USA - VW announces pricing of new 1.8T Beetle hatch and convertible

New models gain significant fuel economy improvements over outgoing 2.5-liter Beetle

• Beetle 1.8T priced from $20,295
• Beetle Convertible 1.8T base price is $25,170
• Coupe gains 4 mpg on EPA estimated highway fuel economy over outgoing 2.5 automatic transmission model
• Convertible gains 5 mpg on highway cycle, or 19 percent improvement

Having launched the new EA888 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine in the Jetta and Passat lineup, Volkswagen of America has announced pricing for the Beetle and Beetle Convertible 1.8T models, which are now beginning to arrive in dealerships.

The base price for the Beetle is $20,295 when equipped with a five-speed manual transmission and $21,395 with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Beetle Convertible, which is only available with the six-speed automatic, begins at $25,170. Volkswagen’s standard destination charge for the Beetle and Beetle Convertible is $820.

Designed to be lighter and more fuel-efficient, the new EA888 Gen 3 turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder powerplant features a number of refinements, such as a new thinwall cylinder block, a cylinder head with an integrated exhaust manifold, and careful attention to the reduction of friction. The new 1.8-liter TSI engine is built at Volkswagen’s new engine factory in Silao, Mexico, part of the Volkswagen Group’s ongoing $5 billion investment in North America.

The 1.8T engine has a peak output of 170 horsepower at 4800 to 6200 rpm, matching the horsepower rating of the outgoing 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, but delivered at 700 fewer revs. The new engine offers seven pound-feet more torque at 184 lb-ft, produced at just 1500 rpm—a whopping 2750 revs less than the outgoing 2.5’s torque figure. The torque curve is strong and flat, with the peak being delivered from 1500 to 4750 rpm. All 1.8T Beetle models now have electric power steering, in place of the hydraulic setup on the 2.5 models.

The new engine also returns better EPA estimated fuel economy figures than the 2.5-liter unit. The Beetle equipped with the 1.8T and a six-speed automatic transmission now gets 33 mpg on the highway, up from 29 mpg for the 2.5-liter engine. At the same time, the city mileage improves from 22 to 25 mpg, and the overall EPA estimated combined fuel economy is now 28 mpg compared with 25 for the outgoing five cylinder.

On the manual transmission model, the EPA city/combined/highway fuel economy ratings have improved from 22/25/31 mpg to 24/27/33 mpg. In the case of the Beetle Convertible, the EPA ratings have gone from 21/23/27 mpg to 24/27/32 mpg—a 19 percent gain in the estimated highway fuel economy.

The implementation of this engine throughout the Beetle lineup furthers Volkswagen’s leadership in turbocharged and direct-injection technology among volume automakers. Volkswagen first used this combination of turbocharging and direct injection in U.S.-market gasoline engines in the 2006 Jetta GLI and GTI models. Since then, Volkswagen’s EA888 four cylinder has set the benchmark for small-displacement turbocharged engines, while the EA288 TDI® has set the standard for diesel engines in the North American market since it first appeared in the 2009 Jetta TDI Clean Diesel.

The vast majority of Volkswagen’s range is now powered by these advanced turbocharged and direct-injection engines, either in diesel or gasoline form. Volkswagen of America predicts that by the end of 2014, close to 90 percent of its vehicles will be sold with these engines.

Start of production Golf 7 in Mexico

• Mexican Secretary of Economy, Dr. Guajardo, and Volkswagen CEO, Prof. Dr. Winterkorn, inaugurate production of the new Volkswagen Golf at the Puebla plant
• The Volkswagen Group is investing US$7 billion in new products and modern production facilities in North America in period to 2018
• Volkswagen de México celebrates 50th anniversary

Production of the new Volkswagen Golf1 began today at the Volkswagen plant in Puebla, Mexico. The facility is to build further models from the Golf family for the North America region going forward. Dr. Ildefonso Guajardo, Mexican Secretary of Economy, Rafael Moreno-Valle, Governor of the State of Puebla, and Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, inaugurated Golf production on the occasion of the ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Volkswagen de México. 700 guests from politics and industry attended the celebrations.

“Volkswagen de México has a proud history and a promising future. One car in particular is a symbol of that: The new Golf,” Prof Dr. Martin Winterkorn said in Puebla. “The start of Golf 7 production will give Volkswagen a big boost in the North America region. And it underscores our commitment to Mexico as an automotive location. That is further confirmed by the US$7 billion our Group will be investing in North America in the period to 2018.”

