Report: Volkswagen Golf R32 dropped from U.S. lineup

Volkswagen has confirmed today that its sporty R32 Golf won’t be offered in the United States in the 2009 model year. The information comes from company spokesman Thomas Wegehaupt, who said the main reason for dropping the model after only one year was because of the debut of the Mark VI Golf in Europe.

The Mark VI is expected to arrive in the U.S. sometime next year as a Rabbit and will once again be offered with a performance GTI option. There’s also talk of a new ‘GTD’ turbodiesel sports model as well as an ultra-exclusive ‘R42’ model powered by a turbocharged five-cylinder engine, however VW is yet to confirm development of either these models.

The Golf R32 is still on sale and is priced at $32,990, and until October 31 there is a maximum of $2,000 cash back available, reports Kicking Tires. You can read our previous review of the car by clicking here.

While news of the R32’s demise in the U.S. is sad, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Yesterday, VW America spokesman Steve Keyes said the company was considering bringing the new Scirocco coupe as a limited edition model in the same manner that the R32 was positioned.

Volkswagen news at Report: Volkswagen Golf R32 dropped from U.S. lineup

Porsche-VW announce united front after months of feuding

The feud that started up between the two German companies since Porsche purchased a controlling interest in Volkswagen last month has met what appears to be an end in the aligned leadership of both companies and the Porsche and Piëch families declaring, "We stand united behind all decisions." The announcement comes just a day after Porsche increased its holding in VW to 42.6%.

How long the detente will hold is anyone's guess, but the public display of agreement is clearly intended to quell fears over infighting in the boardroom. During the meeting between Porsche and Piëch families, which compose many of the primary shareholders and officers of both companies, Ferdinand Piëch stated that he "unreservedly supports the course of Porsche Automobil SE in all points and is fully and entirely behind the chairman Dr. Wiedeking and Holger Härter and their work."

One of the major changes that will be enacted as a result of the meeting will be the dissolution of a committee formed to handle speical business relationships. According to Wolfgang Porsche, "This committee has been legally examined with the conclusion that it encroaches too much on the competences of the VW board. That's why Ferdinand Piëch will request the dissolution of this committee at the next VW supervisory board meeting."

Both families are also in agreement that the so-called 'VW law', the statute that had previously capped voting rights at 20%, whatever the share holder's actual ownership percentage, is 'untenable'. The concessions made by Porsche on job security and VW's role within the decision-making process have satisfied Piëch that state interference is unnecessary.

Finally, worker representatives at both Porsche and VW have expressed their interest in working together in future. Uwe Hück, the group works council chairman, welcomed Piëch's statement of unreserved support of the codetermination agreement, which would have both sides work together for solution of any problems that may arise.

The previous feuding had been long and varied. With everything from spy scandals to boardroom dramas in the script, it appeared not unlike a family soap opera. With this new accord struck between the Porsche and Piëch families, however, the companies appear to have risen above the fray to provide stable leadership during tough economic times.

Volkswagen news at Porsche-VW announce united front after months of feuding

Volkswagen working on New Midsize Sedan (NMS) for U.S.

The Passat has been a relative success for Volkswagen in the U.S., but the company is already hard at work on a New Midsize Sedan, not-so-cleverly codenamed NMS, to replace it. Expected for a 2010 arrival, the new car is intended to offer a high degree of liveability in a fun and dynamic package - but what that means once all the marketing-speak has been stripped away remains somewhat unclear.

The latest details, sourced from a VW presentation in Berlin last week, indicate VW's NMS has high design goals, including a wide range of standard safety and multimedia equipment, sporty performance, and fundamentally useful equipment like ample cupholders and roomy seating. In short, the car will be designed specifically for the tastes of North Americans. Powertrains will include FSI gasoline units and TDI diesel engines, mated to a dual-clutch gearbox in at least some trim levels. Efficiency will also be part of the focus, as it would be reckless to disregard such an important market factor, but it is not the headline of the NMS thus far.

The midsize sedan is a hotspot for the North American and several developing markets, especially China, where Volkswagen has been focusing its efforts recently. In the U.S. especially, the midsize market will be heating up to a boil by the time 2010-2011 rolls around with the Cruze gearing up for launch - despite its delay, and new models expected from mainstream carmakers like Ford and more upscale marques including Saab and Cadillac, with its Alpha platform, plus possible entries from Honda and Toyota as well.

Earlier this year, during discussions about VW's new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, some general details about the upcoming Passat replacement were disclosed, indicating that the NMS would be both larger and less expensive than the current car, the better to compete with its primary rivals, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

In January the Passat CC, which later came to market as simply the CC, was revealed to the world, and has since been targeted as a particularly North American take on the midsize sedan, with VW expecting 60% of global CC sales to occur in the U.S. alone.

Volkswagen news at Volkswagen working on New Midsize Sedan (NMS) for U.S.

