Toyota Gets Stuck in a Pair of Ruts Nov 19, 2009
In October, Germany's Volkswagen () passed Toyota in global sales, a fleeting victory for VW but also a sign of Toyota's slipping dominance. Toyoda is also wrestling with an ugly recall in the U.S. involving sudden acceleration in multiple models, underused plants in Japan, and weak earnings that have forced him to cut, among other things, Toyota's once-sacred research and development budget. (BusinessWeek)
As Electric Cars Arrive, Where Will They Plug In? Nov 19, 2009
But over the next 18 months, the number will grow exponentially as automakers like General Motors, Nissan, Ford, Volkswagen and Toyota roll out models that use electricity for all or part of the car's energy. President Obama has suggested that the U.S. could have as many as 1 million plug-in vehicles on the road by 2015. (Time.com)
Amarok cracks Dakar Nov 19, 2009
Volkswagen Amarok Quickpic ... Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has been selected as the official vehicle supplier to the 2010 Dakar Rally and will supply 35 Volkswagen Amarok models to the rally's organiser, the Amaury Sport Organisation ... For the 2010 event of the world's toughest cross country rally, Volkswagen Motorsport has entered five teams to compete in diesel-powered Race Touareg vehicles. (iAfrica.com)
Indian car buyers look the SUV way Nov 18, 2009
Just to highlight the nature of the beast today, take the latest blitzkrieg of Volkswagen ads for its premium SUV to hit roads by the end of this year. Next to a picture of the car scaling snow clad peaks are these lines, The Touareg can take you across countries in a weekend. (India Times)
Kenyans Outraged After Government Ditches Mercedes for Volkswagens Nov 18, 2009
Kenyan Outrage as Leaders Ditch Mercedes for Volkswagens - TIME ... Thanks to a government cost-cutting program aimed at saving taxpayers some $27 million, Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta announced this summer that government ministers, along with assistant ministers and permanent secretaries, must turn in their ubiquitous Mercedes-Benz for Volkswagen Passats, which not only cost about two-thirds the price of a new Benz in Kenya, but are, says the government, cheaper to run and maintain ... Why,... (Time.com)
Fragile European recovery spurs worries Nov 17, 2009
The export-fueled economy led by automakers such as Volkswagen, Daimler and BMW as well as lesser-known firms turning out big-ticket industrial equipment returned to modest growth in the second quarter, while preliminary third-quarter figures are expected to show further growth. Industrial orders increased again in September rising 0. (Courier-Journal -- Business)
Federal Auto unit signs with Volkswagen for dealership Nov 17, 2009
KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Group Malaysia Sdn Bhd has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with F.A. Wagen Sdn Bhd, a company under the Federal Auto Group, for a new authorised Volkswagen dealership in Petaling Jaya. In a statement here, Volkswagen said it was announced to Bursa Malaysia last month that F.A.Wagen had signed an LOI to operate new dealerships in Shah Alam and Johor Bahru. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Indias engineering outsourcing market may touch $55 bn Nov 17, 2009
BANGALORE: As newer customers, including automakers Renault, Volkswagen and Harley Davidson, seek to outsource their complex design engineering projects to India, the engineering services outsourcing (ESO) industry is set to achieve $55 billion in revenues by 2020 ... While car maker Volkswagen plans to establish an engineering centre, Japanese automaker Nissan is currently in discussions with both TCS and Wipro for a potential contract, the person added ... As newer customers, including... (India Times)
Hermes Says Volkswagen's Plan to Buy Porsche Lacks Transparency, FT Says Nov 16, 2009
Nov. 16 (Bloomberg) -- Volkswagen AGs proposal to buy Porsche SEs automotive operations lacks transparency and carries possible conflicts of interest, according to Hermes, the U.K. pension fund, the Financial Times reported, citing a letter Hermes has written to Volkswagen ... Volkswagen, which could not be reached for comment, is working on final details of a planned two-step takeover of Porsches sports car business, ahead of a supervisory board meeting on Nov. 20, the FT said. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Ford Dealerships Merge Nov 15, 2009
Walker will continue to run his Volkswagen and Mazda dealership. CommentsTerms of Use: We welcome your participation in our community. (WCAX.com, VT)
Businesses fear Europe's recovery to remain timid Nov 15, 2009
The export-fueled economy -- led by automakers such as Volkswagen, Daimler and BMW as well as lesser known firms turning out big-ticket industrial equipment -- returned to modest growth in the second quarter, while preliminary third-quarter figures are expected to show further growth. Industrial orders increased again in September -- rising 0. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Business damaged in Harborcreek fire Nov 15, 2009