The intelligent lightweight construction of the Golf, the “World Car of the Year 2013”, is based on the technological innovations of the Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB), and the vehicle will be exported from Mexico to the USA and Canada. The new Volkswagen Golf will hit North American roads from mid-year as it continues its global success story. Volkswagen has invested some US$700 million in new production plant and modern infrastructure for the Golf in Puebla. The first Golf sedan to be built in Mexico is a red Golf GTI2. Production of further derivatives such as the Golf station wagon for the North and South America regions will begin during the course of the year. Golf production at the Puebla plant has a capacity of 700 vehicles per working day.

CEO of Volkswagen de México, Andreas Hinrichs, underscored the major significance of the Puebla location for Volkswagen: “Our Puebla factory is today one of the Group’s highest exporters and one of its largest plants worldwide. Over 10 million vehicles have already been shipped from here to customers all over the world.”

In addition to the new Golf, the Puebla plant also builds the coupé and cabriolet versions of the Volkswagen Beetle plus the Volkswagen Jetta. In terms of technology, these models also belong to the Golf class and are to be adapted to the structure of the Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB) in the medium term. Furthermore, Volkswagen began manufacturing modern TSI engines at the Silao engine plant in early 2013. The Audi facility in San José Chiapa will strengthen the Volkswagen Group’s production network in North America from 2016.

The vehicles manufactured in Pueba and the engines produced in Silao are built in accordance with the state-of-the art environmental standards of the Volkswagen brand’s “Think Blue. Factory.” programme. This programme aims to optimise resource efficiency at all Volkswagen plants and to continually improve the environmental compatibility of the production process. 50 years of success unite Volkswagen and Mexico. Volkswagen began exports to Mexico back in 1954. 50 years ago, on January 15, 1964, the Wolfsburg-based company founded an import, production and sales company called “Volkswagen de México S.A.” The Beetle began rolling off the assembly line at the new plant in Puebla in 1967, with production of this model only finally coming to an end in 2003. Alongside the Bulli, the Beetle motorized Mexico for decades.

In 1997, Puebla became the only plant in the Volkswagen Group to build the New Beetle, exporting the model all over the world. Production of the fourth Jetta generation commenced at the same time. Both models lent key growth momentum to export business at Volkswagen de México. From 1964 to the present day, the Volkswagen Group has already invested a total of US$8 billion in Mexico.

USA - VW announces December and year end figures, not a good result.

• December sales total 34,105 units, second best December since 1972 -
• For the first time in 40 years company delivers over 400,000 vehicles in back-to-back years-
• High-mileage, TDI® Clean Diesel models account for 17.8 percent in December, 23.5 of sales in 2013 and selling 95,823 units for the year, the best year on record
• Chattanooga-built Passat sold 9,254 units in December; 109,652 units for the year
• Jetta Sedan sales total 13,719 units in December; 141,259 year-to-date
• 2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible achieved 2,819 units in December; 43,134 units for the year

Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported 407,704 units delivered in 2013. December deliveries totaled 34,015.

Volkswagen’s high-mileage,TDI® Clean Diesel modelstotaled 95,823 units for the year accounting for 23.5 percent of sales in 2013 and 17.8 percent in December. Since 2,000, Volkswagen of America has delivered over 500,000 TDI® Clean Diesel vehicles.

“Volkswagen is now operating at a new plateau, delivering over 400,000 units for the second consecutive year in over 40 years,” said Mark McNabb, chief operating officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We look forward to 2014, with the introduction of the new Golf family, continued increased awareness and enthusiasm for the brand’s core models and the strength of our TDI offerings, we are well positioned for our next phase of growth to come over the next few years.”

The Chattanooga-built Volkswagen Passat continues to demonstrate its strong appeal in the market with 9,254 units sold in December and 109,652 for the year. Clean Diesel TDI Passat sales were the best year on record with 34,963 vehicles delivered, accounting for 32 percent of sales of the year.

Jetta sedan sales totaled in 13,719 in December and 141,259 for the year, demonstrating that affordable, German Engineering is a key selling point for the brand.

USA - VW/AUDI sells 100,000 clean diesel in the USA in 2013.

