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[Porsche-Piech buy 10% stake in VW's holding company]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/porsche-piech-buy-10-stake-in-vws-holding-company/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/porsche-piech-buy-10-stake-in-vws-holding-company/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/porsche-piech-buy-10-stake-in-vws-holding-company/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

F.K. Piech

In August, 2009, as the scuttled merger of Porsche and Volkswagen had gone bad and Porsche was backed up against the ropes, Porsche Automobil Holding SE (PAHSE) relinquished a ten-percent stake in itself to Qatar Holdings as well as options it held on 17 percent of VW shares. The sale meant that, for the first time since the founding of the company 61 years before, an entity outside the Porsche and Piech families had a say in the running of PAHSE.

Buying that ten-percent stake back returns full ownership to the two families, the holding company's sole possession being ownership of 50.7 percent of VW's common shares. The price paid wasn't disclosed, but at market rates the purchase would be worth close to $1.25 billion. Qatar intends to hold onto the 17-percent stake it has in Volkswagen.

Porsche-Piech buy 10% stake in VW's holding company originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ferdinand Piechporscheporsche automobil holding seporsche volkswagenQatar Holdings LLCvolkswagenTue, 18 Jun 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20624984/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/18/porsche-piech-buy-10-stake-in-vws-holding-company/20624984/article-detail.xml 20624984 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/fk-piech_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/fk-piech.jpg <![CDATA[NA auto output to reach 11-year peak]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/13/na-auto-output-to-reach-11-year-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/13/na-auto-output-to-reach-11-year-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/13/na-auto-output-to-reach-11-year-peak/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nissan plant production

According to Automotive News, automakers are expected to manufacture 16 million light vehicles in North America in 2013. That's up 500,000 units from last year and marks the largest number since 2002. The prediction comes courtesy of LMC Automotive and IHS Automotive, which point to the improving US economy as a bellwether for total production. LMC Automotive says North America will produce 16 million vehicles while IHS has a slightly more optimistic forecast of 16.1 million units. A total of seven automakers are slated to increase production on the continent this year. Nissan is set to see the largest jump at 20 percent over last year.

Volkswagen, meanwhile, is one of the only manufacturers predicted to scale back production. Analysts expect the German company's output to fall by 23 percent to 170,000 units, thanks in part to slow demand for the Volkswagen Passat and Jetta.

NA auto output to reach 11-year peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jun 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>manufacturingnissannorth americaproductionvolkswagenThu, 13 Jun 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20617465/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/13/na-auto-output-to-reach-11-year-peak/20617465/article-detail.xml 20617465 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/img8289_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/img8289.jpg <![CDATA[1000-hp Mk1 VW Golf is terrifyingly cool]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/1000-hp-mk1-vw-golf-is-terrifyingly-cool/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/1000-hp-mk1-vw-golf-is-terrifyingly-cool/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/1000-hp-mk1-vw-golf-is-terrifyingly-cool/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

1000 Horsepower Volkswagen Golf by Boba Motoring

There are plenty of things to love about the Mk1 Volkswgen Golf. The machine's horsepower isn't one of them. From the factory, the little hatch cranked a breathy 112 horsepower from the most robust form of its 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Boba motoring, however, has taken that figure and multiplied it by a factor of nearly 10. If 1,000 horsepower sounds terrifying in a machine with a wheelbase of just 94.5 inches, it should. A massive Garrett GTX4202R turbo force-feeds the little mill through a tweaked 16-valve KR head. The crew calls the beast the 16Vampir, and we think that's fitting.

Of course, we'd wager you quit reading right about the time you set your eyes on that headline. Those of you who've stuck around this long can point yourselves below to see the maniacal creation in action. You won't be disappointed.

