VW NMS spied. Will sell alongside or replace Passat in India?

What you see in the pictures are the first undisguised pictures of the VW’s yet officially un named NMS (New Mid Size) sedan. The new car is meant primarily to be sold in the North American market, where the Passat isn’t doing great numbers. The NMS will be bigger and slightly cheaper than the current Passat and try to boost the numbers for ambitious VW in one of the most important markets in the world.

Although the car is breand new, we don’t really find anything striking about it. Seems like VW have decided to design all their car on similar lines so that it’s difficult for people to tell a Vento from a Jetta and the NMS from the Passat. It’s not going to do the German company a lot of good in the long run, until there are key design elements to give each car its own individual personality.

The new car will be priced internationally at $20000, which may mean an Indian price range of Rs 15-16lakh. The NMS is also highly likely to make it to the Chinese market, where it will replace or sell alongside the Passat. The same story will apply to the Indian market as well.

Expect the car to make its debut early-mid 2011 in one of the auto shows.

Volkswagen Vento – All that you want to know!

The Vento is a very important car for the Indian market. For a very long time, there has been a void in the Indian mid-size car segment. Although there are cars like the DZire, Fiesta, SX4, Verna, and Linea trying to fill up this space, either they do not look the part, or the engines are not good enough. The City comes across is a very good car, but then it’s very expensive. The Vento in that sense presents itself as an all-round package. It’s a well engineered German sedan which is powered by good engines. We are sure it will create a dent in the Honda City sales, and take some customers away from the top variant customers of the rest of the brands as well. Here’s all that you need to know about this handsome new German saloon.


Brief Overview:
The Vento is the first sedan from Volkswagen to be designed and built for a market like India. It is the company’s second volume model after the Polo in India.


The Vento is designed on elegant, understated lines. It was developed in Germany and built in India


The Vento is 4384mm long, 1699mm wide and 1466mm tall. Vento has a wheelbase of 2552 mm and a turning radius of 4.97m.


The Vento has two engines.


A 1.6 L petrol engine with 77kW/105 PS. This engine can attain a maximum fuel efficiency of 14.4 km/litre for the AT version and 15.83 km/litre for the MT version.


The 1.6 L 77kW/105 PS diesel engine will attain the highest fuel efficiency of 20.54 km/litre. This version is not available in AT


The Vento is available in two trims – the Trendline and Highline in both the petrol and diesel variants.


Front: The Vento offers a smart and elegant look. The front maintains the typical Volkswagen design look like that of the Polo. It comes with chrome trimmed front radiator and line grille that adds to its elegant, very well proportioned look. The chrome finish on the front air dam and the fog light surrounds of the Vento add to the elegant front.


Rear section: Just like the rest of the car, the rear too is neatly designed and offers a harmonious look. The wide rear window offers good visibility behind the sedan while continuing to maintain its strong dynamic lines. The squarish tail lamps give a stylish contour to the Vento and perfectly blend with the rear design. The rear light clusters with the chrome lining add a touch of elegance.


The Vento offers 480 litres of boot space for its passenger which is good enough for a family for pack their bags and drive away for a week for a holiday.

Side profile: The straight and muscular lines on the side profile of the Vento are typical of VW design DNA. The Vento looks sturdily built from the sides, with a strong emphasis on the big wheel arches which lend the car an air of muscle and sturdiness. Additionally, the body coloured side mirrors and door handles in the Vento Highline add to its slick look. The extended C pillar ensures ample space in the rear of the car is clearly visible.


Front Passenger Seat:
The interiors aredone up in two tone trim, and the dashboard has been designed to cut glare.



The Highline variant of the Vento offers power steering wrapped with genuine leather and can be easily adjusted according to the driver’s convenience.


Driver’s seat is height adjustable for comfortable driving.


The front door is equipped with 1 litre bottle holders, sunglass compartment inside the glove box


Center console includes 2 cup holders, front center arm rest, sun visors with ticket holder on driver’s side, vanity mirrors on passenger side
 
Rear Passenger Seat:
The Vento with a long wheelbase offers good legroom



The Vento has rear AC vents for the passengers seated at the rear seats of the car.


