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Posts Tagged ‘Volkswagen’
Sun, November 2, 2008 5:42 am By James Coolridge  Printer friendly version
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 “Volkswagen is the most performing automaker in the market”. Had you tried to say this sentence a few years ago, oh God, you would end up in an argument. Many would have resisted shaking their head in disagreement calling it a false statement coming out of someone with less knowledge of facts. But things have changed now.
If we look up at the latest statistics of car sales, it would be amazing to see that while the car sales are coming down, the grip of Volkswagen over the market is getting stronger. Most of its competitors are showing a fall in the sales of cars. But the market value of this German car maker is growing up with a hit in total sales. It is even more amazing that the sales of VW is more in China – the land of cheap cars-, than its own home country Germany.
But the happy news of VW doesn’t here. While the US market is going through a bad phase, showing a steep decline in sales for every maker, VW has shown a hike of 5% in sales. VW credits the success of this sale to its fuel efficient lines of cars including Rabbit, Jetta, and the GTI. The German automaker has introduced special diesel models targeting a hike in the sales in the Chinese market.
VW has a particular affection towards China. Thanks to the heavy demand for the Volkswagen cars in the Dragon land. It was almost two decade back; VW entered China and is now a house hold name there. In spite the existence of several of car makers, Volkswagen succeeded in emerging the clear winner.
Brazil is another paradise for VW, with a 22% growth in its sales. The German car maker is also expecting a big rise in sales in Russia, and India this year. With these mind blowing statistics Volkswagen is making one thing clear. If brought out cars with excellent looks and mesmerizing features, then its is a not difficult task to sustain in the market intact.
Tags: Cars, Volkswagen, performance, Germany, China, Russia, India, decade, sales, Brazil
Wed, October 29, 2008 5:16 am By James Coolridge
 It was in 1905 for the first time an effort was made to use hybrid technology in cars. Energy saving efforts was not the prime focus of that time. But the efforts were to increase the speed from zero to twenty-five miles an hour in ten seconds. And sadly with in time this technology got approval, accelerators had already become a part of cars.
The hybrid technology at that period had few takers. The hybrid energy was used for the first time in US in 1918. Again here the main purpose was speed, not cutting the fuel costs. But serious efforts on introduction of hybrid energy were considered for first time in 1960’s. The United States Congress in 1966 felt the need to cut down air pollution and recommended bills that would boost up the production of electric vehicles. This later led to the production of an advanced battery that would ease the transportation on highways.
Most of the developed countries including Germany and Japan started introducing hybrid cars as the air pollution seemed touching serious level. Most big names like Toyota and Volkswagen started introducing hybrid cars. Toyota was the first car maker to bring out hybrid cars to the public. In 1997, it was marketed solely to Japanese people.
Honda was the first automaker to bring out a hybrid car in the US. The first two-seated hybrid car rolled on US roads in 2000, which was followed by different models.
Ford offered its Escape Hybrid in 2004, which is a SUV. With the popularity for hybrid cars getting increased, almost all big names started bringing out hybrid vehicles into the US market.
Apart from the US, many Asian countries including Japan, Korea and Singapore are promoting hybrid cars by providing tax relief to the owners. With in near future, it is sure that fuel vehicles will become part of the history and hybrid vehicles becoming the complete source of transportation.
Tags: Cars, Honda, Toyota, Ford, Volkswagen, Fuel, Hybrid Cars, Japan, US, Transportation, vehicle, Korea, , Singapore, high ways
Sun, October 19, 2008 9:35 am By James Coolridge
 Skoda, the leading name in the automobile market is seriously thinking of its return to Australia. The Czech Republican automaker was treated as a big joke in the automotive world but with the disciplined management and marketing strategy, the company emerged as a big brand in the highly competitive market. Skoda is a subsidiary of Volkswagen, the German auto giant. Skoda with in short time grabbed the Teutonic know-how, engineering and quality standards with the help of which it reached today’s position.
The distribution part of Skoda vehicles is done by Volkswagen Group Australia after its debut at the Sydney Motor Show. Skoda is planning to launch the mid-size front-wheel-drive Octavia sedan and wagon plus the funky-looking five-door-wagon-cum-people mover called the Roomster in the Aussies land. Both of these models come from Skoda’s new plant at Mlada Boleslav near Prague.