Continue reading 1000-hp Mk1 VW Golf is terrifyingly cool

1000-hp Mk1 VW Golf is terrifyingly cool originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Jun 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1000 horsepower volkswagen golfboba motoringgolfvideovolkswagenvolkswagen golfTue, 04 Jun 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20598749/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/04/1000-hp-mk1-vw-golf-is-terrifyingly-cool/20598749/article-detail.xml 20598749 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/1000-hp-volkswagen-golf-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/1000-hp-volkswagen-golf-628.jpg <![CDATA[VW builds 250,000th Passat in Chattanooga in just two years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/26/vw-builds-250-000th-passat-in-chattanooga-in-just-two-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/26/vw-builds-250-000th-passat-in-chattanooga-in-just-two-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/26/vw-builds-250-000th-passat-in-chattanooga-in-just-two-years/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It hasn't been without incident or union organizing drive, but the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, TN has built its 250,000 Passat in just a little over two years. The Night Blue Passat TDI with black leather has come just two years and five weeks after the first customer car came off the line on April 18, 2011.

In the last year the plant operated at the 150,000-unit capacity that it was intended for, but the downturn in Passat sales and subsequent worker layoffs mean it will be a challenge to repeat the feat. The plant does have the world's largest solar park, though, and you can't take that away from them.

You'll find the official hand-clapping in the press release below.

Continue reading VW builds 250,000th Passat in Chattanooga in just two years

VW builds 250,000th Passat in Chattanooga in just two years originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 May 2013 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chattanoogatennesseevolkswagenvolkswagen passatSun, 26 May 2013 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20582658/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/26/vw-builds-250-000th-passat-in-chattanooga-in-just-two-years/20582658/article-detail.xml 20582658 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/passat-250k-chattanooga_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/passat-250k-chattanooga.jpg <![CDATA[2015 VW Golf R caught getting a flogging on 'Ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/2015-vw-golf-r-caught-getting-a-flogging-on-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/2015-vw-golf-r-caught-getting-a-flogging-on-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/2015-vw-golf-r-caught-getting-a-flogging-on-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2015 Volkswagen Golf R caught testing on Nordschliefe - video screencap

The upcoming version of the Volkswagen Golf R is nearly ready for prime time, if this video of the car flying around the Nürburgring is any indication. The all-wheel-drive R seems to make quick, neat work of the corners we see here, and sounds pretty devilish in the process.

Expectations are that the new Golf R will run a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (what else?), tuned to produce even more than the current car's 256 horsepower. (Some sources have indicated outputs as high as 286 horsepower, with 280 pound-feet of torque. It's still not clear if Volkswagen will bring the six-speed dual-clutch transmission to the US-spec Golf R in this next go-round or if we'll stick to having only... eh... the stick.

In either case - watching the video below will only whet your appetite for the new, highest performing member of the Golf family.

Continue reading 2015 VW Golf R caught getting a flogging on 'Ring

2015 VW Golf R caught getting a flogging on 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nurburgringvolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen golf rvolkswagen gtivwvw gtiWed, 22 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20579751/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/2015-vw-golf-r-caught-getting-a-flogging-on-ring/20579751/article-detail.xml 20579751 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-golf-r-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-golf-r-628.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche again staring down another $1.8B in hedge fund lawsuits]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/porsche-again-staring-down-another-1-8b-in-hedge-fund-lawsuits/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/porsche-again-staring-down-another-1-8b-in-hedge-fund-lawsuits/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/porsche-again-staring-down-another-1-8b-in-hedge-fund-lawsuits/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volkswagen and Porsche emblems overlayed

The sequence of events from 2007 that began with Porsche's secret attempt to take over Volkswagen, and instead lead to Porsche being taken over by VW, continues to instigate lawsuits against the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer. A group of hedge funds that suffered over $1 billion in losses sued the car company in New York. Porsche had publicly stated it wasn't trying to buy VW, the hedge funds in question were shorting VW stock, and when Porsche's actual intentions were revealed, the stock shot up and the hedge funds took a beating.

