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Audi to keep hiring workers despite VW diesel scandal

Even while Volkswagen contemplates delaying or canceling projects to pay for costs related to the massive diesel emissions scandal, its stablemate Audi is hiring, according to Reuters. Audi certainly isn't immune to the diesel scandal, with around 2.1 million affected vehicles worldwide including 13,000-14,000 in the US, but the scandal so far isn't affecting staffing levels. "We are sticking with plans for strategic growth and are continuing to hire new employees as planned," Audi board member for human resources Thomas Sigi said in a German newspaper, according to Reuters. Sigi even suggested paying a "respectable" bonus to workers next year. Audi has some big projects on the horizon, too. Among them, the company intends to launch a production version of the E-Tron Quattro Concept in 2018, and for performance fans a new TT RS appears to be on the way. The new A4 should be a big contributor to global volume when its worldwide rollout is complete. Rather than allowing the diesel scandal to hurt all of its divisions, the VW Group instead wants to concentrate the fallout (and costs) on the VW brand, according to Reuters. Those expenses could be huge. Volkswagen is budgeting around $7.3 billion just to repair the 11 million emissions-cheating vehicles. Worldwide, maximum estimates put the whole mess at $87 billion. Related Video:

2014 Volkswagen GTI to start a new hot hatch era in Geneva

The upcoming Geneva Motor Show is going to be stocked with important new production models and sexy concept cars, but hot hatch enthusiasts will undoubtedly see it as the coming out party of the MkVII Volkswagen GTI. And while we've only got European specifications and pricing to go on for now, we can tell from the get-go that the new GTI will be a proper heir to VW's hot hatch legacy.
This seventh-generation GTI is powered by a turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which makes 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in base form. For the first time ever, Volkswagen is also offering a performance pack for the GTI as well, which ups the horsepower to 230 (torque remains unchanged). With a slightly lower curb weight to push around - the new base car weighs 2,978 pounds versus 3,034 for the current three-door GTI - 0-62 miles per hour is now achieved in 6.5 seconds, and top speed is 153 mph. (Cars with the performance pack offer 0-62 mph in 6.4 seconds, and a 155-mph top speed.) Buyers my choose between a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed DSG unit.
Visually, the new GTI has obviously adopted the slant-nosed looks of the MkVII Golf, though with plenty of added drama. The exterior is dominated by the 17-inch "Brooklyn" wheels wearing 225-section rubber, and the aggressive front fascia gets black honeycombed inserts in the upper and lower grille sections. At launch, Volkswagen will offer the GTI in three colors: the Pure White seen here, Tornado Red and Black. Tartan patterned seats are of course still an option for the interior, while the GTI-specific steering wheel and shift knob are standard.

Recharge Wrap-up: Chevy bi-fuel Silverado 3500HD Chassis Cab, VW Car-Net works with Apple Watch

Volkswagen's Car-Net app will be compatible with the Apple Watch. Using the app, owners will be able to lock and unlock their car, check charging status or fuel level, locate their car, flash the lights, and honk the horn of their vehicle remotely from their wrist. E-Golf owners can begin or end charging or operate climate control through their Apple Watch. The app can also monitor other household drivers with speed and boundary alerts - perfect for the parent who lends their car to a teenager. Read more in the press release from Volkswagen. Chevrolet is launching the bi-fuel 2016 Silverado 3500HD Chassis Cab. The work truck will now offer a version that will run on both gasoline and compressed natural gas (CNG). "CNG burns cleaner and costs less at the pump than gasoline, making it an appealing option for fleets," says GM's Ed Peper. Companies like Southern California Gas Co. find that trucks like this meet their work needs and help them achieve their goals of greening up their fleets, GM says. Read more in the press release from GM. UPS has made a deal to buy renewable natural gas from Clean Energy Fuels. This make UPS the biggest user of natural gas in the shipping industry. Clean Energy Fuels, co-founded by T. Boone Pickens, will provide UPS with its Redeem brand natural gas, which uses methane captured from landfills. UPS hopes to log 1 billion miles with its alternative fuel and advanced technology fleet by 2020. "Our rolling laboratory approach provides a unique opportunity for UPS to test different fuels and technologies," says Mitch Nichols of UPS. "Today's RNG agreement will help mature the market for this promising alternative fuel." Read more in the press release below. UPS BECOMES NATION'S LARGEST USER OF RENEWABLE NATURAL GAS IN SHIPPING INDUSTRY New Agreement with Clean Energy Will Help Grow Market for Use of Methane Gas from Landfills as Fuel Atlanta, May 5, 2015 – UPS® (NYSE:UPS) today announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase renewable natural gas (RNG) for its delivery vehicle fleet from Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ: CLNE). The deal signifies UPS's plan to significantly expand its use of renewable natural gas for its alternative fuel and advanced technology fleet. The company has a goal of driving one billion miles using its alternative fuel and advanced technology fleet by the end of 2017. Clean Energy Fuels, co-founded by T.