The Octavia RS that will be launched in Australia assures high performance with its 147 kW, 2 liter FSI turbocharged engine. Volkswagen also has thoughts of bringing out VW Polo-sized Fabia by next year. The VW Polo-sized Fabia has received wide applause at the Geneva Motor Show. Volkswagen also may add the fleet with a new generation version of its long-wheelbase Superb sedan in 2009.
Skoda is always conscious of the price factor and will be following the same strategy in Australia also The price of Skoda Fabia may start from $16,000 for the Fabia, while Superb will start from mid $40,000. In spite of using VW engine parts for manufacturing, the Skoda cars 5 to 8 percent cheaper that its equivalent Volkswagen models production costs much lower in Eastern Europe. Skoda had plans of its Australian launching for the past one year or more, but the plan got delayed due to the pricing and local identity issues.
Octavia and Roomster will be the first two brands that will be rolled on to the Australian roads. Skoda also have assured of after-sales services with the well developed network and highly trained technicians. It is after 25 years that Skoda is coming back to Australia and it is confident of its second innings.
Tags: Cars, Volkswagen, Germany, Australia, Skoda, Czech Republic, Sydney Motor Show, Fabia, Eastern Europe
Wed, September 24, 2008 1:34 pm By James Coolridge
 Audi, the leading German auto maker has a strong grip over the automobile market. Thanks to the consumer satisfaction, it drew over the years. The sophisticated features with lucrative looks have always been the USP of various models that came out from this auto major.
The new Audi A6 comes out with huge improvements. The new car has taken a little addition to its size. The Audi A6 has leaping improvements in handling and in its ride result. The chassis stiffness is improved along with the lengthening of the Audi A6’s wheelbase. The weight has also been redistributed.
The A6 is an executive luxury model from Audi, the German brand, which is produced and manufactured by Volkswagen Company. This model car is available in two trim levels comprising of the sedan and the station wagon. The station wagon is popularly known as Audi A6 Avant. This model faces stiff competition in the automobile market from Mercedes Benz E Class, the BMW 5 Series, the Alfa Romeo 166, the Jaguar S-Type, the Lexus GS, and the Volvo S80.
The new Audi A6 arriving in its reinvented style has a new trapezoidal grille which is almost same to the grille that was used by another vehicle marketed in Europe. This new grille was a major topic of talk in the automobile world. Audi was also looking forward to that. The interior of this car shows how passionately Audi has done it. It is one of the best interior works that Audi has done in recent years. The interior is very much comfortable and at the same time convenient. This car has the i-drive type control button that has been formatted from the A8 model of Audi. The control button is easy and comfortable to work It could be easily manipulated and controlled by those who have the stocked knowledge on computers. The A6 is comfortable for seating. It has enough space to keep the legs freely and move inside. The cabin of this car prevents any kind of wind noise, road noise, or any external noise from entering inside.
Well, these features definitely play a big role in making the Audi A6 car on of the best models available in the market. The sale of this model is much higher than the competitors. The above mentioned features clearly show why it is so.
Tags: BMW, Jaguar, Cars, Volvo, Sedan, Ford, Volkswagen, automobile, Lexus, Audi A6, Audi A8, Germany, interior design, Europe, grille
Tue, September 23, 2008 1:49 pm By James Coolridge
 There some cars lined down your lane which just after their releases is in the news since then. This news making group of cars has something to give you and that is a package of style and luxury for you and for your family.
Style for LOGAN
The Logan incorporates virtues which are quite simply beatable in its class. Its roomy has a good ride and with the diesel engine gives incredible fuel economy. Yet the Logan hasn’t been solely because of its drab looks. Logan in Europe just got a light makeover .a large new grille takes a center stage surrounded by larger and sleeker head lamps. New fog lamps inserts are now surrounded by carbon colored inserts.
Although most of the components remain same the overall look has changed. Other changes include better door handles inside and a comma type center headrest to aid better visibility. The engine options 1.4 and 1.6 mpi petrol and the 1.5 dCi diesel remain unchanged.
BMW
The 2009 version of BMW’s isn’t a complete redsign. The front gets profiled bumper, newly contoured hood and reworked headlamps with altered graphics.
Moving to the rear the 3 reveals the modified tail lights to give it a sportier look. It has also relieved a redesigned bumper and rear track to emphasize width. Inside the most striking feature is a larger 8.8 inch color motor with four selections to make use of the drive system easier.
