Malaysia wins seven Cannes Lions awards Jun 30, 2009
Naga DDB and Y a bronze Print Lion each for work on Schwan-Stabilo and Volkswagen respectively, while Publicis Communications won a bronze in Design for a 3M Post-It Sticky Notes point-of-sale poster campaign. Last year, Malaysia racked up 11 Lions three gold, three silver and five bronze awards. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Consumer Reports Faults Honda Insight for Its Ride, Handling, Noise, and Rear Seat Jun 30, 2009
Two new wagons, spin-offs of popular sedans -- the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen and Hyundai Elantra Touring scored within a point of each other and received Very Good ratings, 80 and 79 respectively ... The wagon version of the Volkswagen Jetta combines good driving dynamics and versatility with excellent fit and finish. (PR Newswire)
Porsche, VW battle escalates Jun 30, 2009
A war of wills between Volkswagen and Porsche escalated on Monday as the stricken luxury sportscar maker spurned an offer from VW for a stake in its auto business. FRANKFURT (AFP) - A war of wills between Volkswagen and Porsche escalated on Monday as the stricken luxury sportscar maker spurned an offer from VW for a stake in its auto business ... "There is an offer by Volkswagen. For us it is not a practical solution," a Porsche spokesman told AFP.. (Yahoo! Asia News)
BUSINESS BRIEFS Jun 30, 2009
Porsche, after reject ing an offer from Volkswagen to buy its operations, said Qatar made a bid for a stake in the holding company and options that can be converted into VW shares. TALF offers. (New York Post -- Business)
VW Denies Having Issued Ultimatum to Porsche Jun 29, 2009
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Volkswagen said it had not presented Porsche with an ultimatum to accept its layout for a merger of the two carmakers, denying a media report and accusations from Porsche. "There is no ultimatum," a VW spokesman told Reuters on Sunday. (ABC News -- Wire)
Porsche fumes at Lower Saxony, VW extortion Jun 29, 2009
FRANKFURT: Porsche accused Volkswagen and its key shareholder Lower Saxony of extortion following a magazine report that VW and the regional state had demanded Porsche accept a tie-up of the two carmakers with VW in charge. Der Spiegel magazine reported in its online edition on Saturday that Porsche chief executive Wendelin Wiedeking and chairman Wolfgang Porsche had been pressed to agree by the end of June that VW take a 49% stake in Porsches sports car business for three billion to four... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Life Behind Bars for Madoff? Jun 29, 2009
Still on the German merger beat (slightly tenuous link, admittedly) Volkswagen and Porsche are still lanes apart in their attempt at a family tie-up, the New York Times reports. This weekend, Volkswagen has presented Porsche with an "ultimatum to decide by [today] whether to accept the merger on VWs terms or risk having the deal fall apart," the paper writes citing a report in Der Spiegel. (Slate)
Porsche rejects VW 'ultimatum' for merger plan Jun 28, 2009
German sports car maker Porsche rejected Saturday an "ultimatum" issued by rival Volkswagen to accept by Monday a proposal for cross-ownership leading eventually to a merger. BERLIN (AFP) - German sports car maker Porsche rejected Saturday an "ultimatum" issued by rival Volkswagen to accept by Monday a proposal for cross-ownership leading eventually to a merger ... His statement followed a report to appear in weekly Der Spiegel that VW had given the Porsche board until Monday to agree to the... (Yahoo! Asia News)
Philips interactive film, Obama campaign take top ad prizes Jun 28, 2009
" More demonstrations of good ads: VW revs up the auto industry. A feel good Volkswagen ad for Spacefox vehicle won a gold in film. The ad showed a young man and his fishdog pet. Volkswagen won more than a dozen ads at the festival where it was also named advertiser of the year. "Volkswagen is an iconic, authentic, soulful brand in all markets, and its advertising is legendary," says Tim Ellis, U.S. marketing chief for Volkswagen, which has won 150 lion awards throughout Cannes' history.... (USA Today -- Money)
Porsche gets ultimatum by VW, Saxony Jun 28, 2009
Porsche, which owns 51 per cent of Volkswagen, racked up 9 billion euros ($12. 7 billion) debt trying to swallow Volkswagen before the financial crisis threw it off course ... Porsche accused Volkswagen and its key shareholder Lower Saxony of extortion following a magazine report that VW and the regional state had demanded Porsche accept a tie-up of the two carmakers with VW in charge. (India Times)
GM to Build New Subcompact in Michigan Jun 27, 2009
Germany's Volkswagen AG is building a $1 billion assembly plant in Chattanooga, and Japan's Nissan Motor Co. this week secured a $1. 6 billion federal loan to build electric cars and battery packs to power them at its Tennessee assembly complex. (Fox News)
Porsche Says Talks With Qatar Over Investment Have Entered `Final Stage' Jun 27, 2009
