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VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES $1M DONATION TO MLK MEMORIAL FOUNDATION HERNDON, Va. (August 23, 2011) – Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. today announced a $1 million gift to the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation. The gift will support the memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. honoring Dr. King. “This donation is a concrete memorial to Volkswagen Group's long standing commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusion,” said Jonathan Browning, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “We see it as a way to thank our customers and employees across this great country that represent every creed and color.” “It is so fitting that Volkswagen Group is part of this historical commemoration of our nation’s greatest civil rights leader,” said Harry E. Johnson, Senior, President and CEO of the Memorial Foundation. “With their headquarters in the greater Washington area, it is clear that Volkswagen Group is putting down roots and giving back to the community.” Located on the Tidal Basin, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial creates a visual line of leadership between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. The memorial will be an engaging landscape experience conveying four fundamental and recurring themes throughout Dr. King’s life – democracy, justice, hope, and love – and features the use of natural elements including water, stone, and trees. A 450-foot inscription wall will feature more than a dozen Dr. King quotes engraved into granite to serve as a lasting testament and reminder of Dr. King’s humanitarian vision. The memorial will include the “Mountain of Despair” and the “Stone of Hope,” which will feature a 30-foot sculpture of Dr. King. “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood for hope, freedom and justice. Volkswagen is proud to be among the many groups to honor his life and his message. We are grateful to be part of this historic moment,” added Browning.
Source: www.media.vw.com
Volkswagen to Present One-Seat Electric Concept Car on Sept. 8
By Kirsten Bienk and Christoph Rauwald Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
August 18, 2011
TRAVERSE CITY, Michigan — Lower prices are helping Volkswagen make progress toward the German automaker's plan to quadruple sales in the US market, its top US executive said Thursday."We've got tremendous momentum in the market place," Jonathan Browning, chief executive officer of Volkswagen Group of America, told AFP.
The concept vehicle will be designed for limited journeys, VW spokeswoman Ruth Holling said today, confirming remarks by VW research chief Juergen Leohold to the Financial Times Deutschland. The model will be presented Sept. 8 in Berlin.
Wolfsburg, Germany-based VW plans to bring electric versions of its Golf hatchback and the new Up! city car to market by 2013. The four-seat Up!, to be presented Sept. 12 at the Frankfurt auto show, may cost about 9,500 euros ($13,700), a person familiar with the product said last week, declining to be named because the price has not yet been officially announced. VW is aiming for battery-powered vehicles to account for 3 percent of sales by 2018, the year it's aiming to sell more than 10 million cars, sport-utility vehicles and vans, Chief Executive Officer Martin Winterkorn has said. Seven-month sales rose 14 percent to 4.75 million units, the company said Aug. 19. Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/08/21/bloomberg1376-LQBTI207SXKX01-4VQIK1ECL7MB5817US18DOMGTC.DTL#ixzz1VlnhTTd9
Source: www.bloomberg.com
Volkswagen Sees No Slowdown In Demand For Cars HAMBURG (Dow Jones)--Volkswagen AG's (VOW.XE) top labor representative and supervisory board chairman Bernd Osterloh says demand for the company's cars is holding up despite swirling economic concerns in Europe and the U.S., and Europe's largest automaker is able to react to sharply contracting sales volumes if recession fears materialize. "There is no sign that demand is slowing," Bernd Osterloh told reporters late Wednesday. He said the company's order intake is enough to keep the company in full production for the rest of this year. In fact, he said, Volkswagen is struggling to keep up with strong demand and has had to introduce extra shifts in its plants to produce enough vehicles. If recession fears materialize, however, and global auto markets slump, Volkswagen "could easily react to [sales] volume declines in the two-digit [percentage range]," Osterloh said. "If a crisis is coming, we'll meet our sales volume target in 2018. If there is no crisis, we'll reach this goal earlier," he said, referring to Volkswagen's long-term plan to sell more than 10 million cars and trucks in 2018 as part of its bid to become the world's largest automaker. Article: http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110818-707671.html
Source: www.online.wsj.com
Toyota's global sales fall to third place behind GM, VW
By Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY August 8, 2011
Toyota professes not to care about sales boasting, but don't look now: In a couple of years, it has fallen from being the world's largest automaker to No. 3 -- at least through the first six months of this year.
Of course, Toyota expects to flourish again -- and the big numbers will come from fast-growing emerging markets. The fall to third was driven primarily by the disruptions caused by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan. Production now is ramping back up.
But for the first half of the year, Toyota sold 3.7 million vehicles around the world, down 11% from the period a year ago.