The case was thrown out over the issue of jurisdiction, then appealed, only to see another suit filed on top of that. After that, most of the hedge funds withdrew their claims in New York and Porsche offered a 90-day window to refile in Germany where it is already fighting a number of other suits over the same issue. The hedge funds accepted the offer, refiling in Stuttgart for $1.8 billion in damages. According to Bloomberg, Porsche hasn't commented on the refiling, but as the same plaintiffs are involved, it's safe to assume that the carmaker still feels the case is "unsubstantiated and without merit." It has fared alright so far even in German courts, with two lesser cases against it thrown out last year.

Porsche again staring down another $1.8B in hedge fund lawsuits originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>derivativesgermanyhedge fundslawsuitporscheporsche lawsuitporsche volkswagenporsche vwstock marketstuttgartvolkswagenvwWed, 15 May 2013 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569429/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/porsche-again-staring-down-another-1-8b-in-hedge-fund-lawsuits/20569429/article-detail.xml 20569429 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-porsche-crests_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-porsche-crests.jpg <![CDATA[Production Volkswagen Taigun crossover caught in patent filing?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/production-volkswagen-taigun-crossover-caught-in-patent-filing/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/production-volkswagen-taigun-crossover-caught-in-patent-filing/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/production-volkswagen-taigun-crossover-caught-in-patent-filing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Volkswagen Taigun patent filings - front three-quarter view

Volkswagen brought an angular, bulldog-like small crossover concept called Taigun to the São Paulo motor show last year, claiming that it wanted to gauge interest in the design before making a decision about production. If a new report with alleged leaked patent images is to be believed, then, interest must have been pretty high.

China's Auto.Sohu.com has published this group of Taigun images, claiming that they have been sourced from the Chinese patent office and that the subcompact VW utility based on the Up! has been cleared for production.

If all of that is true, and if these images are representative of the final product, you'll see that designers haven't done much to alter the concept car's appearance. Comparing, shot for shot, with the images we have from Brazil, we see that even small details like roof rack-mounted lights and exhaust tips integrated in the rear fascia have been carried over. Take a closer look for yourself in the attached galleries.

Production Volkswagen Taigun crossover caught in patent filing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>sao paulo motor showvolkswagenvolkswagen taigunvwvw taigunWed, 01 May 2013 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554593/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/production-volkswagen-taigun-crossover-caught-in-patent-filing/20554593/article-detail.xml 20554593 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/volkswagen-taigun-patent-filings-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/volkswagen-taigun-patent-filings-628.jpg <![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[2015 Volkswagen GTI [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/2015-volkswagen-gti-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/2015-volkswagen-gti-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/2015-volkswagen-gti-first-drive-review-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The 911 Of Hot Hatches Takes The Compact Game To New Levels

2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI - front three-quarter view, in motion

North American car buyers get a bit of a slap in the face when it comes to delivery schedules for new the Volkswagen Golf and pumped-up GTI models. We'll just repeat the old chestnut: It's worth the wait... even though it still stinks. This time around, Western Europe is taking deliveries of the new Golf as we speak, and GTI deliveries start between May and July. North America doesn't get the Mk7 Golf or GTI until about July of 2014.

So we approached our first drive of the new GTI with this chip on our shoulder: "You're making us wait? Well, then at least give us the exact car we'll be able to buy. No compromises, mein freund." And so it was that we extracted nearly all of our drive impressions from behind the wheel of what, for the United States, will technically be a model year 2015 two-door Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance with the standard six-speed manual.

This time around, Volkswagen in Wolfsburg and in Herndon, VA, explain the wait in very practical terms. Whereas before it was just a long wait while Volkswagen slowly realized it needed to properly invest in North America, the wait this time is because VW needs to get its Puebla, Mexico, factory completely on-line to build all of North America's Golfs and GTIs. The deadline for this happening is... July 2014. We're still gonna whine about it though, because that's how we roll.