A unique feature provided in the Highline variant of the Vento which no other car in any category offers to customers is the ability for the rear seat passenger to push the co driver’s seat from the rear itself, thereby further enhancing passenger comfort.
 

Standard features of the Vento: Exterior



The Vento is equipped with 14″ steel wheels with full wheel caps


Chrome inlays in front grille to the left and right of the Volkswagen logo


Body coloured bumpers


Black exterior door handles & mirrors


High mount brake light


Day & night rear view mirror, Front disc brakes Electronic immobilizer.


Halogen headlights, heat protection glass with green tint, partially zinc coated body with 6 years anti-rust warranty.


Paint: Solid colors only

Interior features (Apart from the features listed in passenger comfort earlier)
Fully lined trunk and trunk floor, Trunk illumination

Foldable roof handles with coat hooks
Warning triangle holder
Front center console including 12V outlet
Rear seat headrest,
The gear lever surround, inner door handles & AC vents with chrome.
“Livon” fabric upholstery & Interior lights at roof front & centre.
Power windows front & rear with driver side one touch down
Electric trunk opening from the front driver’s side
Rear AC vents equipped with dust and pollen filter, Central locking,
Rear defogger, White instrument back-lights, Parking lights

Additional Equipments/ Features in the Highline:
Body colored outside mirrors and door handles



15” Alloy wheels, Chrome strip on trunk, Paint, metallic and pearl effect, Chrome finish on front air dam and fog light surrounds, Green wedge at top section of windshield.


Interior Chrome package, Genuine leather wrapped steering wheel, gear shift knob, hand brake lever and gear shift boot


Rear centre arm rest, “Livon” superior upholstery
ABS, Front Airbags for driver and co-driver
Anti Theft system with interior surveillance, Fog light, front & rear
Electrically adjustable outside mirrors
Climatronic automatic air conditioning
Multi function information display including door opening warning
Radio with CD player MP3 and four speaker including roof Atenna



The Vento Price List**



Engine/ Trimline Price Index (INR in Lakhs)
1.6L Petrol Trendline (Manual) 6,99,000
1.6L Petrol Highline (Manual) 8,23,500
1.6L Petrol Highline (Automatic) 9,21,500
1.6 L TDI Trendline (Manual) 7,99,000
1.6L TDI Highline (Manual) 9,23,500

** All prices are Ex Showroom New Delhi

Volkswagen reveals CrossPolo, fusion of a car and an SUV

Volkswagen has revealed the details of CrossPolo-a softroader based on the current gen Polo platform. It gets a total of six engine options, and an optional 7-speed DSG too. The CrossPolo looks good and its muscular stance, thanks to the flared wheel arches, roof rails and a pair of good looking alloys is good enough to differentiate it from the hatch. It has a little more ground clearance than its hatchback sibling. A question lingers in my mind-Could this be the third car based on the Polo platform coming to India, after Vento?

Do you remember the time when Fiat had launched Palio Weekend and Adventure? That period wasnt something that could be termed as Fiat India’s golden period. The sales figures were bad and customer satisfaction was even worse. And launching such a product for a market not mature enough then was nothing but a wrong decision. There didnt exist any need for a car, er, estate like that. Then the same happened with Baleno Altura and Opel Corsa Swing and even the Octavia Combi. And the only estate that did good was the Indigo Marina. By ‘good’ here, I mean relatively good.

So if Volkswagen plans to launch one here, the stakes will indeed be high. There are chances the model flops the way Fiat’s did. Or has the Indian market matured enough to accept a product like this?

If it has, then there are chances that CrossPolo does well, goes head to head with the to-be launched smaller variant of Xylo, the 5-seater Xylo, the Uno( if Fiat plans to bring it), Premier Rio and the SX4 hatch(that is if Maruti brings it).

A new segment will be born. A car that can be used as your normal car, can take the shortcut through the forest and carry all the money you robbed from the bank. It surely will prove to be a cool car then, won’t it?