That lags 4.5 million by General Motors -- the leader for three-quarters of a century until deposed by Toyota in 2007. It now seems likely that GM will keep the top spot for the year, as Toyota is unlikely to be able to make up all the lost production.
Toyota also lagged Volkswagen's 4.1 million. VW has made it a company goal to pass both GM and Toyota to be No.1 on the planet by 2018.
Article: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/08/toyota-falls-to-no-3-general-motors-volkswagen/1
Source: USA Today
Volkswagen’s Iconic Beetle Roars into the 21st Century
July 14, 2011 Berlin—When the first Beetle rolled off the production line, it was simply called the Volkswagen—“the people’s car”—but its distinctive shape inspired nicknames across the globe: Beetle, Käfer, Vocho, Coccinelle, Fusca, Maggiolino or ¼×¿Ç³æ! In total, 21.5 million cars were sold, making it the most popular car manufactured off a single platform of all time.More than 60 years later, in 1998, the “New Beetle” rekindled the spirit and imagination of the original for a new generation of Volkswagen owners. This second-generation version sparked another round of “Beetle Mania”.Now, the third-generation of the internationally beloved Beetle is ready for prime time, going on sale in the United States this fall. There will be two models at launch: the Beetle and the sporty Turbo. In 2012, a TDI® Clean Diesel will go on sale, which is likely to be the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever made.Updating an iconOnly people who really know and respect the Beetle’s heritage could produce a new generation of this iconic vehicle.
The task for Volkswagen’s design team was clear: develop a modern interpretation of the Beetle, with all the benefits of today’s technologies and safety features, along with the driving characteristics that define the Volkswagen brand. The result had to remain affordable and stay true to the Beetle’s spirit and great heritage.It’s always hard to reinterpret an original. Think of classic designs such as the Coke® bottle, the iPhone®, Ray Ban® Aviator™ sunglasses, the Porsche® 911®, a Leica® camera, and … The Beetle. How does one reinvent a look that is so recognizable and unique? Volkswagen Group Design Chief Walter de Silva and Volkswagen Brand Design Chief, Klaus Bischoff, welcomed the task and set about designing “a new original”.The designers wanted to develop the new car around the earliest Beetle profile rather than the 1998 New Beetle. In short, they wanted a car that respects the past but looks toward the future. And that is what they created.
To read the entire article: http://media.vw.com/news
Source: www.vw.com
Auto Industry about to go diesel crazy By Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY February 6, 2012
After hyping hybrids and electrics as fuel-savers, automakers are beginning to will try to fire up consumers about to kick off a wave of new fuel-saving diesel models.
First showing of the 2013 model is at the Chicago auto show next week, though the TDI (VW's term for diesel) Beetle looks about the same as the gasoline-fueled Beetle. Price isn't set yet, but other VW diesels run roughly $1,500 more than similar gas models. It'll be the first diesel Beetle since the 2006 model. VW also offers diesel engines in its Golf, Jetta and Passat models. About 20% of all VWs sold in the U.S. have diesel engines. VW forecasts a fuel economy rating from the feds of 29 mpg in town, 39 mpg on the highway. Look for some sniping by automakers who sell gasoline cars rated higher than that. The Beetle TDI will be available with a six-speed manual or a dual-clutch DSG transmission -- a manual-style box that shifts automatically without requiring the driver to use a clutch pedal (there isn't one) or move the gear lever. "Manumatic" it's sometimes called.
Read the entire article: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/02/vw-beetle-diesel-chicago-mpg-sale-auto-show-/1
Volkswagen Introduces “Golf R Drivers Forever” iPad® App
By VW iPad® app launches as VW’s performance icon arrives at U.S. dealerships Six-generations of popular Golf models come alive with interactive application Exclusive footage highlights passion and enthusiasm for Volkswagen brand
Herndon, VA - With the arrival of its performance icon to U.S. dealerships this month, Volkswagen announced today that it is bringing the all-new 2012 Golf R to a mass audience via an iPad® app. Created with the enthusiast community in mind, the “Golf R Drivers Forever” app provides access to everything one needs to know about the Golf R. From the history of the popular Golf model and the community that rallies around it, to the focused engineers of Volkswagen R GmbH, this app covers it all.
Told through the perspective of Volkswagen enthusiasts and drivers who helped bring this car to the United States, the app provides an interactive narrative on the evolution of the Golf from its days as the Rabbit in the 1970’s all the way to the present 2012 Golf R model. Filled with exclusive interviews, articles and footage, this is one app all Volkswagen fans will want to interact with.