Continue reading 2015 Volkswagen GTI [w/video]

2015 Volkswagen GTI [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015 volkswagen gtifeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivevolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen gtivwvw golfvw gtiFri, 26 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549296/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/26/2015-volkswagen-gti-first-drive-review-video/20549296/article-detail.xml 20549296 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2015-vw-gti-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2015-vw-gti-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen Passat gets Wolfsburg Edition, priced from $23,495*]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/volkswagen-passat-gets-wolfsburg-edition-priced-from-23-495/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/volkswagen-passat-gets-wolfsburg-edition-priced-from-23-495/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/volkswagen-passat-gets-wolfsburg-edition-priced-from-23-495/#commentsFiled under: ,

Volkswagen Passat Wolfsburg Edition logo

Volkswagen has just announced a new Passat Wolfsburg Edition, which slots between the base S and mid-grade SE trims in terms of content and price. The automaker has not released any official photos of the car as of this writing (aside from the badge shot you see here, of course), but the Wolfsburg Passat will be visually set apart from the rest by a unique set of 16-inch alloy wheels.

The big host of upgrades for the Wolfsburg Edition are found inside, where buyers will enjoy standard amenities like leatherette seats (with bun-warmers on the front chairs), a power driver's seat, satellite radio and a media interface with iPod connectivity. Of course, this comes on top of the already standard Passat features like Bluetooth and auto on/off headlamps. The Wolfsburg Passat will only be available with the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Look for the 2013 Wolfsburg Edition Passat to hit dealerships in the very near future, priced from $23,495, *not including $795 for destination. Speaking of dealers, Volkswagen is currently sitting on an average 97-day supply of Passat models, and recently laid off 500 workers at its Chattanooga, Tennessee plant to accommodate for the production reduction.

Have a look below for Volkswagen's official press blast.

Continue reading Volkswagen Passat gets Wolfsburg Edition, priced from $23,495*

Volkswagen Passat gets Wolfsburg Edition, priced from $23,495* originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volkswagen passat wolfsburg editionvolkswagenvolkswagen passatvolkswagen passat wolfsburg editionvwTue, 23 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547600/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/23/volkswagen-passat-gets-wolfsburg-edition-priced-from-23-495/20547600/article-detail.xml 20547600 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/wolfsburgeditionlogo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/wolfsburgeditionlogo.jpg <![CDATA[Help a couple drive their 1984 Vanagon around the world]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/help-a-couple-drive-their-1984-vanagon-around-the-world/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/help-a-couple-drive-their-1984-vanagon-around-the-world/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/help-a-couple-drive-their-1984-vanagon-around-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Meet Brad, Sheena and Nacho

Drive Nacho Drive

Driving through China is a pricey proposition. The couple will need to pony up a staggering $19,514 just to cover the fees.

Brad and Sheena Van Orden are in the midst of a life-defining campaign to travel around the world, and they're doing it in a 1984 Volkswagen Vanagon custom built for the occasion. The past 15 months have seen the couple quit their jobs with Gore-Tex and drive from Arizona to the very southern tip of Argentina after spending a full two years saving and preparing for the trek. Now they're in southern Asia gearing up for the next leg of their journey.

Currently, Brad and Sheena face two options when it comes to making their way west toward Greece. Right now, the couple plans to point their faithful van, Nacho, toward Cambodia and drive through Laos before entering China. No one said the Van Ordens were taking the direct route.

The only problem is that driving through China is a pricey proposition. The couple will need to pony up a staggering $19,514 just to cover the fees associated with obtaining a Chinese driver's license, registering Nacho in the People's Republic and paying for an official, government-required guide's food and lodging during their time in the country. Considering Brad and Sheena have budgeted $2,000 a month for their entire adventure, the price tag is a bit out of reach. Or at least it is without our help.

We caught up with the Van Ordens while they were stopped at a campground in Thailand for a quick chat.

