Autoblog

Wife of VW paterfamilias Piëch up for Audi supervisory board

Michael Harley — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:58:00 EST

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

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.

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Volkswagen cleared for MAN truck takeover

Noah Joseph — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:20:00 EST

Filed 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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As Audi plants struggle to meet demand, buyers wait months for cars

Chris Shunk — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 17:03:00 EST

Filed under: Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz

2012 Audi A6 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The Volkswagen Group wants to be number one in global sales, luxury sales and, hopefully, profits. In order to reach the auto sales zenith, however, Volkswagen may need to make room for more Audi production.

Bloomberg reports that Audi is struggling to meet demand for the A3 and A6, with buyers waiting three to four months to take delivery of those models. Audi sales boss Peter Schwarzenbauer tells Bloomberg that its factories are running at full throttle and that if sales continue to grow it will be "difficult to say how long it could take to reduce waiting times."

So why aren't car buyers leaving Audi for the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz? The line for Germany's other luxury makes can be just as long. All three automakers reported record sales in January, and that's with buyers waiting up to six months for hot new vehicles like the new BMW X3. While all three German luxury struggle to keep pace with demand, experts say Audi is in the toughest spot, with wait times up to two months longer than its competitors.

Will the Volkswagen Group address the problem in a timely manner? Since Audi reportedly contributed 47 percent of VW's overall profits for the past nine months, execs should be eager to take care of their cash cow.

Gallery: 2012 Audi A6: Detroit 2011

[Source: Bloomberg]

As Audi plants struggle to meet demand, buyers wait months for cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rally 'Round the Family: VW shows off 2011 CrossTouran

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Crossover, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen CrossTouran - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has now started taking orders for the new "outback" version of its European-market Touran MPV starting at €27,700 in Germany (that's around $35,500 USD). The CrossTouran joins the joins the CrossPolo and CrossGolf in the high-riding flared wheelarch segment. Longer springs lift the CrossTouran about 0.8 inches further off the pavement, letting driver and children play rally driver that much more convincingly.

Like its lower-riding siblings, the CrossTouran has an array of gas and diesel TSI and TDI inline-fours to choose from along an optional bi-fuel natural gas version. If Ford finds success with its similarly sized Grand C-Max next year and the slow-selling Chrysler-in-drag Routan is canceled, perhaps VW will bring over the Touran instead to flesh out its lineup. If the seven-seat Touran could be produced in Mexico along with the Jetta to bring the price down, such a move could have potential.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen CrossTouran

[Source: Volkswagen]

Rally 'Round the Family: VW shows off 2011 CrossTouran originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Noah Joseph — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:58:00 EST

Filed 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.

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Volkswagen goes soft-roading with new CrossPolo

Noah Joseph — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, Volkswagen

2012 Volkswagen CrossPolo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Smaller cars may be taking over from larger SUVs around the world, but that hardly means that the go-anywhere, rough-and-tumble image of the sport-ute has disappeared from buyers' minds. That's where softroaders come in. Vehicles like the Volkswagen CrossPolo blend off-road styling with a small form factor.

VW gave us a sneak peek at the new CrossPolo back in Geneva, but is only officially revealing the full range now. Based on the new Polo hatchback, the CrossPolo gets a boost in ride height and some tasteful body cladding to give it that backcountry appeal. A new front end - treated in dark gray and blending into the wheel arches, quarter panels and rear bumper - plus 17-inch alloys and roof rails complete the package, which can be ordered by non-U.S. types with six engine options - three gasoline and three diesels - in any of six exterior shades, including two colors unique to the CrossPolo.

Intrigued? There's plenty more information where that came from in the press release after the jump, and a fresh batch of high-res photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen CrossPolo

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen goes soft-roading with new CrossPolo

Volkswagen goes soft-roading with new CrossPolo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Chris Paukert — Mon, 24 May 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed 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

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.

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Report: VW's Jacoby says brand will double U.S. sales in 2-3 years

Chris Shunk — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials

Volkswagen of America's President and CEO Stefan Jacoby is bullish on the future of the people's car company - so much so that he feels sales of his brand in the U.S. will double within the next few years. Automotive News reports that the German exec has estimated that sales will reach "400,000 to 450,000 vehicles." Even without the sour state of the economy, those are massively ambitious figures: VW sold just 213,454 cars and crossovers in America in 2009, down four percent versus the company's 2008 numbers.

Jacoby didn't give specific reasons for the increase in sales projections, but his numbers would appear to fall in line with VW's goal to sell 800,000 vehicles in the U.S. market by 2018. Wolfsburg is also optimistic that industry-wide U.S. sales will settle somewhere around 15 million units per year in the next few years; still about two million units shy of peak sales figures a few years back, but still 40 percent better than 2009 levels. VW is projecting U.S. auto sales to hit up to 11.5 million units this year.

At present, VW's U.S. operations are not profitable, but Jacoby believes that the region may become profitable in 2013.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Report: VW's Jacoby says brand will double U.S. sales in 2-3 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept presages production R4

Chris Paukert — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen

Audi e-tron Detroit Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're wondering what the likelihood of Audi building a production version of its new e-tron Detroit Concept Car (yes, that's really its official designation), our sources at Audi indicate that a version of the coupe is likely to go into serial production as the oft-rumored R4.