“The Golf R app was created to celebrate and thank the Volkswagen brand’s community of enthusiasts because they represent what makes the Golf R special,” said Jon Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “The app will help build awareness around the Volkswagen brand heritage and we are excited to offer this innovative approach that illustrates the performance of the Golf R.”
Read the entire article: http://media.vw.com/pressrelease/982/1/volkswagen-introduces-golf-r-drivers-forever-ipad-app Volkswagen Plant Helped Trigger Indiana's Right to Work Push Written:January 23, 2012
2011 was a successful year for Volkswagen in the Middle East, recording a 21% growth in sales (2010-2011) placing the German manufacturer among the fastest growing brands in the automotive industry in the region. 2011 has been a successful year for Volkswagen Middle East, with the highlight being the launch of the All-New Jetta. With over 9.6 million Jetta sold worldwide the All-New Jetta, launched in May 2011, has been very well received by customers throughout the region, achieving a 100% volume increase on the previous Jetta model available in the region.
"I am proud to announce the excellent sales growth Volkswagen Middle East and its regional partners has achieved throughout 2011," commented Stefan Mecha, managing director Volkswagen Middle East.
"Volkswagen means "the people's car" and thanks to our fresh, innovative and tailor made models and products we now have a portfolio to suit everybody. 2011 saw the launch of the All-New Jetta which has been very successful since its launch in May. Other models including the Golf R and Tiguan were also added to our range and have greatly contributed to our 21% growth in the region."
Read the entire article here: http://www.ameinfo.com/287765.html http://www.ameinfo.com/287765.html
2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI to debut at Chicago Auto Show By Steven J. Ewing January 18, 2012
Volkswagen has confirmed to Autoblog that the oil-burning 2013 Beetle TDI will make its public debut at the Chicago Auto Show next month.
No specific details have been released at this time, but you can bet that the automaker's slick 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four will be underhood. In the Golf, Jetta and Passat, the mill kicks out 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, and both six-speed manual and DSG transmissions will likely be available. This engine is already good for as high as 43 miles per gallon highway in the Passat (and we've routinely hit as high as 50 mpg in our long-term Jetta TDI), so we expect exceptional fuel economy out of the diesel Bug, as well.
What's more, our understanding is that Volkswagen plans to offer the TDI engine in the upcoming Beetle Convertible, which will make it the very first clean diesel droptop available in the United States. Of course, we won't know for sure until the roofless Bug debuts later this year, but still, it's something to get excited about (if ragtop Beetles are your thing, anyway).
Volkswagen beats Toyota, takes 2011 sales crown Volkswagen Jan 12, 2012
Volkswagen AG (VOW) (VOW), Europe’s largest carmaker, said its sales in China and Hong Kong climbed 18 percent last year to a record, led by deliveries of Lavida and Sagitar sedans and demand for Audi luxury cars. The VW group, which also owns the Skoda and Bentley brands, sold 2.26 million vehicles in the two markets in 2011, the Wolfsburg, Germany-based carmaker said in an e-mailed statement today. General Motors Co. (GM), the biggest foreign automaker in China, increased sales in the nation by 8.3 percent last year to a record 2.55 million vehicles. Volkswagen is counting on the world’s most populous nation to drive growth in emerging markets as it seeks to surpass GM and Toyota Motor Corp. (7203) for the global sales crown. China is now the largest market for its eponymous marque, premium Audi brand and Lamborghini supercars. “Although we expect tougher conditions for the car industry to come, we want to maintain our leading market position in China,” Karl-Thomas Neumann, chief executive officer of VW’s China unit said in the statement. “We see a great potential for an expansion in China’s rural areas where millions of people will benefit from better mobility.” China’s auto sales slowed last year, trailing growth in the U.S. for the first time in at least 14 years, after the government ended stimulus measures and as the nation’s economic expansion showed signs of easing. Read the entire article: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-13/vw-s-2011-china-h-k-sales-rise-18-to-record.html
Source: www.bloomberg.com
VW goes greener with electric Beetle, Jetta Hybrid
January 11, 2012 Photo by: Tim Hornyak/CNET caption by: Tim Hornyak DETROIT--If you're a Bug fan, chances are you might dig an electric version.
