Autoblog

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[Volkswagen to add 50k jobs by 2018]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/volkswagen-to-add-50k-jobs-by-2018/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/volkswagen-to-add-50k-jobs-by-2018/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/volkswagen-to-add-50k-jobs-by-2018/#commentsFiled under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials

Volkswagen still has its eyes set on becoming the top global automaker by 2018, and to get there, it's apparently going to need more boots on the ground. Automotive News Europe is reporting that VW is looking to increase its staff by 50,000 over the next five years - an increase of nine percent - which does not include an increase in its US dealer network.

According to the report, a majority of the growth will come from China where the automaker is also looking to double its production capacity in the same time frame. The Volkswagen Group is already expected to rival General Motors for the top sales spot in China this year, and such a rapid expansion in the region could make a good springboard for sales increases in other countries.

Volkswagen to add 50k jobs by 2018 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20528164 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/vw-logo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/vw-logo.jpg <![CDATA[Audi settles CVT class-action suit over 2002-06 A4 failures]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/audi-settles-cvt-class-action-suit-over-2002-06-a4-failures/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/audi-settles-cvt-class-action-suit-over-2002-06-a4-failures/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/audi-settles-cvt-class-action-suit-over-2002-06-a4-failures/#commentsFiled under: Government/Legal, Audi

A class-action lawsuit, lodged against Volkswagen Group of America over alleged defects with the continuously variable transmissions (CVT) it put in 64,000 2002-06 Audi A4 and A6 models, has been settled. The German automaker has denied all allegations, telling the New York Times that it settled the case because it was "'mindful of the fact that future protracted litigation, with the burdens and uncertainties it creates, may not be in the best interests of their customers." (That said, the plantiff lawyers will receive about $2.4 million for fees and expense.)

What matters most to affected Audi owners is that the settlement bumps many parts of the original powertrain coverage (e.g., transmission control modules) from 4 years/50,000 miles to 10 years/100,000 miles for the original owner, and it will reimburse owners who paid for specific repairs if they occurred within the extended warranty coverage. The agreement also includes trade-in reimbursements for lost value if the vehicle was sold or traded with no repair. Excluded from the settlement are claims for personal injury, property damage or subrogation.

Audi settles CVT class-action suit over 2002-06 A4 failures originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20515000 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2006audia4628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2006audia4628.jpg <![CDATA[Luc Donckerwolke named Director of Design for Bentley]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/14/luc-donckerwolke-named-director-of-design-for-bentley/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/14/luc-donckerwolke-named-director-of-design-for-bentley/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/14/luc-donckerwolke-named-director-of-design-for-bentley/#commentsFiled under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Bentley, UK, Luxury

Bentley has announced Luc Donckerwolke will take over as the automaker's Director of Design. Donckerwolke started with Volkswagen in 1992 as a designer for Audi. Since then, he's worked with Škoda, Lamborghini and Seat in various design roles. His resume includes helping sketch out both the Lamborghini Murciélago and Gallardo among other notable models.

The designer steps into the vacancy left by Dirk van Braeckel, who has moved on to work with Volkswagen Group design under Walter de Silva.

As you may recall, van Braeckel is responsible for a number of Bentley's most successful models, including both the Continental GT and the Mulsanne. He joined the ultra luxury automaker in 1999. You can take a look at the official announcement below for more information.

Continue reading Luc Donckerwolke named Director of Design for Bentley

Luc Donckerwolke named Director of Design for Bentley originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20323063 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/lucdonckerwolke-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/lucdonckerwolke-250.jpg <![CDATA[Future Bentleys to be built on Porsche platforms]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/future-bentleys-to-be-built-on-porsche-platforms/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/future-bentleys-to-be-built-on-porsche-platforms/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/future-bentleys-to-be-built-on-porsche-platforms/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, Bentley, Porsche, Luxury

2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S

Luxury, meet performance. Opulence, meet frugality.

That's apparently the plan between two of Volkswagen Group's more posh brands, Bentley and Porsche, as they explore ways to stretch Euros and provide a little commonality between the two distinct brands.

According to Autocar, Bentley will begin using the Porsche Panamera platform for its future vehicles, providing a much better base for rear- and all-wheel-drive vehicles. Additionally, Bentley will phase out its 6.75-liter V8 in 2013, likely replacing it with a V12. It may be a wise consolidation, and no one should ever complain when eight cylinders are replaced with 12, but we'll miss that magnificently brutal V8.

