Volkswagen
307 articles in this category
-
Volkswagen has made their plans clear of introducing a number of full electric vehicles beginning with the I.D. next year. But the company is also planning to electrify a number of models beginning with the next-generation Golf. This week at the International Vienna Motor Symposium, Volkswagen unveiled a 48-volt mild hybrid system currently under development for the Mk. 8 Golf. The system is comprised of a 48-volt belt-integrated starter generator and a 48-volt battery. This will allow for a
48-Volt electrical systems are now becoming vogue
-
Volkswagen put forth an ambitious plan to offer an electric version of each model it sells. The automaker set aside about 20 billion euros ($23 billion), but that will not be enough according CEO Herbert Diess. “The burden for our company, such as the cost of bringing to market electric cars, will be higher than expected,” Diess said in a interview with Volkswagen's internal newsletter, obtained by Bloomberg. “This is particularly so since some of our competitors have been making more
Revealed by the CEO in an internal newsletter
-
We knew it was coming, it was just a matter of when. In March, Volkswagen will end production of the current Phaeton at the Dresden plant. A pet project of former Chairman Ferdinand Piëch, the Phaeton never gained traction in the luxury flagship market for over a decade. Last year, Volkswagen only built 4,000 Phaetons. Volkswagen will bring back the Phaeton nameplate in 2020 for a fully electric luxury sedan. As for the Dresden plant where the Phaeton is built, it will be renovated to bu
Next March, Volkswagen Will End Production of the Phaeton
-
When Volkswagen admitted that it used illegal software in their diesel vehicles to cheat emission tests, questions arose as to whether or not any other automakers did something similar. The German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KPA) decided to investigate this and put 60 vehicles from various manufacturers, including Volkswagen, to the test. Their results revealed that Volkswagen was the only one automaker to cheat. These results will be published in a report later this month, but German
Volkswagen gets another black eye from the German Transport Authority
-
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 23, 2012 Volkswagen has released some details about the next Golf, which will have its official debut in Berlin next month. The new Golf will be larger than the outgoing model. The overall length will now be 167.5 inches, and it will be 57.2 inches tall and 70.8 inches wide. Volkswagen says the Golf is larger due to increased safety and giving passengers more space. Despite the added size, Volkwagen cut close to 220 lbs out of the new
-
One question that we have found ourselves wondering is who blew the whistle on the software cheat Volkswagen was using on their TDI models. A new book says it was someone at Volkswagen of America. Automotive News got their hands on Faster, Higher, Farther: The Volkswagen Scandal by New York Times reporter Jack Ewing. In the book, Ewing reveals that the head of VW’s Engineering and Environmental Office in the U.S., Stuart Johnson revealed the existence of the cheat to federal authorities. Jo
One of Volkswagen's employees brought to light the illegal software being used on TDI models
-
Ford's decision to drop most of their passenger car lineup last week is still sending shockwaves, and likely causing various automakers to have discussions about if they should follow in their footsteps. One automaker that will not be following Ford is Volkswagen. “We are intending to be a full line car manufacturer,” said Volkswagen of America CEO Hinrich Woebcken. The reason as to why? Electric Vehicles. “The question of whether electric mobility will favor sedans or SUVs hasn’t
The reason comes down to electric vehicles
-
Kenneth Fineberg finds himself helping out another automaker in crisis. Volkswagen announced yesterday they have brought in Fienberg to work on and oversee a new claims program for owners of Volkswagen models involved in the diesel emission scandal. “We are pleased to announce the retention of Kenneth Feinberg. His extensive experience in handling such complex matters will help to guide us as we move forward to make things right with our customers,” said Michael Horn, President and CEO, Volk
From One Automaker to Another, Kenneth Feinberg is Tapped By Volkswagen To Help In Their Diesel Emission Scandal
-
Volkswagen has gotten the approval on a fix for their older first-generation 2.0L TDI models involved in the diesel emission scandal. Now they're waiting for Federal officials to give the go ahead for the automaker to begin selling these vehicles. When that approval comes, Volkswagen's head of North America Hinrich Woebcken says they have a plan to get them to dealers. Speaking with Automotive News, Woebcken said the company would slowly release the 2.0L TDI vehicles to their 652 dealers in
Once they get the approval to start selling their older 2.0L TDI models, Volkswagen will initiate a plan to start selling them
-
There has been a small number of people wanting Volkswagen to bring the Amarok over to the U.S. There are numerous issues to this, the big one being the 25 percent Chicken Tax on trucks, But some recent news has brought hope to this small group. Motor Authority reports that Volkswagen filed a trademark application for Amarok last November. This could mean one of two things; either Volkswagen is planning on introducing the Amarok to the U.S., or the German automaker is covering all bases. As
Does it mean the U.S. is getting the Amarok? No.