Volkswagen has been showing off its zero-emission E-Bugster concept at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, as well as a Jetta Hybrid. The storied Beetle, which recently had an update for the third generation since its launch in 1949, gets a Blue-e-motion drive unit with a 114-horsepower (85 kW) electric motor and 110 miles of range with its lithium-ion battery. It does 0-60 mph in a laid-back 10.9 seconds. The Bugster has a low-slung roof like the 2005 Ragster concept and fat, flared fenders. The 176-pound battery is recharged via a plug beneath the hood logo. Inside, an energy consumption gauge fluctuates with acceleration; there's also a driving range indicator, and a display for battery regeneration intensity.  The Jetta Hybrid drives in pure electric mode up to 44 mph. (Credit: Tim Hornyak/CNET) The Jetta Hybrid, meanwhile, is being touted as the world's first hybrid that uses a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. It drives electric up to 44 mph and can do 0-60 mph in under 9.0 seconds, according to Volkswagen. It has a combined fuel economy figure of 45 mpg, making it Volkswagen's most fuel-efficient Jetta.
Read more: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-31229_7-57356213-257/vw-goes-greener-with-electric-beetle-jetta-hybrid/#ixzz1jG0DGvE3
For VW, the eco-friendly hue is blue Written: 1/24/2012
It isn’t often that a governor will credit a German car company as a reason for a sweeping policy decision. But Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels is citing Volkswagen when he explained why he’s now supporting a Right to Work law. Speaking on Inside INdiana Business Television, Daniels said he was frustrated that his state was losing opportunities to compete for projects to other states that had Right to Work laws, which prevent unions from collecting mandatory dues. One such project, according to the governor, was the assembly plant that Volkswagen opened last year in Chattanooga, Tenn. The sought-after plant marked the return of VW to American production for the first time since the early 1990s. VW is now the world’s second-biggest carmaker behind GM and ahead of Toyota. Read the entire article: http://www.forbes.com/sites/michelinemaynard/2012/01/24/volkswagen-plant-helped-trigger-indianas-right-to-work-push/
Volkswagen Middle East records 21% growth in 2011 Toyota finished 2011 with 7.9 million sales, in part because of production disruptions resulting from the March earthquake in Japan.
That's an incredible feat made all the more impressive by a 14.3-percent surge in sales compared to the auto giant's 2010 totals. Volkswagen has plenty of reason to celebrate, but it's not quite time to erect a statue in honor of the year's sales success. General Motors hasn't yet reported full-year sales, but analysts expect that the final tally could reach nine million units.
The German automaker should feel pretty good about its accomplishment, but there is more work to do if VW is to reach its lofty goal of 10 million units annually by 2018. If VW can continue to roll out waves of successful new products and global auto sales continue to climb, we're not going to bet against them.
VW’s 2011 China, H.K. Sales Rise 18% to Record
VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA TO HOST “LAMBORGHINI DAY” AT THE EXCEL INSTITUTE ON JAN. 25
By Carsten Krebs January 25,2012
Washington D.C. - Automobili Lamborghini America today announced that it will host “Lamborghini Day” at The Excel Institute on Jan. 25th to give automotive students hands-on training about the super-car line of vehicles. The Italian manufacturer of hi-end luxury sports cars Automobili Lamborghini SpA, based in Sant'Agata Bolognese, is part of the family of brands owned by the Volkswagen Group. During the event, Lamborghini will have the 12-cylinder Aventador LP 700-4 and a Gallardo Spyder LP 560-4 on display while they give students an overview of the vehicles with an opportunity for the students to ask questions. Students will also be able to inspect the vehicles’ engines, interiors and exteriors.
The Excel Institute, which provides scholarships for vocational training in the field of automotive technology for at-risk youth and adults, is one of Volkswagen Group of America’s (VWGoA) community partners. The partnership supports Excel's most significant expenses related to life and employability skills such as computer literacy and one-on-one academic tutoring. Volkswagen and Audi technicians also train the Excel Institute teachers about new technologies, maintenance, and repair (Train the Trainer). VWGoA and The Excel Institute are developing reciprocal shadowing and hosted seminar opportunities for employees and students to visit job sites. To date, this support has enabled more than 250 students to participate in The Excel Institute's Life Skills program.
“Lamborghini is pleased to be able to host Lamborghini Day at Excel Institute, which is one of our esteemed community partners,” said Wolfgang Hoffman, Chief Operating Officer Automobili Lamborghini America, LLC. “These students represent the workforce of tomorrow, and we’re excited to be able to give them an opportunity to learn about this elite auto brand in a manner that is hands-on, up close and personal. This event is another way for us to demonstrate our continued commitment to the communities that we serve.”
Read the entire article: http://media.vw.com/pressrelease/982/1/volkswagen-introduces-golf-r-drivers-forever-ipad-app
iPad® app launches as VW’s performance icon arrives at U.S. dealerships Six-generations of popular Golf models come alive with interactive application Exclusive footage highlights passion and enthusiasm for Volkswagen brand
Herndon, VA - With the arrival of its performance icon to U.S. dealerships this month, Volkswagen announced today that it is bringing the all-new 2012 Golf R to a mass audience via an iPad® app. Created with the enthusiast community in mind, the “Golf R Drivers Forever” app provides access to everything one needs to know about the Golf R. From the history of the popular Golf model and the community that rallies around it, to the focused engineers of Volkswagen R GmbH, this app covers it all.
