Volkswagen Formalizes "R"

Volkswagen R GmbH in the Starting Blocks

Wolfsburg, Germany -- March 16, 2010 -- The Volkswagen R GmbH will be the specialist for sporty exclusive models from Volkswagen in the future. Volkswagen AG has bundled the responsibilities and competencies for development, implementations and sales of individualised vehicle offers into Volkswagen R GmbH. For example, its portfolio includes the two new top models, the Scirocco R und the Golf R as well as the dynamic R Line design packages and luxurious Volkswagen Exclusive items.

“Our vehicles contribute to the emotionalisation and growth of Volkswagen brand,” explained Ulrich Riestenpatt gt. Richter, General Manager of Volkswagen R GmbH.

The company’s name, Volkswagen R GmbH, responds to the increased global demand for individualised vehicles with contemporary sportiness and exclusivity. The sporty positioning will be reflected more intensely in the programme of Volkswagen R in the mid and long term. The company has its headquarters in Warmenau near Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen R GmbH employs a staff of more than 350.

media.vw.com

Source: Volkswagen AG

2011 VW Sedan Outlook

We have already seen a coupe version the 5th generation Jetta replacement, but what about the Passat.  We do know that there will be two new sedans coming to us, hopefully this fall.  The Passat as we know is officially in its last model year.  The CC remains of course.  I know about anyone else, but I am looking forward to some more modern looking sedans from VW.

The new vehicles will be made for the North American market only.  This is to improve U.S sales.  I expect that they should still have a German feel though.  The thought is that Americanized versions of Volkswagens flagship cars will hurt their image.  It will not happen though.

Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaf

Have you ever wondered how big VW actually is?  Volkswagen AG is actually the parent company to 9 different entities.  These entities are as follows;

• Audi AG -->    Audi USA
• Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. -->   Lamborghini Home Page (choose English or Italiano)
• Bentley Motors Limited  -->    Bentley Motors
• Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. -->   Bugatti's Home Page (English version)
• SEAT S.A.  -->  SEAT Homepage
• Škoda Auto  -->   Skoda (British Site - not sold here in the states)
• Volkswagen Passenger Cars  -->  vw.com  or  volkswagen.uk.co
• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles  -->   Volkswagen Commercial
• Scania AB  -->   Scania

Volkswagen AG is officially the largest auto manufacturer in the world as far as production goes!

Some Info I wrote for my previous employer.

Here are a few tidbits that will certainly shed new light on how far VW has come! From left to right: Golf, Jetta, Passat, Eos, Tiguan
Volkswagen soon to become worlds largest automaker by volume " The Guardian reports that in the first 9 months of 2009, Volkswagen/Porsche made 4.4 million cars whereas Toyota made 4 million... Even though we still have another quarter to go, Volkswagen seem certain to stay ahead of Toyota and claim the title of “World’s largest carmaker by volume” for 2009." Source: "Thetruthaboutcars.com", "The Guardian" -UK News Site Read the Article here. Five Volkswagens are award recipients of JD Power's Prestigious Initial Quality Survey. All awards are for 2009 vehicles.  2010 awards will be available next summer. Volkswagen CC - Most Appealing Entry Premium Vehicle Volkswagen GTI - Most Appealing Entry Sporty Vehicle Volkswagen Passat Wagon - Most Appealing Midsize Vehicle  Volkswagen Passat Sedan - Most Appealing Midsize Vehicle Volkswagen Tiguan - Most Appealing Compact MAV   Ask Fast Brought to you by Justanswer.com VW edition. Ask VW questions and get replies from some of the nations top Volkswagen mechanics. Fast Knows! by Sam Abuelsamid on Oct 22nd 2009 at 8:20AM [Source: Volkswagen] Press Release Integrated automotive group: Volkswagen will take a 49.9 percent stake in Porsche AG in first step Wolfsburg, 20 October 2009 - Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft will take a 49.9 percent stake in Porsche AG in a first step towards an integrated automotive group with Porsche. This was agreed between Volkswagen and Porsche SE during negotiations on the contracts of implementation relating to the merger of the two companies. The Comprehensive Agreement announced in August referred to an initial participation in Porsche AG amounting to 42 percent. The timetable for the creation of the integrated automotive group remains unchanged: Volkswagen will acquire a participation in the operating business of Porsche by the end of 2009. The merger of Volkswagen AG and Porsche SE is still scheduled to take place during the course of 2011... Read the entire blog at autoblog.com VW8ANH428RDU