The news only confirms what many believed might happen as far back as 2010, when it was rumored that Bentley and Porsche were collaborating on how to best use the Panamera platform.

Future Bentleys to be built on Porsche platforms originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20316595 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/01-2012-porsche-panamera-turbo-s-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/01-2012-porsche-panamera-turbo-s-review.jpg <![CDATA[Audi exec reconfirms plans for BMW X6 rival]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/audi-exec-reconfirms-plans-for-bmw-x6-rival/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/audi-exec-reconfirms-plans-for-bmw-x6-rival/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/audi-exec-reconfirms-plans-for-bmw-x6-rival/#commentsFiled under: Performance, Europe, Crossover, Audi, BMW, Luxury

Audi Q6 rendering

It's been a spell since we caught wind of the rumored BMW X6 fighter from Audi, but Automotive News Europe reports the vehicle is still in development. The publication quotes Walter de'Silva, design chief with the Volkswagen Group, as saying Audi will definitely launch a more athletic crossover positioned between the Q5 and the Q7. Details are understandably scarce at the moment, but the vehicle will likely be designed to help Audi tap into the premium softroader segment where buyers aren't afraid to pay top dollar for a vehicle. Unless Audi unexpectedly decides to completely scrap its alphanumeric naming scheme, odds are the newcomer will wear Q6 badges when it bows.

Previously, we've heard the Q6 will ride on the same bones as the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, though no engine specifics have surfaced as of yet. It doesn't take otherworldly powers of deduction to realize it wouldn't be difficult for Audi to produce a hybrid Q6 if the vehicle does, in fact, share a chassis with its Volkswagen and Porsche cousins.

What about other bouncing baby crossovers from Audi? De'Silva said that the company is still investigating whether to introduce a new Q4 to give BMW X4 buyers another option.

Audi exec reconfirms plans for BMW X6 rival originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20123854 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/audi-q6-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/audi-q6-628.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen cleared for MAN truck takeover]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/volkswagen-cleared-for-man-truck-takeover/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/volkswagen-cleared-for-man-truck-takeover/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/volkswagen-cleared-for-man-truck-takeover/#commentsFiled under: Truck, Government/Legal, Work, Volkswagen

Volkswagen is on the rise, and has its eye on becoming the largest automaker in the world. But the VW Group is about more than just cars. Their considerable holdings and expanding corporate tree also encompasses several heavy truck manufacturers, and that part of the business has now been cleared to expand.

We first reported on Volkswagen's intent to acquire a larger stake in MAN - the truck, bus and turbodiesel engine manufacturer that is not only the oldest company listed on the German stock exchange, but itself also one of the largest.

The move has now received European regulatory approval, clearing the way for Volkswagen's commercial vehicle division to increase its stake in MAN SE from 30.5 percent to 53.71, while increasing its voting rights to a majority 55.9 percent. The acquisition is expected to reduce overhead and redundancies between MAN, Scania and Volkswagen's own truck operations, opening the door for the larger company to become the largest truck manufacturer in the European market. Follow the jump for the official announcement.

Continue reading Volkswagen cleared for MAN truck takeover

Volkswagen cleared for MAN truck takeover originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20072134 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/20100623mnaktivo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/20100623mnaktivo.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen Group names Paefgen head of classics program]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/volkswagen-group-names-paefgen-head-of-classics-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/volkswagen-group-names-paefgen-head-of-classics-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/volkswagen-group-names-paefgen-head-of-classics-program/#commentsFiled under: Classics, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Volkswagen, SEAT, Skoda

Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen

You may remember the name Franz-Josef Paefgen. Until recently, the German engineer and executive was head of both Bentley and Bugatti. Before that he was chief executive of Audi, after working for several years at Ford. He technically "retired" earlier this year, but like the cars he helped create, an executive like Paefgen could never really retire. So it should come as little surprise that the Volkswagen Group has named Dr. Paefgen head of its Classic program.

In his new capacity, Paefgen will oversee the historic automobile activities of the entire VW Group, including those of Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda, Audi, Lamborghini, and of course Bentley and Bugatti. It strikes us as a suitable semi-retirement for the man responsible in no small part for the Bugatti Veyron and Bentley Mulsanne, to name just two, and who was decorated in 2006 by the ACO as the "Spirit of Le Mans" for his contribution to endurance racing. Read the official announcement after the break.