A 2001 Volkswagen Beetle, its yellow paint blistered by the heat, and a melted motorcycle remained inside. At least four vehicles outside the building were damaged when parts of the structure fell outward. (Erie Times-News, PA)
37% of U.S. Saab Dealerships to Close Nov 15, 2009
In the past the Saab has looked like a cross between a American Motors Rambler and a Volkswagen Beetle. Add a comment. (CBS News)
Bikes for (big) brats? Nov 15, 2009
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VIR sponsors Holiday Laps Nov 14, 2009
27-mile full course behind one of the track's Volkswagen pace cars in sessions lasting 20-25 minutes. Speeds are controlled, but still brisk enough to be entertaining. (Chatham Star Tribune, VA)
Who's Winning the Asia Auto Derby Nov 14, 2009
And Volkswagen is boosting production at two factories in western India to 110,000 cars annually, many for export. "India offers a launchpad to develop and build small cars at a much lower cost [than in Europe]," says Rajesh Nellore, the India head for PSA-Peugeot Citro n, which is scouting land near Hyderabad for a factory with an annual capacity of 100,000 vehicles. (BusinessWeek)
Shelley is an Audi Nov 13, 2009
Volkswagen Golf IV GTI R Petrol, Hatchback, 5 Doors, Manual ... Contact: Philwest Volkswagen Somerset West 021 851 3344 ... The Stanford Dynamics Design Lab, Volkswagen Electronics Research Lab and Sun Microsystems were all part of the team responsible for developing the software and hardware that guide the TTS.. (iAfrica.com)
Porsche confirms big annual loss Nov 13, 2009
German sports carmaker Porsche has confirmed it made a big full-year loss, largely due to its unsuccessful attempt to take over Volkswagen. Porsche abandoned its long-running attempt to buy VW, Europe's largest carmaker, this summer, despite building a 51% stake in the company. (BBC News -- Business)
VW Considers Awarding Magna Car Parts Contracts Again, Bild Zeitung Says Nov 13, 2009
Nov. 13 (Bloomberg) -- Volkswagen AG plans to resume awarding contracts to Magna International Inc. for car parts, Zeitung reported. Since losing a bid to purchase General Motors Co.s Opel division, Magna is not considered a competitor of Volkswagen, and Europes largest carmaker will work with the Canadian company again, the newspaper said, citing an unidentified spokesman. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Letters to the editor Nov 12, 2009
Regarding the last paragraph: I don't think you meant to make this comparison, but during the 1930s a government leader wanted a "people's car." That's what "Volkswagen" means in German. Do you remember who this leader was. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
BMW to Build New Plant in China as Growth Boosts Demand for Luxury Cars Nov 12, 2009
Munich-based BMW lags behind Volkswagen AGs Audi in Chinas luxury-car market. The company is facing a challenge from Daimler AG. Daimler Chief Executive Officer said yesterday he expects Mercedes to overtake BMW in China soon. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Vicious cycle Nov 12, 2009
30am and we were hammering down an empty three-lane thoroughfare at 40kph when a black Volkswagen Passat behind us opened up with its horn. As it raced beside us we exchanged obscenities until the driver a beefy man in the kind of crew cut thats popular with police, military and the mob swerved in front and nearly knocked us down. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Racing back with Buell Nov 11, 2009
Volkswagen will end production of the iconic Citi-Golf in South Africa - after 31 years. . (iAfrica.com)
Volkswagen Expects China Industry Car Sales to Rise 10% to 15% in 2011 Nov 11, 2009
Volkswagen Says China Industry Car Sales to Rise 10-15% in 2010 - Bloomberg ... Volkswagen Says China Industry Car Sales to Rise 10-15% in 2010 ... Nov. 11 (Bloomberg) -- Volkswagen AG, the biggest foreign carmaker in China, said industrywide sales will rise 10 percent to 15 percent next year. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Volkswagen Board Said to Consider Acquisition of Karmann Assets Today Nov 11, 2009
Volkswagen Board Said to Consider Acquisition of Karmann Assets - Bloomberg ... Volkswagen Board Said to Consider Acquisition of Karmann Assets ... Negotiators have yet to bridge the gap between the minimum 55 million euros ($82 million) that Karmann is seeking and the 35 million euros that Volkswagen has indicated it may be willing to pay, according to two of the people. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Woman would like to buy back long-lost VW van Nov 11, 2009