I dont think its wise to consider replacing this integration of Porsche and Volkswagen by another one, Zetsche was quoted as saying in an e-mailed summary of an article to be published by the Sunday newspaper. The Manager Magazin reported last week that Daimler and Porsche had been in talks at the end of last month to discuss possible options, including Daimler buying shares in Porsche or receiving the VW options. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Golf GTI beats the bends Jun 27, 2009
Volkswagen invented the hot hatch when it introduced the original Golf GTi over thirty years ago ... Now for the sixth time in 30 years, it's done it again enter Volkswagen Golf GTI 6. (iAfrica.com)
Cash for Clunkers plan to start in July Jun 26, 2009
Years ago, you could buy a Toyota or a Volkswagen and they d last a million years, Latella said. But those cars are only getting more expensive and they re nowhere near what they used to be. (Queens Chronicle, NY)
Daimler Fights for Its Future Jun 26, 2009
The sports car marker, which bit off more than it could chew in its takeover of Volkswagen (), is seeking an investor. Perhaps Daimler could invest in Porsche, also headquartered in Stuttgart, instead of the Emirate of Qatar. (BusinessWeek)
Suzuki soars on possible VW tie-up Jun 26, 2009
Shares of Suzuki Motor raced to a 10-month high after a source said Volkswagen is exploring a deal to cooperate with the Japanese car maker to boost its presence in ultra-small cars. Cooperation with Suzuki, which dominates Japan's 660cc minivehicle market along with Toyota unit Daihatsu Motor, could yield a new model for Volkswagen below the upcoming "New Small Family" range of small cars, the source said ... Volkswagen is looking to secure a cooperation deal by taking a 10 per cent stake in... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Asian shares rise as investors buy on dip Jun 26, 2009
5 per cent after a source familiar with the matter said Volkswagen was exploring a potential cooperation deal with Suzuki as a way to boost its expertise in the area of ultra-small cars. A climb on Wall Street supported Asian share markets. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Best Looking German Cars of 2009 Jun 26, 2009
Stunning Vehicles by Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and Volkswagen ... The top five German car producers are clear - Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and Volkswagen - largely because these same brands are pretty much ubiquitous amongst the top vehicle manufacturers worldwide ... Each car has a trademark, something unique that cannot be replicated (no matter how hard Hyundai tried to mold a Mercedes and Volkswagen to create the Genesis). (Suite101.com)
VW and Porsche accelerate on Qatar talk Jun 25, 2009
and shares surged in late afternoon trading on Wednesday amid market rumours that Porsche was nearing a deal with Qatar to give the Gulf state its 24 per cent shareholding in Volkswagen. The heavily indebted sports car maker has been rumoured to be in talks with the Middle Eastern state for weeks on possible investment opportunities. (FT.com -- Markets)
Sharing Cars Can Save Money, Earth Jun 25, 2009
Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Volkswagen and Volvo are the Zipcar standard-bearers, and the Mini Cooper its signature ride. To access the car, you wave a "Zipcard" in front of a reader inside the windshield. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
F1 split called off Jun 25, 2009
Contact: Stellenbosch volkswagen 021 887 1000. Not your dream car. (iAfrica.com)
Things invade Klamath Falls Jun 24, 2009
Hos by Andrew Mariman A line of Volkswagen Things makes its way down Main Street in Klamath Falls Tuesday ... The classic Volkswagen Things, driven by Thing enthusiasts from several western states, were on their 18th rally trip, said ringleader and Thing restoration expert Mike Humeston. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
2009 Concept Vehicle of the Year Award Winners Announced Jun 24, 2009
Out of the eight competitors in the Concept Car category, Volkswagen made its debut at the awards podium with the open-air Concept BlueSport Roadster, winning the 2009 Concept Car of the Year award. Said juror Ashly Knapp, "Who'd have thought a diesel could be fast, economical and clean while powering the fun, little roust-about Volkswagen BlueSport.". (PR Newswire)
Peugeot Says It May Report Operating Loss of Up to $2.8 Billion This Year Jun 23, 2009
Volkswagen AG is Europes biggest automaker. To contact the reporter on this story: in Paris at. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
Outgoing CEO: Honda to count on engine power Jun 23, 2009
In many European markets, the regulatory focus on carbon dioxide rather than nitrogen oxide emissions has made diesel-engine cars popular while sidelining gas-electric hybrids, placing diesel powerhouses such as Volkswagen, Peugeot and Renault in pole position. Honda had planned to launch clean-diesel cars this year but delayed the plans partly due to the difficulty of lowering costs. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Four-cylinder Porsche? Jun 23, 2009