Continue reading Help a couple drive their 1984 Vanagon around the world

Help a couple drive their 1984 Vanagon around the world originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>around the worldautoblog vanagonautoblogvanagondrive around the worlddrive nacho drivevanagonvolkswagenvolkswagen vanagonMon, 22 Apr 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547009/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/help-a-couple-drive-their-1984-vanagon-around-the-world/20547009/article-detail.xml 20547009 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/01_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/01.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen lays off 500 Chattanooga workers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-lays-off-500-chattanooga-workers/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-lays-off-500-chattanooga-workers/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-lays-off-500-chattanooga-workers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The redesigned Volkswagen Passat has been a decent seller since its debut in 2011, but sales have apparently dropped off enough that the automaker is trimming some of the employees from its Chattanooga, TN assembly plant. According to Automotive News, Volkswagen will be cutting shifts and laying off 500 contracted workers in response to slowing sales.

Currently, the plant has three teams running 10-hour shifts Monday through Saturday, but starting May 13, this will be reduced down to two teams running 10-hour shifts Monday through Thursday. This will be done to reduce dealer inventory (the article says that VW dealers, on average, have a 97-day supply of Passats) and production capacity (currently running at an annual pace of 170,000 units, which is more than the 150,000 annual units the plant was planned to produce).

This, of course, isn't saying that the Passat has been a failure since VW added 200 full-time employees to the plant in February 2012 to keep up with increased demand. The AN article says that automakers frequently overstaff plants during the launch of a new product - or in this case, a new product and a new plant - but eventually reduce the workers as things run smoother and more efficiently.

Volkswagen lays off 500 Chattanooga workers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chattanoogalayoffsvolkswagenvolkswagen chattanoogavolkswagen passatvwFri, 19 Apr 2013 17:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20545930/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/19/volkswagen-lays-off-500-chattanooga-workers/20545930/article-detail.xml 20545930 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/004-vw-chattanooga_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/004-vw-chattanooga.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen iBeetle gets integrated iPhone dock, little else [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-ibeetle-gets-integrated-iphone-dock-little-else/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-ibeetle-gets-integrated-iphone-dock-little-else/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-ibeetle-gets-integrated-iphone-dock-little-else/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Apple fans have been itching to see the tech giant flex the full muscle of its iOS operating system in an automotive infotainment system for years, which is why we turned all sorts of excited when we caught wind of the Volkswagen iBeetle. The machine is headed to the Shanghai Motor Show for a debut, and VW promised it would be one of the "first cars in the world to have a genuine integrative interface for the iPhone that was coordinated with Apple." Listen closely, and you can hear the contented sigh of a million wallets opening.

Go ahead and close those up, kids.

In reality, the iBeetle offers little more than a dash-mounted dock and a special app that shows a few vehicle functions, which is about as far from an infotainment revolution as you're likely to find. In fact, the setup is little more than a factory rehash of aftermarket items, and hardly worth a whole model debut at an international motor show. And that's to say nothing of the fact that Apple relishes in changing the shape and form of its darling handheld at every generation. Volkswagen better be prepared to keep pace with appropriate docking mechanisms for the upcoming iPhone 5S, 6, 6S, et al.

This is the kind of kit we expect to see as a bullet point on an option sheet, but instead, VW has made this dock+app an entire model by including special "Disc" wheels and iPhone-matching color schemes. The iBeetle will land on dealer lots in the US in 2014, but you can probably make something similar yourself today with an aftermarket dock and an iTunes gift card's worth of third-party apps. Scroll down for the full press blast.

Update: Now with live images from the show floor in Shanghai. Enjoy.

