Tag Archives: Volkswagen

News

A $ 1 billion fine for BMW, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche

German carmakers BMW, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche have received a “gift” from the European Union in the form of a $ 1 billion fine.

According to the EU, they avoided competing in the development of technology that would limit pollution from cars with petrol and diesel engines. It is the first fine that the EU has imposed on holding back the use of technical developments.

EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said: “Manufacturers deliberately avoided to compete on cleaning better than what was required by EU emission standards. And they did so despite the relevant technology being available. ”

Volkswagen believes that the investigation has shown that certain forms of cooperation do not violate the antitrust law. The EU’s decision violates the existing legal basis because it sanctioned cooperation in the development of technology as a violation of antitrust rules, according to VW.

EU rules allow companies to cooperate in the introduction of new technologies to increase efficiency. Reportedly, the companies agreed on the production of smaller tanks and the driving range that could be expected before the tank needs to be filled.

BMW claims that the talks did not affect decision-making and that it will reduce allocations for lawsuits due to unsustainable allegations, although they have prepared $ 1.7 billion for that purpose.

The penalty was not imposed on Daimler, because they revealed the alleged agreements of other manufacturers.

Source: Associated Press

News

VW Golf R Variant – Wagon with 315 HP

The most powerful Golf is again offered in a station wagon version. It is a VW Golf R Variant or Golf R Estate, depending on the market in which it will be sold.

The Golf R Variant brings more space for passengers and luggage (611 to 1,642 liters if the rear seats are folded), thanks to a longer length (13.7 inches / 349 mm) compared to the hatchback, and automatic opening of the fifth door. The car has a modified suspension, to withstand a weight of 4,188 lbs (1,900 kg).

The R Variant is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with 315 hp and 420 Nm of torque. It is identical to its predecessor.The car has a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. It reaches 62 mph in 4.9 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph (250 km / h, standard model) and 168 mph (270 km / h, with the R Performance Package). The car will use a 19-inch set of wheels.

Volkswagen used the same interior in the R Variant as in the hatchback. Sports seats, carbon fiber trim, a flat steering wheel and blue lighting have been retained.

The car is made mainly for the European market, and sales will begin in mid-August (Germany, UK, and Switzerland). It is not known what the selling price will be, but it is expected to cost more than € 50,000.

Source: Volkswagen

EV, News

The end of Volkswagen internal combustion engines

Volkswagen has announced that it will stop selling cars with internal combustion engines from 2035. The first continent to which the decision will apply is Europe.

As previously announced by several other car manufacturers, Volkswagen has also decided to move to the production of fully electric vehicles. This decision applies only to Volkswagen vehicles, not to the Volkswagen Group. The information was confirmed by Volkswagen Sales Director Klaus Zellmer.

In an interview with Muenchner Mercury, Klaus Zellmer also stated that, somewhat later, the decision on full electrification of vehicles will begin to apply to North America and China. South America and Africa will be covered by this decision when the political and infrastructural conditions for its implementation are met.

Whether 2050 (as announced) will be the end for Volkswagen internal combustion engines and the beginning of the green era remains to be seen.

Source: Muenchner Mercury