In this undated photo released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a 1965 Volkswagen van that was stolen 35 years ago from Spokane, Wash ... -- Michele Squires once owned the 1965 Volkswagen van that was found recently in a shipping container at a Southern California port -- 35 years after she had it stolen from a repair shop. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Triumph's great escape Nov 11, 2009
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Volkswagen terminates dealership with VW Cars Nov 10, 2009
PETALING JAYA: Volkswagen Group Malaysia has terminated VW Cars Sdn Bhd s dealership of its vehicles with immediate effect. Volkswagen dealerships operated by VW Cars at The Curve and Jalan 219, both in Petaling Jaya would cease immediately, the German carmaker said in a statement yesterday ... In a separate announcement, VW Cars said it would stop the Volkswagen business due to an on-going dispute between the company and Volkswagen Group Malaysia. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Leipzig drives for former glory days Nov 10, 2009
As the German economy slumped into its worst recession since World War II, Volkswagen's Audi luxury division started work on a e10m showroom and distribution centre in the north of Leipzig ... Porsche, the Stuttgart-based sports-car maker being bought by Volkswagen, builds Cayenne and Carrera GT models at a smaller plant. (Business Report, South Africa)
Newton North students probe future of fuel, environment Nov 10, 2009
Right now, Chinosi pays $2 a gallon for the student-made fuel, which he said gets 45 miles per gallon in his Volkswagen Jetta. The money goes back into the program. (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
Top Gear 'ad' breached guidelines Nov 10, 2009
The suicide featured in a mock TV commercial for a Volkswagen car. A spoof car advert shown on BBC Two's motoring show Top Gear was too graphic for the time of its broadcast, the broadcasting watchdog Ofcom has ruled. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
Golf GTI v hot-hatch rivals Nov 10, 2009
Volkswagen's Golf GTI meets 3 hot hatch competitors head-on - www ... Volkswagen's Golf GTI meets 3 hot hatch competitors head-on ... Can anything top Volkswagen's Golf GTI for budget-priced thrills. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
* Audi, BMW report boost in fast-growing China market Nov 10, 2009
Audi, a premium brand of the Volkswagen group, said that last months sales gained 0. 4 percent to 82,750 units, also aided by soaring demand in China. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Communist consumer goods make comeback... Nov 9, 2009
Now it is thriving as part of the Volkswagen empire. In Romania, 42 years after its launch the Dacia car remains the best known make. (The Drudge Report)
iPhone App Translates Baby's Crying Nov 7, 2009
starting today, Volkswagen of America, Inc.'s Real Racing GTI App challenges players to race virtual GTIs around a racetrack. The more you play, the more points you build up. (ABC News)
8 cars to R.I.P. (rust in peace) Nov 7, 2009
Now that Rolls is owned by BMW, and Bentley by Volkswagen, the Arnage will be history come spring, despite its, ahem, legendary British craftsmanship. Chrysler Aspen, 2007-09: Late to the luxury-truck party, this sapling never grew in popularity despite its appealing design and price. (AZCentral -- Business)
Van stolen 35 years ago in Wash. state recovered Nov 6, 2009
A Volkswagen van stolen 35 years ago in Washington state has been found in a shipping container at the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport ... (AP) -- A Volkswagen van stolen 35 years ago in Washington state has been found in a shipping container at the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Van stolen 35 years ago is recovered Nov 6, 2009
SPOKANE, WA (AP) - A Volkswagen van stolen 35 years ago in Washington state has been found in a shipping container at the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport. The Spokesman-Review newspaper reports that customs agents found the 1965 van on Oct. 19 when they opened a shipping container bound for The Netherlands. (FOX19.com, OH)
Stolen VW Van Found 35 Years Later Nov 6, 2009
AP Photo/Courtesy U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionIn this undated photo provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a 1965 Volkswagen van that was stolen 35 years ago from Spokane, Wash ... -- A Volkswagen van stolen 35 years ago in Washington state has been found in a shipping container at the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport. (KERO 23, CA)
GM facing walkouts, anger after canceling Opel sale to Magna Nov 5, 2009
GM Europe has the fourth-highest auto sales in Europe, after Volkswagen, PSA and Ford Motor, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association. European sales had fallen 6. (USA Today -- Money)
A not-so-green Ferrari Nov 5, 2009
Volkswagen will end production of the iconic Citi-Golf in South Africa - after 31 years. Get intimate with the supercar that scorches. (iAfrica.com)
Handbrake turn Nov 5, 2009