Porsche looks set to fit a Volkswagen-sourced four-cylinder engine to its Boxster roadster and its hard-top Cayman twin ... Berning said the engine could be one shared with another brand, likely one sourced from the Volkswagen Group with which it has a technical collaboration ... It would likely use a turbocharger as used on the Volkswagen Golf GTI and other vehicles from the Volkswagen/Audi family. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
Changes to VWSA range not crisis-led Jun 22, 2009
The production portfolio of Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA), including the eventual phasing out of the Citi Golf, had "nothing to do" with the global economic crisis, VW Germany board member and director Christian Kingler said last week. Speaking from the German VW plant in Wolfsburg, he said VWSA was investing a lot of money in South Africa despite the downturn in the car market. (Business Report, South Africa)
* Qatari interest leads to family drama at Porsche Jun 22, 2009
Qatars prime minister has unintentionally fueled a family feud among the owners of German luxury sports car maker Porsche, the future of which is threatened by a takeover bid for Volkswagen. Porsche confirmed recently that it was in exclusive talks with Qatar on investing in the heavily indebted maker of the 911 sports car. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Goodies for dad a big $9B ka-ching Jun 22, 2009
Rank of the Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI on the list of best cars for a cross-country road trip, according to the Kelley Blue Book: 1. Rank of the Porsche Cayman S on the list of best cars for a solo flight: 1. (Honolulu Advertiser)
German bank opposes massive loan to Porsche Jun 21, 2009
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Help available for auto warranty problems Jun 21, 2009
Casper Star-Tribune Online - Business. Text Size Share This Story. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
'Volkswagen sees positive Q2 results' Jun 21, 2009
Volkswagen sees positive Q2 results : CFO- International Business-News-The Economic Times ... Volkswagen sees positive Q2 results : CFO21 Jun 2009, 0134 hrs IST, REUTERS ... BAYREUTH: Germany's Volkswagen will have a "positive result" in the second quarter and would consider giving sports car maker Porsche a loan if asked, VW's chief financial officer Hans Dieter Poetsch said on Saturday. (India Times)
Back to Basics at the Pump Jun 21, 2009
Some of the world's top automakers -- Audi, BMW, GM, Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen -- recognize that current Environmental Protection Agency minimum detergent requirements do not go far enough to prevent engine gunk and ensure optimal engine performance. To try to raise the bar on fuel quality, these auto manufacturers designated the voluntary TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Standards to help drivers avoid lower quality gasolines. (Atlantic News-Telegraph, IO)
GH50,000 loan: Car dealers invade Parliament Jun 21, 2009
Some of the make of vehicles on display within the precincts of the House are Nissan, Volkswagen (VW), Toyota, Ford, Honda, Skoda, etc. Interestingly, the dealers are not prepared to disclose the price range of their vehicles, as they are competing to get a good deal from the MPs. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Porsche global sales slump by 28% Jun 20, 2009
The figures do not include those of Volkswagen (VW), in which Porsche increased its stake to 51% in January. Porsche had planned to further increase its stake in VW to 75%, to gain a controlling interest, but talks with VW broke down in May amid reports Porsche could not raise the required funds. (BBC News -- Europe)
State enters bid for GM small car Jun 20, 2009
The Bredesen administration has landed other high-profile automotive deals through its aggressive corporate tax incentives, including a new 1 billion Volkswagen AG plant in Chattanooga and the relocation of Nissan Motor Corp. s North American headquarters from California to suburban Nashville in 2006. GM is expected to announce its decision in the next few weeks. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
Cardealers run out of stock as gloom lifts Jun 20, 2009
The group sells Holden, HSV, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen and Skoda. "Stock is an issue," he said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Daimler in talks to buy stake in Porsche: report Jun 20, 2009
A Volkswagen spokesman did not want to comment on the report ... The online report said Daimler could acquire a stake in Porsche via a capital increase or it could buy derivative instruments which can be converted into Volkswagen shares from Porsche, potentially handing Daimler a stake in Europe's largest car maker ... Big gains on derivative bets linked to Volkswagen shares offset a decline in nine-month earnings at Porsche SE's core sports car business, results showed on Friday. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Porsche struggles with $12m debt Jun 20, 2009
Big gains on derivative bets linked to Volkswagen shares have offset a decline in nine-month earnings at Porsche's core sports car business. Porsche, scrambling to shore up its tattered balance sheet, blamed lower volumes and revenue, as well as investments on its upcoming model line and hybrid power-train technology. (BBC News -- Business)