Told through the perspective of Volkswagen enthusiasts and drivers who helped bring this car to the United States, the app provides an interactive narrative on the evolution of the Golf from its days as the Rabbit in the 1970’s all the way to the present 2012 Golf R model. Filled with exclusive interviews, articles and footage, this is one app all Volkswagen fans will want to interact with.
“The Golf R app was created to celebrate and thank the Volkswagen brand’s community of enthusiasts because they represent what makes the Golf R special,” said Jon Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “The app will help build awareness around the Volkswagen brand heritage and we are excited to offer this innovative approach that illustrates the performance of the Golf R.”
Read the entire article: http://media.vw.com/pressrelease/982/1/volkswagen-introduces-golf-r-drivers-forever-ipad-app
VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES $1M DONATION TO MLK MEMORIAL FOUNDATION HERNDON, Va. (August 23, 2011) – Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. today announced a $1 million gift to the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation. The gift will support the memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. honoring Dr. King. “This donation is a concrete memorial to Volkswagen Group's long standing commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusion,” said Jonathan Browning, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “We see it as a way to thank our customers and employees across this great country that represent every creed and color.” “It is so fitting that Volkswagen Group is part of this historical commemoration of our nation’s greatest civil rights leader,” said Harry E. Johnson, Senior, President and CEO of the Memorial Foundation. “With their headquarters in the greater Washington area, it is clear that Volkswagen Group is putting down roots and giving back to the community.” Located on the Tidal Basin, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial creates a visual line of leadership between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. The memorial will be an engaging landscape experience conveying four fundamental and recurring themes throughout Dr. King’s life – democracy, justice, hope, and love – and features the use of natural elements including water, stone, and trees. A 450-foot inscription wall will feature more than a dozen Dr. King quotes engraved into granite to serve as a lasting testament and reminder of Dr. King’s humanitarian vision. The memorial will include the “Mountain of Despair” and the “Stone of Hope,” which will feature a 30-foot sculpture of Dr. King. “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood for hope, freedom and justice. Volkswagen is proud to be among the many groups to honor his life and his message. We are grateful to be part of this historic moment,” added Browning.
Source: www.media.vw.com
Volkswagen to Present One-Seat Electric Concept Car on Sept. 8
By Kirsten Bienk and Christoph Rauwald Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
August 18, 2011
TRAVERSE CITY, Michigan — Lower prices are helping Volkswagen make progress toward the German automaker's plan to quadruple sales in the US market, its top US executive said Thursday."We've got tremendous momentum in the market place," Jonathan Browning, chief executive officer of Volkswagen Group of America, told AFP.
The concept vehicle will be designed for limited journeys, VW spokeswoman Ruth Holling said today, confirming remarks by VW research chief Juergen Leohold to the Financial Times Deutschland. The model will be presented Sept. 8 in Berlin.
Wolfsburg, Germany-based VW plans to bring electric versions of its Golf hatchback and the new Up! city car to market by 2013. The four-seat Up!, to be presented Sept. 12 at the Frankfurt auto show, may cost about 9,500 euros ($13,700), a person familiar with the product said last week, declining to be named because the price has not yet been officially announced. VW is aiming for battery-powered vehicles to account for 3 percent of sales by 2018, the year it's aiming to sell more than 10 million cars, sport-utility vehicles and vans, Chief Executive Officer Martin Winterkorn has said. Seven-month sales rose 14 percent to 4.75 million units, the company said Aug. 19. Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/08/21/bloomberg1376-LQBTI207SXKX01-4VQIK1ECL7MB5817US18DOMGTC.DTL#ixzz1VlnhTTd9
Source: www.bloomberg.com
Volkswagen Sees No Slowdown In Demand For Cars HAMBURG (Dow Jones)--Volkswagen AG's (VOW.XE) top labor representative and supervisory board chairman Bernd Osterloh says demand for the company's cars is holding up despite swirling economic concerns in Europe and the U.S., and Europe's largest automaker is able to react to sharply contracting sales volumes if recession fears materialize. "There is no sign that demand is slowing," Bernd Osterloh told reporters late Wednesday. He said the company's order intake is enough to keep the company in full production for the rest of this year. In fact, he said, Volkswagen is struggling to keep up with strong demand and has had to introduce extra shifts in its plants to produce enough vehicles. If recession fears materialize, however, and global auto markets slump, Volkswagen "could easily react to [sales] volume declines in the two-digit [percentage range]," Osterloh said. "If a crisis is coming, we'll meet our sales volume target in 2018. If there is no crisis, we'll reach this goal earlier," he said, referring to Volkswagen's long-term plan to sell more than 10 million cars and trucks in 2018 as part of its bid to become the world's largest automaker. Article: http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110818-707671.html
Source: www.online.wsj.com
Toyota's global sales fall to third place behind GM, VW
By Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY August 8, 2011
Toyota professes not to care about sales boasting, but don't look now: In a couple of years, it has fallen from being the world's largest automaker to No. 3 -- at least through the first six months of this year.
