Vorderman Volkswagen

The Volkswagen Group has had, by any measure, a challenging year since the diesel scandal came to light, but nine months into 2016, the manufacturer is on track to be more profitable than it was last year. Before accounting for the money it set aside to deal with the diesel scandal, the Volkswagen Group has generated 11.3 billion euros of profit so far this year. Compared to last year’s figure of 10.2 billion euros, that’s more than 10.5% better. “This is a robust base on which we intend to push forward with our planned transformation from car manufacturer to provider of sustainable mobility,” says Matthias Muller, Chairman of the Board. The improved profitability comes despite a minor drop in sales over the first  three quarters of the year at the Volkswagen brand. VW managed to sell 3.3 million cars in the first nine months of last year, but only sold 3.2 million this year. Volkswagen was helped along by Audi, Bentley, Porsche, and Skoda all of which saw increased sales this ...

Volkswagen Motorsport claimed its fourth straight World Rally Championship manufacturer’s title, thanks in no small part to Sebastien Ogier’s fourth straight rally win at this weekend’s Dayinsure Wales Rally GB. With that, Volkswagen has won this season’s three major WRC titles: the manufacturer’s title, the driver’s title, and the co-driver’s title. Not only has Volkswagen locked out the three seasonal title, it becomes only the second team in WRC history to do so, after Citroen. “Given the strength of the opposition, this success has only been possible with a committed team effort, with every single member giving his best for the course,” says Dr Frank Welsch, VW board member for Development. “Congratulations and thank you to the whole team.” The win is a momentous, but also bittersweet one, as it marks the end of Volkswagen Motorsport’s last season with Jost Capito. Capito was the team’s director throughout its recent success, but left late this season to join Mclaren’s storied...

[ See image gallery at www.vwvortex.com ] If you’re a fan of classic  Volkswagen s, this LEGO creation is perfect for you. Trying to garner support on the LEGO Ideas website is a Volkswagen Golf MK1 GTI creation, consisting of 1,278 pieces. It’s roughly comparable in size to the existing 1,167-piece Volkswagen Beetle model. Like other LEGO Ideas, the Volkswagen Golf MK1 GTI needs 10,000 supporters before it can move onto the next stage and at the time of this article, it has 1,426 supporters with 588 days left. There are plenty of little details to make this creation as authentic as possible, including custom stickers that recreate the GTI’s steering wheel and center stack. There are even striped seats, although we would prefer to see the classic Volkswagen plaid pattern. If you’re hoping to see the Volkswagen Golf MK1 GTI make it to production, support the project at the source link below. [Source: LEGO Ideas ] This story first appeared on autoguide.com The...

Red Bull Global Rallycross has announced it is creating an all-electric vehicles series for the 2018 season. Electric vehicles are starting to have a strong presence in all forms of motorsports, especially the Formula E series that only allows electric vehicles to compete. EVs will now be added to Red Bull GRC race weekends as a distinct, standalone series, joining the Supercar and GRC Lites classes in the series’ race program. The United States Auto Club (USAC) will work in conjunction with Red Bull GRC to serve as the governing body for the new series. Red Bull GRC has just wrapped up its sixth season, with the Supercar class now featuring four automakers: Ford, Subaru , Honda and Volkswagen. It’s unclear which automakers will compete in the EV series, but you can bet that automakers will use it as a place to showcase their electric technology. “Red Bull Global Rallycross is pleased to add to our rallycross platform an electric series,” said Red Bull GRC CEO Colin Dyne. “The ...

Filed under: Green , Hyundai , Volkswagen , Emissions , United States Spend your settlement money on a new Hyundai. Continue reading Hyundai offers discounts to owners done with dirty VW diesels Hyundai offers discounts to owners done with dirty VW diesels originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Oct 2016 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink  |  Email this  |  Comments from Autoblog Volkswagen http://ift.tt/2eGknkF

[ See image gallery at www.vwvortex.com ] Volkswagen is focusing its efforts in North America with the launch of its latest product, the seven-seat Atlas. When it hits showrooms in spring 2017, it will be the biggest Volkswagen on sale in America thanks to its three rows, seven seats, and ample cargo capacity. To get it up to speed, owners will have a choice of two engines: Volkswagen’s trusty 2.0-liter TSI—pumping out 238 hp—and the 3.6-liter VR6—making 280 hp. As you can see, the VR6 engine sits quite low in the engine bay. That, according to Matthias Erb, VP of engineering at Volkswagen Group of America, is to keep the center of gravity low. The a-pillars, too, have been designed to be small to keep visibility as unimpeded as possible. Keeping the center of gravity low, the visibility high, and squeezing performance out of the Atlas was a big deal to VW, which wanted to be sure that the new addition the line was as fun to drive as any of its other cars. To that end, an R-line m...