-
There will always be those who try their best to find loopholes. Case in point are some Volkswagen TDI owners who deciding to strip their vehicles for parts before turning them into dealers. This came to light a couple of weeks ago on Jalopnik as it had found various threads on Reddit and TDI forums with such titles as “Will anyone be stripping salvaging parts before selling back?” and "Stripping the Turn-Ins". Why are there owners who are seriously considering this? It comes down to EPA's conse
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should
-
The compact crossover arena has become highly competitive in the past couple of years and automakers are pulling all of the stops to draw customers into their showroom. Volkswagen is no exception. According to Automotive News, Volkswagen told its dealers that it would be cutting the price on several trims of Tiguan effective immediately. The price cuts are as followed, Tiguan S: $600 Tiguan SE: $2,180 Tiguan SEL: $1,460 This brings the base prices down to $25,495
An effort to draw more customers in
-
The end of the Volkswagen Beetle is coming. Volkswagen announced last week that production of the iconic coupe and convertible will end next July at the company's Puebla, Mexico. Before the final curtain call, Volkswagen will be building a Final Edition version. Available as a either a coupe or convertible, the Final Edition will be available with two exclusive colors - Safari Uni and Stonewashed Blue. You can also get it in white, black, or grey if the exclusive colors don't interest you. C
Good Night and Good Luck
-
A number of Volkswagen executives will not be seeing their full bonus for 2015. In a statement today, Volkswagen announced bonus payments for top executives will be cut "significantly." This announcement comes a week after it was revealed that Volkswagen Group Chairman Hans Dieter Poetsch would be getting about 10 million euros (about $11.4 million) as compensation for stepping down as the company's CFO. News about this bonus angered Volkswagen's labor leaders and the state of Lower Saxony,
Volkswagen's Tone deafness rears its ugly head once again, this time with executive bonuses
-
Former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn has been indicted for his involvement in the diesel emission scandal. The indictment, which was filed under seal at the U.S. District Court in Detroit back in March, was unsealed yesterday. U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider said in court filings the reason for unsealing is "because there is no longer a belief that unsealing these documents will compromise an ongoing investigation." Winterkorn has been charged with four felony counts, including wire frau
Why the recent indictment of Martin Winterkorn doesn't amount to much.
-
We know a fair amount of Volkswagen's upcoming three-row crossover, It will be built in Chattanooga, TN Engines will include a 3.6L V6, 2.0L Turbo-four, and Hybrid. (No diesel) Using the MQB platform Possibly named Teramont But we don't know much about how it looks. Yes, we have seen spy shots that tell us it will possibly look like the CrossBlue concept from a few years back. That doesn't mean there are still some surprises in store. We now have the full pictu
Meet Volkswagen's upcoming three-row crossover
-
Volkswagen and their U.S. dealers have had a tense relationship since the diesel emission scandal broke. From the departure of Michael Horn to dealer meetings where tough questions were being asked to Volkswagen executives. But it seems some progress is being made on repairing it. In a statement released today, Volkswagen announced they have reached an “agreement in principle” with its dealers over compensation for losses due to the diesel emission scandal. According to Automotive Ne
Volkswagen makes some progress on mending their relationship with dealers
-
If you had the chance to read a review or opinion on the Volkswagen Jetta or Passat, then you'll notice a reoccurring theme - they are boring to look at. Volkswagen is getting tired of this complaint and has decided to make a change. Automotive News reports that next-generation of Volkswagen vehicles for the U.S. will "bare their teeth and flex their muscles to convey a more aggressive design message". This was said during a tour of Volkswagen's design studio. "This has to be bold. It has to b
"No More Boring Looking Vehicles.." - Volkswagen on Future Models
-
Back in March, prosecutors in the U.S. filed sealed charges against former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn. But during that same time, Volkswagen's current CEO got a rare safe-passage deal from the U.S. Bloomberg has learned from a couple of sources that the Justice Department has given Herbert Diess a safe-passage deal - basically allows him to travel without the worry of being arrested in connection to the diesel emission scandal. Diess also got a spoken assurance that he would be notifi
No worries about detained over the diesel emission scandal
-
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 1, 2013 Back in 2002, Volkswagen launched its most ambitious vehicle. Dubbed the Phaeton, the vehicle took the place of the brand's flagship and many automotive writers considered it to be one of the best luxury vehicles on sale. However four years later, the Phaeton was pulled from the market due to poor sales. But Volkswagen is mounting a comeback for the next-generation Phaeton. Car and Driver reports that Volkswagen will bring over t
-
The last thing Volkswagen wants is another issue on its plate. But this week, the UAW has filed an unfair labor practices charge in Tennessee against the automaker. The filing states that Volkswagen declined to negotiate on a contract with the newly formed collective bargaining unit at the Chattanooga, TN plant. Earlier this month, a group of 152 skilled tradesmen voted at the plant voted on whether or not to form a UAW bargaining unit at the plant. With 71 percent votes saying yes, the unit
UAW Isn't Happy That Volkswagen Isn't Coming to the Table
-
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 5, 2013 Volkswagen has reportedly begun planning a competitor to the Subaru Outback. According to Automotive News, Volkswagen has given a green light to an AWD version of the next-gen Golf-based Jetta SportWagon. Sources say the company is deciding whether to make into Outback competitor with a higher ground clearance and body-cladding. Now Volkswagen currently sells something like this in parts of the world. The Passat Alltrack takes a
-
Volkswagen may have put the Phaeton redesign on the back burner to improve profitability. Bloomberg has learned from sources that the German automaker is looking at ways of lowering the costs of materials and production, despite a new version of the Phaeton is ready to go. The Phaeton was never a big seller for Volkswagen. However, the model seemed to find a foothold in Asian markets - notably China and South Korea - in 2010 and 2011. But the fallout of the Chinese automaker and the age
The Next Volkswagen Phaeton Is Currently On Hold
-
William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 18, 2012 Despite the large amount of complaints from the automotive media about the Volkswagen Jetta and Passat's interior quality, Volkswagen is standing behind them, stating that interior quality hasn't been compromised. We didn’t take (cost) out. We just rebalanced where (the money was spent). We moved it from here to there. Whatever was taken out went right back in,” said Jae Min, chief designer-group interior at VW’s Design Center C
-
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has given Volkswagen a reprieve on the diesel emission scandal. According to Reuters, CARB has extended the deadline to approve or reject Volkswagen's fix for the nearly 500,000 vehicles with the cheating 2.0L TDI to January 14, 2016. The reason for the extension is Volkswagen continued to submit "significant information and data" about the repair effort for the affected models since submitting the proposed fix back on November 20th. VW spokeswoman J
Volkswagen Gets Some Good News From CARB
-
Yesterday, we reported that Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess got a safe-passage deal from the U.S. Justice Department. This type of deal is very unusual and it was speculated that U.S. wasn't planning to charge Diess over the diesel emission scandal, or that he provided some sort of testimony. We might have an answer to how Diess got this deal. German tabloid Bild reports that Diess traveled to the U.S. last week to testify about the diesel emission scandal. Representatives from the FBI and Jus
That might explain how he got the safe-passage deal
-
It slices! It dices! No, we're not trying to sell you a set of knives. This is the best way to describe Volkswagen's strategy for the U.S.; price cuts. Bloomberg reports that Volkswagen will be changing their strategy in the U.S. to become more mass-market in the U.S. This will mean a wider product range and lower prices. The hope is the strategy can reverse a downward spiral in U.S. sales that has been taking place before the diesel scandal broke. Volkswagen for many hasn't bee
Volkswagen changes gears, plans a mass-market strategy for the U.S.