Continue reading Volkswagen iBeetle gets integrated iPhone dock, little else [UPDATE]

Volkswagen iBeetle gets integrated iPhone dock, little else [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 shanghai motor showappleiphoneshanghaishanghai motor showvolkswagenvolkswagen ibeetleFri, 19 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20544590/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/19/volkswagen-ibeetle-gets-integrated-iphone-dock-little-else/20544590/article-detail.xml 20544590 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volkswagen-ibeetle-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volkswagen-ibeetle-628.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe is a green fun-machine we want to drive]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-is-a-green-fun-machine-we-want-to-dri/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-is-a-green-fun-machine-we-want-to-dri/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-is-a-green-fun-machine-we-want-to-dri/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Think back to January's Detroit Auto Show. Those of you that are fans of the Volkswagen brand, impressed with green technology or simply fall into the "diesel geek" category, will almost certainly remember VW's CrossBlue concept with its diesel/electric hybrid powertrain, seating for seven, and somewhat awkward crossover styling. It was an impressive piece of future tech, to be sure, though it left something to be desired in the, well, desirability department.

Here in Shanghai, VW has brought along a CrossBlue Coupe concept that would seem to include most of the goodness of the original, but flavored with more sport and style this time around.

The CrossBlue Coupe makes use of the same electric drive components as the larger three-row concept: two electric motors (front and rear) powered by a 9.8-kWh lithium-ion battery. However, where the original concept made use of a TDI four-cylinder, the Coupe substitutes a 295-horsepower, direct-injection, gasoline-burning V6.

In terms of performance, this combination of powertrains is impressive. Total system output is rated at 415 hp. With power flowing through a six-speed DSG transmission, the CrossBlue Coupe will scoot from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 5.9 seconds, and will continue on to a top speed of 147 mph.

The CrossBlue Coupe will scoot from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.9 seconds, and will continue on to a top speed of 147 mph.

Even with that go-fast ability, however, the Coupe doesn't belie its "blue" origins. As in the original concept, the CrossBlue coupe offers all-EV operation with a maximum range of 21 miles, and a top speed of 75 mph (though likely not both of those at the same time). VW quotes a combined fuel consumption figure of 79 miles per gallon on the European cycle - 34.1 mpg when running on the V6 alone - and a total theoretical range of close to 720 miles.

The CrossBlue coupe is shorter and lower than its three-row progenitor, but just as wide. The result, as you can see, is a far sleeker and more aggressive looking crossover that looks quite planted on its 22-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, we find an interior that is quite high-tech though not unrecognizable from the VW interiors on the current line. A muted black and gray pallet is accented with brightwork and a thick yellow trim line that surrounds the cabin. There's a dominating 10.1-inch touchscreen up front, complete with proximity sensors, which is used to control all of the vehicle systems and entertainment options. In the back seats, passengers find twin iPad Mini units on the headrests (seen above), which they can use to, "enjoy audio, video and online programs." Sounds like just the thing for the family's summer road trip to the Nürburgring.

Scroll down to read the full VW press release about the CrossBlue Coupe concept, and look for live images of the car from Shanghai, as we bring you live coverage on Friday and Saturday.

Continue reading Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe is a green fun-machine we want to drive

Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe is a green fun-machine we want to drive originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 shanghai motor showhybridplug-in hybridshanghaishanghai motor showvolkswagenvolkswagen crossblue coupe conceptFri, 19 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20544255/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/19/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-is-a-green-fun-machine-we-want-to-dri/20544255/article-detail.xml 20544255 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[GM outsold VW globally in first quarter, Toyota reports numbers next week]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/gm-outsold-vw-globaly-in-first-quarter-toyota-reports-numbers-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/gm-outsold-vw-globaly-in-first-quarter-toyota-reports-numbers-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/gm-outsold-vw-globaly-in-first-quarter-toyota-reports-numbers-n/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



General Motors released its first quarter sales figures this week, reporting that it sold 2.36 million cars and trucks worldwide. That figure represents an increase of 3.6 percent when compared to the same period last year. GM's growth was attributed to many factors, including global Cadillac sales that were up 26 percent and Chevrolet posting a one percent increase over last year (this marked Chevy's tenth straight year of record global sales).