Porsche's smartest run out of options Jun 20, 2009
Porsche, which is struggling to combine with Volkswagen (VW), may lose some of the 17. 3 billion (R201bn) in profit recorded from holding VW options, as it may not have money to exercise them. (Business Report, South Africa)
'Porsche sales shed 4.6 bn euros' Jun 19, 2009
The result, which covered the period from August 1 to April 30, did not include sales at Volkswagen, the biggest European auto manufacturer, in which Porsche holds a stake of 51 per cent.. Read business stories in. (India Times)
Porsche in VW's grip, despite Qatar stake Jun 19, 2009
Porsche may find its alliance with Qatar will hasten a takeover by Volkswagen AG.. Plans to sell a stake to the Persian Gulf state would bolster Porsche's finances enough to raise the sports-car maker's attraction for Volkswagen, and give Qatar a path into Europe's largest carmaker ... A deal with Qatar would fulfill Volkswagen chairman Ferdinand Piech's demand that Porsche restore its finances before the two companies consider a combination. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Benchmark DAX Index Fluctuates, Set for Weekly Decline; Volkswagen Drops Jun 19, 2009
Volkswagen AG, Europes biggest automaker, and Bayerische Motoren Werke AG retreated more than 1 ... Volkswagen retreated 3. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Researchers Develop Key Brake For Immune Cells In Petri Dish; Hope For Easier Organ Transplantation? Jun 19, 2009
Michael Probst-Kepper is a researcher in a junior research group that is financed by the German Volkswagen foundation, he works at both HZI and MHH. He has now deciphered the special role of the GARP protein. Until now, scientists had only little distinguishing features to aid them in separating T cells that trigger a transplant rejection from those that inhibit such a reaction: they mainly looked at molecular features that both cell types have the one more, the other less. (Science Daily)
How You Drive Can Make Your Car Greener Jun 18, 2009
The alliance is a trade association of 11 car and light truck manufacturers, including the Big Three of Chrysler, Ford and General Motors, along with others such as BMW, Volkswagen and Toyota. The alliance sponsored an effort to encourage more drivers to take simple steps to improve their fuel efficiency and reduce their carbon footprints. (Click2Houston, TX)
Porsche dabbles in diesel Jun 18, 2009
As with the petrol V6, the diesel gets its engine from the Volkswagen Audi Group. Don't hold that against it. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Mini Cooper: Small Convertible, Small Price Jun 18, 2009
This price, which includes destination charge, undercuts the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse that starts at $26,644, the 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle that starts at $26,690 and the 2009 VW Eos, which has a $32,315 starting retail price. All are four-seat convertibles which, like the Mini, have four-cylinder engines. (KIRO TV, WA)
'Transformers' toys with film-product model Jun 18, 2009
So even though Bumblebee has changed from a Volkswagen Beetle to a sleek Camaro over the years, he's always been yellow and black - and friendly. Optimus Prime has always been the leading good guy and Megatron the leading bad guy. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Foreign automakers might hold solution Jun 18, 2009
Spinning wheels 061809 - The Augusta Chronicle. DETROIT --- The future of America's stock car racing might be in the hands of foreign car companies. (The Augusta Chronicle)
THE INFLUENCE GAME: US Auto Lobby's Clout Flagging Jun 18, 2009
Also from left, Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli; GM President Fritz Henderson; Honda Executive Vice President John Mendel, rear; and Volkswagen Group of America President and CEO Stefan Jacoby. For many in the auto industry the moment symbolized a triumph, that clinched the industry's long-sought goal of national rules for fuel efficiency and tailpipe pollution; for others it symbolized the diminished clout one of Washington's most potent lobbies, and an industry humbled, forced to swallow tough new... (ABC News -- Wire)
Porsche's Piech Raises Qatar Stake Sale Doubts: FTD Jun 17, 2009
It said on Wednesday that Piech, a member of the extended family that controls 100 percent of the voting rights in Porsche and who is also chairman of its Volkswagen unit, had raised doubts about the deal at a family meeting on Monday ... 50 billion) net debt it piled up while building its Volkswagen stake. (ABC News -- Wire)
Foreign brands could be savior Jun 17, 2009
" Some believe NASCAR is hedging its bets should General Motors and Chrysler not recover from its troubles, or if Ford is forced to follow their American rivals into reorganization. If it takes Volkswagen, Honda and Nissan to save the sport, then it's a gamble the sanctioning body apparently is willing to take. NASCAR was an all-American company for more than 50 years. NASCAR founder Bill France took great pride in racing the same cars found in grocery store parking lots. But as foreign car... (Athens Banner-Herald)