[ See image gallery at www.vwvortex.com ] The dawn of a new era at Volkswagen started today, with the launch of the Atlas, the biggest vehicle ever built at the company’s Chattanooga plant. When it arrives for the 2018 model year, the Atlas will be the biggest Volkswagen on sale in America and will come with a choice of two engines, three rows, and 4Motion all-wheel-drive, as well a suite of new technology, including Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit—similar to Audi’s virtual cockpit. Both the 2.0-liter TSI and the 3.6-liter VR6 engines will be mated to an 8 speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder TSI engine produces 238 hp, while the VR6 makes 280 hp. At 198.3 inches long, 77.9 inches wide, and 69.6 inches tall, the Atlas is a little longer than the Honda Pilot and a little wider than the Dodge Durango. When it hits the showroom floor, it will be the biggest Volkswagen on sale in America. And it makes good use of that space, with its seven seats (2-3-2) and room for cargo. Th...

Filed under: Design/Style , Volkswagen , Crossover , SUV Our first look at the Atlas. You will not shrug. Continue reading The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas three-row crossover is here The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas three-row crossover is here originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Oct 2016 22:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink  |  Email this  |  Comments from Autoblog Volkswagen http://ift.tt/2eSDKFU

Ahead of its plans to start a corporate car-sharing service in 2017, Audi is running public tests of its mobility service in Durham, North Carolina. The move is an early step into mobility market that the Volkswagen Group is pursuing. Durham is home to American Underground, a technology incubator run out of the former American Tobacco Co. complex, and as such is the perfect place to test the car sharing service, says Audi. “Piloting the service here gives us the necessary affirmation as we launch this new service nationally next year,” says Thiemo Rusch, senior director, vehicle sales and operation at Audi of America. The service will start with three fully accessorized, Audi A4s that American Underground entrepreneurs can unlock with an app on their phone. Once unlocked, they will find the key inside, and can use the A4 to get them where they need to go. The cars are being housed at American Underground’s 115,000 square-foot campus, which houses more than 200 companies. “In our ...

[ See image gallery at www.vwvortex.com ] Salt Lake City, UT- Integrated Engineering has introduced a carbon fiber cold air intake for the MK7  (2015+) GTI, Golf R and Golf. This new intake adds both luxury and horsepower under the hood your car. Unique to IE is the removable sound door. Leave it off to experience exhilarating turbo sounds, or keep it closed to retain stock-like sound levels. Features and Benefits Autoclaved high quality gloss carbon fiber construction Sound Door: customize sound levels to suit your personal taste Increased throttle response Internal velocity stack with 5 inch inlet increases flow into the inlet pipe and turbocharger 45 degree filter angle results in higher flow than straight or perpendicular filter locations Water drain provision keeps your airbox dry following rain and cars washes Optimized air inlet duct allows for maximum intake air flow while still allowing engine bay cooling Luxury and Class The buyer of the IE Carbon Fiber co...

Volkswagen is continuing its countdown to the updated Golf its latest video, focusing on the Mk4 Golf. Although it wasn’t a huge visual departure from the Mk3 Golf, underneath there was a lot of new engineering. “When they switched from the three to the four, you thought ‘Whoa, what’s different?’” says Sidney Hoffman, a German car show host. “Then you’d look again and again and you’d think ‘Wow they really are ahead of the times.’ For me, the Golf 4 is one  of the best designs.” With the Mk4, Volkswagen was intentionally trying to take the Golf up market with better build quality, smaller panel gaps, and eventually the R32. By 2001, the Mk4 Golf was the best selling car in Europe and as a performance car, it’s considered by many as a return to form for the GTI. The post The Countdown Continues: The MK4 appeared first on VWVortex . from VWVortex http://ift.tt/2eb3w6I via IFTTT

