Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[VW confirms development of 10-speed dual clutch, 134-hp/liter diesel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/volkswagen-confirms-development-of-10-speed-dual-clutch-134-hp/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/volkswagen-confirms-development-of-10-speed-dual-clutch-134-hp/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/volkswagen-confirms-development-of-10-speed-dual-clutch-134-hp/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Each year, the Vienna International Motor Symposium showcases some of the up-and-coming technologies automakers are engineering for the use in passenger cars, and Volkswagen AG CEO Martin Winterkorn revealed some big developments VW is working on for its future products. Winterkorn discussed a multi-faceted approach that VW is looking to reduce its fleet fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

Some of the bigger news he discussed included a "high-performance" diesel engine that will produce 134 horsepower per liter and a 10-speed DSG automatic transmission. While no specific applications were mentioned, we can only hope this is for the Audi R4 we keep hearing about.

Another topic he touched on that caused us to perk up our ears was had to do with VW's plug-in hybrid technology. While we know the PHEV versions of the Audi A3 and Porsche Panamera are on the way, Winterkorn also said that these two models will be followed up by Golf, Passat, Audi A6 and Porsche Cayenne plug-in models. Scroll down for a press release highlighting the automaker's future fuel-saving initiatives.

Continue reading VW confirms development of 10-speed dual clutch, 134-hp/liter diesel

VW confirms development of 10-speed dual clutch, 134-hp/liter diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-speed transmissionaudiaudi 16audi a6audi a6 plug-in hybriddieseldsgmartin winterkornporscheporsche cayenneporsche cayenne plug-in hybridvienna international motor symposiumvolkswagenvolkswagen agvolkswagen passatvolkswagen passat plug-in hybridFri, 26 Apr 2013 17:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549903/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/26/volkswagen-confirms-development-of-10-speed-dual-clutch-134-hp/20549903/article-detail.xml 20549903 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/martin-winterkorn-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/martin-winterkorn-628.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen recalling small number of 2012 Beetle models over tire issue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/23/volkswagen-recalling-small-number-of-2012-beetle-models-over-tir/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/23/volkswagen-recalling-small-number-of-2012-beetle-models-over-tir/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/23/volkswagen-recalling-small-number-of-2012-beetle-models-over-tir/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Volkswagen is recalling a few 2012 Beetles for wearing the wrong tires. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the summer tires "fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards." The out-of-season shoes "may lead to the tires being over-loaded and/or under-inflated, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash," the NHTSA recall states.

Volkswagen says only 83 Beetles are affected and the company will replace the offending tires free of charge.

Scroll down to read the official NHTSA report.

Continue reading Volkswagen recalling small number of 2012 Beetle models over tire issue

Volkswagen recalling small number of 2012 Beetle models over tire issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MAN trucks

There's plenty of room to get lost in the Volkswagen Group. In addition to the VW brand, the group controls Skoda, Seat, Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley and Bugatti. But we can't forget its truck divisions. In addition to being Europe's largest automaker, VW is also one of its largest producer of trucks as well, producing VW commercial vehicles while holding nearly three-quarters of the shares in Swedish truckmaker Scania and a significant stake in MAN as well.

That's last bit's about to increase, though, as a new deal in progress will see Volkswagen increase its holdings in MAN SE from 30.5 percent to 55.9 percent. According to Bloomberg, the deal is still pending regulatory approval, but is expected to lead to increased cooperation between Scania and MAN, helping both companies reduce overhead.

The latest move in Volkswagen Group chairman Ferdinand Piëch's expansion plan, the takeover will make the German industrial giant that much bigger. Both Volvo (which also produces Mack and Renault trucks) and Daimler (which owns Freightliner, Mitsubishi Fuso, Thomas, Sterling and Mercedes-Benz trucks), each hold about 21 percent of the European truck market. But because MAN and Scania together account for some 30 percent of European heavy-duty truck sales, the acquisition is expected to catapult VW into position as the largest truckmaker in Europe.