Of course, Toyota expects to flourish again -- and the big numbers will come from fast-growing emerging markets. The fall to third was driven primarily by the disruptions caused by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan. Production now is ramping back up.
But for the first half of the year, Toyota sold 3.7 million vehicles around the world, down 11% from the period a year ago.
That lags 4.5 million by General Motors -- the leader for three-quarters of a century until deposed by Toyota in 2007. It now seems likely that GM will keep the top spot for the year, as Toyota is unlikely to be able to make up all the lost production.
Toyota also lagged Volkswagen's 4.1 million. VW has made it a company goal to pass both GM and Toyota to be No.1 on the planet by 2018.
Article: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/08/toyota-falls-to-no-3-general-motors-volkswagen/1
Source: USA Today
Volkswagen’s Iconic Beetle Roars into the 21st Century
July 14, 2011 Berlin—When the first Beetle rolled off the production line, it was simply called the Volkswagen—“the people’s car”—but its distinctive shape inspired nicknames across the globe: Beetle, Käfer, Vocho, Coccinelle, Fusca, Maggiolino or ¼×¿Ç³æ! In total, 21.5 million cars were sold, making it the most popular car manufactured off a single platform of all time.More than 60 years later, in 1998, the “New Beetle” rekindled the spirit and imagination of the original for a new generation of Volkswagen owners. This second-generation version sparked another round of “Beetle Mania”.Now, the third-generation of the internationally beloved Beetle is ready for prime time, going on sale in the United States this fall. There will be two models at launch: the Beetle and the sporty Turbo. In 2012, a TDI® Clean Diesel will go on sale, which is likely to be the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever made.Updating an iconOnly people who really know and respect the Beetle’s heritage could produce a new generation of this iconic vehicle.
The task for Volkswagen’s design team was clear: develop a modern interpretation of the Beetle, with all the benefits of today’s technologies and safety features, along with the driving characteristics that define the Volkswagen brand. The result had to remain affordable and stay true to the Beetle’s spirit and great heritage.It’s always hard to reinterpret an original. Think of classic designs such as the Coke® bottle, the iPhone®, Ray Ban® Aviator™ sunglasses, the Porsche® 911®, a Leica® camera, and … The Beetle. How does one reinvent a look that is so recognizable and unique? Volkswagen Group Design Chief Walter de Silva and Volkswagen Brand Design Chief, Klaus Bischoff, welcomed the task and set about designing “a new original”.The designers wanted to develop the new car around the earliest Beetle profile rather than the 1998 New Beetle. In short, they wanted a car that respects the past but looks toward the future. And that is what they created.
To read the entire article: http://media.vw.com/news
Source: www.vw.com
has repeatedly told the world that it will soon be the largest automaker in terms of global sales volume. As it stands, it may already be number two. Car Advice reports that VW sold 8.16 million units in 2011, marking the first time it has eclipsed eight million global sales.. The latest will be the Volkswagen Beetle TDI, a diesel version of the iconic car, being introduced this week at the Chicago Auto Show. VW, which already has diesel options for its Golf, Jetta, Passat and Touareg models, will be joined by new entrants in the U.S. market for diesel, such as General Motors, Mazda and Chrysler Group. Other makers, such as Honda, still are withholding holding back some of their best, newest advanced diesels from the U.S., unsure whether buyers here will embrace them. Diesels achieve about 30% better fuel economy than similar gasoline models. The latest generation — unfailingly called by automakers "clean diesels" — aren't smoky or noisy as were those of the past. But sales are being held down by diesel fuel prices, which typically top those of gasoline because of higher diesel taxes and greater global demand, and by worries about finding diesel filling stations.