The Mk3 Golf was defined its special editions, and none was more special than the Harlequin. Fewer than 300 were made and all were sold in North America. And now, you can own one of them. Only available for the 1996 model year, Volkswagen originally only made a handful of these to show at international auto shows. The response was so great, though, that they decided to put a few into production. Eventually, Volkswagen made about 280 Harlequins by simply swapping body panels in the factory. This Chagall Blue-based one is being sold in Florida and has only seen two owners. Since this was a daily driver, it has a few dings and quite a few miles, says the owner, but given the length of his post, I think it’s safe to say that he’s  maintained it meticulously.. He even says so himself: “I’m meticulous about maintenance on my cars.” As a result, the car has a litany of replaced items, and the owner says he used to work at VW and is pretty active in the community, so he seems to know...

Filed under: Etc. , Green , Acura , Honda , Volkswagen , Green Automakers , Electric , Hybrid VW gives its Sustainability Council $22 million. Honda wants two-thirds of US sales electrified by 2030. Witnesses spot what could be Zee.Aero's electric flying car. Continue reading Recharge Wrap-up: Volkswagen Sustainability Council meets, Zee.Aero flying car spotted? Recharge Wrap-up: Volkswagen Sustainability Council meets, Zee.Aero flying car spotted? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Oct 2016 18:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink  |  Email this  |  Comments from Autoblog Volkswagen http://ift.tt/2dGsHlk

Marvel’s latest action flick, Doctor Strange, premiered on Friday, October 21 and the Lamborghini Huracan was among the stars who made an appearance on the red carpet. The Grigio Lynx Huracan makes an appearance in the film as the vehicle of choice of the eponymous Dr Stephen Strange (played by Benedict Cumberbatch). “ Lamborghini was unquestionably the perfect fit for this project as the Huracán naturally unleashes ones inner Super Hero,” said Stefano Domenicali, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Automobili Lamborghini. “Much like many Lamborghini owners, Doctor Strange is a bold, ambitious and pioneering character who reaches beyond the realm of the ordinary and thrives in any situation, despite the challenges ahead.” The Huracan was the perfect choice for Dr Strange, The Sorcerer Supreme says Domenicali, because “the unique story of this new kind of hero mirrors that of the raging bull’s visionary founder Ferruccio Lamborghini; a man capable of creating cars that induce drea...

Along with the final approval of Volkswagen’s TDI settlement this morning, a schedule for when so called fixes will be proposed was also made public this morning. Proposals for the fixes will go by generation, and are expected to start on November 11 with the final deadline for the final fix coming on October 30 2017. Volkswagen will propose a fix for “Generation 1” cars on November 11. That includes the Volkswagen Jetta (Model Years 2009-2014), Jetta SportWagen (2009-2014), Golf (2010-2014), Beetle (2013-2014), Beetle Convertible (2013-2014), and the Audi A3 (2010-2013). The fix, according to court documents, will not have to return TDI emissions to certified standards. Instead, VW only has to get the implicated TDIs to be 80 to 90 pecent better than they are. “Given the need to expeditiously address excess NOx emissions, the Court is satisfied this is a fair concession,” says the document, which also indicates that avoiding the junk yard is preferable to minor NOx emissions. Alt...

Filed under: Government/Legal , Green , Volkswagen , Diesel One step at a time. Continue reading Dirty diesel owners can now get buyback money from VW, Audi Dirty diesel owners can now get buyback money from VW, Audi originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Oct 2016 12:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink  |  Email this  |  Comments from Autoblog Volkswagen http://ift.tt/2eruEBe

Volkswagen AG has announced that Judge Charles R Breyer has granted final approval to the settlement between VW and owners of 2.0-liter TDI cars that were found to be cheating on emissions tests. “Final approval of the 2.0-liter TDI settlement is an important milestone in our journey to making things right,” said Hinrich Woebcken CEO of Volkswagen of America in a statement today. Implementation of the settlement will begin immediately, and owners are encouraged to submit claims at VWcourtsettlement.com . Once a claim is approved, the owner can schedule an appointment with a dedicated settlement specialists. Owners can choose a buy back or lease termination, or can choose a fix, although no such fix has yet been approved by regulators. The settlement could cost up to $10 billion, not to mention an additional $4.7 billion in other fines that were also approved by Judge Breyer today. It is being reported that owners of some older Audis simply won’t have the option to fix their TDIs ...