Innovative, Brilliant, 2011 VW Phaeton

Consider yourself lucky if you are planning to buy the luxo-barge from VW, the 2011 Phaeton that is. And if you belong to the group of mortals who admire high-tech stuff then this one is for you.

The car has a long list of features but there are some which sets it apart from the competition. Take for example the option of downloading images off the google server and integrating them with the in-car GPS. In this way the driver gets to familiarize with the route easily.

And there is a camera fitted on the car’s windscreen which can read the speed limit signs, no passing zones etc. Brilliant!

Then there is another feature called Dynamic Light Assist, which checks whether the surrounding cars are suffering from the glare of the car’s headlights. If yes, then this masks out a certain portion of the car’s headlights in order to reduce the glare on others. Innovative!

All this makes me wonder if we would need to drive in future or the cars will do that too on their own.

Source: Motoroids

Scoop! Volkswagen Golf caught testing for India

One of our members and a hardcore automotive enthusiast who is well known on the world wide web as ‘Shrivz’, recently caught the Volkswagen Golf MK6 on test in India. Our photographer, Eshan Shetty, too had caught the Golf on test a few months back (and almost got himself killed doing so, thanks to a loyal VW driver flinging a stone at him). That Golf however totally undisguised and in a left hand drive avatar – hence we let the test mules be, thinking that it was one of those export models undergoing some component testing. But when Shrivz sent us the Golf’s photo last month and highlighted the fact that the test car was a right hand drive, we got down to work and getting in touch with the vast network of sources (ahem!) that we have!

Our sources tell us that Volkswagen is indeed testing the Golf MK6 for the Indian market. Apart from the Beetle, the Golf has been one of VW’s signature cars. The German carmaker is hence looking forward to introducing the car in India as well. However, since the car is not manufactured in India (yet), VW is looking at various options to keep the car’s prospective price tag as low as possible. VW is expected to use the same 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines (probably in a different state of tune), that will be used in the upcoming Volkswagen Vento and the Skoda Felicia sedans. Our sources tell us that the car is expected to boast of a sticker price between the Rs. 10-13 lakhs rupees – making it one of the costliest four door hatchbacks in the country.

Volkswagen is expected the launch the Mk6 Golf by Q2 2011 where it will join the companies ever increasing product portfolio in India. Though the Golf might not be able to gain the same market share as the rest of the of the hatchbacks in the country, VW will have a premium offering slotted between the Vento and the Jetta sedans.

Source: Motoroids

Volkswagen Vento. All the pictures, details and specifications

After being the first in the world to catch the Volkswagen Vento in the flesh, we are again one of the first in India to bring to you the official images, specs and details of the much anticipated car. Volkswagen has released the official images of its Polo sedan in Russia. The model displayed will be built in the company’s manufacturing unit in Kaluga near Moscow. The car will make its show debut at the 2010 Moscow Motor Show in August.

The sedan, as we had said earlier, will not just be a boot stuck on to the Polo, but a nicely executed car. The wheelbase of the car, and resultantly the overall size of the car will be much larger than its hatchback version. The new car will be 4.38 meters long, 1.7m wide and 1.46m high with a wheelbase of 2.55m (Polo is 2.456m). This will result in not only better legspace for the back benchers, but also a cavernous boot. The new car’s ground clearance too is increased by 15mm.

Engine options will include a 1.6-litre gasoline engine producing 105PS mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. Height adjustable driver’s seat, trip computer, air bags, power windows etc. will be available as standard equipment or options varying from variant to variant.

In the Indian market, the Vento will also come with A 1.6 liter diesel engine producing 105 bhp. We can expect a DSG gearbox to make an appearance on the car at a later point in time. The price is expected to be in the region of 7 to 8 lakh, depending on the variant. Looking at the pictures, the quality of the interiors appears to be top notch. Feast your eyes on the pictures, covering every single detail of the car. And don’t forget to write your comments on how you like this new machine from the German automaker.

 

2011 Volkswagen Passat – a technological marvel!

Germany’s highly regarded magazine Auto Bild has come up with the first leaked image of VW’s much awaited 2011 Passat. The new car (in case it really is what it’s said to be) is the most honest representative of the VW’s new design language.