Continue reading Volkswagen Group names Paefgen head of classics program

Volkswagen Group names Paefgen head of classics program originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi classicsbentleybentley classicbugatti classicsdr franz josef paefgenfranz josef paefgenlamborghiniseatskodavolkswagenvolkswagen classicsvolkswagen groupvwTue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

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20071695 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webpaefgen_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webpaefgen.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen acquiring 55.9% stake in MAN SE to become Europe's largest truckmaker]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/08/volkswagen-acquiring-55-9-stake-in-man-se-to-become-europes-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/08/volkswagen-acquiring-55-9-stake-in-man-se-to-become-europes-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/08/volkswagen-acquiring-55-9-stake-in-man-se-to-become-europes-la/#commentsFiled under: Truck, Europe, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials

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.

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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[Microsoft and Volkswagen team up for in-car file storage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/07/microsoft-and-volkswagen-team-up-for-in-car-file-storage/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/07/microsoft-and-volkswagen-team-up-for-in-car-file-storage/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/07/microsoft-and-volkswagen-team-up-for-in-car-file-storage/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Technology, Volkswagen

volkswagen and microsoft logos

The House that Gates Built has teamed up with the Volkswagen Group to develop the next generation of automotive information and entertainment delivery strategies.

A firm called e.solutions supplies Volkswagen with its infotainment software. Microsoft has signed an agreement to license its Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT) technology to e.solutions, which allows the software developer to squeeze more information into smaller spaces. Also, the speed at which that data can be accessed will get a shot in the arm. Read more about this partnership in the full press release posted after the jump.

Continue reading Microsoft and Volkswagen team up for in-car file storage

Microsoft and Volkswagen team up for in-car file storage originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 May 2011 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19933144 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/vw-microsoft_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/vw-microsoft.jpg <![CDATA[VW launching Seat in China?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/17/vw-launching-seat-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/17/vw-launching-seat-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/17/vw-launching-seat-in-china/#commentsFiled under: China, Volkswagen, SEAT

Volkswagen is looking for ways to improve the dismal sales of its Spanish brand, Seat. Rather than simply shutting it down, officials apparently wants to use the brand to expand the VW Group's presence in emerging markets. Positioning Seat as a sporty alternative, Automotive News Europe says VW will bring the brand to China and attempt to move the automaker a bit upmarket from where it currently sits.

Currently, the Volkswagen Group is represented in China by VW, Lamborghini, Skoda and Audi. Those brands are doing well and Seat will need to quickly fall in line. If not, it be shuttered by 2015.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req.]

VW launching Seat in China? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 17:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaseatseat carsseat in chinavolkswagenvolkswagen groupvolkswagen seatThu, 17 Mar 2011 17:22:00 EST

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19881509 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/seat-logo-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/seat-logo-250.jpg <![CDATA[Chinese women buying disproportionate percentage of exotic cars?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/23/chinese-women-buying-disproportionate-percentage-of-exotic-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/23/chinese-women-buying-disproportionate-percentage-of-exotic-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/23/chinese-women-buying-disproportionate-percentage-of-exotic-cars/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Performance, China, Maserati, Luxury

Maserati GranTurismo

The number of Chinese millionaires is growing rapidly, and women account for a third of that rising, affluent population. This is good news to exotic car manufacturers because wealthy Chinese women are snatching them up like Italian pastries.

Sales of high-end automobiles rose 60 percent last year and analysts are already pegging a 35 percent climb for 2011. Maserati reports that 30 percent of its Chinese sales are to women, compared against just 10 percent for European sales. China is now on track to pass Italy as the automaker's second largest market.

It's not just Maserati, either; Ferraris and Lamborghinis are being purchased in large numbers. The wealthy women of China account for 20 percent of local Ferrari sales, which is double the global average. The rise in exotic vehicle sales has even gotten the attention of Bugatti, and the Volkswagen Group is now discussing a potential sales plan for China.
Thanks for the tip, Art!

[Source: Bloomberg]

Chinese women buying disproportionate percentage of exotic cars? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Jan 2011 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugattichinachinese millionaireschinese womenferrariferrari saleslamborghinimaseratimaserati salesvolkswagenvolkswagen groupSun, 23 Jan 2011 19:03:00 EST

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19804296 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/maserati-granturismo-china_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/maserati-granturismo-china.jpg <![CDATA[Audi reportedly charged with developing SUVs in the Volkswagen group]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/13/audi-reportedly-charged-with-developing-suvs-in-the-volkswagen-g/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/13/audi-reportedly-charged-with-developing-suvs-in-the-volkswagen-g/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/13/audi-reportedly-charged-with-developing-suvs-in-the-volkswagen-g/#commentsFiled under: SUV, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Luxury

2011 Audi Q7 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, but Earth knows no competition greater than sibling rivalry. With nine marques under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, things can get pretty competitive between the brands, especially as platforms and technologies are integrated and subsidiaries chosen to develop them. But then Porsche entered the fray as the 10th brand and things got that much more heated.