Filed under: Government/Legal , Green , Nissan , Volkswagen , AutoblogGreen Exclusive , Diesel , Electric Here comes the cash. Continue reading Nissan: $2B in VW diesel settlement for EV infrastructure could be a boon for all (except hydrogen) Nissan: $2B in VW diesel settlement for EV infrastructure could be a boon for all (except hydrogen) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Oct 2016 10:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink  |  Email this  |  Comments from Autoblog Volkswagen http://ift.tt/2eqZIUa

Volkswagen of America is preparing to reveal its new midsize SUV on Thursday and the manufacturer is whetting appetites with a set eight videos. The first video, titled “Origins,” features Product Manager Jim Burch and CEO Hinrich Woebcken discussing the new SUV, reportedly called Atlas , over shots of it driving on rough roads. Driving “is a cornerstone of our culture,” says Burch. “This car fits in perfectly to that active lifestyle, this culture where Americans just want to get out and experience the US.” The Atlas bears much of the weight of Volkswagen of America’s future on its shoulders. The American wing of the company has struggled in the market for decades, but with this “American style” SUV, they hope to break into it in a big way. “Up to now we are more known as a small car company,” says Woebcken. “With this midsize SUV, it is a product which is really giving the  brand coverage which it did not have before.” The post Volkswagen Teases Atlas with Video Ahead of Re...

Filed under: Videos , Volkswagen , SUV VW states its case for the three-row ute. Continue reading Volkswagen has all-American ambitions for its three-row SUV Volkswagen has all-American ambitions for its three-row SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Oct 2016 09:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink  |  Email this  |  Comments from Autoblog Volkswagen http://ift.tt/2ejTQZa

Filed under: Ownership , Acura , Audi , BMW , Buick , Cadillac , Chevrolet , Chrysler , Dodge , Fiat , Ford , GM , GMC , Honda , Hyundai , Infiniti , Jaguar , Jeep , Kia , Land Rover , Lexus , Lincoln , Maserati , Mazda , Mercedes-Benz , MINI , Mitsubishi , Nissan , Porsche , RAM , smart , Subaru , Tesla , Toyota , Volkswagen , Volvo , Car Buying , Genesis Honda's excellent compact sedan isn't so excellent, according to Consumer Reports. Continue reading Consumer Reports no longer recommends Honda Civic Consumer Reports no longer recommends Honda Civic originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Oct 2016 14:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink  |  Email this  |  Comments from Autoblog Volkswagen http://ift.tt/2eL8hDQ

[ See image gallery at www.vwvortex.com ] Automobili Lamborghini knows that it’s more than the manufacturer of new, outrageous vehicles. It was also the manufacturer of old outrageous vehicles and has recently taken on the task of maintaining some of those older cars. Lamborghini recently launched PoloStorico, which takes on the heady task of restoring to original spec some of those classics. Being Italian and rather persnickety, they’re taking their time. So far, Lamborghini PoloStorico has restored four vehicles (a Miura, an LM002, a Countach, and…). The latest, a Lamborghini 350 GT, was just delivered to its owner. In the video above you get some lovely shots of this gorgeous car, originally proposed by the legendary designer Franco Scaglione and touched up by the impossibly more legendary Carrozzeria Touring, set to the sound of slinky ‘60s Italian jazz. The music is only interrupted by the aluminum alloy, 3464 cc, 12 cylinder masterpiece under the hood. This particular exa...

The history of Volkswagen is littered with great cars and even greater ads. For every brilliant model, there was a brilliant, funny, self-aware ad to sell it. Lists are exclusionary at the best of times, but when it comes to this one, it’s especially so. Still, even an incomplete list of great VW ads is full of entertainment. Here are 10 of our favorite Volkswagen commercials. The Lunar Landing Module No conversation about Volkswagen advertising can avoid its legendary 1960s print campaign. These ads wasted space, insulted the product, and assumed a level of wit from its audience that would have been considered poisonous under any other circumstance. But that’s what made them so special. Most are great, and none is more legendary than the famous “ Lemon ” ad, but for our money, it’s this ad comparing the Beetle to the Lunar Landing Module that’s the best. Funny, self-deprecating, and deeply connected to spirit of the times, this ad exemplifies everything that’s great about VW’s ad...

