VW CEO Steps Down

[Coker Rat]

Re: VW CEO Steps Down

interesting food for thought

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: VW CEO Steps Down

Some more fresh news, seems the new guy is shaking things up!

Volkswagen’s new chairman Martin Winterkorn isn’t happy about the company’s product pipeline, and according to reports, he’s sending some of the automaker’s most pivotal products back to the drawing board. Among those being scrutinized are the Tiguan, Passat Coupe, Scirocco, and next-generation Golf/Rabbit.

According to a print-only article in UK publication Autocar (volume 251, No 5), the Passat Coupe four-door was scheduled to be unveiled in concept form at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, with a production model introduction at this fall’s Los Angeles Auto Show. An on-sale date was planned for mid-2008. But now, that schedule looks to have been pushed back a bit, as the model is now expected to receive a redesign before getting the green light, if indeed it sees production at all.

Arguably more shocking is that the Tiguan and Scirocco are facing delays. Both offerings were scheduled for showrooms within the next 12 months, with VW already previewing both models in showcar form (Concept Tiguan and IROC). While the latter’s wishy-wash coupe/hatchback styling drew criticism for being too close to the company’s other offerings (GTI and Audi A3, namely), the Tiguan appeared to have been well received, although spy shots of seemingly production-ready mules evinced a much more timid look. In the end, Autocar reports that the crossover’s “conservative styling” may be holding up the show.

Finally, the sixth-generation Golf, which was originally planned for a 2009 launch (which means that America probably wouldn’t see it until 2011!) is being given a second look, as VW is keen to reduce the car’s cost. The current car is widely regarded as being expensive-to-build, so VW hopes to cut production time from 44 hours to just 36, all while improving reliability and quality.

[Kor]

Re: VW CEO Steps Down

I thought originally the Golf VI was 2008, I also heard it would be lighter weight.

They had better put something quicker in the GTI for the Mk6.

[bart]

Re: VW CEO Steps Down

hmm, i'd probably prefer a 44 hour build time to a 36... pay more too, i dont care. i don't think you can make a better quality car faster...

i would wanna own a top of the line mk4, best it can be: 4motion, hids, climatronic, power folding mirrors, rain sensors, pd150, 6spd, recaros, r-line kit, etc... would be nice if those were available for purchase still. would be on pricey golf, like 50k! lol

all that stuff was available as options in europe, but i wonder how many people actually got it all, not many.

[Kor]

Re: VW CEO Steps Down

I searched and it seems the Audi TT is built with a 10 hour production time? And the previous TT was 15?

[R_Ethug]

Re: VW CEO Steps Down

they defintey need to step up the power in the mk6..

bart i agree the euro mk4 with options are the best you can get..