Reports recently emerged that Porsche was chosen over Audi to develop the platforms that would underpin sportscars for the entire group as well as luxury sedans, leaving Ingolstadt undoubtedly reeling from the defeat. But now follow-up reports indicate that Audi will, in turn, be charged with developing the next generation of sport-utility vehicles for the entire group, the next Porsche Cayenne included.

The program will reportedly center around a common modular platform that will underpin the next-generation Touareg, Q7 and Cayenne, but also extends to the development of the Q5-based Porsche Cajun. While the latter is currently in the works, both the Touareg and Cayenne were recently replaced, so their subsequent replacements would still be years off.

The move may seem a little odd considering that Volkswagen and Porsche have both been making SUVs for longer than Audi has its Q7, but Audi has been in the all-wheel drive game for longer than either. The decision was reportedly unanimous among the different divisions, though Porsche was quick to point out that final development of its SUVs will be carried out by Porsche to ensure its vehicles drive as their customers would expect.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Audi Q7

Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Audi reportedly charged with developing SUVs in the Volkswagen group originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi q5audi q7cajuncayenneporscheporsche cajunporsche cayenneq5q7touaregvagvolkswagenvolkswagen auto groupvolkswagen groupvolkswagen touaregvwMon, 13 Dec 2010 09:29:00 EST

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19757053 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/web630-drive-audiq7_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/web630-drive-audiq7.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Porsche will develop sporty VWs, not Audi]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/08/report-porsche-will-develop-sporty-vws-not-audi/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/08/report-porsche-will-develop-sporty-vws-not-audi/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/08/report-porsche-will-develop-sporty-vws-not-audi/#commentsFiled under: Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Design/Style

Porsche sketch

Sometimes, the children just refuse to get along, leaving it up to the parent to swoop in, clean up the messy bits and make a judgment. Such is the case at the Volkswagen Group, where corporate stepchildren Audi and Porsche were both fighting for the right to develop future sports cars and luxury sedans for the German auto conglomerate's portfolio of brands.

In the end, Porsche won the heart of Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn. This means Porsche will develop the platforms that will underpin future high-performance machinery using front-mid and rear-mid-mounted drivetrains for itself, Audi and Lamborghini. Porsche will also be tasked with the next generation "modular standard matrix" platform for its Panamera sedan, which will also be shared with Bentley.

Audi won't be left out of the engineering process, though, and will take the lead in the development of the group's "modular longitudinal matrix," which makes up the guts of such vehicles as the Audi A4, A5 and Q5. Finally, Volkswagen will continue work on its volume platform, the "modular transverse matrix" that is used by such models as the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3.

The goal of all these specific engineering assignments? Financial savings, of course. By consolidating multiple platforms into a few modular structures will cut the VW Group's procurement and production costs by 20 percent and engineering costs by 30 percent.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: Porsche will develop sporty VWs, not Audi originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19752523 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/porscheconsulting_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/porscheconsulting.jpg <![CDATA[Rumormill: Porsche to collaborate with Bentley?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/25/rumormill-porsche-to-collaborate-with-bentley/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/25/rumormill-porsche-to-collaborate-with-bentley/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/25/rumormill-porsche-to-collaborate-with-bentley/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Bentley, Porsche, Rumormill

Porsche and Bentley are related under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, and a new rumor suggests that the two might become kissing cousins. Autocar had a chance to speak with Porsche CEO Matthias Müller, and the head honcho of the German sports ~~car~~ vehicle brand says that a collaboration with Bentley could help push future Panamera variants foward. Per Müller,

"I think we have to discuss with Bentley whether we can put together our performance, our engineers. It should be possible."

He goes on to state that sticking to just a four-door sports car is boring. The Panamera should be revised into a handful of iterations, and Müller uses terms like "van", "combi" and "longer." If you are a Porsche loyalist, we'll give you a minute to restart your heart.

