VW to Open Plant in Alabama?
VW reportedly favors the location due to an incentive package offered by the state’s government. Although details aren’t currently available, the incentives offered by Alabama supposedly eclipse those offered by Tennessee or Michigan, states also considered for the factory.
VW still considers locating the factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, as a second option. Automotive News claims the leading factor in preferring Huntsville was that Alabama.
Read more -> Automobile Magazine
VW & Hot Wheels to Benefit Aids Victims
LOS ANGELES, Calif.– Volkswagen of America, Inc., long recognized for its relevance in pop culture, will participate in TOYS, a pop surrealist art exhibit in honor of Hot Wheels® 40th Anniversary.  More than 40 of the most famous pop surrealist artists from around the globe have created customized 1:18 scale Hot Wheels® Volkswagen buses, all donated by Volkswagen. The exhibition kicks off today with an exclusive media and VIP preview at Gallery 1988 in Los Angeles.
“We are excited to take part in an innovative exhibit that pays tribute to artistic creativity and individuality, while benefitting a worthwhile cause,†said Mya Walters, Lifestyle Public Relations Manager for Volkswagen. “It is a pleasure to partner with a brand that brings inspiration and excitement to fans of all ages and we are happy to help celebrate Hot Wheels® incredible 40-year milestone.â€
Forty of most notable artists were given white die-cast Hot Wheels® Volkswagen buses to customize specifically for this exhibit.   Each VW bus will be individually showcased and priced between $300 and $5,500 USD. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAAF). Participating artists, whose work comes to life on a VW bus, include Tokidoki, Greg Simkins, John David Horvath, Jon Burgerman and husband and wife team Brandt Peters and Kathie Olivias.
2008 Volkswagen GTI Named One of Car and Driver’s 10 Best Cars for 2008
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced that the GTI has been named one of Car and Driver magazine’s 10Best cars in its 26th annual competition. This is the fifth time the GTI has earned this distinction, including a back-to-back 10Best nomination for the 2007 and 2008 models.
The GTI is fun to drive, with its high-tech, 200 horsepower 2.0T four- cylinder engine that produces 207 ft.-lbs. of torque, fully independent sports-tuned suspension, aggressive exterior styling, and a practical interior that equally mixes functionality, flair and a driver-first focus and layout.
The 2008 GTI is a solid and aggressive sports model with an available automated manual DSG(TM) transmission that utilizes direct shifting, which automatically depresses clutch-shift points more efficiently and quicker than even a professional driver can. For those driving enthusiasts who want the control of a clutch, the GTI comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission. With all that power and performance, and fuel economy of nearly 30 miles per gallon on the highway, it is easy to see why the GTI is a repeated winner of Car and Driver’s 10Best.
Car and Driver selects its 10Best cars after a weeklong, editorial staff- wide examination of all of the year’s newest and best cars. The GTI was among 57 vehicles considered for the honor.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, Touareg and Phaeton through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.
Source: VW of America
German Courts Give Porsche Leverage to Buy VW
While Porsche has been gobbling up stake in Volkswagen for about a year, a little piece of legislation called the VW Law has been the only thing preventing the sports car builder from gobbling up the giant German automaker. Currently Porsche holds a 31% stake in VW, but with news today of the European Court striking down the VW Law, many expect the company to quickly increase its stake to a controlling 51%.
The VW Law itself dates back to 1960, and while a bit complicated to understand, basically stipulates that 80% shareholder approval is required to pass major decisions and regardless of how much stake a single entity holds, its voting block cannot be greater than 20%. Since the company’s home state of Lower Saxony owns 20.1% of VW, it alone holds the power to influence the company’s decision making. Under the VW Law, it has held the power to block any decision that would threaten its jobs and local economy. Thus, Porsche’s desire to own a controlling stake in VW has been blocked by Lower Saxony as well as its inability to use the full force of its 31% stake in voting.
Porsche has been very patient so far, and will apparently remain so a little longer. It is not expected to increase its stake in VW before the end of the year, but everyone seems fully aware that today’s historic news means that the company will sooner or be controlled by Porsche.
[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]
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