-
You would think the stigma of the diesel emission scandal would keep people away from picking up a fixed Volkswagen TDI model, but you would be wrong. Reuters notes that in April, 12 percent of Volkswagen's sales were for TDI models (about 3,196 vehicles). This is quite impressive when you take into consideration that Volkswagen was only given the go-ahead to sell TDI models with the fix back in mid-April. But we have to wonder if this percentage would be the same if Volkswagen didn't
It was a good month for Volkswagen's TDI vehicles (the first in a long time)
-
A few weeks ago, we reported that Volkswagen wasn't planning to bring the T-Roc over to the U.S. No reason was given, but we suspected price was a key reason. At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Volkswagen's director of development, Dr. Frank Welsch confirmed the T-Roc isn't coming. "Let's be very clear: The T-Roc will not go to the U.S. I don't believe it's too expensive, but it's because it's a very small car. They tell us people in the U.S. expect more size for that money. It is too small. We a
Bad News: No T-Roc for U.S. Possible Good News: We're Getting Something Else...
-
William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 21, 2011 Volkswagen's plan for world domination is now entering it's next stage. Starting with the next Audi A3, Volkswagen will begin to standardize components and technologies across forty different models. Volkswagen says the plan will help it lower production costs by 20%, cut assembly times by 30%, and save the company up to $6.5 billion per year. The plan will also let Volkswagen to build cars from different brands at the sam
-
Finally, some good news in terms of the Volkswagen diesel scandal. According to German newspaper Die Welt, Volkswagen has reached a deal with U.S. authorities over its cheating of EPA emission tests. Not much is known about the deal, but sources tell Die Welt that key part of the deal will see Volkswagen paying owners in the U.S. $5,000 in compensation. This deal will be presented tomorrow to U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer at a hearing. We'll likely learn more about the agreement and wha
Finally, some possible good news for Volkswagen TDI owners in the U.S.
-
Volkswagen was originally planning to roll out the Arteon in the U.S. towards the end of this year. But complications stemming from the European Union's Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) has caused the German automaker to push back the launch to early 2019. Automotive News reports that the first hint of the delay came when Volkswagen cancelled a media drive event in California that was scheduled for next month. A spokesman told the outlet the delay comes down to
Blame European Emission Certification Delays
-
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 8, 2013 Volkswagen announced this week that the 2015 Beetle, Golf, Jetta, and Passat will come with a new turbodiesel engine. The aptly named EA288 TDI Clean Diesel will take the place of the current 2.0L TDI engine. Performance specs are 150 horsepower (up ten horsepower from the current engine) and 236 pound-feet of torque. Volkswagen made a number of changes to the engine that improves throttle response and lower emissions thanks to a
-
It seemed like it would never happen. But today in a federal courtroom in Calfornia, Volkswagen and the U.S. Justice Department announced they have reached an agreement over the 570,000 2.0L diesel vehicles equipped with illegal software that cheated EPA emission tests. The preliminary "agreement in principle" states the Volkswagen will give owners the option of selling their affected TDI vehicles back to VW or have the vehicle modified to meet U.S. emission standards. Those who are leasing
We thought it was never going to happen, but it did! Volkswagen and the U.S. Justice Department reach an agreement.