One of the biggest, Volkswagen, openly threatened to drop Magna as a supplier if the deal went through. GM s decision, in the end, to make another abrupt turn and keep Opel after all was made possible by the intervention of the European Union s competition commissioner, Neelie Kroes. (The Economist)
Gas Guzzlers Reign in Cash for Clunkers Nov 5, 2009
An Indianapolis driver traded a 1985 Mercedes 190 that got 27 mpg for $3,500 toward a new Volkswagen Rabbit that got only 24 mpg. "It's possible some quirky deal slipped through the cracks," Anwyl said. (CBS News)
Afraid of Flying? There's an App for That Nov 4, 2009
Available in starting today, Volkswagen of America, Inc.'s Real Racing GTI App challenges players to race virtual GTIs around a racetrack ... In an effort to reach a young, tech-savvy demographic, Volkswagen hopes the iPhone and iPod Touch will be more effective than traditional Web and TV ads ... "With the personalization of media and the challenges inherent with reaching constantly connected consumers, we tasked ourselves to rethink the way we launch vehicles in order to engage our consumers... (ABC News)
End of a legend as VWSA ends Citi Golf production Nov 3, 2009
Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA) is phasing out production of its legendary Citi Golf to prepare its Uitenhage plant for the production of a series of new high-volume models with high local content next year. David Powels, the company's managing director, stressed yesterday that the company was not discontinuing the Citi Golf model because of any decline in customer demand. (Business Report, South Africa)
MIT develops AI-based 'driving buddy' Nov 3, 2009
MIT researchers are collaborating with Volkswagen and Audi to develop an AI-based "driving buddy" that could help motorists avoid traffic jams or remind them to fill an empty gas tank ... AIDA is being developed by Audi and the Volkswagen Group of America's Electronics Research Lab in collaboration with MIT's Personal Robots Group along with its Media Lab and SENSEable City Lab. (EETimes)
3.7s scorcher flies Nov 3, 2009
Contact: Philwest Volkswagen Somerset West 021 851 3344. Mazda 5 Active 7 Seater CELL 082-4007-568 CELL 082-4007-5. (iAfrica.com)
Robot goes rallying Nov 3, 2009
The vehicle is the latest creation of a Stanford team, funded in part by Volkswagen, that in recent years has won awards for speed and manoeuvrability in competitions among unmanned cars. More than an exercise. (iAfrica.com)
CX-7 gets fresh Nov 3, 2009
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› Goodbye Golf! Nov 3, 2009
Volkswagen on Monday announced the end of South African production of the iconic Citi-Golf - the original Golf 1 - after 31 years. "Today we are announcing the end of this legend called the A1 Golf or Citi-Golf," David Powels, managing director of Volkswagen South Africa told a press conference, describing the hugely popular car as much a part of South Africa as boerewors sausage ... The last Citi-Golf rolled off the line in Volkswagen's plant Uitenhage, Eastern Cape province in August, he said.... (iAfrica.com)
Hot new cars at Tokyo show Nov 3, 2009
The show was mostly notable for who didn't show up: Volkswagen AG, BMW AG, General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. Not even South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co. attended the show, which runs through Wednesday. But Japanese automakers showed off some new autos that are worth noting, including some hybrids, plug-in technology and a sports car with an outsized price tag. (MSNBC -- Business)
Ex-employee settles with ND Nov 3, 2009
The Tribune also said Gaspar was forced to pledge the car she bought with the mistaken gratuity a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta as collateral to secure the agreement. Although the documents were filed last Wednesday, Brown said media outlets did not become aware of the settlement until a court date on Friday. (The Observer, IN)
Fox Soccer Nets Viewer Gains Nov 2, 2009
Sternberg said having the ratings data available has helped FSC attract new advertisers like Quiznos and Tires Rack, and expand schedules with others like Volkswagen. We have seen increases with auto category and retail. (Multichannel News)
* FEATURE : Cycling in Chinese cities is anything but a leisurely ride Nov 2, 2009
It was 6:30am and we were hammering down an empty three-lane thoroughfare at 40kph when a black Volkswagen Passat behind us opened up with its horn. As it raced beside us we exchanged obscenities until the driver X a beefy man in the kind of crew cut thats popular with police, military and the mob X swerved in front and nearly knocked us down. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Old Beetle owners want Govt to scrap mandatory inspection rule Nov 2, 2009