The new design stresses on highlighting the width of the car and is reminiscent of the recently updated Phaeton limousine as well as the Touareg. The front and back of the new car have been accentuated with a heavy dose of chrome. The new Passat has a flat shoulder line and with the subtle, yet strong lines of its reasonably big size, it presents itself as a transportation tool of choice for well-to-do executives. The new Passat is expected to hit the international market by the end of this year and it should be first previewed at the Paris Motor Show.

The new Passat is expected to take the game higher for VW, and the company expects the new machine to be comparable to the 3-series, C-class and the A4 in terms of brand perception. While that may sound a little too optimistic to a lot of people, it’s not difficult to understand why VW are so positive. The new Passat will host an array of technologies which have yet been unheard of. Some of these wondrous technologies will include airless tyres and a wiper-less windscreen cleaning system. A magical electronic stability system is also expected which will automatically offer counter-steering assistance in adverse driving conditions.

Engines for the new car will include a 300bhp power plant with a displacement of 3.0L. The new engine will also be using direct injection for enhanced power and fuel efficiency. The rest of the engine lineup is expected to benefit from some form of forced induction as well. Other models will include a new hybrid as well as a high-performance diesel with AWD.

Source: Motoroids

VW Vento sketches revealed (polo sedan)

We earlier brought to you the world exclusive scoop of the Polo Sedan, which Volkswagen believed would have fooled us to think of the car as a Ford. Later our friends at Autocar revealed that VW will launch the Polo Sedan by the name 'Vento'. However, here are a few sketches of the VW Vento that have been leaked:

The Vento will sport a longer wheel base by about 50mm as compared to the Polo hatchback. the extra length will help provide for better leg room as well as head room for the rear.

The Vento is expected to hit the streets by July, 2010.

VW Polo bags the 2010 World Car of the Year award!

After the judgement of about 59 automotive journalists from all over the world, Volkswagen AG confirmed that the Polo has been declared as 2010 World Car of the Year. Professor Dr Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG stated, ‘We're honoured that the Volkswagen Polo was chosen by this distinguished group of jurors. After the triumph of the Golf last year, we are delighted to repeat this success with the new Polo. This shows that Volkswagen is on the right track and is offering arguably the best range of products in its history.’ Leaving the WCOTY Award aside, the Golf, Passat, and Polo which are included in the Volkswagen BlueMotion product brand were declared 2010 World Green Car of the Year by the World Car of The Year organization. Amongst the finalists in this award were the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius.

The car is know for its compact looks from the exterior and the spacious interiors. In India, the car is available in three variants - Petrol, Diesel and Race Variant. The Polo Petrol is powered by a 1.2 liter MPFI engine that churns out 75 horses at 5400 rpm and torque of 110 Nm at 3750 rpm. The Diesel variant comes with a 1.2 Liter CRDI Diesel Engine while the Race variant features a 1.6 Liter R4 CRDI Diesel Engine.

According to the 59 jury members, it may not always be necessary to replace the combustion engine with an electric motor and a heavy battery assembly to achieve better efficiency. The BlueMotion models boast of an engine based on the Volkswagen’s common rail diesel engines. These engines are reportedly the most efficient engines available in the market. It is believed that the Passat BlueMotion can cover a whopping distance of 1600 km on a single full tank of fuel. Thus, these engines can be a boon not only to the pockets but also to the environment and depleting fuel resources. According to Dr Winterkorn, ‘BlueMotion is one of the most successful efficiency brands worldwide. It stands for tremendous competence in efficient and economical drive trains at Volkswagen.’ 

BlueMotion: 

The BlueMotion is a tradename for certain car models from the Volkswagen stable which emphasizes on high level of fuel efficiency. The tradename was introduced earlier in 2006 on the Mk4 Polo BlueMotion.

VW launches Passat TSI and Jetta 2.0L TDI in India

Europe’s largest car manufacturer, Volkswagen recently introduced the Passat TSI and the Jetta common rail diesel engine in the Indian market. The Passat will now feature the TSI petrol engine which is believed to have the ability to deliver maximum power at the cost of minimum fuel consumption.

