2007 Vw Beetle Triple White Edition on 2040-cars

Auto blog

VW considering single, cheaper li-ion cell for all plug-in vehicle batteries

Volkswagen is finding rapid success in the battery electric vehicle market; especially in Europe where the e-Golf is already the segment sales leader. Recent concepts like the C Coupe GTE, Sport Coupe GTE and Cross Coupe GTE suggest more plug-in hybrids from the company are on the way, too. To make future models more economical, the German automotive giant is considering switching to a standard design for its lithium-ion battery cells. Using standardized parts is a long-accepted principle in production because it leads to economies of scale, and a company can pass on the savings to buyers or pocket the money to boost profits. VW is aiming for a massive 66-percent drop in costs by switching to a unified design, according to Heinz-Jakob Neusser, the board member in charge of development, to Automotive News. While the cells would be uniform, they could be crafted into different modules to fit each specific model. VW currently buys cells from Panasonic and Samsung for various models, but under the new plan all of the automaker's brands would switch to a single one. "We have a clear understanding in the group of a common cell," Neusser said, according to Automotive News, without suggesting when a change might happen. VW also has a few months decide on a different future for its EVs. The automaker is reportedly considering whether to use sold-state lithium-ion batteries from a US-based supplier for upcoming models. The next-gen tech could potentially give a massive boost in range while also being fireproof.

Winterkorn steps down as CEO of Porsche SE

Martin Winterkorn's departure from all things related to the Volkswagen Group is nearing completion. After having stepped down as chairman of the automaker's executive board nearly a month ago in the wake of the automaker's diesel emissions scandal, he's now leaving the direction of the company's principal shareholder, as well. After VW acquired Porsche (the automaker) several years ago, and in turn was principally acquired by Porsche (the holding company), the latter installed Winterkorn as its chief executive officer in order to cement ties between the parties. He's served as chairman of the executive board (German-speak for CEO) at Porsche Automobil Holding SE ever since, but he's now officially resigned from that position. In his place, the holding company has named Hans Dieter Potsch as its new chief exec. Potsch was also recently named as chairman of the supervisory board of the Volkswagen Group, having served until now as CFO of both VW AG and of Porsche SE. Winterkorn's principal successor at the helm of daily operations at VW is Matthias Muller, formerly CEO of the Porsche auto brand and now CEO of the entire VW group. The development brings Winterkorn's exit closer to completion. However the departing executive still, for the time being, remains at the head of group divisions Audi, Scania, and Truck & Bus GmbH. We don't expect it will be much longer, however, before he formally resigns from those chairmanships as well. Related Video: Porsche SE: Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn ceases function as member and chairman of the executive board Successor as chairman will be chief financial officer Hans Dieter Potsch Stuttgart, 17. October 2015. Porsche Automobil Holding SE, Stuttgart ("Porsche SE"), reached an agreement with Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn that he ceases his function as member and chairman of the executive board of Porsche SE by the end of October 31, 2015. Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, chairman of the supervisory board of Porsche SE, thanked Prof. Dr. Winterkorn for the successful work in previous years: "Prof. Dr. Winterkorn assumed office as chairman of the executive board of Porsche SE in a difficult situation. He played a significant role in transforming our company into a highly professional investment holding. I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of the entire supervisory board." Hans Dieter Potsch, chief financial officer of Porsche SE, was appointed by the supervisory board to succeed Prof. Dr.

VW expanding in Chattanooga, hiring workers ahead of SUV production

Hey, look! We're writing about Volkswagen's Chattanooga, TN factory and the focus isn't on yet another unionization effort. That's because the big news at the still-new factory is VW's plan to expand and increase its workforce in preparation for the arrival of the German brand's long-awaited midsize crossover. The expansion, which will add over half a million square feet of factory space, overhaul the assembly, body and paint shop and add 2,000 employees to the factory's ranks, officially kicked off last month. "This is a very exciting time in the history of Volkswagen Chattanooga," president and CEO of operations at the plant, Christian Koch, said in a statement. "A lot of hard work is going into adding this second vehicle line to the plant, but it is crucial to our efforts to move forward in America." "Not only will Volkswagen's expansion create thousands of new jobs, it will strengthen their roots in our city," Chattanooga's Mayor, Andy Berke, said in a statement. "From the construction at the plant to the development of a visitors center, there is no doubt that Volkswagen is invested in Chattanooga." VW Chattanooga has been a constant in the headlines over the past few years as pro-union and pro-business interests have battled over the souls representation rights of its roughly 1,500 workers. Just over a year ago, the UAW was defeated in its initial unionization bid, although pro-labor interests have not gone quietly into the night. Construction is expected to continue for two years, with production of Chattanooga's second vehicle expected to commence in 2016. Scroll down for the official press release from Volkswagen. VOLKSWAGEN CHATTANOOGA'S PLANT EXPANSION UNDERWAY Feb 24, 2015 Construction Will Add 2nd Vehicle Line: New Midsize SUV CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Feb. 24, 2015) - Construction is underway at the Volkswagen Chattanooga manufacturing facility in preparation for production of an all new Midsize SUV. The first phase of construction started in early January 2015 and will continue for the next two years. Volkswagen Chattanooga CEO and President Christian Koch gave a site tour to Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke and Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger on Tuesday, highlighting the necessary expansion of the production areas in the body shop, paint shop and assembly areas.