-
Some good news for Volkswagen as the Environmental Protection Agency has approved a fix for a select number of vehicles equipped with the 2.0L TDI. Reuters reports that the fix available for 70,000 vehicles will come in two phases. Right now, vehicles eligible for the fix will get a software update. The following year, Volkswagen will install more software, diesel particulate filter, diesel oxidation catalyst, and NOx catalyst. Now for the bad news, this fix is only available on the 2015 Au
We have finally have a fix for the Volkswagen 2.0L TDI, at least for 70,000 of them
-
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 4, 2012 Please give a warm welcome to the seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf, introduced today in Germany. Volkswagen says the next-generation Golf offers "more features, even better safety, and more performance." The design of the new Golf is an evolution of the last-generation Golf, with sharper lines, an smaller grille, and other changes. "One of the keys to the Golf’s success lies in its continuity. There are a handful of cars wi
-
William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 30, 2012 Volkswagen appears to be spreading the Alltrack love. Autocar reports that Volkswagen is mulling over whether to do a a lifted version of its next Golf and Jetta wagon. The Golf would be for Europe while the Jetta would be for North America. The reason is due to the next generation Tiguan, due out in 2014, will be growing in size and offer a third row of seats. Volkswagen still wants a player in the small crossover market. The
-
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a civil suit against Volkswagen today for allegedly violating the Clean Air Act by using illegal cheating devices on nearly 600,000 diesel vehicles. "The United States will pursue all appropriate remedies against Volkswagen to redress the violations of our nation's clean air laws," said Assistant Attorney General John Cruden. A senior official at the Department of Justice tells Reuters the penalties in the lawsuit could cost the German automaker b
Volkswagen gets hit with A civil suit from the Justice Department
-
If there is one thing we have learned during the Volkswagen diesel emission scandal, it is this: Just when you think you have everything figured out, there is always a surprise waiting around the corner to add a new twist. Bloomberg reports that Bosch allegedly asked Volkswagen for legal protection over damages from the defeat device it helped developed. This allegation comes from a revised lawsuit filed by Volkswagen owners in the U.S. against the two companies. The filing says this reque
This web only becomes more and more tangled
-
Volkswagen was planning to publish the final report on the external investigation done by U.S. law firm Jones Day. But in a move that surprised no one, Volkswagen has decided not to publish it. "I’m aware that some of you wish for greater transparency. Often the publishing of a full report is demanded. To be clear: there is no written final report from Jones Day, nor will there be. I ask for your understanding that for legal reasons Volkswagen is prevented from publishing any such report,"
Volkswagen: Yeah, we're not publishing the final report on the diesel emission scandal investigation
-
Sometimes the more interesting bits of an auto show aren't the vehicles on display. Its the senior executives divulging some intriguing information. Case in point comes to us from Automotive News. Volkswagen of America's CEO, Michael Horn let out that the upcoming Golf SportWagen will be available with the company's 4Motion all-wheel drive system starting 2016. Also in 2016, the U.S. will also be getting the Golf Alltrack, a version of the SportWagen with increased ride height and body claddi
Volkswagen's Dealers Will Have Golf SportWagens with AWD, and Alltracks in 2016
-
While Europe has been enjoying the new Volkswagen Tiguan for a few months, North America has had to wait a bit longer for it. Tonight, Volkswagen has unveiled our version of Tiguan. Why has it taken so long? That's because our Tiguan is a bit different as we get the long-wheelbase variant. Compared to the European-spec model, the North American Tiguan is 10.7 inches longer and rides on a 4.4-inch longer wheelbase. The longer wheelbase allows Volkswagen to shoehorn in a third-row into the veh
Finally, the next-generation Volkswagen Tiguan arrives in the U.S.
-
The first person has been charged in the U.S.' Volkswagen diesel emission probe. Today at the U.S. Federal Court in Detroit, James Robert Liang, leader of diesel competence for Volkswagen from 2008 until June of this year entered a plea of guilty to conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government, commit wire fraud, and violate the Clean Air Act. According to grand jury indictment filed back in June and unsealed today, “Liang and his co-conspirators, including current and former employees, and
The first Volkswagen engineer pleads guilty for his role in the diesel emission scandal
-
Last month, we reported that Volkswagen could be cutting the Polo 3-Door and Beetle as a way to save costs. But Autoblog reports that the Beetle will live on. Dr. Heinz-Jakob Neusser, member of the board of management responsible for development at Volkswagen said that the Beetle will continue, with a new model coming sometime in the next 3 years. The next-generation Beetle will move to the MQB platform which allows such options as a hybrid and a electric version. Neusser also went onto say th
The death of the Volkswagen Beetle has been greatly exaggerated
-
Volkswagen was planning to release the preliminary findings of its internal investigation into the diesel emission scandal this month. But now, the company has scrapped those plans. In a statement, the German automaker cites strong objections from their lawyers and “unacceptable risks” to the company. But there might be more this than what Volkswagen is saying. Last week, Volkswagen finally reached a deal with the U.S. Government over the emission mess. By releasing the results, it might pu
Volkswagen revealing the preliminary results of the internal investigation this month; yeah about that...
-
Volkswagen has outlined new plans to bring new and updated models to the U.S. on a shorter timeframe. Michael Horn, head of VW’s U.S. operations told Bloomberg that the company is planning to introduce new models every five years, down from the current seven years. As for refreshes, Volkswagen wants cut that down from four to three years. “Customers want quicker change. We’re working to shorten the life cycle of the products to bring more new features and design elements, in terms of face-lifts
Volkswagen Is Planning To Cut The Lifecycle of Their Products
-
Automakers have been bailing out of various auto shows for the past few years. Case in point, a number of German automakers pulling out of the Detroit show for 2019. Volkswagen is the latest one to announce that it will not be showing up to a major auto show. Reuters reports that the German automaker will be skipping this year's Paris Motor Show. “The Volkswagen brand is continually reviewing its participation in international motor shows,” the company said in a statement. Instead, Vo
The continuing trend of automakers dropping out of shows
-
As we reported yesterday, Volkswagen has decided against revealing the preliminary results of their internal investigation as it would bring “unacceptable risks” to the company. It might have been a good idea as a new wrinkle has appeared in the diesel emission scandal. The New York Times has learned from two sources that a top technology executive prepared a PowerPoint presentation showing the automaker could fool the EPA's emission testing. The presentation was only a few pages long and ex
A Presentation floating around Volkswagen back in 2006 talked about how the company could fool EPA emission tests.