[ See image gallery at www.vwvortex.com ] When TV’s Richard Rawlings isn’t hosting Discovery Channel’s Fast N’ Loud or selling energy drinks he’s out buying interesting cars, like this 1974 Acapulco Thing . The Acapulco Things were modeled after a set fleet cars made for the Las Brisas resort in, you guessed it, Acapulco, Mexico. Volkswagen was convinced by customers to make a small batch of the cars for sale to the public. Volkswagen built only 100 of these brightly colored Things, and this one has had a full pan-off restoration. Over 800 hours of work since 2009 were put into it and that, according to the Gas Monkey Garage website, is what caught Rawlings’ eye. Rawlings bought the car for $24,200 at Barrett-Jackson’s 2016 Las Vegas auction, held between October 13 and 15. [source: Gas Monkey Garage ] The post Fast N’ Loud Host Buys Acapulco Thing appeared first on VWVortex . from VWVortex http://ift.tt/2dCRyX1 via IFTTT

In a recent interview with Germany’s Der Spiegel, Hans Michel Piech and Wolfgang Porsche pledged to back senior Volkswagen management as the manufacturer attempts to make the all important shift from diesel to electric motors. The two families have clashed in the past, especially when former chairman of Volkswagen’s supervisory board, Ferdinand Piech, was his family’s representative. He resigned from that position last year, leaving his brother Hans Michel to take over. Hans Michel Piech and Wolfgang Porsche seem to be getting along better now, as together they vowed to support VW chairman Hans Dieter Poetch and CEO Matthias Muller. They also told Der Spiegel that they would stay out of daily operational affairs. “We are different and we see our task as representatives  of the families different,” says Piech, addressing the former tensions between the families. He and Porsche, though, then reiterated their ability to find a consensus. This comes despite the fact that the number...

Filed under: Volkswagen , Hatchback , Budget An Audi-like digital instrument cluster and a hulking 9.5-inch screen would mean a Gulf with more screen real estate than most laptop computers. Continue reading Refreshed Volkswagen Golf due early next month Refreshed Volkswagen Golf due early next month originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Oct 2016 17:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink  |  Email this  |  Comments from Autoblog Volkswagen http://ift.tt/2dVQt92

Although it’s classified as a compact, the Golf is—there’s no other word for it—enormous. Like the Mini and the 500, and every other car on the market, the Golf has grown to gargantuan proportions, a victim of a crass public that can’t tell the difference between useful figures and bigger figures. But fear not, Volkswagen already has an answer! Sure, it was designed for old Europe’s tiny streets, but it’s perfect for America’s massive expanses: the Up! Why? Fact the first! The Up! has a 1.0-liter TSI engine that only makes 90 hp and that’s the right amount. Yes, we live in an age when a major manufacturer is mass producing an engine with more than seven times more horsepower, and yes I want to drive a Hellcat more than I want my next four or five meals, but be honest: 707 hp is way too much. In fact, I would argue that most cars are overpowered. How many of the hundreds of horses whose power you have access to are you using on a given day? If all cars came fitted with one of Bugatti’...

When Volkswagen went to the Nurburgring, they took the newest, most advanced front-wheel-drive Golf they had in their stable and made it lighter, more powerful, stickier. When this guy went, he took the oldest, least advanced Golf he could find. He, too, saw the value of lightening, adding power, and making a few advancements, though. This blue Mk1 Golf has a roll cage, new aero, flared wheel arches, and a close-ratio six speed sequential transmission. All of that combined makes this thing a track monster, even in what look like quite slick conditions. Watch the driver navigate the Green Hell’s 73 corners and crashed vehicles with ease. The post Watch: This Mk1 Crushes the Nurburgring appeared first on VWVortex . from VWVortex http://ift.tt/2etzoVw via IFTTT

Filed under: Spy Photos , Volkswagen , Crossover , Performance If this is real, we could have a baby Porsche Macan on our hands. Continue reading Possible Volkswagen Tiguan R spied testing at the 'Ring Possible Volkswagen Tiguan R spied testing at the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Oct 2016 13:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink  |  Email this  |  Comments from Autoblog Volkswagen http://ift.tt/2dVc55z