Volkswagen Group of America reported today that it has sold 100,000 TDI® Clean Diesel vehicles from the Volkswagen and Audi brands this year. This is the first time it has reached this milestone in a calendar year. Volkswagen and Audi currently offer 12 different TDI Clean Diesel powered models in the United States.

Audi and Volkswagen pioneered TDI® Clean Diesel engines and, as a result, the Volkswagen Group of America is the current market leader in Clean Diesel. Today’s Clean Diesel engines deliver more torque, better highway fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions compared with equivalent gasoline engines. As a result, Audi and Volkswagen deliver remarkable performance and impressive fuel economy.

“Selling more than100,000 TDI Clean Diesel vehicles is a significant milestone for Volkswagen Group of America,” said Mark McNabb, chief operating officer, Volkswagen of America. “We’re excited to see the increasing numbers of customers able to enjoy the reliability, durability, fuel-efficiency and power of the clean diesel engine.”

“The past year has shown that American consumers clearly recognize the benefits of clean diesel TDI vehicles,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America.  “They understand now more than ever that this is a technology delivering real answers to society’s concerns about fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions without compromises.”  

More than 75 percent of the diesel engines sold in the passenger car and SUV segments in the United States can be found under the hoods of Volkswagen and Audi models. Ever since 1977, when Volkswagen first offered a diesel in the Rabbit, the company has sold more than one million cars and SUVs powered by these engines in this market. High-mileage, TDI® Clean Diesel Volkswagen models accounted for 21 percent of sales in November and 24 percent of sales year-to-date, the best year-to-date results on record.

In 2013, Audi showed it intends to remain at the forefront of clean diesel expansion in the U.S. by dramatically enhancing its lineup with the new Audi Q5 TDI, A6 TDI, A7 TDI and A8 TDI models. Those premium models joined the Audi Q7 SUV in the market, and next summer Audi will introduce its most fuel-efficient model, the all-new A3 TDI sedan.

The TDI models in the Audi and Volkswagen lineup deliver up to 30% better fuel economy and 12%-30% lower carbon dioxide emissions than gasoline engines and there is no need for driver behavior change except to move from one pump to the other and no need for big infrastructure changes.

Volkswagen offers Clean Diesel technology in seven different models, six of which get an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 40 mpg or more on the highway. The models include the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat and Touareg.

USA - VW surprises with a very poor October and year to date, both down on previous year.

• October sales total 28,129 units
• Chattanooga-built Passat delivered 7,258 for the month 
• Jetta Sedan delivered 10,161 units for the month
• Tiguan delivered 2,153 units
• High-mileage, TDI® Clean Diesel models accounted for 24.2 percent of sales in October and 22 percent of sales year-to-date, the best year-to-date results on record
• Passat TDI sales reach 33.3 percent of mix with 2,416 units, the best October results ever

Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported 28,129 units delivered in October and 342,962 units year-to-date, down 18 percent for the month.  Adjusted for models in run-out, Volkswagen’s year-to-date pace would be on par with the prior year-to-date pace.

“After more than doubling our sales over the past three years, it is a significant recognition of the strength of our products that we are on course to close out a second consecutive year with over 400,000 vehicles delivered for the first time in 40 years,“ said Jonathan Browning, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America.

Now operating at a new plateau, Volkswagen is seeing a consistent stream of accolades, not only for products, but for interaction with customers -- through compelling advertising and effective website management.  Beyond sales figures, awards like these are a further proof point that the brand has gained a significant foothold in the US market.

Volkswagen’s award-winning commercials have found themselves atop another list.  Ace Metrics named Volkswagen’s “Choose Wisely,” ad at the top of its list for “Funniest Ads of 2013.”  “Top Down Day,” a Volkswagen ad promoting the new Beetle convertible, also made the top ten list, ranking number seven. Volkswagen was the only automaker in the top ten. Volkswagen has also proven successful in reaching consumers on their mobile devices, JD Power and Associates ranked the newly redesigned mobile.vw.com 6th overall among 33 automakers. The 2013 Automotive Mobile Site Study examines the features and content of automotive manufacturer mobile websites and their usefulness in the vehicle-shopping process.

The Chattanooga-built Passat continues as a core model with 7,258 units delivered. In October the Passat TDI, the only clean diesel in the midsize sedan segment delivered 2,416 clean diesels, representing 33.3 percent of its sales mix.