CAMERO reborn
The Chevy camaro has been one of America’s iconic muscle cars and was designed to take on the legendary ford mustang in the 60’s.chrvy has given the car the retro look. Acres of bonnet and classic short overhangs at the end make it resemble the original classic. Inside the designers have paid special attention to the instrumentation which retained retro fonts. But the best part is the center console, which houses two pairs of rectangular dials for various functions. Chevy has installed a massive 3.6 liter V6 with 300 bhp .but the Chevy comes at the time when fuel prices are soaring and muscle and economy don’t gel.
HONDA’S HYBRID
Soaring fuel prices are driving towards hybrid technology and going beyond the civic hybrid, Honda has unveiled its open stud model featuring a sleek design. With better aerodynamics, it should be able to bring down the fuel consumption further. Bathed in blue, the display gives a sporty halo to this hybrid. But it’s just a show car and not for sale.
SCIROCCO BLOWS AGAIN
Based on the golf platform, scirocco holds it own with its broad, muscular look. it has a low road hugging presence.
Interior resembles that of the passat, barring the flat bottom steering wheel.
Overall the car looks broad and muscular. The scirocco is powered by VW’s acclaimed1.4 and 2.0 liter TSI engines producing 160 and 200 bhp respectively.
It’s a perfect blend of performance and utility and if open up a whole new segment above Rs 15 lakh.
Tags: BMW, Luxury Cars, Honda, Volkswagen, modified, Logan, Camaro
Mon, June 16, 2008 1:09 pm By James Coolridge
 Stylish, dazzling, chick, splendid and many more adjectives ran through my mind when I saw the pictures of the new small car from Volkswagen. I am talking about 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, which is a visual for a family of four.
The New Beetle comes in Coupe as well as convertible versions. This is the modern version of the original Beetle.
The coupe is available in six trims ranging from the S to the Triple White PZEV. The S is equipped with 2.5 liter, 150 hp engine and achieves 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Other specifications include 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive and 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive which is optional. Meanwhile the Triple White PZEV is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I5, 150-horsepower engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. All the trims have two doors and four passengers. Convertibles have a max cargo capacity of 5 cubic feet, while coupes have a roomier 27 cubic feet.
The latest news is that the 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is ranked as the 18th out of 28 affordable small cars. The ranking is based on an analysis of 35 published reviews and test drives of the Volkswagen New Beetle and the analysis of reliability and safety data.
Many reviews boasted about the playful appeal and zippy performance of the New Beetle. According to many auto writers, the 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle’s cabin is pleasantly designed and comfortable up front.
Tags: Coupe, Volkswagen, the New Beetle
Wed, May 28, 2008 8:40 am By James Coolridge
 Volkswagen introduces the new GT-Rocket special edition version of the Volkswagen Polo hatch. With its stunning color scheme ranging from Rocket metallic orange, reflex silver metallic, candy white and black, the car is pretty aggressive both in its performance as well as its appearance.
Apart from the “GT-Rocket” decals, the special edition Polo features new black colored 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped around in 205/50 R17 tires, a roof spoiler, darkened headlamps and a sport suspension. The gearshift is wrapped in leather with red stitching. The roof spoiler and sport suspension are its new add-on.
Under the bonnet, you will find VW’s punchy 1.9-litre, 128bhp turbodiesel engine, which not only offers thump-in-the-back performance, but also returns 55.4mpg.
The GT’s sporty suspension set-up gives it decent handling too, with good body control and a comfortable ride over bumps.
Apart from 16-inch alloy wheels and slightly lowered suspension, the new range-topping model looks virtually identical to all the other variants. Designers have placed plenty of GT badges inside and out, though.
Climatic “with air conditioning and CD-radio, will be included in the specifications sheet, a whole series highlights, in particular, leather steering wheel, tinted rear windows , Black and ceiling darkened screen again be in The Black / Silver editions are available with the choice of four petrol and diesel engines four units.
The Polo GT-Rocket can be combined with VW’s petrol engine range between 80 and 105 Hp or with the TDI diesels that produce between 80 and 130 Hp.
The Polo GT Rocket also comes with air-conditioning and a premium RCD 200 audio system.
Prices of the GT-Rocket special edition version start at $26,225 and is only available in Germany.
Tags: Volkswagen, Polo, GT rocket special edition
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