Volkswagen came in just behind GM, as the German automaker reported global sales from January through March at 2.27 million vehicles, an increase of five percent when compared to last year. While that number was strong, VW is cautioning that markets outside China and the US, such as those in Europe, are becoming a challenge as economies falter.

Yet to report sales is Toyota, current holder of the global world sales crown (the Japanese company sold 9.75 million cars last year, against 9.29 million sold by GM and 9.1 million vehicles sold by VW). Even though GM and Toyota both say they don't care who sells the most units, it is unquestionably a strong bragging point and sales equate to revenue. That said, Toyota will report its first quarter numbers next week.

GM outsold VW globally in first quarter, Toyota reports numbers next week originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>general motorsglobal salesgmsalestoyotavolkswagenvwThu, 18 Apr 2013 16:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20544355/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/18/gm-outsold-vw-globaly-in-first-quarter-toyota-reports-numbers-n/20544355/article-detail.xml 20544355 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/gyi0061332043_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/gyi0061332043.jpg <![CDATA[Next-gen Volkswagen Golf R spied while running the 'Ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/next-gen-volkswagen-golf-r-spied-while-running-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/next-gen-volkswagen-golf-r-spied-while-running-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/next-gen-volkswagen-golf-r-spied-while-running-the-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The launch of a new Volkswagen Golf is never a small thing, and things are already looking up for the subcompact hatchback after it was named 2013 World Car of the Year. While we've already seen the base and GTI versions of the next-generation Golf, now we're getting our first look at the sportier Golf R.

Although this prototype wears GTI lettering on the front fenders, it's more than just the roll cage and Sparco racing seat hinting that this is something a little more serious. Unlike the Golf and GTI, this car shows that the Golf R will continue to flaunt massive air intakes on each side of the fascia, and the rear of the car (though it's hard to see) has quadruple exhaust outlets. We still don't have an official word on power, but rumors indicate that the next Golf R could be pushing close to 300 horsepower, making it the most powerful production Golf ever. As much fun as we had during our first drive of the Golf R Cabriolet in the cold, snowy French Riviera last month, more power is a warming idea.

Next-gen Volkswagen Golf R spied while running the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>spy photosspy shotsvolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen golf rvwTue, 16 Apr 2013 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20542437/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/16/next-gen-volkswagen-golf-r-spied-while-running-the-ring/20542437/article-detail.xml 20542437 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/vw-golf-r-spy-shots_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/vw-golf-r-spy-shots.jpg <![CDATA[Wife of VW paterfamilias Piëch up for Audi supervisory board]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/wife-of-vw-paterfamilias-piech-up-for-audi-supervisory-board/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/wife-of-vw-paterfamilias-piech-up-for-audi-supervisory-board/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/wife-of-vw-paterfamilias-piech-up-for-audi-supervisory-board/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ferdinand and Ursula Piech

In a move seen as yet another way for the controlling Piech-Porsche family to leverage its muscle over the continent's biggest automaker, Ursula Piech - wife of chairman Ferdinand Piëch - is set to join the Audi supervisory board at the annual shareholder's meeting on May 16. Putting Piëch's wife, a 56-year-old kindergarten teacher, on the board is seen as just a formality as the Piëch and Porsche families already control more than 90 percent of the Porsche SE holding company (owner of a majority of Volkswagen common stock).

Although formally trained to educate young children, this isn't Ursula Piëch's first corporate role. In 2010, Piëch chose his wife to be deputy head of two Austria-based foundations that control owned stakes in Porsche and VW. She took a seat on the board of Wolfsburg-based VW almost a year ago.

Chairman Piëch will turn 76 next week, and his wife is set to take over her husband's interests when he dies.

