Hot Hybrids in Detroit: Proof that Green Can be Fun?
Sporty entries into the hybrid class prove green doesn’t have to be lame - no offense to those of our readers driving a Prius or Insight. (Remember, you too can have a stylish ride) Honda and VW have everyone talking 0-60 times with their sporty hybrid entries, the CR-Z and NCC.
Volkswagen claims some pretty impressive performance specs for the NCC. Even with an estimated 45 mpg combined fuel economy rating, VW predicts the NCC will reach 60 from zero in just over 8 seconds, with a top speed of 141 mph. It’s got to be one of the coolest looking hybrid concepts to date too.
Honda’s CR-Z is expected to have some soul too, at least, compared to “other” hybrids. Although it’s specs aren’t quite as impressive they are more likely the real deal. The CR-Z is being shown in production form at Detroit, and is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. later this year. Read more
Whoops! Toyota’s Still Number One
Looks like the announcement earlier this week that VW was the world’s top-selling automakers was premature. Turns out Toyota still holds the crown. The VW numbers included sales from partner companies, including those which the German giant holds only a small stake in. By using the same standard, Toyota’s overall sales would run at a rate of just under five million vehicles–or a half-million more than VW. Anyone else think this is over-complicating a very simple question: Who’s selling the most cars?
Porsche Crumbles Amid Giant Loss
Due to CEO Wendelin Wiedeking’s failed effort to acquire VW, Porsche’s total 2009 loss came to an astounding €4,400,000,000, or $6,500,000,000. The number is incredible given that Porsche was the most prosperous car company a year earlier, and that Porsche is still an independent automobile manufacturer. (Though that will change as VW reverses the situation and takes a large stake in Porsche.) Looking at the Panamera, we’re not holding much hope for the once-proud German nameplate–but we are loving the new Boxster Spyder.
Porsche Fans Rejoice: Wiedeking is Gone
Porsche’s chief executive officer Wendelin Wiedeking has been fired from the German car company. Wiedeking’s departure is met with that of the company’s chief financial officer, Holge Härter. The two men were “immediately” retired from their posts after months of falling sales and deepening debt.
Wiedeking has been with Porsche for sixteen years and orchestrated the firm’s expansion into sport-utility vehicles and sedans. But Wiedeking’s failed attempt to seize a majority stake in VW left Porsche €9,000,000,000 in debt. Porsche now may become a subsidiary to Volskwagen after being rejected for a state loan.
Wiedeking will leave with a €50,000,000 severance package. Härter will receive €12,000,000. Michael Macht, production director, will take the position as company CEO. Macht, age forty-eight, has been with Porsche since 1990 and has overseen engineering and logistics.
Audi Withdraws A1 and A8 from Frankfurt Show
Audi will be pulling its A1 sub-compact and new A8 from a Frankfurt debut. Both cars were scheduled for a flashy premiere, but word is Audi execs want to spread out the new product showings for other expos in the season. The Frankfurt event will instead spotlight the A5 Sportback.
VW Becomes a German Savior
VW has reportedly contracted the Karmann group for the development of a large number of electric vehicles. The €10,000,000 business agreement has provided enough capital for Karmann to remain in business after nearly approaching total liquidation. The vehicle and the total quantity remain unclear.
VW may also acquire a controlling stake in the Porsche firm. Porsche’s CEO, Wendelin Wiedeking, tried to grab a majority hold of the VW-Audi Group, but failed to generate enough funds. Porsche has since gone in deep debt for the borrowed cash and lost sales. Porsche lost a plea for state support earlier in the year.
It’s Official: The Best Concepts of 2009
The Southeast Automotive Media Organization has handed out awards for the best concepts of 2009. Award winning vehicles are held as positive examples of the future of the industry. Concepts are to be more than design studies, but practical works that will be applied to the road.
Karmann Goes Kaput
The Karmann design house is no more. After wrangling with the economic downturn, the longtime coachbuilder will be nothing more than a name in the pages of automotive history.
Maybach Future Hanging in the Balance
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Looks like the VW Phaeton won’t be the only stupid move the Germans make in luxury. The premium-class Maybach marque has failed to make the desired splash on the global luxury scene. The Maybach marque originated in Germany after World War I, but was retired at the start of World War II. Daimler-Chrysler opted to bring back the nameplate to tackle VW’s Bentley and BMW’s Rolls divisions. Well that hasn’t worked out so well; inspite of new alterations and an upcoming grand “Zeppelin” trim download house of wax download spy game divx , Maybach has become more stale than bread at a dollar store. Unless Maybach can make a big push into Asian markets, the brand will be dropped early in the new decade.
Audi Pondering Just How Much to Expand
Audi execs are concerned their market strategy may be too narrow. Audi has been pushing hard over the past ten years to match wits with Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Thanks to racing dominance, beautiful styling on its productions, and an esteemed rep for interior refinement, Audi’s gained the highest level of status in its century of existence. But now Audi management is worried that BMW’s expanded offerings, notably in North America, are pushing it further behind. In just over the past two years, BMW has introduced the 1 series, the X6 crossover, the 3 series diesel, a 7 series update, and a new Z4 roadster to US audiences. BMW isn’t letting off there: it’s looking to break-in the 5 diesel, roll out an X6 hybrid, and widen the 1 series lineup.
Audi hasn’t rested on its laurels in the US over the same period, with an improved A4, new A5, and the R8 sports car. Audi does selectively offer the Q5 TDi and wants to spread its US diesel offerings to include the A3 and A4. Audi’s VW owners want to test the diesel waters some more before committing to the effort. VW has the Jetta TDi and will be releasing the Golf diesel within the next two years.
This isn’t the only setback: Audi wants to get its A1 subcompact out as soon as possible, but debate’s raging over just how wide the equipment range will be. There are some hoping to adjust the A3 to properly combat the BMW 1 series from its somewhat restrained form; but broadening the A1 arsenal could threaten A3 sales. Audi management is also uncertain on how much to invest in hybrid technology over the traditional diesel.
All I know is that A1 is growing on me.download cadillac records dvdrip
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