Total Jetta deliveries (including SportWagen) for October accounted for 10,161 units. The Jetta Turbo Hybrid continues to attract consumer interest with 666 deliveries in October.,

Total Beetle deliveries for October were 2,555 units, a 4.8 percent increase versus the prior year. The Tiguan sold 2,153 units. Total sales of the Golf (including Golf R and GTI) were 2,249.  The Touareg sold 549 units.

Volkswagen’s high-mileage, TDI® Clean Diesel models accounted for 24.2 percent of sales in October, and 22 percent year-to-date, the best year-to-date on record.

50 mpg 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid

Meet the 50 MPG Rated Honda Accord Hybrid

• 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid is top-rated 4-door sedan with EPA fuel economy rating¹ of 50 mpg city
• Mass production² of the new hybrid begins today at Honda's manufacturing facility in Marysville, Ohio
• Model to go on sale nationwide later this year

With the first models rolling off the Marysville, Ohio assembly line today, the all-new 2014 Accord Hybrid (http://automobiles.honda.com/accord-hybrid/) will carry an EPA fuel economy¹ rating of 50 mpg in city driving, making it the new leader in gasoline fuel-economy ratings among 4-door sedans. Set to go on sale at Honda dealerships nationwide later this year, the 2014 Accord Hybrid's city fuel-economy rating is three miles per gallon higher than the closest segment competitor and its calculated driving range of 673 miles is more than 46 miles³ farther than any vehicle in its segment.
"Even before it hits showrooms this fall, the Accord Hybrid is already surpassing the competition and claiming segment leadership," said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president of auto operations at American Honda. "For customers looking for a 50 mpg rated 4-door sedan, there is no other choice than the 2014 Accord Hybrid."

With EPA fuel-economy ratings¹ of 50 mpg city / 45 mpg highway / 47 mpg combined, the 2014 Accord Hybrid combines the sophisticated exterior styling and spacious interior packaging of the Accord Sedan with a highly efficient two-motor hybrid system from Honda's Earth Dreams� Technology advanced powertrain series. The Accord Hybrid joins an already fuel-efficient Accord lineup that includes the EPA-rated 36 mpg highway¹ 4-cylinder Accord Sedan and the Accord Plug-in Hybrid, EPA-rated at 115 MPGe combined¹ in electric-only mode.

The 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid is the first Honda hybrid vehicle produced in Ohio, at the company's Marysville Auto Plant, and joins the Greensburg, Indiana-built Civic Hybrid as the second Honda hybrid model built in the U.S. Honda invested $18.8 million in a 94,000-square-foot expansion of the Marysville Auto Plant, along with the addition of 50 new full-time jobs to handle the special processes specific to the production of this advanced hybrid model.

"With more than 30 years of experience producing the Accord in Marysville, our associates have continued to advance our capabilities, and the new 50-mpg rated Accord Hybrid is a very special milestone in our history of innovation in Ohio," said Rob May, Plant Manager of the Marysville Auto Plant. "Production of this class-leading hybrid represents an important achievement by our associates as they create new value for Honda customers using advanced manufacturing skills and new, cutting-edge technologies."

Including the expansion at the Marysville Auto Plant, in the past three years Honda has invested nearly $2.7 billion in innovations to and expansion of its North American operations, with more than $1 billion spent in Ohio alone.

About Honda
Honda offers a complete lineup of cars and trucks through a network of more than 1,000 dealerships in the United States. The Accord, the Civic, the CR-V sport-utility vehicle and the Odyssey minivan were the best-selling models in their respective segments among individual car buyers for the first six months of 2013. The company operates 14 manufacturing facilities in North America, including seven auto plants. In 2012, more than 90 percent of the Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were manufactured in North America using global and domestically sourced parts. Over the past three years alone, the company has invested more than $2.7 billion in its North American manufacturing capabilities, bringing to more than $22 billion the amount Honda has invested in its North American operations.

Connect with Honda:
Media Newsroom (for journalists): Hondanews.com

¹ Based on 2013 and 2014 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Actual fuel mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how the vehicle is driven and maintained, lithium-ion battery age/condition, and other factors.
² Honda cars are built using domestic and globally sourced parts.
³ Actual driving range and fuel mileage will vary depending ondriving conditions, how the vehicle is driven and maintained, lithium-ion battery age/condition, and other factors.  Range estimate determined using EPA methodology: EPA combined mpg rating x (90% x fuel tank volume).