-
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 12, 2013 Surprising news coming from Volkswagen today. Jonathan Browning, CEO of Volkswagen of America has stepped down. In a statement, Volkswagen says Browning has left for personal reasons. A former executive for Ford and General Motors, Browning became CEO of Volkswagen of America in 2010. During his tenure, Volkswagen saw sales rise 23 percent in 2011 and 30 percent in 2012. This year has seen sales decline five percent through mo
-
The decision on where Volkswagen's upcoming crossover should be built has ended up becoming a tug-of-war between Mexico and Tennessee. Reuters reports that Volkswagen has delayed a decision that was expected this month on where the crossover will be built after the respective governments negotiating with VW over incentive deals. "VW is taking way too long again to tackle another pressing U.S. problem. The crossover will be a gainful addition to their portfolio, VW has got no time to waste," sai
Volkswagen Plans On More SUVs, and Delays A Crossover
-
You would think the last thing anyone Volkswagen wants to admit is they still believe there is a place for their diesel vehicles in the U.S. Alas, Volkswagen's brand chief thinks differently. Herbert Diess told reporters at the Consumer Electronics Show that Diesels will still have a place in Volkswagen's U.S. lineup, despite the mess the company finds itself in. “I wouldn’t give up diesel, even in the U.S.,” said Diess. Diess pointed that with the latest emission technologies, diese
Volkswagen's Brand Chief Says There Is Still A Place for Diesels In the U.S.
-
Volkswagen has announced pricing and various details on the upcoming 2017 Golf Alltrack this week. The Golf Alltrack differs from the Golf SportWagen with 0.6-inch higher ride height, underbody guard for the front bumper, a larger gas tank (14.5-gallon for Alltrack vs. 13.2-gallon for Golf SportWagen), and 4Motion AWD as standard. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.8L four-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 22 City/30 Highway. Pricing begi
How much will a Volkswagen Golf Alltrack set you back?
-
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 22, 2013 Volkswagen has officially pulled back the curtain on the next-generation Golf R, making its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The new Golf R packs the same 2.0L turbo-four found under the new Audi S3 with 296 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Impressive numbers when compared to the outgoing Golf R which packed 256 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. Power is channeled to all four wheels via Haldex system
-
Volkswagen will be cutting another big check. Today, the company announced that it had reached a settlement with Department of Justice over the criminal case on the diesel emission scandal. Volkswagen will plead guilty to three criminal felony charges and will pay $4.3 billion - $2.8 billion for the fine and $1.5 billion to settle civil cases. The settlement also requires an independent monitor to watch over the company for the next years. Volkswagen's board still needs to approve this sett
Volkswagen will be cutting another big check over the diesel emission mess
-
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 12, 2012 A new Autocar report says Volkswagen is planning a lightweight version of the next-generation GTI. Dubbed 'Carbon GTI', this rumored model is a tribute to the original GTI and its bare-boneness. The 'Carbon GTI' will utilize a combination of new manufacturing techniques to incorporate as much carbon fiber and aluminum into the vehicle. Parts like the bulkhead, windshield frame, and floor panels will use an alloy material. The
-
William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 7, 2012 The next Volkswagen GTI is due out sometime next year and Autocar has uncovered some juicy bits of what the vehicle could be packing. The GTI will still use a 2.0L turbocharged four going to the front wheels. However, horsepower is expected to jump to 260 HP. To handle all of that power, VW will use front differential consists of an electronically controlled Haldex clutch to allow for “more agile steering behaviour”. Volkswage
-
Volkswagen's decision to use illegal software on their diesel vehicles has been costing them dearly. Reuters reports that Volkswagen is setting aside an additional 2.5 billion Euros (about $2.95 billion) due to difficulties with fixing the affected diesel models, particularly with the hardware. "The reason is an increase in provisions relating to the buyback/retrofit program for 2.0l TDI vehicles, which is part of the settlements in North America that is proving to be far more technically c
Ka-Ching!
-
This afternoon, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a notice of violation to Volkswagen for skirting clean-air rules on some of their TDI models. The EPA says certain Volkswagen and Audi diesel models from 2009 to 2015 model years had special emission control software that could detect when a car is undergoing EPA emissions testing and turns on the full emissions controls. The software would turn off the controls during real-world driving. This allowed Volkswagen not to equip urea i
Volkswagen Finds Itself Trouble With the EPA
-
Since 2014, there have been numerous rumors about Apple's self-driving project known as Titan. At one time, the project had a 1,000 workers with the goal of designing and building a self-driving electric vehicle. But numerous issues and changes in vision has caused the project to be majorly behind scheduled. A new report from the New York Times shines a light at the current circumstances. According to sources with knowledge of the project, Apple signed a deal with Volkswagen late last year
Very much an odd couple
-
Scott Keogh, Audi of America's president will soon have a new job come November 1st. He will become CEO of Volkswagen Group's North American operations, taking over Hinrich Woebcken who held the position since April 2016. This is a big deal since Keogh will be the first American to hold the top position for Volkswagen's North America branch in 25 years. Keogh has an impressive track record at Audi when he joined in 2006 as their chief marking officer. He would play a key role in boosting the
Effective starting next month
-
William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 11, 2012 Volkswagen will complete the Beetle trio with the new diesel model coming out this August. Prices for the Beetle diesel will begin at $23,295 (excluding $770 destination charge) for a six-speed manual and $24,395 for a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. That gets you a 2.0L inline-four diesel, producing 140 HP and 236 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel economy rating for the 2.0L diesel 32 City/41 Highway. Standard featu
-
There are changes afoot in the Volkswagen Golf family. We'll begin with the bad news, the two-door Golf GTI will be no more in the U.S. Car and Driver was able to confirm this news with Volkswagen. Why? “The trend is clearly shifting toward four-door models,” said Volkswagen of America’s marketing chief, Hendrik Muth. Originally, Volkswagen was planning to offer the two-door GTI for 2017, but only in the base S trim. Now for the possible good news, Volkswagen is considering addi
We have some bad news and some possible good news
-
It seems Volkswagen has entered the megalomaniac stage. According to German publication Autobild, Volkswagen is planning a new premium midsize model to take on the likes of the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This new model is expected to come in the form hatchback sedan (think Audi A7) and a station wagon. The U.S. and China will get the sedan only, while everywhere else will have both options. As for what will underpin the new model, Volkswagen is debating whether to use its own MQB
A Premium Midsize Sedan From Volkswagen?!