The ex-showroom prices (Delhi) of the Passat 1.8 L TSI and the Jetta 2.0 L diesel Comfortline will be Rs. 19.20 lakhs and Rs. 15.92 lakhs respectively. According to a press release, the TSI engines are compact and high powered which enables good fuel efficiency figures, a great driving experience and lower Co2 emissions.

Mr. Neeraj Garg, Member of Board and Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales India stated, “The Passat TSI and Jetta common rail diesel engines are so well refined that not only will they provide superior driving experience but also decrease fuel consumption and lower emissions.”

The European car maker which has extended its reach across 150 countries has confirmed its plans to expand the production capacity of its Chakan manufacturing facility near Pune to 1,10,000 units in the next 3 years.

Volkswagen - Pune Plant’s first anniversary

Volkswagen’s Pune plant is one of its most modern plants amongst the Volkswagen group. The plant was inaugurated on the 31st of March, 2009. Very soon, the plant will complete a year of functioning in the City of Pune. To cherish this special occasion for Volkswagen, the firm has organized a grand celebration starting from the 27th of March, 2010. “Volkswagen India. Building Cars. Winning Hearts,” will be the theme of the celebration.

The firm has decided to share its joy amongst with the city of Pune by distributing muffins with a 1 year candle. This will be a symbol of the 1 year birthday cake and will be distributed during the screening of the IPL matches at Inshanya Mall on the 27th and 28th of March.

On 30th of March, as a part of the celebrations, the works of the Artist Lala who is a German residing in Pune will be unveiled at the Volkswagen India plant. Around 20 paintings which display the cultural exchange between Germany and India will be displayed as a part of the exhibition at the Chakan plant.

On the 31st of March, which is exactly a year after the inauguration of the plant, an art competition will take place for the children of the employees who serve at the Volkswagen Pune plant. The theme of the competition for children within the age limit of 6 to 12 years will be “Volkswagen Employee Children. Winning Hearts with Polo.” The firm will reward all participants after which all the paintings will be displayed at the plant. On the same day, there will be an after-work dinner for all the employees at the plant. During this part of the celebrations, the efforts of the Volkswagen employees will be recognized and appreciated. “Volkswagen People. Winning Hearts,” will be the theme of this party.

The Pune plant has proved to be a catalyst for the firm in achieving its sales targets in the Indian subcontinent. With a maximum production capacity of 110,000 vehicles annually, the plant is technically advanced with all kinds of facilities. The plant covers all stages including the press shop, body shop, paint shop and final assembly. Along with the Volkswagen Polo, the Skoda Fabia is also built at the Pune plant. The Pune plant is reportedly the largest investment (Rs 3,800) by a German company in India.

Compare the Top Movers & Shakers - Polo, Punto, Swift and Figo - Which one is for you?

With the B-segment flooding with offerings from various manufacturers, a war of hatchbacks to capture the market is just about to begin…


Click here to read the full analysis.

Never before in the Indian car industry have we seen such carnage in a segment. The B-segment is suddenly loaded with quality contenders which not only boast great engineering and features, but incredible pricing as well.

Volkswagen Polo Launched in India

Volkswagen has launched its eagerly awaited Polo hatchback in India. Surpassing the expectations, the company has priced the Polo very aggressively. The ex-showroom pricing for the car in Delhi is an alluring 4.34 lakh rupees for the base 1.2-litre petrol version. The base version of the fuel efficient 1.2-litre diesel will be available for Rs 5.32 lakh. The company has launched only the petrol version for now and the diesel version will be available around May. You can book petrol Polo for yourself right away though and get your delivery starting March 8th.

The company has localised the Polo to 50% for being able to offer it at such a lucrative price point. VW expects a localisation of 70% in due course which will increase their profits. We hear that there is a possibility of a 1.6-litre petrol model as well, which will be a total scorcher among all small hatchbacks in the country, but the timeline for this model’s launch has not been defined yet by VW.