The German automaker is apparently looking to design a smaller modular platform leveraging the expertise it used to develop the front-engine sedan platform that underpins the new A8 and forthcoming A7, among others. The new mid-engine architecture will likely find homes in a number of Volkswagen Group properties, including a production version of the Concept BlueSport, and perhaps even the next-generation Porsche Boxster/Cayman.

While the e-tron show car is a battery-powered electric vehicle, the production model is likely to be available with either an electric motor or conventional internal-combustion four-cylinder variants.

Given the fact that VW intimated last year that a production BlueSport could be produced at around $25,000, we're anticipating that the Audi R4 will slot in under the TT in the low-$30,000 range, as the 2010 TT presently starts at $37,800.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept

Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept presages production R4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Porsche offices raided on suspicion of stock manipulation

Chris Paukert — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:56:00 EST

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

The soap opera surrounding Volkswagen AG and Porsche has just taken a turn for the legal, as Bloomberg reports that the company's German offices have been raided by prosecutors who are investigating whether the automaker has violated security laws.

The German prosecutor's office seized documents amidst the allegations of stock price manipulation and insider trading, prompting Porsche to issue a statement denying the allegations while vowing complete cooperation (available after the jump). The probe stems from the sports car maker's attempt to gain control of parent Volkswagen, and the investigation is reportedly focusing on recently departed CEO Wendelin Wiedeking as well as ex-CFO Holger Haerter.

As you may recall, Porsche had tried to take over VW back in May, but that maneuver failed because of the company's swirling debt and a veto on the action by Lower Saxony. Porsche has since been swallowed up by the very company it was once seeking to take over, with an additional stake going to Qatar investors. You can read more by clicking on the link below, but be sure to hit the jump to read Porsche's official statement.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Panamera

[Sources: Bloomberg, Porsche | Image: David Hecker/AFP/Getty]]

Continue reading BREAKING: Porsche offices raided on suspicion of stock manipulation

BREAKING: Porsche offices raided on suspicion of stock manipulation originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Noah Joseph — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Volkswagen

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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Separated at Birth: Bugatti Veyron and Bentley Hunaudi�res Concept

Dan Roth — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 08:06:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Supercars, Bentley, Bugatti

Look too quickly and you'd swear that these two exotics are the same car. Anything longer than a glance and you start to notice the differences. Even then, the silhouette of the Bugatti and the Bentley are quite similar. Both brands are under Volkswagen's corporate umbrella, and both cars were touched by the design fingerprint of Hartmut Warkuss. The shape of these two cars seemingly represents what VW's design folks thought of as a supercar eight years ago. We think it still works pretty well.

Remembering our remedial lesson in how to pronounce Hunaudieres brings 1999 flooding back. Volkswagen had recently purchased Bentley, and they made a splash by debuting a supercar concept powered by a W16 engine with rumored LeMans aspirations. In fact, Hunaudieres is the name of the straightaway at LeMans. The car never made it out racing, though Bentley campaigned the Speed 8 from 2001-2003.

A few months after the Bentley was on the stand in Geneva, the Bugatti Veyron was rolled out at the Tokyo Motor Show. The Veyron was originally slated to run a W18 engine, but the production version wound up with a turbocharged W16. The Veyron has gone on to become the fastest and most powerful new car you can buy today. It looks like the Bentley team donated their engine and interior to the final car, which has turned out quite nicely, thank you.

More pictures after the jump

[Source: Sybarites]

Continue reading Separated at Birth: Bugatti Veyron and Bentley Hunaudi�res Concept

Separated at Birth: Bugatti Veyron and Bentley Hunaudi�res Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jan 2007 08:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Auto Show: Audi's TT latest in auto erotic couture

Chris Paukert — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Trends, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Audi, Cadillac

Audi's 2007 TT coupe received a suitably haute couture introduction in the fashion capitol of North America, New York City. Flanked by coathanger models wrapped in the latest stylings of designer Doo.Ri Chung, the press conference also featured an appearance by German supermodel Tatjana Patitz, lending it an indisputable Sex And The City quality.

We've already hipped readers to the TT's official technical specs, so we'll commence with first impressions in the metal. As we've said, Audi obviously had its hands full trying to replace arguably the most aesthetically cohesive and important automobile design of the last quarter century. Given the company's obsession with integrating the questionable 'single frame' grille, along with the necessary increase in dimensions to accommodate everything from pedestrian safety regs to increases in space, they've done a fine job. It remains indisputably a TT, with fine detailing inside-and-out, including pretty rear light fixtures with rectilinear internal lenses with clandestine amber turn signals. Also well hidden is the retractable rear winglet, which increases downforce at speed without blighting the rump of the TT (as the previous iteration's hastily added spoiler did).

(Click through to the jump for more commentary, press release and 20 additional images, many high-res!)

Continue reading New York Auto Show: Audi's TT latest in auto erotic couture

New York Auto Show: Audi's TT latest in auto erotic couture originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Apr 2006 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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