BUTTERWORTH: The Penang Volkswagen Owners Club is calling on the Government to scrap the mandatory roadworthiness inspection for vehicles aged 15 years or older ... Lovebug lovers: Penang Volkswagen Owners Club members appealing to the government to review the rule to exempt their cars in Penang yesterday ... Sometimes, it can take us the whole day before our cars are inspected, he told reporters at a gathering of about 30 Volkswagen owners in Robina Park, Teluk Air Tawar, here yesterday. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Sanyo Agrees to Supply Batteries for Peugeot Hybrid Cars, Nikkei Reports Nov 1, 2009
Sanyo Electric already supplies batteries for Honda Motor Co.s Insight hybrid and Ford Motor Co.s hybrids, and is expected to supply lithium-ion batteries to the Volkswagen Group and Toyota Motor Corp, the business daily said. To contact the reporters on this story: in Tokyo at. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
iRacing Simulation Gives NASCAR Hall of Fame Guests Authentic Driving Experience Oct 31, 2009
iRacing is the official simulation partner of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Sports Car Club of America, Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup, Star Mazda Championship, Skip Barber Racing School and Australia's V8 Super School. In April, 2009 iRacing and NASCAR announced a partnership to develop NASCAR-sanctioned online racing series. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Volkswagen Said to Be Weighing Purchase of Karmann Assets, Not the Company Oct 31, 2009
Volkswagen may buy Karmanns German premises including assembly halls, manufacturing facilities and a paint shop in Osnabrueck about 170 kilometers (106 miles) west of the VW headquarters in Wolfsburg, said the people, who declined to be identified because the talks are confidential. Volkswagen negotiators requested Oct. 28 financial documents on Karmanns assets and explained that interest has shifted away from a fully-fledged takeover, two of the people said ... Volkswagen is stepping in... (Bloomberg -- Germany)
U.S. stimulus buoys U.K.factory workers Oct 30, 2009
"We did find it quite ironic that the president of the United States stood at the Navistar plant proclaiming his passion to build fuel-efficient cars and trucks in the United States standing in front of a Modec vehicle, said John Waters, the chief executive of Anderson, Ind.,-based Bright Automotive, which has developed a prototype hybrid-electric delivery van. Bright is also vying for some of the billions of dollars that the administration has decided to spend to promote electric and... (MSNBC -- International)
New Golf GTI is here! Oct 30, 2009
Volkswagen believes the latest-generation version of the iconic GTI could account for nearly one-in-three local sales of its popular Golf small car ... Volkswagen Australia sold nearly 9000 Golf GTI Mk5s since it debuted in early 2005, with a peak of 2453 in 2007 ... 25 per cent of Golf sales have been GTI, and we will keep that mix; I think it even goes a bit farther in the beginning of the [new model s] product launch to about 30 per cent. That is what we are projecting, says Volkswagen... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Baoshan Steel, Angang Profit Recovery to Stall as Oversupply Cuts Prices Oct 30, 2009
Volkswagen AG, the biggest overseas carmaker in China, sold a record number of vehicles in September in the country. The Asian nation may boost sales 28 percent to 12 million units, the National Development and Reform Commission said last month. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
Volkswagen Reports 86% Slump in Q3 Net Profit Oct 30, 2009
FRANKFURT -(Dow Jones)- Germany's Volkswagen AG (VOW.XE) said Thursday that third-quarter net profit dropped 86% on the year to EUR172 million as the auto market downturn took its toll, but confirmed that it still expects to fare better than its rivals and gain market share during the crisis. "Volkswagen Group is holding its own extremely well despite the adverse conditions," Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn said in a statement ... Volkswagen steered better through the industry gloom than most... (SmartMoney)
Asians top reliability lists Oct 30, 2009
DETROIT --- Asian automakers are still building the most reliable cars and trucks, with eight of the top 10 brands from Japanese and Korean companies, according to an annual survey by Consumer Reports. But several models from Ford Motor Co. are consistently scoring above Honda and Toyota, the perennial leaders. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Audi Q3 operating profit falls 54 pct Oct 30, 2009
Audi is a unit of Volkswagen AG, Europe's biggest automotive group by revenue. 2009 Associated Press. (OregonLive, OR -- Business)
Geely Named Favored Bidder for Ford's Volvo, Paving Way for China Takeover Oct 29, 2009
Last year, GM and Volkswagen vehicles still accounted for more than 90 percent of SAICs sales. Geely first approached Ford about buying Volvo in the summer of 2008, people familiar with the matter have said. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