Wife of VW paterfamilias Piëch up for Audi supervisory board originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferdinand piëchferdinand piechpiëchpiechpiech porsche volkswagensupervisory boardursula piechvolkswagenvwvwagThu, 11 Apr 2013 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20536710/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/11/wife-of-vw-paterfamilias-piech-up-for-audi-supervisory-board/20536710/article-detail.xml 20536710 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/piech-family_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/piech-family.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo Convertible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/2013-volkswagen-beetle-turbo-convertible-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/2013-volkswagen-beetle-turbo-convertible-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/2013-volkswagen-beetle-turbo-convertible-review/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Less Flower, More Power



Pardon our political incorrectness for a moment, but the Volkswagen New Beetle was, undeniably, a "chick car." There was almost nothing that the New Beetle offered to enthusiasts (of either gender), and by the end of its run, VW had even stripped all of the exciting engines from the car's lineup. Looking to resurrect some of the excitement behind the Beetle, the third generation of the iconic car ditched the cuteness when the coupe debuted for 2012, and now the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible aims to show how much fun drivers can have without a top.

Celebrating almost six and a half decades of the Beetle convertible, Volkswagen is offering a trio of distinct special editions that celebrate three of the car's most popular decades (the '50s, '60s and '70s), but as one of the unofficial cars of the 1960s, it would almost be a crime not to test this version, right? Besides, this is also the only special edition to get the turbocharged engine. While our first drive of the 2013 Beetle Convertible was in the fuel-miser TDI variation, our two-week romp in the 2013 Beetle Convertible '60s Edition came just as peak convertible weather was kicking off down in Florida.

The retro styling craze caught like a wildfire in the early 2000s, but quickly fizzled out as automakers realized that redesigning these cars for a subsequent second generation became a challenge in itself. This is likely the very reason why the New Beetle remained relatively the same for almost its entire 12-year run, but in creating the third-generation Beetle, Volkswagen tried to distance itself from adjectives like "cute" and "bubbly" by using more mainstream-friendly cues, which carry over nicely to the convertible form.

Continue reading 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo Convertible

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volkswagen beetle convertible60s editionfeaturedreviewreviewsvolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevolkswagen beetle 60s editionvolkswagen beetle convertibleWed, 10 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20535701/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/10/2013-volkswagen-beetle-turbo-convertible-review/20535701/article-detail.xml 20535701 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/03-2013-vw-beetle-turbo-conv-review-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/03-2013-vw-beetle-turbo-conv-review-opt.jpg <![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: , ,

VW emblem

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>volkswagenvolkswagen 2018volkswagen groupvwvw 2018Thu, 04 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20528164/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/04/volkswagen-to-add-50k-jobs-by-2018/20528164/article-detail.xml 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[Autoblog Podcast #327]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/autoblog-podcast-327/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/autoblog-podcast-327/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/autoblog-podcast-327/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

New York Auto Show, Jim Farley interview, 2014 Chevrolet Silverado fuel economy, Ford fuel economy app challenge
autoblog podcast logo

Episode #327 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about this year's New York Auto Show, Chevrolet's latest assault in the pickup truck fuel economy battle, and Ford's reward for developing a better fuel economy app. Dan also has an interview with Ford's Jim Farley about the future of Lincoln. We wrap with your questions and emails, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!


Autoblog Podcast #327:



Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
2013 Jaguar XFR
2013 Chevrolet Traverse


Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Jeff Ross

Runtime: 01:36:11

Get the podcast
[UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com

Review the show in iTunes

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #327

Autoblog Podcast #327 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chevrolet traverse2013 jaguar xfr2013 volkswagen jetta hybrid2014 chevrolet silveradoautoblog podcast 327chevroletchevrolet silveradochevrolet silverado fuel economychevrolet traversefeaturedfordjaguarjaguar xfrjim farleylincolntraversevolkswagenvolkswagen jettavolkswagen jetta hybridTue, 02 Apr 2013 18:55:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #327Autoblog01:36:11 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20527444/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/02/autoblog-podcast-327/20527444/article-detail.xml 20527444 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg -1 2