Volkswagen acquiring 55.9% stake in MAN SE to become Europe's largest truckmaker originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commercial trucklorrymanman seman trucksscaniasharesvolkswagenvolkswagen agvolkswagen groupvolkswagen trucksvw agFri, 08 Jul 2011 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19985320/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/08/volkswagen-acquiring-55-9-stake-in-man-se-to-become-europes-la/19985320/article-detail.xml 19985320 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/man-trucks_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/man-trucks.jpg <![CDATA[Meet the New Boss: Porsche, VW swap top execs in management reshuffle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/06/meet-the-new-boss-porsche-vw-swap-top-execs-in-management-resh/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/06/meet-the-new-boss-porsche-vw-swap-top-execs-in-management-resh/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/06/meet-the-new-boss-porsche-vw-swap-top-execs-in-management-resh/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Porsche's integration into the Volkswagen Group has already and will undoubtedly continue to see increased cooperation between the allied German automakers in a number of arenas, from platforms and engines to production methods and technology. And let's not forget personnel, as evidenced by the latest shift in top management announced by Porsche and Volkswagen.

Effective October 1, Porsche's current chief executive Michael Macht will move to Volkswagen's management board to oversee production for the entire group. In his place, Matthias Müller - pictured right, a 33-year veteran of the VW Group and currently head of product planning - will take the reins as chairman of Porsche's board of management.

Volkswagen AG has also created a new board to supervise the company's various commercial truck divisions, which will be chaired by Prof. Dr. Jochem Heizmann, who currently holds the production portfolio that departing Porsche chairman Michael Macht will now be assuming. Got that all straight? You can read more in the press releases from both Volkswagen and Porsche after the jump.

[Sources: Porsche, Volkswagen]

Continue reading Meet the New Boss: Porsche, VW swap top execs in management reshuffle

Meet the New Boss: Porsche, VW swap top execs in management reshuffle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jochem heizmannJochemHeizmannmachtmatthias müllermatthias muellermatthias mullerMatthiasMüllerMatthiasMuellerMatthiasMullermüllermichael machtMichaelMachtmuellermullerporscheprof dr jochem heizmannProfDrJochemHeizmannvolkswagen agvolkswagen groupVolkswagenAgVolkswagenGroupvolskwagenvw agvw groupVwAgVwGroupTue, 06 Jul 2010 13:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19543259/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/06/meet-the-new-boss-porsche-vw-swap-top-execs-in-management-resh/19543259/article-detail.xml 19543259 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/mueller-chair_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/mueller-chair.jpg <![CDATA[Williams courting Volkswagen into Formula One?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/21/williams-courting-volkswagen-into-formula-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/21/williams-courting-volkswagen-into-formula-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/21/williams-courting-volkswagen-into-formula-one/#commentsFiled under: ,

Williams F1

Williams is intent on bringing another major automaker into Formula 1, but which will get the call? Volkswagen has toyed with the idea of entering F1 for some time. The German auto giant is one of the largest carmakers never to participate in the sport, notwithstanding Porsche and Lamborghini, which have in the past and which have since fallen under the VW umbrella. The latest reports suggest that if costs continue to drop and stability is restored, Volkswagen could field an entry - in some form or another - by 2013. Questions remain over which of its many brands and divisions VW would choose to promote through its participation, and whether it'd opt for a full-on factory team (like Ferrari, Renault or Mercedes-Benz) or instead develop and supply engines to existing teams (as Cosworth currently does).

Williams, for its part, is very interested in partnering with Volkswagen, should it join the grid in 2013. How interested? Autocar reports that could Williams could be interested in selling its F1 team wholesale to Volkswagen, much as Sauber did to BMW (Williams' old partner, which has since left the sport entirely) and Brawn has to Mercedes-Benz. Williams F1 team principals Frank Williams and Patrick Head have already offloaded part of the team to Austrian investor Toto Wolff, and Autocar quotes Williams as saying to Germany's Bild, "We are stronger with a manufacturer than as a private team."