Volkswagen has invested huge amounts of money in India and has set up one of the most sophisticated car plants of the country in Chakan near Pune. The German company is totally committed to increasing its presence and reach in the Indian market and plans to facilitate that by selling its cars well in the all-important B-segment.



At the current prices, the new Volkswagen is slightly more expensive than the equivalent Maruti Suzuki cars but cheaper than similar spec Hyundai cars. Both Hyundai and Maruti cars have more powerful engines than the Volkswagen on the paper, but you never know, Volkswagen may just trump the others with its better technology. Surprisingly, defying the global trend Volkswagen has priced the Polo cheaper than the Skoda Fabia – now Skoda is considered a notch lower than VW worldwide.

The petrol engine is a 1.2-litre, 75bhp three-cylinder unit, while the diesel mill is a 1.2-litre, 75bhp, three-cylinder common-rail unit. Both the engine will come with a five-speed manual transmission system claimed to transmit power with short, accurate shifts and very smooth handling. The car will be available in three trim levels called Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. 

Polo 1.2 petrol price – Ex showroom Delhi
1.2 petrol Trendline Rs 4.34 lakh
1.2 petrol Comfortline Rs 4.83 lakh
1.2 petrol Highline Rs 5.72 lakh
1.2 diesel Trendline Rs 5.32 lakh
1.2 diesel Comfortline Rs 5.81 lakh
1.2 diesel Highline Rs 6.70 lakh

Prices of the base petrol and diesel versions of Swift, Ritz and i20

Polo 1.2 litre 4.34 lakh 75bhp

-- Base Petrol
Swift LXi 4.00 lakh 84bhp
Polo 1.2 litre 5.32 lakh 75bhp

-- Base Diesel
Ritz LXi 3.90 lakh 84bhp
Fabia 1.4 Diesel 5.88 lakh 68bhp

i20 Magna 4.81 lakh 79bhp

Swift LDi 4.74 lakh 75bhp
Ritz LDi 4.65 lakh 74bhp

i20 Diesel 6.20 lakh 90bhp

Volkswagen Phaeton will be launched in March

VW announced that their luxury saloon is slated for an official launch in March this year. The VW Pheaton will retail for around Rs.75 lakhs. The luxury saloon is offered with two engine options namely a 3.0 litre TDi V6 one developing 240Ps and the 6.0 litre W12 petrol one which produces 450PS.

Every Phaeton is hand-built at VW's glass factory located at Dresden in Germany. A buyer has the option of seeing his Phaeton being assembled from the intial stage when a chasis is selected. Onc e the luxury saloon goes on sale in the country, even our desi buyers will have the option of going to the factory and seeing their Phaeton being assembled or customised.

Speaking to the media after the unveiling , Neeraj Garg, Member of Board of Directors, Volkswagen Group Sales India, said that once the Phaeton is launched in March it would mark the manufacturer's foray into the high-end luxury segment.

Volkswagen-Suzuki to develop Alto replacement

Its only been a day since Volkswagen bought a stake in Suzuki but both companies have already started planning about how to make their partnership favourable for each other. Volkswagen-Suzuki is planning to launch a replacement for the Alto apart from developing small cars in the $4000-5000 range for the Indian and European markets.

Speaking to the media, R.C. Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki, said that the company will need a car in the Rs. 2.5 lakh price range. He admitted that earlier it had the 800 and now the Alto but at some point a replacement will be needed for the Alto. He also said that the above price range comprises the entry-level segment for Indian car buyers and they can't ignore that segment.



Volkswagen is likely to launch its hatchback Polo in the country at the upcomming Auto Expo in January. Both the companies are also chalking out plans to develop electric and small cars for India and Europe which will be launched under both brands. They are specifically looking at developing a new car in the $4500 price range. Currently, the cheapest offering from the Volkswagen stables for Europe is the Up which retails for under $9000.
 
The spokesperson for Volkswagen, Fabian Mannecke, told the media that Volkswagen will be greatly interested in a car below the price segment of the Up and it is something that they will need to check in their future together with Suzuki.

