Volkswagen is beefing up positions at its Chattanooga production facility to increase output from 31 to 35 cars per hour. The jobs will be integrated into the company’s current two-shift operation and filled by full-time Volkswagen employees.

“We have had good success hiring local people who can work together as a team to build our cars safely and with the highest quality,” said Hans-Herbert Jagla, Executive Vice President of Human Resources, Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, LLC. “Now, we are excited to have 200 more people join our team.”

Click here for more news on the Volkswagen Passat.

The move comes as Volkswagen tries to keep up with strong demand of the new Passat sedan.

The plant currently employs 2,500 people. Volkswagen is aiming to add another 200 employees.

Refresher: The 2012 Volkswagen Passat is offered in three trim levels, S SE and SEL. Entry-level 2012 Passat models are powered by a 2.5L 5-cylinder engine making 170-hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Standard transmission choice include a 5-speed manual while an optional 6-speed automatic is available. Moving up, buyers can pick a 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel 4-cylinder unit making 140-hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission, the 2012 Passat TDI gets 43 mpg on the highway and a range of approximately 800 miles. The range-topping 2012 Volkswagen Passat is powered by a 3.6L VR6 units producing 280-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG, the 2012 Passat VR6 will get 28 mpg on the highway. Prices will start around $19,995.

- By: Omar Rana

Volkswagen has been working on a new global platform that will underpin a large variety of their models. And as a part of these efforts to streamline manufacturing and assembly to help cut production costs, reports are saying that the “people’s car” make will be expanding the Passat’s lineup.

The new up and coming platform is internally coded the MQB platform and was first introduced on the new Audi A3, which will see its full unveiling at the Geneva Auto Show next month.

So far, the plans are to offer a range of Passat variants including the regular sedan, a wagon, the CC four-door coupe, and the new Alltrack variant (think Passat version of the Audi A6 All-Road Quattro).

“MQB definitely provides more opportunities for us,” said VW’s marketing chief, Stefan Buhrmann, in an interview. “With the Passat, we can offer many different designs and wheelbases, and can be much more flexible with engines.”

In the same interview, Buhrmann said that Volkswagen is also still working on a Phaeton successor. But few details were exposed.

“We don’t see the Phaeton as a one-time event,” he added. “We work on every project and want to grow the Phaeton.”

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoCarUK

This will most likely be the last MkVI Golf variant, since the next generation is coming up in 2013. A full-spec GTI Cabriolet has skipped the last 5 generations, however the GTI motor has been available for both a Golf Cabriolet and Eos hard-top since the MkI.

The soft-top GTI that was released at Worthersee last year comes with a set of 19-inch Glendale alloy wheel option, along with a body kit, and LED lighting. The speculation is that this tuner car was a preview of what’s to come for the production model, and that this is similar to what will be released next month.

Additionally, there is the possibility of the Worthersee Golf R Cabrio being sent to production, which would boast the most power ever sent to the wheels of a VW convertible, at 268hp.

The new GTI Cabriolet is scheduled for release in September, priced around $35,300 USD, with an R version at around $45,800 USD.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoExpress

To further solidify the speculation, Matthias Mueller of Porsche spoke about the model right after the auto show, saying that the brand would need a “new generation” of clientele to support the off-beat model, and that the platform the model used would be implemented elsewhere amongst the VW Group’s brands.

Recently, Uli Hackenberg, head of engineering at Volkswagen, confirmed just the opposite, revealing that the Bluesport is still in the works. Hackenburg foresees a shift in the market for sportscars, and despite dealers not being onboard due to less-then-desirable sales forecasts, he still sees drastic change coming. He predicts that while there are no entry-level models available, new models coming out like the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota GT 86, the segment will flourish.

In addition, he sees a spot for European cars in the U.S. market, and Volkswagen is requesting that its dealers reevaluate forecasts. If the model were greenlit, it would come with a pricetag over $25,000.

-  By: Alexandra Koken

Source: EVO

The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI, the first Beetle TDI Clean Diesel model since 2006, is powered by the company’s 2.0 liter turbocharged, direct-injection diesel engine making 140-hp and a maximum torque of 236 lb-ft of torque. Mated to either a 6-speed manual or a dual-clutch DSG transmission, estimated fuel-economy comes in at 29/39 mpg (city/highway).

The 2013 Beetle TDI will be available in three models including the TDI, TDI with Sunroof and the TDI with Sunroof, Sound and Navigation. All models come standard with power windows with one-touch up/down; cruise control; V-Tex Leatherette seating; the kaeferfach secondary glovebox; Bluetooth; a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with audio controls; three auxiliary gauges; Keyless entry with push-button start; and a Media Device Interface with iPod cable.

Check out more news on the Volkswagen Beetle.

The base 2013 Beetle TDI model comes standard with 17-inch alloy-wheels, a standard audi system with AM/FM radio, CD player, Bluetooth, and eight speakers.It also gets an interior and exterior chrome package. The TDI with Sunroof adds a panoramic tilt/slide sunroof, a Premium VIII audio system with a full-color touchscreen display, a 6-disc CD changer, and an SD card reader. The TDI with Sunroof, Sound and Navigation adds a 5-inch touchscreen with navi and a Fender Premium audio system.

The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI will go on sale this summer – prices will be announced closer to launch.

- By: Omar Rana

Volkswagen has a well-overhauled seventh generation Golf GTI hitting the pavement sometime this year as a faster, lighter, more technologically advanced version of its former self.

A special welding process allows the automaker to build shells with aluminum roofs and bolt-ons, cutting weight by over 220 pounds from the current model. The lighter weight will also get better distribution with a 40mm upward shift of the front wheels, which will also improve handling. Suspension parts have also been upgraded along with a new steering rack. Traction has been improved by swapping out the current brake based traction control for an electronically controlled mechanical limited slip differential.

Power for the model is expected to come in just around 230hp, close to the Mk6, but the addition of the Audi’s Valvelift system gives torque a nice boost up to 260 lb-ft. A new GTD model is also in the works, packing 20 more horsepower over the current model’s 170hp, and 280 lb-ft made by an all new engine picked from Volkswagen’s new diesel line.

Click here for more news on the Volkswagen GTI.

The new GTI also borrows Audi’s technology for the entertainment system, which includes hi-fi, navigation and connectivity features presented on an 8 inch capacitive touchscreen. The system also features a proximity sensor, which brings options on the screen when your finger comes close to it. Forward cameras have also been added that help with maintaining lanes, auto-breaking, and radar cruise.

A new platform is being implemented by the VW Group called the MQB, which is what the Mk7 is based on. The MQB will be featured on all transverse-front-engined models in the lineup. Included are systems, design processes, components, and factories. The upgrade reduces development and tooling costs by 30 percent, parts costs by 20 percent, and manufacturing costs by 30 percent.

Overall, this sounds like a solid update for the GTI, and the GTD.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Top Gear

The pace for U.S. light vehicle sales rose by 11 percent last month and was set by a few major automakers including Chrysler Group, Volkswagen Group and Hyundai/Kia.

All major automakers posted sales gains last month except General Motors, which fell 6 percent from a strong January 2011. The automaker sold a total of 167,962 vehicles with Chevrolet being the main highlight as sales for the brand were up 13 percent.

“Chevrolet drove our performance once again and sales of our fuel-efficient new cars were especially good,” and Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. “The strength that the economy and the auto industry showed in the fourth quarter carried into January, so we believe the year is off to a good start.”

FoMoCo sold a total of 136,710 vehicles in January, a 7 percent increase. Ford as a brand sold 131,589 vehicles in January, making it the best January sales month for the Ford brand since 2008.

Chrysler shined the most out of Detroit automakers with U.S. sales coming in at 101,149, a 44 percent increase compared with sales in January 2011.

Toyota sold a total of 124,540 units – up 7.5 percent. Honda sold 83,009 units a increase of 8.8 percent. Nissan was up 10.4 percent after selling 79,313 units.

Korean’s Hyundai was up 15 percent with total sales coming in at 42,694.

Germany’s Volkswagen Group sales were up 40 percent to 36,681 units. The sales were led by a 48 percent increase for the VW brand and 20 percent increase at at Audi.

- By: Omar Rana

Volkswagen today released its Super Bowl XLVI commercial on YouTube titled ‘The Dog Strikes Back.’ The commercial online is an extended 75-second, while the one that will air during the big game will be 60-seconds.

This is the third consecutive year that V-dub has advertised on Super Bowl Sunday.

“This is a perfect opportunity for Volkswagen to celebrate with the fans that have made 2011 such a record-setting year for the company,” said Tim Mahoney, Chief Product and Marketing Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “This year’s commercial will build on Volkswagen’s ability to tell human stories simply while continuing to build on the brand’s momentum in the year ahead.”

The commercial features a story of a cute dog named Bolt who realizes he is out of shape. He continues to exercise and loose weight and then all of the sudden the scene cuts to a bar in the world of Star Wars.

- By: Omar Rana

Hippies can now rejoice – Volkswagen plans on offering a new version of its iconic Microbus to the United States. The move comes as the company plans on boosting sales to 1 million units in the market by 2018.

“If that could come into the market at some point in the future, that would be great,” Jonathan Browning, VW’s U.S. chief executive officer.

Currently, there is no official word on bringing the model to the United States.

Volkswagen introduced a concept version of the next Microbus known as the Bulli electric concept vehicle last year.

“Our first focus is very much making sure we expand the footprint of the existing products,” said Browning. “We’re growing the business with Passat right now.”

The company plans on selling 500,000 units in the United States this year. It sold 444,178 units in the market in 2011 – up 23 percent from 2010.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

Here is something we haven’t heard about in a while. Reports from Germany state that Volkswagen Group may complete its purchase of 50.1 percent share in Porsche Automobile Holding SE. If completed, Volkswagen will get around having to pay 1 billion euros in taxes if it completes the purchase before 2014.

A report from a German magazine also said that Volkswagen will make strides to ensure Porsche has the independence within the Volkswagen Group to ease resistance from Porsche labor leaders.

Volkswagen currently owns 49.9 percent of Porsche’s automotive department.

While declining to comment on the report, Volkswagen spokesman Christine Ritz told Bloomberg that the purchase is ‘still in the process.’

“Of course all the parties are interested in achieving the goal of an integrated automotive group as soon as it makes economic sense to do so,” Ritz said. “As soon as we have made a decision to achieve that goal, we will communicate that.”

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoNews

Volkswagen says that it projects over half of all Up! buyers will choose the four-door variant, which is available with an identical powertrain line up of 60-hp and 70-hp.

The new four-door Volkswagen Up! will be available in German at 10,325 euros, an extra 475 euros over the two-door version.

Options include a portable navigation and infotainment system with touchscreen capability, climate control and hands-free bluetooth.

- By: Omar Rana

After Volkswagen’s hit commercial during last year’s Super Bowl, the German automaker had to be sure to deliver a solid follow up again this year.

Last year’s young Darth Vader was such a success that the brand is continuing the Star Wars theme again. A teaser has been released of 12 dogs barking the Start Wars theme song, although the connection to the brand still seems very unclear.

Volkswagen promises to make sense of it all come game day.

For now, hit the jump for the preview.

- By: Alexandra Koken

No details have been confirmed but the model is expected to be powered by a 140-hp 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbo diesel that we get in the Jetta and Passat.

The last time we saw a diesel Beetle in the U.S. was in 2007.

- By: Omar Rana

Designers for the E-Bugster are quite confident in their proposal to Volkswagen, and after positive feedback on the model, they feel that this design is what enthusiasts can expect to see as the third new Beetle variant.

“This is a serious proposal for a speedster Beetle and I am sure it will come for production,” says designer Mark Lichter, “we just need to find the business case.”

Highlights of the design start with the 65mm cut on the proportions for the car, and a wedge-style roofline. The model also draws heavy inspiration from Porsche design, witch can be seen in the multi-spoke alloy wheels and other elements. Litcher himself is the owner of a 964 Porsche 911 Speedster, and feels that ‘A Beetle Speedster is the perfect car for the US.’

Volkswagen remains quiet on the issue, but expect to hear more on this concept soon.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoCar

Given that the Chevy Volt is now mired in recalls, it seems that VW thinks that they can do one better with a Jetta plug in hybrid for the US.

Check out our original post on the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid.

The car will be largely based on the new Jetta Hybrid, will offer an electric-only range of 30-35 miles. Under the hood, there will be the same 1.4 liter turbo four popping out 150 horses.

VW is uninterested in spilling the beans too soon, but it would not be unreasonable to see a similar plugin powertrain make its way into the Passat and/or the Beetle.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Source: CARandDRIVER

Based on the latest Beetle, the E-Bugster—E meaning electric and Bugster, short for the Beetle’s nickname (The Bug) and “speedster”—is powered by an 114hp electric motor that also churns out 199 lb-ft of torque called Blue-E-Motion.

Capable of traveling more than 100 miles with zero emissions on one charge, the Volkswagen E-Bugster’s electric motor receives its power from a 695lb battery stored at the back of the concept—incidentally where the motor originally sat in the first Beetle.

The E-Bugster’s Blue-E-Motion system can accommodate three different chargers: Level 1 (12V, Level 2 (240V) and quick-charge, which could provide up to an 80 percent charge in 30 minutes.

Although the E-Bugster won’t see production—at least as of now—the Blue-E-Motion powertrain will find itself in the Golf Blue-E-Motion sometime down the line.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

- By: Chris Chin

Similar to the diesel Jetta, 45 mpg happens on the highway and the hybrid Jetta gets 30 % better than the gas powered variant in the city. A downsized four banger chucks out 150bhp/184 ft-lbs plugged into a electric motor responsible for 27 more horsepower. Apparently, that also allows to be the fastest compact hybrid in-class with an estimated 0-60 mph in less than 9.0 seconds. The Jetta Hybrid comes with a seven speed dual clutch automatic as standard.

Premium features include LED taillights and Daytime Running Lights, bi-xenon headlights, RNS 315 navigation system, a rear-view camera and Volkswagen’s exclusive Fender Premium Audio System, heated front seats.

Sales of the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid start in the end of 2012.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Short for “ragtop” and “speedster,” the E-Bugster is an all-electric Beetle coupe concept that’s obviously based on the latest Beetle that features a much lower-slung roofline than the standard Beetle, black A-pillars and wide C-pillars with fancy 19-inch five-spoke wheels complementing the concept.

And while it’s most likely that this E-Bugster Concept will not reach production, the real magic that could end up in your driveway lies under the hood. And that would be a 114hp electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. Called “Blue-e-Motion,” Volkswagen said that this motor can allow a range of up to 100 miles on one charge along with zero emissions. Additionally, it’s compatible with both 120V and 240V chargers as well as quick chargers, which could recharge the battery pack up to 80% in just 30 minutes.

Check out more news on the Volkswagen Beetle.

Full details will be announced at its debut later on at the auto show, but so far, Volkswagen has confirmed that their “Blue-e-Motion” system will be used in future vehicles such as the Golf Blue-e-Motion.

- By: Chris Chin