It’s a hard, hard road that we all travel, but it would be made a little easier if it was in the seat of a Lamborghini Miura. Now’s your chance to own not just any Lamborghini Miura, but Sir Rod Stewart’s Lamborghini. This Italian girl will be at auction in London at The Classic & Sports Car Show at the end of October. Every picture tells a story, and these pictures tell the story of a 1971 Miura P400 S that Stewart bought new. You may regret letting this Miura steal your heart, though, because that’s what will really hurt. The estimate for Sir Rod’s—knighted just this month, you know—true blue Miura is a sizeable £800-900,000. There will be quite a few other cars begging you to let them be your car at the show, though. More than 60 consignments are being offered at the auction, among them US bassist Clayton’s 1972 Maserati Ghibli. The post Rod Flippin’ Stewart’s Lamborghini is for Sale! appeared first on VWVortex . from VWVortex http://ift.tt/2dvl1NH via IFTTT

[ See image gallery at www.vwvortex.com ] The new Tiguan is a handsome looking thing, and with it come renewed rumors of a hot “R” version. Although this may look like a run of the mill R Design Tiguan—which would mostly affect trim—our spy photographers are convinced that there’s more than meets the eye to this Tiguan. First of all it’s loud. Very loud. That could have something to do with: Second of all it has quad exhausts, which would allow it to breathe better and make more power, which would explain why: Third of all it was very fast. If this is indeed a hot R version of the Tiguan, we’d expect four driven wheels and the engine out of the Golf R. Currently, that’s good for about 300 hp, but don’t forget that there’s an update coming to the Golf . As a result, we’re anticipating more power out of the Golf R, which we’d expect to translate over to the Tiguan R. Pictures have already been circulating around the internet of a SEAT Ateca Cupra . The Ateca is Spain’s version of...

Filed under: Government/Legal , Green , Volkswagen , United States , Diesel VW hasn't come up with a repair plan that satisfies either US or California regulators. Continue reading VW's $10-billion settlement could eliminate any need for a TDI fix VW's $10-billion settlement could eliminate any need for a TDI fix originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Oct 2016 16:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink  |  Email this  |  Comments from Autoblog Volkswagen http://ift.tt/2eyxPoB

Not often remembered as the best Golf, the Mk3 was the pivot points between the classic and the modern Golf. With bumpers incorporated into the bodywork, airbags, and such amenities as air conditioning and power windows the Mk3 was Volkswagen’s first attempt at a truly modern Golf. The Mk3 also tried to cash in on Volkswagen’s lighthearted image. Special music editions were introduced in Europe for bands such as Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, and Bon Jovi. And it was the Mk3 that the Harlequin color package came on. It may not have matched the Mk1 for excitement, but it is the car that links it with the Mk7. The post Countdown to the Updated Golf: Mk3 appeared first on VWVortex . from VWVortex http://ift.tt/2eyz3jG via IFTTT

Volkswagen Board Members addressed tensions rising between management and employees today amid reports of extensive cost cutting in the wake of the emissions scandal. The comments came today as VW Board Members gave employees an update on a pact between labor and management to set a turnaround plan for the embattled company. “The pact for the future will lay the foundation for a significant boost in the competitiveness of the brand,” said Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management. “We will need to reduce our workforce, but there will be no redundancies. At the same time, we will be offering a perspective for the future of each plant.” Fears are being stoked, especially in Germany, that though Volkswagen and its sub-brands— Audi in particular —won’t be laying anyone off, more investments in VW’s future will be made outside of Germany than in. Automotive News reports that the Volkswagen brand alone is targeting another 3.7 billion euros (roughly $4 billion) in savings, on to...

DC fast-charge-capable electric cars are already sold in the U.S., many more models are pending, and while advocates have uttered frustration that only Tesla has a nationwide network enabling long-distance driving, this state of affairs may soon be greatly relieved. The funds would come via a court settlement over Volkswagen Group’s diesel emissions cheating, and the final approval, just days away, could bring big changes in as few as three years. At a hearing Tuesday in a San Francisco U.S. District Court, Judge Charles Breyer said he is “strongly inclined to approve” by October 25 a settlement against VW by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board, and private attorneys who filed a class-action suit. Separate but closely-related cases filed by the Federal Trade Commission and VW dealers against their own brand are also on track to be settled quickly. The settlement with EPA and CARB could cost the company as much as $14.7 billion over a 10 year peri...