VW prepping Race Touareg 2 for 2009 Dakar Rally

This year's Dakar Rally was at first delayed, then relocated to South America due to terrorist threat. The first-ever iteration of the historic race to take place in South America, it will start in Buenos Aires January 3, 2009, and Volkswagen will be at the line with its new Race Touareg 2, built especially for the purpose.

Four factory teams will vie for the crown, piloted by some of the best the world of professional motorsports has to offer, including WRC driver Carlos Sainz. Power for the purpose-built race trucks comes from 2.5L TDI diesel units, rated at 277hp (206kW). The small but rugged engines are built to withstand the punishing use they'll see over the grueling 5,625mi (9,000km) course. Divided into 15 stages, the race will tour from its starting point through Argentina and Chile to the Pacific coast and then back again to Buenos Aires.

Some of the highlights that will be seen along the way include the Atacama desert, the driest in the world, with the highest dune fields as well. Two crossings of the rugged Andes mountains take drivers and machines as high as 15,091ft (4,600m), where oxygen is scarce and even a second's lapse in concentration can spell disaster. To train for the harsh driving environment, VW's team drivers have been training at altitude in the Alps. Similarly, the equipment has been subjected to torture testing simulating the conditions precisely in a lab.

Over their competition life, the Race Touareg Dakar prototypes have scored nine wins through the course of 24 events, plus 29 podium finishes, making the vehicle one of the most successful cars in the race in recent years.

Volkswagen news at VW prepping Race Touareg 2 for 2009 Dakar Rally

U.S. to get limited edition Volkswagen Scirocco with more power

Volkswagen has consistently dismissed rumors the new Scirocco would be sold in the United States and recently the carmaker’s sales and marketing chief Detlef Wittig confirmed the bad news. Despite the high level of interest in the car, VW has stated that the Scirocco was ruled for U.S. sale because of the weak dollar against the strong euro and fears that it could cannibalize sales of the Golf.

According to a new report however, the German carmaker is rethinking its decision and is considering releasing a limited edition, high powered model positioned above the Golf family's range topping GTI.

A strengthening dollar and this new plan to protect itself from overlapping segments by introducing high-end models has VW contemplating bringing the Scirocco Stateside once again, reports Automotive News. The carmaker did this before with the R32 Golf back in 2007, and according to Volkswagen America spokesman Steve Keyes doing the same for the Scirocco would make sense.

"People are looking at it," he confirmed, explaining that factors such as demand and volume need to be taken into account. He emphasized that there was "no real decision yet," but that discussions were under way on whether it would be viable to bring the Scirocco and position it differently to the way it will be positioned in Europe.





Volkswagen news at U.S. to get limited edition Volkswagen Scirocco with more power

Volkswagen's Car-2-Car system begins testing

Volkswagen is claiming to have reached an automotive milestone today as tests begin on its Car-2-Car communications system. The system aims to increase the levels of communications between cars of all makes and models eventually, and to hopefully improve road safety.

The enlistment of a number of different manufacturers means that research regarding the "Car-2-Car" communication is being conducted to define a universal standard for communication between vehicles. This will allow vehicles to communicate potential hazards and other important information to nearby vehicles. For example, if a vehicle encounters an adverse condition such as a traffic jam, fog, an icy road surface or an accident, it will transmit this information to all potentially affected vehicles in the area. Approaching traffic is alerted, allowing drivers to adjust their driving to the upcoming situation.

The tests are being conducted at Volkswagen's testing grounds in Dudehofen. Currently the test are being conducted in two Volkswagen vehicles, the Passat and the Golf, which both act as a sender, receiver and transmitter. 'Ad-hoc networks' based on wireless LAN technology are used to exchange data between the vehicles. The tests conducted simulated a variety of situations, including the presence of a motorcycle at an intersection, a stationary vehicle, a construction site and a police car in action.

Data access was provided by a 'CarGate' which creates an abstract of the vehicle data, thus allowing simple access to a multitude of information, such as road speed, engine speed, wheel speeds or status of the hazard flashers. This data can then be processed and transmitted in a useful manner to the driver, to help him or her to avoid adverse situations.

Volkswagen first mentioned Car-2-Car communication around 4 years ago, when it headed up a consortium of European manufacturers in order to make the technology a reality. In 2004, the consortium consisted of Audi, the BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Renault and Volkswagen.

Also displayed this week were similar communications-based safety systems by Nissan and General Motors. Europe's Intelligent Car Initiative is beginning to have a direct influence on these sorts of projects as it calls for the use of Information and communication technologies to reduce road accidents and ease traffic congestion.

Volkswagen news at Volkswagen's Car-2-Car system begins testing

North America to get a VW Beetle-based pickup?

Volkswagen recently unveiled the Concept Pickup, a concept that will enter production mid-2009 and will go on sale in South America, South Africa, Australia and Europe. What about the U.S.? If a report by Automotive News and a fear by the rest of us and PickupTrucks.com are to be believed, North America will get a next-generation Beetle-based pickup.

