2006 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5 Hatchback 2-door 2.5l on 2040-cars

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Everyone but VW and Tesla has recalled their Takata airbags

Takata's massive airbag inflator recall affected over 32 million vehicles from 11 automakers in the US, but two companies buying the supplier's parts haven't been affected so far: Volkswagen and Tesla. There are 887,055 VWs and 184,926 Teslas using Takata's inflators with ammonium-nitrate propellant, a new accounting shows, according to Automotive News. That doesn't necessarily mean the models need to be recalled. These figures came from a report that Takata prepared for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which listed all of the vehicles it supplied with ammonium nitrate-fueled inflators. The substance is believed to be linked with the components' rupturing, along with manufacturing defects and humidity. "We're not asking because we've got reports of problems; we just need to figure out what the universe is," NHTSA spokesman Gordon Trowbridge said to Automotive News. Takata reportedly told Tesla that the inflators in its EVs are not affected with these problems, and VW is investigating a case in June where a side airbag allegedly burst in a 2015 Tiguan, Automotive News reports. The government is also still researching the precise cause of the parts' ruptures. If the investigation finds ammonium nitrate to be a factor, the vehicles could need recalled. During a Congressional hearing Takata vice president Kevin Kennedy admitted that ammonium nitrate could be among the factors of the ruptures, but the company has continued to use the chemical in its inflators. Takata is now working to transition to a different propellant. Related Video:

Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Alltrack coming to US in 2016 [w/video]

As many versions of the Golf that Volkswagen offers in America, there are even more available overseas. But if the Alltrack was one that you wished would make the transatlantic voyage to US showrooms, we've got good news for you, because VW has confirmed its bringing the Golf SportWagen Alltrack to America. Revealed last year at the Paris Auto Show, the Golf SportWagen Alltrack is VW's answer to a Volvo Cross Country or Subaru Outback. It starts with the Golf SportWagen, which already offers more space than a standard Golf hatch, but adds to it a higher ride height, lower body cladding, a new front bumper and upgraded cabin space. It also crucially gets 4Motion all-wheel drive, something which was previously available only on the top-of-the-line Golf R. The Haldex 5-based system sends power to the front wheels under normal conditions, but can divert up to 50 percent to the back in slippery situations. VW has yet to confirm just which engine and transmission combinations will be offered in the US-spec Alltrack, but it's offered overseas in four flavors: a gasoline-burning turbo four with 178 horsepower and a trio of diesels ranging in output from 109 hp to 182. The US-spec Golf hatch is offered with either a turbo four or a mid-range TDI before getting into the GTI, Golf R and e-Golf alternatives. The German automaker hasn't confirmed exactly when the first examples are set to hit US showrooms, but they're slated for sometime next year. VOLKSWAGEN AT THE 2015 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW - Four Beetle Special Edition concepts introduced: Beetle Convertible Denim, Beetle R-Line, Beetle Convertible Surfer, and Beetle Pink Color Edition - All-wheel-drive Golf SportWagen Alltrack announced for production in 2016 - Volkswagen celebrates 60 years of Beetle heritage New York, New York - Volkswagen of America, Inc., today announced that it will produce the all-wheel-drive Golf SportWagen Alltrack for the U.S. market beginning in 2016, and showed four unique Beetle and Beetle Convertible models that help to commemorate Volkswagen of America's 60th anniversary. Golf SportWagen Alltrack Coinciding with the arrival of the all-new Golf SportWagen, currently available in dealer showrooms, Volkswagen is pleased to announce that the all-wheel-drive Alltrack model will go on sale in 2016 as a 2017 model.

Giorgetto Giugiaro launching new design firm

Giorgetto Giugiaro may have sold his remaining shares in the Italdesign firm he started, but he's not about to retire from the business altogether. According to an interview with Automotive News Europe, he's starting a new design consultancy. And he's taking his son, Fabrizio, with him. After working for established design houses Bertone and Ghia, the celebrated designer founded Italdesign Giugiaro in 1968. In 2010 he and his son Fabrizio sold 90.1 percent of the firm to the Volkswagen Group, with Fabrizio initially carrying on as its chief designer before Wolfgang Egger replaced him. Just months ago, the Giugiaros sold their remaining stake and resigned their seats on the board of Italdesign. The move came hot on the heels of the departure of ousted board chairman Ferdinand Piech, a longtime friend of Giorgetto's and the driving force behind VW's acquisition of Italdesign. Just because they're no longer affiliated with Italdesign Giugiaro doesn't mean, however, that the Giugiaros won't be designing cars anymore. They're reportedly working on establishing a new design house, and are discussing potential contracts with unnamed Chinese and South Korean automakers. The father-son pair could set up shop in a refurbished existing location (as the pragmatic Fabrizio favors) or build a new studio from the ground up (as the visionary father prefers). We'll have to hold on to see what direction the new firm takes, but most of all, we'll be looking forward to seeing what designs it produces. News Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req.Image Credit: Volkswagen Design/Style Hirings/Firings/Layoffs Volkswagen italdesign giugiaro Giorgetto Giugiaro