One variant we hope the Brits and the Germans can breathe life into? A Porsche 928. There have been rumors and speculation for years now, so perhaps this inter-brand teamwork is just what the doctor (would have) ordered.
[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Porsche to collaborate with Bentley? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>928bentleymatthias müllerporscheporsche 928rumorvolkswagen groupThu, 25 Nov 2010 16:38:00 EST

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19732662 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/porsche-bentley_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/porsche-bentley.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Walter de'Silva to work on Porsche Cajun]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/13/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/12///http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/13/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/12///http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/13/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/12///#commentsFiled under: Crossover, Porsche, Design/Style

Walter de'Silva

There's no debating that the engineers at Porsche are some of the best in the business. Their designers? Well let's just say that short of the 918 Spyder concept, they've been a little too preoccupied redesigning the Christmas tree to jumpstart the marque's design ethos any time in the last...oh, say, 80 years. That's where Walter de'Silva comes in.

As design director for the entire Volkswagen Group - which now includes Porsche - de'Silva clearly has a lot on his plate. Nevertheless, his next task will be injecting Porsche with some new attitude, and while the next-gen Boxster and 911 are on the horizon from Stuttgart, their designs have reportedly already been completed.

What next, then? The Cajun. The long-anticipated baby Cayenne may be on hold (along with the rest of Porsche's plans) for the time being, but to get it on track, the company will need a fresh design approach. And that's exactly what de'Silva hopes to give the Cajun, collaborating with Porsche's own design director Michael Mauer in the process.

So what can we expect from the Cajun if and when it arrives? For starters, reports indicate that it will initially be available in three-door guise only, targeting the new Range Rover Evoque while steering clear of the Audi Q5 on whose shortened platform the Cajun will ride. A five-door version is expected to follow, with a market debut - assuming it gets the green light - around 2014.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Walter de'Silva to work on Porsche Cajun originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cajunde silvamichael mauerporscheporsche cajunvolkswagenvolkswagen groupvwwalter de silvawalter desilvaWed, 13 Oct 2010 08:01:00 EST

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19670425 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/db2007pa01176small_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/db2007pa01176small.jpg <![CDATA[Officially Official: VW of America names Browning as new CEO]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/13/officially-official-vw-of-america-names-browning-as-new-ceo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/13/officially-official-vw-of-america-names-browning-as-new-ceo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/13/officially-official-vw-of-america-names-browning-as-new-ceo/#commentsFiled under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Volkswagen

Jonathan Browning, CEO of Volkswagen of America

Yesterday, we reported that Volkswagen was planning to name Jonathan Browning as its new CEO of United States operations. At 11:00 AM today, VW did just that - Browning will officially assume the role on October 1st of this year.

Browning has held many executive sales and marketing positions within the automotive industry. He was recently tasked with managing the national sales team for all of the Volkswagen Group brands. Now, Browning will be a driving force behind the automakers push to become a leading brand in the United States.

VW Group recently invested $1 billion dollars in a new Chattanooga assembly plant and is also planning a large marketing campaign to rally sales around the redesigned Volkswagen Jetta. The target sales goal for 2018 is 200,000 Audi models and 800,000 Volkswagen models - high goals, indeed.

Congratulations to Mr. Browning and the Volkswagen Group.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Officially Official: VW of America names Browning as new CEO

Officially Official: VW of America names Browning as new CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browningceochattanoogajonathan browningvolkswagenvolkswagen groupvolkswagen of americavolkswagen of america ceovwvw groupvw group of americaMon, 13 Sep 2010 12:32:00 EST

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19631382 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/jonathan-browning_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/jonathan-browning.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: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Porsche, Volkswagen

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

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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[First Drive: 2011 Bentley Mulsanne is modern luxury with a strong sense of history]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/24/2011-bentley-mulsanne-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/24/2011-bentley-mulsanne-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/24/2011-bentley-mulsanne-first-drive/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, Bentley, UK, New Car Reviews, Luxury

2011 Bentley Mulsanne - click above for high-res image gallery

Contrary to what you might expect, successfully keeping tradition alive in the automotive world isn't just about periodically mining one's stylistic back catalog or simply refusing to change altogether. To convincingly abide by the spirit of one's history without running the risk of extinction, or worse - self-parody - requires stealthy innovation, and to do so is a decidedly tricky undertaking.