Renault boss defends state help Jun 17, 2009
He is also head of the organisation which represents all the companies that make cars in Europe - from Audi to Volkswagen. The motor industry in Europe represents 12 million workers - 6% of the active working population of Europe. (BBC News -- Business)
NASCAR could accept more automakers Jun 16, 2009
BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, and Mercedes-Benz all have manufacturing plants inside the U.S. - the same criteria Toyota met when NASCAR accepted the automaker into NASCAR in 2002 - and Volkswagen is building a facility in Tennessee. Any of those manufacturers can approach NASCAR about coming on board, and chairman Brian France is apparently willing to listen. (MSNBC -- Sports)
END OF AN ERA: Closing day comes and Chrysler dealers aren't happy Jun 16, 2009
Dismayed, she went across the street to the Volkswagen dealer. Steve and Kristin Shin of Cerritos, Calif. (USA Today -- Autos)
European car sales sink 4.9 pct in May Jun 16, 2009
Sales of new cars fell for the thirteenth month in a row from the previous year, according to carmakers' association ACEA, with only two major manufacturers _ Volkswagen AG and Fiat SpA _ selling more than last year. Government4. (India Times)
NASCAR: Sport must welcome foreign cars Jun 16, 2009
BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz have plants in the U.S. -- the same criteria Toyota met when NASCAR accepted it in 2002 -- and Volkswagen is building a Tennessee facility. Any of those manufacturers could approach NASCAR, and Chairman Brian France is apparently willing to listen. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Lucas: Moving Out Jun 16, 2009
At that point, Ginyard was the only freshman with a car on campus, which meant it was commonplace to see all the rookies crammed into his car--at that point, his air conditioning wasn't working, which meant they'd roll down the windows and listen to the soundtrack of that summer, which for them included Citizen Cope's "Pablo Picasso"--like clowns in a circus Volkswagen. It's not a stretch to say that that forced time together created the nucleus that would eventually leave Chapel Hill as... (Tarheelblue.com)
DAX Index Fluctuates as Volkswagen Advances, Merck Leads Falling Shares Jun 16, 2009
German Stocks Fluctuate; Volkswagen Gains as Merck Declines - Bloomberg ... German Stocks Fluctuate; Volkswagen Gains as Merck Declines ... Volkswagen AG led rising shares, adding 1. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Out of the Office Jun 16, 2009
By the time he was fifteen, he had an apprenticeship in a Porsche repair shop, and soon he was retrofitting his aging Volkswagen Beetle with an engine designed to make it do all sorts of things that Volkswagen Beetles aren t meant to do, like go fast. He studied physics at the University of California at Santa Barbara, worked as an electrician, and then earned a doctorate in political philosophy from the University of Chicago, although he found himself increasingly distracted by an ambitious... (New Yorker)
A holey holiday - National Doughnut Day Jun 6, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009. (06-05) 11:19 PDT LAFAYETTE -- That king of all diet busters dissolved in a million mouths across the country Friday with the usual chewy, sugary, greasy wonder that calls to all its fans like a siren's sweet song, and the only thing different was that Friday was something most people didn't know it was: National Doughnut Day. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Appeals Court Approves Chrysler's Sale to Fiat- GM's Fall Opens Doors for Foreign Carmakers Jun 6, 2009
A big exception, Dudenhoeffer said, is Volkswagen AG, which gathers multiple brands from Bentley to Lamborghini to Skoda under one roof. "But it took 20 years to bring them onto the same technical platforms," he said. (Fox News)
For SoMa company, artwork is Infectious Jun 6, 2009
At first blush, the new Volkswagen CC looks like a rip from the pages of Mercedes-Benz and its. Justice Department investigators are examining the hiring practices of major technology companies including Yahoo, Google and Genentech to see whether they violate antitrust laws, according to people familiar with the. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Students experiment with exhaust Jun 6, 2009
As part of their science unit, Krasilovsky s students tested emissions from a Honda Fit and Toyota Camry with 4-cylinder gasoline engines, a Volkswagen with a 4-cylinder diesel engine, a GMC Yukon with an 8-cylinder gasoline engine and the Nissan hybrid ... It took 20 seconds for the GMC Yukon, 16 seconds for the Camry, and 36 seconds for the Volkswagen. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Info booth opens at car show Jun 6, 2009
Carlisle Events also purchased a 1974 Volkswagen beetle that it then covered in chalkboard paint. Children coming to the center can use chalk to draw whatever they want on the vintage automobile for staff to erase at the end of the day, Martek said. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