Suzuki is interested in sourcing diesel engine technology from Volkswagen. Suzuki lacks behind other manufacturers in terms of diesel engines and currently sources the engines powering its cars from Fiat. The companies are also looking at developing common platforms for their future cars.

VW now owns $2.5 billion Suzuki stake

The world’s third largest auto giant known to us by the name of Volkswagen is all set to grow a bit bigger after the company reached a common understanding to establish a close long term strategic partnership. A framework has been signed today by representatives of both the companies today. The firm had already publicized its intentions to be the world’s No.1 auto giant with its team of 10 brands which include Audi, Skoda, Seat, Porsche and many more. The firm’s step will however be a give and take relationship between the German and Japanese firms. With this move, Suzuki will avail technological advances and Volkswagen will get better access and exposure into the small-car segment. According to a source with direct VW connections, the firm’s stake can easily rise to more than one-third in the future. The sources also added that the 20% stake would be worth about 250 billion yen ($2.80 billion) at current prices.



About six months ago, VW had revealed its interest in Suzuki due to its experience and dominance in the small-car segment. The move would also help VW to achieve its goal to be No.1 with the small-car segment being a key segment of competition in the present and future markets. On the other hand, Suzuki had announced that it would be very much happy to strike any sensible partnership. Before this announcement, Suzuki had lost its ties to General Motors Co. The Japanese firm initially took the GM support in the field of hybrid and next-generation technology. The firm, with the recent tie-up hopes to borrow Suzuki’s know-how for the development of s minicar platform for the Up! concept car.


Suzuki has well established its dominance in the Indian Market through “Maruti Suzuki”. On the other hand, it also dominates the unique 660cc minivehicles segment which is prevalent in its motherland, Japan. The firm is reported to have a market capitalization of $13.7 billion as compared to Volkswagen’s $45.7 billion. But however, Suzuki has been holding 20 percent of itself in treasury stock which it had bought back from GM during the years 2006 to 2008.


Volkswagen’s tie-up with Suzuki has not produced any kind of wave of surprise across the automotive industry. But however, the industry was left baffled after Suzuki Chief Executive Osamu Suzuki denied any talks of a tie-up just a month ago.

VW Launches Beetle and Touareg in India

Volkswagen recently announced the launch of its trademark car Beetle alongside its SUV Touareg. The cars are a little more expensive than their close competitors as they are brought in as CBU's to the country. However they are very elegant and special to drive, and most importantly they are made by VW which in itself adds much value to the machine.

The beetle costs just over 20 lakhs (ex-showroom delhi) and the Touareg around 52 lakhs.

Volkswagen becomes World No.1

According to the latest production numbers from analysts ‘Global Insight’, Volkswagen has overtaken Toyota to become the largest automobile manufacturer.



According to the latest reports, following were the top passenger car producers in the first three quarters of 2009:


1.Volkswagen 4.4 Million

2.Toyota 4 Million

3.Ford 3.7 Million

4.General Motors 3.6 Million


The credit of the VW group’s massive success is attributed to the new Golf and Polo hatches and the Fabia and Octavia models from its sister brand - Skoda.

VW Polo coming to India

VW are planning to launch their flagship small car Polo's launch in India during early 2010. The car has already been a big success in european markets and if priced competitive it could soon cause ripples among sales figures of other small cars in the same segment.

VW to Buy 49.9% of Porsche

A couple of years back Porsche had made big news when it had sought to buy out Volkswagen a company that was many times bigger than Porsche. Back then Porsche was having the time of its life in the marketplace. The Boxster was a huge hit thanks to the lack of any formidable rivals and Porsche’s bottom line had been soaring. Infact at that time it was the most profitable automobile manufacturer in the world.



But its fortunes changed rapidly. The economic crisis saw people ditching sportscars for more boring options and its rivals, German as well as Japanese eventually caught up with its products. Porsche realized that it was in need of huge investments in each of its product lines, and couldn’t afford to go at it alone anymore.


VW has already finalized to buy 49.9% of its shares by end of year and as the first stage of the complete buyout that will be completed by 2011.