Just ask Bentley. The British automaker has a long history of artfully highlighting its considerable heritage, from the exploits of the fabulous Bentley Boys to the timeless craftsmanship employed in its interiors. And despite the upright look of its new flagship, the 2011 Mulsanne, much thought and effort has been exerted into making what is actually a very modern proposition seem... traditional. Accomplishing this in an authentic and timeless manner is particularly important for an automaker like Bentley. Given the rather lengthy model lifecycles that small-volume manufacturers are often forced to adopt, it's crucial to nail the entire package the first time. Follow the jump to see if they've managed the feat.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Bentley Mulsanne

Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Bentley Mulsanne is modern luxury with a strong sense of history

First Drive: 2011 Bentley Mulsanne is modern luxury with a strong sense of history originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 mulsanne2011Mulsanne6.756.75-literArnagebentleybentley arnageBentley mulsannebentley mulsanne first drivebentley mulsanne reviewbentley mulsanne road testBentleyArnageBentleyMulsanneBentleyMulsanneFirstDriveBentleyMulsanneReviewBentleyMulsanneRoadTestcreweFeaturedfeatured storiesFeaturedStoriesfirst driveFirstDriveMMImullinermulsanneNaimNaim audioNaimAudioVolkswagen groupVolkswagenGroupVWAGMon, 24 May 2010 11:58:00 EST

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19488317 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/lead1amulsannefd2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/lead1amulsannefd2011.jpg <![CDATA[Report: VW CEO says Seat getting its last chance]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/18/report-vw-ceo-says-seat-getting-its-last-chance/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/18/report-vw-ceo-says-seat-getting-its-last-chance/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/18/report-vw-ceo-says-seat-getting-its-last-chance/#commentsFiled under: Europe, Earnings/Financials, SEAT

Seat Ibiza Sport Tourer - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that Seat is the dimmest bulb in the Volkswagen classroom. The beleaguered Spanish manufacturer squandered a total of $138 million in the first quarter of this year alone - more than double what the next two least profitable brands in the German manufacturer's lineup lost. In a last-ditch effort to get Seat back on its feet, VW has announced that it will both expand the company's offerings and spread the brand outside of Spain. The plan is the brainchild of James Muir, the company's new CEO as of September of last year.

Many of the problems currently afflicting Seat are due to the fact that Spain's economy has taken a beating during the global recession. Likewise, most of the company's sales come from Southern Europe - an area that hasn't fared well amid the financial crisis. VW hasn't said exactly where the Seat name will be showing up in the near future, but you can bet your lucky underpants it will be somewhere with a little extra money in its pocket.

Likewise, the company didn't say much about what we can expect in terms of new models. According to Bloomberg Businessweek, a total of 56 percent of Seat sales come from the Ibiza compact, and Muir says that if the automaker's outlook is to improve, that needs to change.

Gallery: SEAT Ibiza Sport Tourer

[Source: Bloomberg Businessweek]

Report: VW CEO says Seat getting its last chance originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 May 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ibizajames muirJamesMuirSeatSeat Ibizaseat salesSeatIbizaSeatSalesVAGvolkswagenvolkswagen groupVolkswagenGroupVWTue, 18 May 2010 10:01:00 EST

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19479779 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/ibiza-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/ibiza-630.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Share and share alike, Panamera platform may get used elsewhere in VW group]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/05/report-share-and-share-alike-panamera-platform-may-get-used-el/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/05/report-share-and-share-alike-panamera-platform-may-get-used-el/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/05/report-share-and-share-alike-panamera-platform-may-get-used-el/#commentsFiled under: Porsche, Volkswagen

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

With the addition of Porsche, the Volkswagen Group now has ten brands in its stable. Over the last decade, VW has become pretty adept at sharing platforms and hardware. Porsche and the rest of the group already share an SUV platform between the Cayenne, Touareg and Q7, and the factory-fresh Panamera four-door could be next. VW executives have already indicated that the Panamera is unlikely to live past the first-generation model as a Porsche. That said, like the previous generation Audi A4 that lives on as the Seat Exeo, the Panamera could see new life in the Bentley, Audi, Bugatti or (however unlikely) Lamborghini ranges.

If Bugatti is to survive beyond the Veyron, it needs new product and a sedan based on the Panamera would likely make more sense than the Porsche. Bentley reportedly favors an aluminum Audi platform to replace the steel Phaeton underpinnings of the Continental range, so the winged B may be out of the picture. An Audi is also unlikely for the same reason, since the two-ton Panamera is made of steel. With so many possibilies, it'll be interesting to see how Porsche evolves over the next decade.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Share and share alike, Panamera platform may get used elsewhere in VW group originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>panamerapanamera platformPanameraPlatformporscheporsche panameraPorschePanamerasharing panameraSharingPanameravolkswagenvolkswagen groupvolkswagen group sharingVolkswagenGroupVolkswagenGroupSharingSat, 05 Sep 2009 19:13:00 EST

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