A new report from the Financial Times suggests that European Union officials were aware of emissions trickery before VW’s TDI scandal broke. In the report, an EU spokesperson tells the Financial Times that transportation officials from all European nations were made aware of emissions manipulation as early as 2012. The report cites an email in which a scientist at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre notes that starting a diesel car (they don’t say which) below 68 degrees Fahrenheit or above 86 leads to a strong increase in NOx emissions. The email is an arrow in the quiver of reformers who are dissatisfied with EU emissions testing, which has been accused of not resembling real life and giving preference to small displacement turbocharged engines. Although engines only operating to EU emissions standards in a specific temperature range is legal, the email goes on to say that “NOx reducing devices” were only operational in a very specific window. The report explains...

Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross just celebrated a total lockout in Red Bull Global Rallycross. Not only did its drivers win first and second in the drivers’ championship, the team won first in the manufacturer’s championship. With two Beetles that produce roughly 600 hp and can get to 60 mph in less than two seconds, these cars are seriously quick. But how do they achieve those impressive figures? Engineering Explained is on the case. After being invited to a race this season, show host Jason Fenske, goes through the engineering behind these impressive machines. Ultimately, he concludes, it comes down to a combination gearing, differentials, power, and human excellence. To sort out just how a top tier driver gets off the line in less time than it takes to safely draw a full cup of hot coffee to your lips, Fenske talks to former GRC champion and this year’s runner up, Tanner Foust. “I’ve been to a couple of drag racing schools,” says Foust. “And they just say the most important thi...

You want a Škoda Kodiaq. Your neighbor wants a Škoda Kodiaq. I want a Škoda Kodiaq. Naturally, we all want Škoda Kodiaqs, because the grass is always greener on the other side. But what if the Kodiaq wasn’t only available on the other side of the Atlantic? What if persistent talk of  a potential North American Škoda return resulted in a Kodiaq on sale at a dealer near you? How inexpensive would the Kodiaq need to be in order for your persistent desire for unobtanium turn in to a real purchasing decision? Škoda would likely charge in the neighborhood of USD $24,995 if the Kodiaq, set to go on sale across the pond in April 2017, made its way to the United States. Admittedly, the 2017 Kodiaq’s on-the-road £21,495 base price equals $26,400, but a simple exchange calculation is never an accurate predictor of new vehicle prices. The Kodiaq, Škoda’s elongated version of the next-generation Tiguan built by its Volkswagen corporate overlords, will top out at £34,895 with a 190-h...

Volkswagen’s non-committal attitude towards a possible German battery plant that could rival Tesla’s gigafactory is causing problems. A German labor chief has called for Volkswagen to commit to an investment in the plant, while the company has said it has made no decision, and the German media has reported that the company may be backing out of its plans. This upset German works council chief Bernd Osterloh, who said that Volkswagen needs to commit to the plant to offset planned job losses. “Volkswagen has to build its own competencies in the area of cells and batteries on the research and development side,” a German paper quoted Osterloh as saying in an interview. “That is important for the sites in Germany. We need a commitment to the production of batteries in exchange for job cuts.” Volkswagen may need to cut jobs to fund a shift in production emphasis towards EVs in the wake of its diesel-emissions cheating scandal. The automaker is planning to launch 30 EVs, including the ju...

Thanks to press trips and other nonsense, we’ve let Find of the Day languish for the past couple of weeks, but fear not FOTD is back and we’ve got a good’un: a 1980 VW Rabbit formerly featured on Performance VW and stanceworks.com. This green stunner comes on refurbished BBS RS 070 wheels and suspended by H&R Ultra Lows, with a 3” shorted rear beam, and costume early strut mounts. The effect is a visible, but tasteful amount of negative camber out back, which has become a point of contention lately. Regardless of how you feel about camber, though, this Rabbit is undeniably clean in almost every other detail. Under the hood the engine has been given a thorough going over. From intake—Weber 45 carbs—to exit—Jetex stainless 2.5” exhaust—this Rabbit has been considered. Inside, too, our Find of the Day is perfectly clean. With reupholstered stock seats, a custom headliner, a Nardi steering wheel and shift knob, and more this Rabbit is every bit the showcar it purports to be. Th...