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NA auto output to reach 11-year peak

According to Automotive News, automakers are expected to manufacture 16 million light vehicles in North America in 2013. That's up 500,000 units from last year and marks the largest number since 2002. The prediction comes courtesy of LMC Automotive and IHS Automotive, which point to the improving US economy as a bellwether for total production. LMC Automotive says North America will produce 16 million vehicles while IHS has a slightly more optimistic forecast of 16.1 million units. A total of seven automakers are slated to increase production on the continent this year. Nissan is set to see the largest jump at 20 percent over last year.
Volkswagen, meanwhile, is one of the only manufacturers predicted to scale back production. Analysts expect the German company's output to fall by 23 percent to 170,000 units, thanks in part to slow demand for the Volkswagen Passat and Jetta.

VW brings back the bus, and Jeep might be on the block | Autoblog Podcast #524

On this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Associate Editor Joel Stocksdale. We discuss the week's news including the introduction of the VW T-Roc, the confirmed production of the VW I.D. Buzz and the Hyundai Santa Cruz truck. We also cover the cars we've been driving, talk about whether the Woodward Dream Cruise is better than the Pebble Beach Concours, and we try to spend your money. The rundown is below. Remember, if you have a car-related question you'd like us to answer or you want buying advice of your very own, send a message or a voice memo to podcast@autoblog.com. (If you record audio of a question with your phone and get it to us, you could hear your very own voice on the podcast. Neat, right?) And if you have other questions or comments, please send those too. Autoblog Podcast #524Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Topics and stories we mention Rundown Volkswagen T-Roc reveal Volkswagen I.D. Buzz confirmed for production Chinese automaker interested in FCA and Jeep Ferrari celebrates 70th anniversary at Pebble Beach Hyundai Santa Cruz confirmed for production What we're driving Unpopular opinion Spend My Money Feedback Email – Podcast at Autoblog dot com Review the show on iTunes

Volkswagen Touareg hybrid axed for 2016

Volkswagen is axing the Touareg hybrid for the 2016 model year. At a starting price of $67,905 (after $910 destination), the 2015 version sat at the top of the Touareg range, but it didn't offer significantly improved fuel economy for the extra money. The hybrid was only three miles per gallon city and one mpg highway better than the base V6. Another hurdle for potential buyers: the entry-level diesel had even better highway mileage and cost over $14,000 less. Earlier this year, Nissan made a similar decision to scrap the Pathfinder hybrid, and the future for the QX60 hybrid is murky. Volkswagen has a few other adjustments in store for the 2016 Touareg. The biggest change is that the whole lineup sees about $2,000 sliced off the price. According to Car and Driver, the adjustment knocks $2,090 off the base price to bring things to $42,705. In addition, the Lux and Executive trims now get standard 14-way power adjustable and ventilated seats, and the two of them are also offered with new, 21-inch wheels. The Executive also now gets power adjustment on the steering column and a suite of safety tech, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Related Video: