The latest automaker to report that its technology has been pilfered by its Chinese partner is none other than Volkswagen AG, one of the first global car companies to set up joint production ventures in China in the 1980s. Those were China’s terms: foreign automakers could have a crack at its big — now huge … Continue Reading →
For many happy years during Germany’s economic miracle, the competition among German carmakers was lively but genteel. Volkswagen AG provided affordable cars, Mercedes-Benz, part of what was then called Daimler-Benz, built solid luxury cars for the wealthy, and BMW catered to affluent people who wanted a sportier ride. But VW chafed under that arrangement, which … Continue Reading →
It’s hard to get excited about driverless cars. Some auto executives wince at the prospect of designing cars for people who aren’t going to drive them. But others, even noted car guys such as Bob Lutz, former vice chairman of General Motors, say it’d be wrong to dismiss them out of hand. Automated cars, if … Continue Reading →
One of the most popular attractions each year at the Geneva car show is the Rinspeed stand. Rinspeed, founded in 1979 by Swiss visionary Frank Rinderknecht, has turned out fantastic contraptions such as the underwater sQuba car and the amphibious Splash. This year’s concept is just as innovative, but much more practical. Called the Dock+Go, it … Continue Reading →
In the two years since the U.S. auto market touched a 30-year low, its recovery has been sluggish, in line with the weak and halting growth in the American economy. That may continue for some time, according to a long-term forecast from AutomotiveCompass LLC, a consultancy specializing in vehicle production data. It estimates that the … Continue Reading →
General Motors Co. refuted reports today that the Chinese are after the intellectual property contained in the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric car. “We have had no requests for intellectual property around the Volt from our partner or the Chinese government,” Vice Chairman Steve Girsky told reporters on a call to discuss a new electric car … Continue Reading →
When Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche and his Renault-Nissan counterpart Carlos Ghosn spoke today in Frankfurt about how the Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti brands might share small car underpinnings, many people thought back to the hand-wringing years ago over whether Mercedes and Chrysler should share platforms. Mercedes’ reluctance to share them — or perhaps to be seen … Continue Reading →
Volkswagen AG is taking a calculated risk by redesigning its U.S. compact and midsize models to attract more mainstream car buyers – but the ads for those cars are already off to a promising start. VW’s family-friendly Superbowl ad for the new Passat featuring a pint-sized Darth Vader was rated No. 1 by at least … Continue Reading →
As chairman of Volkswagen AG’s supervisory board, Ferdinand Pi
While most auto markets plunged last year, auto sales in Europe were underpinned by incentive programs that lasted longer and were more generous than the U.S. “cash-for-clunkers” boost. This year, while most markets are recovering from their 2009 lows, western Europe is flagging. Last month, as the western European market contracted, and U.S. sales continued … Continue Reading →