It may just happen. If you’ve been following the whole Volkswagen Pickup topic, you’ll notice that Volkswagen is only planning to sell 100,000 units of the pickup annually. That’s pretty conservative and with the U.S. not part of the plan - it’s pretty possible.

Making it very possible for a Beetle-based pickup to show up in your neighbor’s driveway. Why Volkswagen would even consider such a vehicle is beyond us.

Volkswagen news at North America to get a VW Beetle-based pickup?

Volkswagen confirms diesel car production for U.S. plant

Volkswagen has one of the widest and most interesting engine range in the automotive industry but in the United States its offering consists of a paltry line of four, five and six-cylinder units that are mostly petrol. That is set to change, however, as construction of a plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, will soon see VW manufacturing a new-generation of U.S.-specific clean diesel engines and possibly an advanced diesel-electric hybrid powertrain.

The information comes from the carmaker’s American chief Stefan Jacoby, who confirmed to the Chattanooga Daily that VW will build a diesel version of a brand new mid-sized car in Tennessee. This will allow VW to fully leverage the currency advantage of the new factory and capitalize on increasing demand for more fuel-efficient diesel models.

“We don’t see any conflict between business and the economy and the environment,” Jacoby explained when referring to the new clean-diesel model.

VW is expected to build two different sedan models at the site, a low cost version of the Passat that will compete with the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, and another based on the Jetta that will compete with the Corolla and Civic sedans.

The Chattanooga plant will start production in early 2011 and will hire around 2,000 people.

While no specific details about the hybrid powertrain were revealed, Jacoby said engineers were perfecting the design and boasted that it would be “at the forefront” of low emissions technology.

Volkswagen news at Volkswagen confirms diesel car production for U.S. plant

Early look at Volkswagen’s upcoming ‘Robust’ pickupks

The long-awaited and much anticipated Volkswagen Robust pickup truck has been canceled for European and North American sale, but the project is still alive and kicking as indicated by the recent ‘Pickup’ concept vehicle unveiled at last month’s 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover, Germany.

The United States was expected to be the vehicle’s single biggest market but analysis of fuel prices and market demand prompted VW to change its original plans and only offer it in emerging markets such as South America, Russia and possibly China. Those markets are quickly becoming important not just in terms of making a brand presence, but also for overall sales figures.

Russia recently outpaced Germany as Europe's biggest car market, and China isn't far behind. South America has demonstrated its growth potential over the past several years with Ford, VW and others considering more exports and market-specific vehicles, especially in Brazil.

Production is expected to take place at VW's factory in Argentina, with exports to Russia and China. As the spy photos and concept vehicle demonstrate, the new Robust will be available as a medium-sized four-door dual-cab vehicle with a short bed.

Our renderings of the vehicle show what it might like in civilian guise and free of all the camouflage, and in other form factors. The SUV variant depicted could also be a logical extension of the platform, though VW hasn't yet announced any such plans. A single-cab model should also be available in addition to the dual-cab variant, and different cargo area treatments will also be available.

Volkswagen news at Early look at Volkswagen’s upcoming ‘Robust’ pickup

Volkswagen gearing up for new U.S. sales push

The downturn in vehicle sales around the world is affecting nearly every carmaker in some way or another, but not equally in each market. Volkswagen, for example, has been on a four-year downturn in the U.S., with 2008 merely marking a particularly rough spot. But the company is working to turn that around, planning the launch of several new models and aiming for the 'sweet spots' of the U.S. market.

A full five new models will hit the U.S. over the next several years, including an all-new sedan that remains cloaked in secrecy, reports The Detroit News. The German makers of the people's car is targeting its main Japanese rivals - Honda and Toyota - with the new vehicles, especially a new small car and a new SUV to slot below the Touareg and above the Tiguan.

Most important, however, are the high-volume car segments, where VW needs a more affordable offering than either the Passat or Jetta. The new car will be geared more toward typical American uses than the German Autobahn duty the Passat is built for, says Stefan Jacoby, president of VW U.S. That doesn't mean features will have to be cut back, but it does mean that building in capabilities for extended runs above 100mph (160km/h) or more isn't a priority, which could help cut costs.

The new targets for production and sales in the U.S. are 130,000 to 150,000 units of both mid-size and compact cars, up from the current totals of about 140,000 Passats and Jettas combined. That would put VW on a course to draw nearer its goal of eight million in global sales by 2010, and also toward its goal of surpassing Toyota not just in terms of value, but total volume.

Already VW has revealed the new Mark VI Golf (Rabbit) and GTI, the Jetta TDI and Sportwagen and the new CC sedan. The next vehicles headed for the U.S. could include an up! variant or a new Beetle, though neither is likely to arrive before 2010.

Volkswagen news at Volkswagen gearing up for new U.S. sales push