Read the entire article: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/02/volkswagen-beetle-diesel/1
VW Looks to Bolster Presence in Southeast Asia
By Christopher Rauwald FRANKFURT—Volkswagen FEBRUARY 2, 2012
AG has jumped on an opportunity to beef up its presence in Southeast Asia after local manufacturing partner DRB-Hicom Bhd. took a controlling stake in Malaysia's national car maker Proton Holdings Bhd., people familiar with the situation said. The German car maker could take over some production capacity at Proton's modern, but heavily underutilized, plant in Tanjung Malim and make Malaysia a production hub for the entire region if talks with DRB-Hicom are successful, this person said. In return, Volkswagen could support DRB-Hicom's plan to make Proton more competitive through access to its global engineering network and long-standing experience operating in emerging markets such as China and Brazil. Volkswagen's net cash position stood at €21.2 billion ($27.9 billion) at the end of the third quarter last year, giving it significant financial muscle to finance its global expansion plan. Read the entire article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203711104577198922012243182.html
VW Beetle diesel: Chicago show debut, August showroom launch
By Christina Rogers
While other automakers are thinking green, Volkswagen is going blue. "Think Blue" is VW's latest eco-friendly catchphrase, or "philosophy" as VW calls it, encompassing efforts such as the company's attempts to green-up its factories worldwide and VW's push for more diesel-fueled cars. VW has set a new target in this ongoing campaign: It hopes to make building cars 25 percent more "environmentally compatible" at its factories by 2018. The effort also has a name: "Think Blue. Factory." Eventually, VW plans to reward workers who come up with the best ways to reduce energy use. They'll be honored with the Volkswagen Energy Cup at the aptly named "Think Blue. Factory." Day -- an event to be held annually. So why so blue, VW? Company spokesman Scott Vazin explained it this way: "It's our own way of thinking of the environment. It's our own way of defining sustainability for the company." "Blue is tied to the planet," Vazin added. VW isn't the only one thinking blue. Hyundai has introduced Blue Drive, a label that adorns models beginning with the 2009 Elantra and Accent and represents the automaker's alternative powertrains and green initiatives. Mercedes-Benz markets a lineup of advanced diesel-powered cars and light trucks under the BlueTEC badge. And then there are Maine, Massachusetts and San Diego. All three have think-blue campaigns, but with a different focus: combating storm water pollution. Read more: http://www.autonews.com/article/20120103/BLOG06/120109989#ixzz1izqN9KIW
Volkswagen sales over 8 million in 2011 By DAVID McHUGH 1/9/12
FRANKFURT -- German automaker Volkswagen AG expects a tough 2012 even as it reported record sales of more than 8 million vehicles last year that put it ahead of Japan's Toyota Motor Corp.
Volkswagen said in a statement on Monday that it delivered 8.156 million vehicles in 2011, a 14 percent rise over the previous year.
Toyota, whose production suffered from the tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster, has reported sales of 7.9 million vehicles in 2011, while General Motors Co. has not yet reported. It is expected to have sold some 9 million based on projections from the first three quarters.
Volkswagen, whose brands include Audi, Skoda and Seat, has a goal of producing 10 million vehicles per year and passing Toyota and GM to become the world's biggest automaker by 2018. Some analysts have said that VW is already the world's biggest because GM's figures include vehicles made by a joint venture in China.
The Detroit-based automaker had been at the top for more than seven decades until Toyota took the crown in 2008.
Volkswagen's top sales and marketing executive, Christian Klingler, said that "all the company's brands have shown increases in difficult conditions on volatile markets" and called the 2011 figures "an outstanding result." The car company isn't feeling glum. It just wants to be different.Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/09/2580717/volkswagen-sales-over-8-million.html#storylink=cpy
Volkswagen Brand Sales Surge As China Demand Matches Europe's By MATTHEW CURTIN 1/6/12 FRANKFURT—China became as important a market as Europe for Volkswagen AG's passenger car brand in 2011, as Chinese sales rose 14% to a record 1.72 million vehicles, the German auto maker said Friday. Volkswagen, Europe's biggest auto maker by sales, said it is also gearing up to increase production in China and India.