[Source: Autocar]

Williams courting Volkswagen into Formula One? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As you can see from the image above depicting Osamu Suzuki, chairman and CEO of Suzuki Motor Corp. and Martin Winterkorn, his counterpart at Volkswagen AG, the two auto companies have agreed to link arms. Volkswagen has properly announced that it has "reached a common understanding to establish a close longterm strategic partnership" with Suzuki Motor Corporation. The union means VW will buy 19.9% of Suzuki, then Suzuki will spend half the money they just received from Volkswagen reciprocating by buying VW shares.

Beyond that, Suzuki gains access to VW technology and the comforting warmth of a hugely profitable big brother. Volkswagen gets a nearly turn-key solution to boosting its small car development and piggybacks on Suzuki's presence in India and Southeast Asia. Suzuki, and of course, VW, will remain independent, but unofficial word suggests that VW might increase its stake to 33% or more at some point down the road, which could shift the balance of power.

VW's press release is after the jump, and there will be a press conference and webcast (you'll need a user name and password to watch) at 5 p.m. with more details.

[Source: Volkswagen | Image: Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP/Getty]

Continue reading Officially Official: VW and Suzuki tie the knot

Officially Official: VW and Suzuki tie the knot originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The rumors keep coming. Just last month, we reported that Volkswagen AG was interested in a small slice of Suzuki Motors. Now, the German industry publication Automobilwoche is reiterating the same news. Apparently, a Suzuki executive at the Frankfurt Motor Show mentioned that an agreement between the two automakers would be in place by the end of the year. "For Suzuki and VW this connection would be a win-win situation. Suzuki would have access to a variety of VW's technology, while Volkswagen would have a solid supporting leg in India and Southeast Asia," the unnamed source said.

Neither party has any official word on the matter. However, last Monday Martin Winterkorn, VW's Chief Executive, said the product portfolio of the Japanese automaker would fit well with his company. Thanks for the tip, James!

[Source: Reuters]

Volkswagen looking to take stake in Suzuki by year's end? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While Toyota and General Motors continue to duke it out for first place among the world's largest automakers, the lower rungs have been equally hotly contested. It came as a shock to many that Hyundai-Kia had surpassed Honda to take the Number 5 spot, but if you think the battle is being waged purely between the Far East and North America, don't discount Europe for long. The continent's largest auto group, Volkswagen, has claimed its place on the podium as the world's third largest automaker, beating out Ford in the first half of this fiscal year.

The numbers, of course, are based on sales worldwide, and they could very well change by the end of the year. Although Ford's own namesake brand surely accounts for the bulk of its sales, the FoMoCo multi-brand conglomerate that once included the Premier Auto Group has dissipated of late, while VW's numerous subsidiaries - including Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat, Lamborghini, Bentley and Bugatti - continue to thrive. All the more impressive, then, that a tiny company like Porsche is on the verge of seizing it all.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Battle of the Blue Badges: Volkswagen overtakes Ford as world's 3rd largest automaker

Battle of the Blue Badges: Volkswagen overtakes Ford as world's 3rd largest automaker originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche AG is on its way to becoming a blocking minority stakeholder in Volkswagen AG, attempting to raise its stake in the struggling automaker by 3.9 percent of total shares to a total stake of 25.1 percent. The only thing standing in its way at the moment is clearance from the German Cartel Office.

Porsche, which is already the largest single stakeholder in VW, will be able to exert more influence over Volkswagen once the deal is done. As German laws are relaxing on how much of a company an individual stakeholder can own, Porsche's move is being looked at as a way to ensure that Volkswagen doesn't become a takeover victim.

[Source: Forbes, Reuters]

Porsche wants a bigger piece of Volkswagen originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jun 2006 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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