two more manufacturing facilities in China in a bid to double production in that country.

Likewise, Winterkorn was instrumental in making the decision to open a new facility here in the U.S. That Chattanooga, Tennessee facility represents a billion-dollar investment for Volkswagen and is slated to produce a range of new models tailored to fit American tastes.

Combined, these three plants are poised to help Volkswagen reach its goal of beating Toyota in both sales and profitability by 2018.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Volkswagen CEO Winterkorn sticks around originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen reconfirms EVs for 2013, next-generation vehicles to reduce weight

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Volkswagen, Electric

Speaking outside its Electronics Research Lab in Palo Alto, California, Volkswagen chairman Dr. Martin Winterkorn reconfirmed the automaker's commitment to bring electric vehicles to market in 2013, beginning with the eGolf compact and eUp! city car.

Drawing a faint parallel to the original Beetle, Winterkorn told the assembled media that "Volkswagen is working on the electric car for everyone." And one of the first electrified V-Dubs will be its bread-and-butter Golf hatchback.

"The automotive industry is reinventing itself," Winterkorn continued, "and Volkswagen will be the first automaker to mass produce the electric car for everyone." VW believes that electric vehicles are the next great revolution in the automobile, and in order to achieve its goal of becoming the world's top automaker by 2018, it believes it has to dominate the EV segment.

In addition to bringing two EVs to market in the next three years, the Touareg Hybrid (shown above) is being produced, with the hybrid Golf and Jetta due later that year and the hybrid Passat following in 2012. All of which VW considers to be interim products.

Although current battery technology has limited the eGolf to a 100-mile range when fitted with a 26.5 kWh battery pack, Winterkorn asserts that "Our customers are not willing to compromise. They expect the same thing from a standard [internal-combustion engine] Golf as they would from an electric Golf." But until its partnerships with Samsung, Toshiba and other battery manufacturers pan out and develop lighter, smaller, less expensive and higher capacity batteries, they'll have their work cut out for them.

When asked what VW plans to do about vehicle weight, Winterkorn rattled off a litany of advanced materials - from carbon fiber to magnesium - and told Autoblog that the next generation of Volkswagen products will undergo a weight loss program.

[Image: Sean Gallup/Getty]

Volkswagen reconfirms EVs for 2013, next-generation vehicles to reduce weight originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Chung, Mullaly, Winterkorn named top car company CEOs

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Hyundai, Volkswagen

Automotive News has put together its list of 2010 auto industry all-stars, and taking first place in American, European and Asian CEO categories are Ford CEO Alan Mulally, Volkswagen CEO Dr. Martin Winterkorn, and Hyundai-Kia CEO Chung Mong-koo. Hard to fault the choices, and it shouldn't come as a surprise at all that the same three gentlemen took slots two through four of Motor Trend's list of top 50 auto execs for 2009.

Mulally was cited because his "steadfast plan to turn Ford around is bearing fruit in impressive fashion" and Chung was lauded for having " turned the Hyundai brand into a superpower." Winterkorn, who could have been awarded based on VW's Hulk-like growth, was actually noted for his "Strategy 2018," by which time he plans for the VW group to be selling ten million cars per year. Check this spot in eight years to see if he's still an all-star. For now, though, congrats to all.

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

Report: Chung, Mullaly, Winterkorn named top car company CEOs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Volkswagen head (kinda) confirms new entry-level Porsche 356

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Rumormill

Volkswagen Bluesport Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The head of the Volkswagen Group, Martin Winterkorn, spoke with Autocar about the possibility of a new entry level Porsche model. Perhaps fancifully dubbed the 356, the new model would slot into Porsche's lineup below the Boxster and Cayman. In England, the new baby Porsche would cost about £33,000, which means nothing to us here in the U.S. and is about what a base Boxster costs. That said, the article mentions the possibility that the next generation Boxster and Cayman might go way up scale.

Big question: what would this new 356 be? Autocar speculates that the 356 will be based heavily on the mid-engine architecture of the upcoming Audi R4 and the conceptual Volkswagen Bluesport. We don't know if the 356 will be strictly a coupe or also be available as a roadster. In fact, we don't even know if the R4 will be coupe-only. We'd image the two cars will have similar, if not identical, body configurations. Though not the engine. In order to keep some brand DNA in the Porsche, the 356 will ship with a new forced-induction flat-four.

Those that remember the 944 Turbo S and the 968 know this is in no way a bad thing - except the 924 Turbo's engine was the EA831 inline-four originally intended for the Volkswagen Bus and Audi 100. It was never really any good, even in turbo form. The reborn 356's mill (most likely a turbo as opposed to supercharged) should be good for around 250 horsepower - very close to where the base Boxster/Cayman currently sits. Expect the 356 to get much better fuel economy, however.

The new 356 will share a transmission with the R4. Again, the 924, 944 and 968 shipped with a modified Audi 100 transmission acting as a transaxle, so there is precedence. As to what that transmission will be, we don't know but we'd guess a DSG of some sort. Audi's R4 should arrive sometime in 2011, with the Porsche 356 bowing in 2012. Is any of this going to actually, you know, happen? Magic 8-Ball says, "Ask again later."

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept

Gallery: Detroit Preview: Volkswagen BlueSport Concept

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Volkswagen head (kinda) confirms new entry-level Porsche 356 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: VW finished eating companies, will now focus on digestion

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials

We have a feeling historians will spending a fair portion of next few years finding new words to describe just how bad this year was for the auto industry. And then, at some point, they'll get around to Volkswagen, a company that has been zagging while almost all others zigged. Over the last twelve months, VW has taken a stake in Suzuki, bought Karmann, won European Car of the Year, won the Dakar Rally, turned its eye to F1, released a litter of well received cars, put autonomous cars everywhere, thrown huge money at hybrids and electric cars, and made recycling fun. And it's building a $125 million dealership in Manhattan. And then there was that whole Porsche thing. And it took the crown of No. 1 automaker. We could continue, but there's a post to finish...

When it comes to mergers and acquisitions, remarks from company CEO Martin Winterkorn suggest that VW is finished doing its impression of 18th century England. "We are satisfied with the current line-up," he has told Automotive News. "I don't see any need (for further M&A activity)." That, in spite of his assertion that other companies "want to come under our roof."

VW will focus on what is sure to be a busy year ahead, integrating Porsche and its interest in Suzuki, at the same time as it gears up Karmann's factory for the Boxster, and builds its U.S. plant and prepares its new NMS model. Winterkorn is expecting VW's market share to increase in 2010, which might solidify a place at the top position; although after the shellacking General Motors and Toyota took while they wore the crowns, we don't know why VW would want the attention. And as for the end of M&A, perhaps Winterkorn hasn't heard the rumor about Piech's eyes on Ducati...

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

REPORT: VW finished eating companies, will now focus on digestion originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Electric

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.

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VW's Winterkorn reportedly proposes a trio of new Porsches

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Porsche

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.

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

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Porsche, Volkswagen

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.

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VW boss says Audi must make cars in U.S. to meet sales goal

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 06:02:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Audi

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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Volkswagen confident about success of next New Beetle

Merritt Johnson — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

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.

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VW's Winterkorn: "We want to be in 2010 where Toyota is now."

Merritt Johnson — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen

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.

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Volkswagen Golf MkVI delayed to 2009

Chris Shunk — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

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.

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Bugatti to retain ultra-exclusivity with new model

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 17:05:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Bugatti, Volkswagen

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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Give it to us straight: VW exec says Scirocco may be U.S.-bound afterall

Chris Shunk — Wed, 02 May 2007 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Volkswagen

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.

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