But the group warned that market conditions are likely to prove more difficult this year although new VW models should help sustain sales growth. "New vehicles such as the Passat, Jetta and Beetle, as well as the up! have made an excellent start in difficult market conditions," VW group Board Member Christian Klingler said in a statement. Record demand in China and strong sales growth in the U.S. and Russia contributed to a 13% rise in overall VW brand sales in 2011 to 5.1 million cars. In China, 2011 brand sales were up 14% at 1.72 million units, while in the U.S. sales surged 26% to 324,400 units. In Russia, 2011 sales doubled to 118,000 units. In Europe, 2011 passenger car sales were up 11% at over 1.72 million units as VW benefited from robust demand in northern Europe, offsetting the impact of shrinking car markets in southern European countries worse hit by Europe's sovereign debt crisis. Volkswagen is yet to disclose full-year car sales for the whole group which includes its luxury brand Audi. Audi is due to announce its figures next week. Audi's sales have been growing strongly, putting it on course to overtake Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz unit as the world's second-biggest luxury car manufacturer after BMW AG. Volkswagen has said China overtook Germany as Audi's most important market in 2011. Audi's China sales rose 37% to 313,036 cars. The group also said Friday it plans to build a new plant in Ningbo, southern China to keep up with growth in the country as part of the group's €14-billion ($17.8 billion) global investment program.
Article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203513604577144592865418180.html Volkswagen pleased with sales of Chattanooga-made Passat By Mike Pare 1/05/12
Passat sales sped ahead last month with the Chattanooga-made sedan helping The all-new sedan garnered sales of 6,884 in the month, up 14.3 percent from November, according to the German automaker. Since the Passat went on sale at dealerships in August, VW has sold 22,779 of the cars, up 124 percent over last year, the company reported Wednesday. "We're pleased with the reception of Passat in the marketplace," said Jonathan Browning, VW of America's chief executive. Overall, VW sold 32,502 vehicles in the U.S. in December, its best showing since 1972. For the year, Volkswagen posted its highest 12-month period in the U.S. since 2002 with sales of 324,402, up 26.3 percent, according to the carmaker. Jetta sedan sales totaled 150,515 for 2011, a 54.5 percent increase over 2010. Auto analyst Ivan Drury of Edmunds.com said VW's momentum is worth watching. "In 2012, VW is likely to experience more stable growth and maybe gain a rank or two in the U.S.," he said. Across the country, Americans bought more cars and trucks last year, inspired by easier credit, an improved economy and the desire to replace aging vehicles that got them through the Great Recession, according to The Associated Press. Sales rose sharply for the Detroit Three and for Japan's Nissan in 2011, aided by a surge in November and December. Analysts expect that momentum to continue into 2012. Article: http://timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jan/05/pleased-with-passat/?volkswagen
"The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand performed well in November on world markets that were at times volatile and grew vehicle deliveries further,” Christian Klingler, Board Member for Sales and Marketing for the Volkswagen Group and the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, commented on Tuesday. The company's year-to-date sales in Europe were up 10.6 percent to 1.58 million vehicles, of which 549,300 (+10.5 %) were delivered in its home market of Germany. Notably, VW recorded a 47.5 percent increase in the Central and Eastern Europe region, where it sold 195,800 vehicles, while the brand doubled its sales in Russia to 104,200 vehicles (+100%).
source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/12/vw-brand-global-sales-reach-469-million.html Chattanooga VW plant first factory in U.S. to achieve LEED Platinum status By Mike Pare
Volkswagen’s Chattanooga auto assembly plant is the first factory in the U.S. to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum certification, officials said today. The $1 billion facility also is the first automotive manufacturing plant to achieve the top LEED badge, which represents the highest level of environmental performance recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council. Frank Fischer, chief executive of Volkswagen’s Chattanooga operations, said the LEED platinum “is the fulfillment of a promise Volkswagen made...to this community to work in harmony with the environment.” At the plant, the paint shop alone will save 50 million gallons of water over the next decade. The plant is also about 40 percent more energy efficient than a typical manufacturing facility in America, Volkswagen officials said. Dr. Jan Spies, head of factory planning for Volkswagen worldwide, said “the plant is very much the benchmark within Volkswagen.”
Article: http://timesfreepress.com/news/2011/dec/01/vw-plant-achieves-leed-platinum-status/?volkswagen
Source: www.timesfreepress.com
VW breaks into North American sales with help from all new 2012 Passat It currently lies in third place behind Toyota and General Motors, making this an ambitious goal to say the least. Especially in North America where the company’s market share trails that in other major markets. VW recognizes the way to increase sales on this side of the Atlantic is to become more popular in the massive American market, to cater to American vehicular tastes. The first concentrated effort to do this was the 2011 Jetta, designed, developed and engineered for North America only and produced exclusively at a Mexican plant. The second VW exclusive to North America is the 2012 Passat, also designed, developed and built for North America only. But this one is built in a brand new $4 billion plant in Chattanooga, southeast of Nashville. Like the current Jetta it is bigger and softer than the model it replaces.
Read the entire article here: http://thechronicleherald.ca/wheelsnews/35565-vw-breaks-north-american-sales-help-all-new-2012-passat
Source: www.thechronicleherald.com
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