-
In light of the announcement made by the EPA on Friday about certain Volkswagen vehicles equipped with the diesel engine violating emission standards, the German automaker has been at work on damage control. The Detroit News reported on Saturday that the company had pulled all of their ads and videos promoting the diesel engines on their YouTube page and asked dealers to put a stop-sale on Beetle, Jetta, and Passat models equipped with TDI engines. No word on how many vehicles are affected by th
Volkswagen Begins Controlling the Damage Over the EPA Investigation
-
Volkswagen has found itself in hot water once again over the diesel scandal. In an interview with NPR before the Detroit Auto Show, CEO Matthias Mueller said the company didn't lie to the EPA. The company just misunderstood the law. Here is the exchange After this interview was aired on NPR, Volkswagen asked if it would be possible to do a do-over. NPR agreed and did another interview with Muller. This time, Muller clarified some of his earlier comments, adding this was a problem that
How to stick foot in mouth by Volkswagen's CEO, Matthias Muller
-
Another day and more bad news for Volkswagen and their diesel engines. Let's begin with the latest. Automotive News is reporting that about 11 million Volkswagen vehicles equipped with diesel engines worldwide have the illegal software. Also, Volkswagen is planning to set aside 6.5 billion Euros ($7.3 billion) in the third quarter to cover the costs of addressing the issue. Volkswagen says the amount could change as the investigation continues. Also, France, Germany, Italy, and South Kor
An Increase In How Many Diesel Vehicles Have the Faulty Software, More Investigations, Hearing, and Explanation Into How Volkswagen Gamed the System
-
In 2005, Volkswagen was in dire straights. The company was going through a painful restructure and was looking into various ways to get itself back into shape. One of those ways was a possible deal with Daimler on possibly using their diesel technologies. But Volkswagen canceled the talks later that year and worked on their own diesel engines, which led to the cheating software and the mess it finds itself today. Bloomberg has learned from sources about a top-secret plan known as 'Project T
Another one of those 'what if' questions, one that could have prevented the mess Volkswagen finds itself in
-
After an emergency meeting held today, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn announced his resignation amid allegations that the automaker manipulated their diesel vehicles to meet emissions regulations around the world. "As CEO I accept responsibility for the irregularities that have been found in diesel engines and have therefore requested the Supervisory Board to agree on terminating my function as CEO of the Volkswagen Group. I am doing this in the interests of the company even though I am no
In Light Of the Diesel Emission Scandal, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn Resigns
-
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 18, 2012 Volkswagen's first try with Phaeton was a colossal failure in the U.S. Despite being one the best luxury vehicles with a surprising price, no one could get over the high price-tag for a Volkswagen. Well, Volkswagen is going for another try with Phaeton in the U.S. Automotive News is reporting that the Phaeton will return sometime in 2015. The Phaeton will ride on the new longitudinal platform and be priced “well below” the $7
-
It was expected that Volkswagen would begin repairing diesel vehicles with the illegal software in the first few months of 2016. But after the California Air Resources Board rejected Volkswagen's fix this week, the timeframe for when vehicles will be fixed is unknown. On Tuesday, CARB said Volkswagen plan were "incomplete, substantially deficient and fall far short of meeting the legal requirements to return these vehicles” to compliance. Speaking at the Automotive News World Congress, C
Hoping A Fix For Your Volkswagen Diesel To Happen Soon? It isn't going to happen.
-
At last month's court hearing where Volkswagen announced a deal had been reached with the U.S. Government on the 2.0L TDI engine, we learned the two were still in negotiations over the 3.0L TDI V6. Now it seems that issue is coming to a close. Bloomberg has learned from sources that Volkswagen and U.S. Government are ironing out technical details and reviewing test results of a possible software fix for the engine. It is said that a new catalytic converter could be part of this as well. Sour
We finally get an update on the Volkswagen Group's 3.0L TDI V6
-
Volkswagen has been teasing us for a number of years with Microbus concepts that never seem to go anywhere. The latest one is the I.D. Buzz that debuted earlier this month at the Detroit Auto Show. But an insider says this concept will go into production. Automotive News Europe spoke to a source at Volkswagen who said, "I know what you're going to ask and the answer is 2022. Diess wants it." The second sentence in that quote is important. Diess refers to Herbert Diess, the brand chief
It seems Volkswagen could make a Microbus concept a reality
-
It seems Volkswagen's Supervisory Board is keeping true to their promise holding more people accountable in the company's diesel crisis. Reuters (via Automotive News) and German publication Bild are reporting that three executives will be dismissed. The three are, Michael Horn, Volkswagen U.S. CEO Ulrich Hackenberg, Audi's r&d Boss Wolfgang Hatz, Porsche's engine chief Porsche and Volkswagen in Germany declined to comment, while Audi couldn't be reached. A spokeswoman for Volkswag
More Executives from Volkswagen Are Being Shown the Door, While A Possible CEO Replacement Is Being Considered
-
You might think the vehicle caught by a spy photographer is a Volkswagen Tiguan mule. But you would be incorrect. What you're looking at is the next-generation Volkswagen Touareg. While Volkswagen has been clever with applying camouflage strategic points, the longer length and taller body give away its true identity. Is it expected that the Touareg will be similar in design to the Tiguan. Car and Driver reports the next Touareg will transition to the MLB Evo platform that currently underpin
Took long enough for you to work on a new one!
