1972 Volkswagen Beetle, Runs, Needs Repairs on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Volkswagen Tiguan arrives with chiseled looks, GTE plug-in model [w/video]

After a long run, Volkswagen has finally retired the first-generation Tiguan crossover in favor of the larger, more chiseled second-generation model. The new compact is longer, wider, and lower than the more upright CUV that came before it. Yet, as we covered in our original post, the new Tig is also over 100 pounds lighter. The bodywork is conservative but handsome; typical of newer VWs. We see plenty of Passat and Touareg in the fascia, which features a three-bar grille that integrates neatly with the slightly canted, rectangular headlights. The beltline looks higher than today's Tiguan, and sits below a more aggressive greenhouse, which is a welcomed change after the soft, crossovery looks of the last-gen model. While VW has only released European powertrain options – there are eight engine options, split evenly between gas and diesel and boasting anywhere from 123 to 237 horsepower – we'll expect a far smaller roster for the US. Look for VW's familiar 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder to feature prominently in both front- and all-wheel-drive models, while we're personally hoping VW will see the light and offer a 2.0-liter TDI Tiguan. Of course, there's more than just gas and diesel for the new Tiggy. The all-new GTE model promises plug-in capability. Expect 31 miles of electric range and 215 system horsepower. There are even solar panels on the roof which could generate up to an extra 600 miles per year of driving range. VOLKSWAGEN REVEALS ALL-NEW EUROPEAN TIGUAN AT THE FRANKFURT INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW Based off the MQB platform, the new European Tiguan revolutionizes the compact SUV • Powerful, authentic SUV design of the new Tiguan was completely reconfigured. • Tiguan is the first Volkswagen Group SUV to be based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB). • Longer, wider, lower – new vehicle architecture enables sportier proportions • Tiguan makes its debut at the IAA in an R-Line version, a classic on-road version and a version with an off-road front end. • Volkswagen is also showing the Tiguan GTE in Frankfurt with a plug-in hybrid drive and 1.9 litre per 100 km fuel consumption. • Newly conceptualised solar roof module for the Tiguan GTE increases its electric driving range. • Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring, active hood, Lane Assist and the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System are fitted as standard.

VW was 2018's top-selling automaker — but

TOKYO — Volkswagen Group has held on to its position as the world's top-selling automaker for the fifth year in a row, although the German group was edged out again by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance in the light-duty vehicles segment. Renault SA, Nissan Motor Co Ltd and Mitsubishi Motors Corp together sold 10.76 million passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in 2018, according to Reuters' calculations after new data released on Wednesday. The group doesn't sell heavy trucks. Nissan said on Wednesday it sold 5.65 million vehicles last year, down 2.8 percent on the year. Mitsubishi reported an 18 percent rise in sales to 1.22 million units while Renault sold 3.88 million units, up 3.2 percent on the year. Volkswagen's deliveries rose 0.9 percent to a record 10.83 million last year, including its MAN and Scania heavy trucks, the German company said earlier this month. Excluding heavy trucks, it sold 10.6 million units. Toyota Motor Corp retained its third spot, announcing on Wednesday that it had sold 10.59 million vehicles last year including its Toyota and Lexus brands, along with minicars made by subsidiary Daihatsu and light and heavy trucks produced by its truck division Hino Motors Ltd. Excluding Hino trucks, Toyota sold 10.39 million units last year. The automaker has said it expects to sell a total of 10.76 million vehicles in 2019. Many automakers are trying to boost sales volumes to achieve economies of scale and reduce costs amid soaring investments needed to develop next-generation technologies, including self-driving cars and electric vehicles. This has been a focus of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Motors group, which is looking to share more vehicle parts and consolidate production platforms to trim R&D and manufacturing costs, while raising profitability. The alliance, which brought Mitsubishi Motors into its fold in 2016, is currently in crisis with its former Chairman Carlos Ghosn arrested and indicted on charges of misconduct. Nissan has also been indicted, and Renault appointed new top management last week. Related Video: Earnings/Financials Mitsubishi Nissan Toyota Volkswagen

VW Chattanooga plant very close to UAW representation

After months of fighting from both sides, it looks like the Volkswagen factory in Chattanooga, TN, might unionize under the United Auto Workers after all. According to a letter acquired by The Associated Press, VW and the UAW reportedly struck a deal last spring where the union agreed to stop its challenge of the organization vote with the National Labor Relations Board to help clear the way for the CrossBlue to be produced in Tennessee. In exchange, the automaker would recognize the UAW at the plant. Leaders of the Local 42 at the facility reportedly signed the letter.
It seems that such an agreement would clear the way for the factory to unionize after months of dispute. According to The Detroit News, under Tennessee law, workers aren't required to join the organization. Although, that might not be a problem. As of a few months ago, Local 42 already claimed to have signed around 700 of the plant's roughly 1,500 workers.
Controversy has constantly swirled around the possible unionization at the Chattanooga plant. The UAW held its official decision in February and lost 712 to 626. However, there were allegations of intense political pressure to make sure the ballot failed. A later report also found that VW was offered $300 million in incentives well before the vote to make sure things progressed to the "satisfaction of the State of Tennessee," but the deal was later retracted. In July, the UAW opened Local 42 on the campus in hopes of signing up a majority of the workforce by volunteering to be a part of it.