-
After a meeting of Volkswagen's Supervisory Board today, Porsche CEO Matthias Müller has been named as the CEO of Volkswagen. Rumors of Müller's appointment have been swirling around for the past week. "My most urgent task is to win back trust for the Volkswagen Group – by leaving no stone unturned and with maximum transparency, as well as drawing the right conclusions from the current situation," said Müller in statement. Müller has a difficult task ahead of him as he'll need to right t
Volkswagen Gets A New CEO
-
If there is one bright spot in Volkswagen, it has to be their commercial division. Through August, the division has seen sales increase 8.2 percent to 308,500 models. With their success, it should come as no surprise they are considering moving into other markets such as the U.S. Eckhard Scholz, Volkswagen's commercial vehicles division CEO tells Reuters that the United States "are still a highly interesting market." A lot of this comes from many commercial vehicle manufacturers operating i
You could be seeing some of Volkswagen's commercial vehicles at your local dealer
-
Ever since Martin Winterkorn resigned from his post as Volkswagen Group CEO due to diesel emission scandal sixteen months ago, he has been out of the spotlight. However, Winterkorn made his first public appearance today at a parliamentary committee in Berlin investigating the emission irregularities of automobiles. At the hearing, Winterkorn maintained his innocence, saying he had no part in the cheating, nor knew anything about it. “It’s incomprehensible why I wasn’t informed early and cle
Volkswagen's former CEO enters the spotlight again
-
When we drove the Volkswagen Atlas back in the summer, we liked the base turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder for the most part. Aside from noticeable turbo-lag, the engine provided decent oomph. But for 2019, Volkswagen is quietly reducing the number of models you can order with the turbo 2.0L. CarsDirect recently obtained the order guide for the 2019 Atlas and reports that the base S trim will be the only model available with the 2.0T. Previously, the SE and SEL could be ordered with the 2.0T.
The V6 FWD for the base S is also going away
-
William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 14, 2012 Volkswagen is planning on bringing a electric vehicle over to the states sometime late next year. Volkswagen of America President, Jonathan Browning told Automotive News the company is planning on bringing a electric version of the Golf. Volkswagen will follow the same path as other automakers wherein they will only sell the Golf electric in certain markets before rolling it out nationwide. Browning says Volkswagen wants to o
-
If you didn't think the diesel scandal at Volkswagen could get any worse, think again. Let's begin with the former CEO at Volkswagen, Martin Winterkorn. Reuters is reporting that German prosecutors have opened an investigation into Winterkorn into "allegations of fraud in the sale of cars with manipulated emissions data" based on ten unidentified individuals filing charges. Now Winterkorn has said that he wasn't aware of any wrongdoing on his part in light of this scandal. There is a rep
A Criminal Investigation Is Opened Into the Former VW CEO, While Three r&d Chiefs Are Suspended
-
By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 10, 2013 Back in March, we reported on a rumor that Volkswagen would be planning a smaller four-door coupe as a way to grow their market share in the U.S. and China. Codenamed SC (short for Sport Coupe), the model would be based on Volkswagen's MQB platform and come out sometime in 2015. Now in the new year, Auto Express has some new information on the SC. Auto Express' report says the SC would be called the Golf CC and use the MQB
-
Yesterday, Volkswagen CEO Matthias Mueller said that owners of affected diesel vehicles will need to have them 'refitted'. Muller didn't go into detail about what he meant, but Reuters has some possible ideas. Speaking with experts, Reuters says Volkswagen might have to develop different solutions for the 482,000 vehicles affected in the U.S. This comes down to Volkswagen using two different systems for controlling emissions; lean NOx traps (most Volkswagen diesel vehicles involved in the sc
-
Some interesting news came out of Chicago concerning Volkswagen. First up, Autoblog reports that the next-generation Passat will be coming out next year. Volkswagen's North American CEO Hinrich Woebcken revealed this during a roundtable with journalists at the show. Not many details are known about the Passat. It is hinted that it could grow in size and feature styling similar to the new Jetta. One detail that is certain is that Passat will continue to be built at Volkswagen's Chattanooga,
What Volkswagen has in mind for their lineup in the next couple of years
-
William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 16, 2012 The Volkswagen/Suzuki partnership had so much going for it back in 2009. Two years later, the two are fighting and lobbing cheap shots. Suzuki wants out of it, while Volkswagen wants to work it out. Last November, Suzuki asked for arbitration in London to make Volkswagen return the 19.89% interest it had taken and to pay an unspecified amount of damages. Suzuki in their filing claims that Volkswagen didn’t keep its promise of
-
Breaking news coming out of Germany today as Volkswagen Chairman and grandson of the company's founder, Ferdinand Piëch announced his resignation after losing a public battle to try an oust Volkswagen's chief executive, Martin Winterkorn. "The members of the Executive Committee have unanimously determined that in view of the background of the last weeks the mutual trust necessary for successful cooperation no longer exists," said Volkswagen's Supervisory Board in a statement today. "For this r
The Drama at Volkswagen Reaches A Climax - Ferdinand Piech Steps Down
-
The emission cheating that went back to 2006 and would land Volkswagen in deep trouble last September was an open secret in the automaker's engine development department. German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung along with regional broadcasters NDR and WDR reported on Friday some of the results of Volkswagen's internal investigation into the diesel cheating scandal. The cheating goes back to 2006 at Volkswagen's engine development department. With strict U.S. emissions standards looming, th
The cheating scandal was an open secret and goes all the way back to 2006
-
One of the big questions coming out of the Volkswagen Diesel scandal was whether or not other automakers also manipulated emission tests. The German transport office at the moment doesn't have any evidence that says so. "At this point we have no indication of other manufacturers being involved," a spokesman for the office said at a government news conference today. Not the news Volkswagen wanted to hear as the company is beginning to feel the heat from European countries. France's pros
More Heat Is Applied to Volkswagen In Light of the Diesel Scandal
-
Former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn is already being investigated by German prosecutors over market manipulation because of the diesel emission scandal. But now, he finds himself under a new investigation by prosecutors on the suspicion of fraud. Reuters reports that prosecutors in Braunschweig believe Winterkorn knew about the cheat used on the 2.0L TDI well before the timeframe he has admittedly publicly. This suspicion comes as the result of numerous interviews with witnesses and su
Martin Winterkorn finds himself under investigation again
-
We're coming up on three years since the Volkswagen diesel scandal came to light. It caused the German automaker to spiral downward with various fines, lawsuits, people either stepping down or being arrested, and sales tanking. By now, you would think that the pain is done and over. But you would be wrong. Reuters reports today that prosecutors in Germany have fined Volkswagen a billion euros ($1.18 billion) over diesel emission cheating. In a statement, Volkswagen will accept the fine, the
Another day, another fine
-
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 1, 2012 Volkswagen apparently has been talking about what's coming down the pipeline. What Car? talked with Volkswagen board member Professor Ulrich Hackenberg where he revealed some surprises. For starters, Hackenburg revealed that the company would begin selling limited numbers of the XL1, a plug-in diesel hybrid that will get 313 MPG (European cycle). The XL1 has been seen testing over the past year or so, adding fuel to the fire. H
-
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 11, 2013 With Volkswagen still trying to work on taking over the world, sorry I mean become the number one automaker in the world, their chief executive of America says the company is considering selling commercial vehicles in the U.S. Jonathan Browning, chief executive of VW Group of America told Reuters that vehicles such as the Caddy and Transporter vans "certainly represent an opportunity" for the United States. "There are prelim
-
Even though Volkswagen revealed the updated Golf only a couple months ago, rumors are beginning to fly on the next-generation. Case in point is a report from Autocar which say the next-generation Golf GTI could be boasting a mild-hybrid system to provide a boost both in power and fuel economy. A new 48V electrical system and integrated starter motor will allow Volkswagen to make some significant changes to the 2.0L four-cylinder. One change could be swapping the turbocharger for an electric
Hybrid could be coming to the next-gen Golf GTI
-
William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 20, 2012 Volkswagen is thinking about adding a smaller four-door coupe (See Volkswagen CC) to their lineup. There are two reasons for this. One, this would be a vilable alternative to the new Audi A3 sedan and upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLC. Two, this will provide Volkswagen another way to increase its market share in North America and China. Known internally as the SC (Sport Coupe), the vehicle was given approval after U.S. market studies
-
Volkswagen CEO Matthias Mueller told a group of 20,000 employees today in Germany that the company will be cancelling and delaying a number of projects in light of the diesel emission scandal. "Therefore we are putting all planned investments under review. What is not urgently needed will be scrapped or delayed. And therefore we will adjust our efficiency program. I will be very open: this won't be painless," said Muller. Fixing around 11 million vehicles around the world that are affect
Volkswagen's CEO Announces They'll Be Cutting and Delaying A Number of Projects
-
Volkswagen CEO Matthias Mueller told a German publication that it would launch a recall for diesel vehicles that have emission-cheating software starting in January and hopefully finish up fixing all of the vehicles by the end of the year. "If all goes according to plan, we can start the recall in January. All the cars should be fixed by the end of 2016," Mueller told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Now it should be noted this is only for vehicles in Europe. A Volkswagen of America s
Volkswagen Says A Recall Is Imminent for Affected Diesel Vehicles*
*For Europe
-
The Volkswagen Jetta is an important model for the North American market and a new model is just over the horizon. Volkswagen North America CEO Hinrich Woebcken recently spoke with journalists at the Redbull Global Rallycross Championship in Los Angeles and dropped some interesting details about the next-generation Jetta. The new Jetta will make its debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Design-wise, Woebcken said it would have coupe-like form and promises to be "great-looking". Dealers
Going to have that coupe-like design
-
This morning, Volkswagen announced that it will build the upcoming seven-seat crossover at its Chattanooga, Tennessee plant starting in 2016. The seven-seat crossover will see Volkswagen investing $900 million into the plant and add 2,000 jobs. The investment will also include retooling for the plant so it can build vehicles based on the MQB platform. “The Chattanooga-built midsize SUV will allow us to fulfill the wishes of our dealer network, bringing new customers to our showrooms and additio
Volkswagen Picks Tennessee As The Place For Their Seven-Seat Crossover
-
For the past few months, we have been reporting that Teramont was the possible name for Volkswagen's upcoming three-row crossover. But it seems the model will be named something else. Automobilwoche reports that the new crossover will wear the 'Atlas' nameplate. Volkswagen filed trademark applications for the name with the U.S. Government back in April. According to Automotive News, the Atlas name shows that VW Group of America CEO Hinrich Woebcken made good on a promise back in July that
Volkswagen's three-row crossover might have a different than first thought
-
A lot has been happening in the past couple of days for Volkswagen over the diesel emission scandal. Let's get you up to date. First, Volkswagen of American has pulled its application for EPA certification on 2016 models equipped with the 2.0L diesel four-cylinder until they comply with emission standards for the U.S. Volkswagen hasn't said when they will resend their application for certification. Next is the Associated Press reporting that German prosecutors carried out searches at a n
Not a Day Volkswagen Would Like To Remember
-
Has it really been a month since Volkswagen and the U.S. Government announced they had reached an agreement over the 2.0L TDI emission scandal? Yes, it has and since then, the two have been hard at work with finalizing the agreement. This week, the two were in Federal Court in San Francisco to give an update. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer said at the brief hearing that the two parties have been making significant progress. The "parties ... have reported that in the month since we la
Although underneath the surface, there could be some issues
