The European Commission is tightening screws on Volkswagen this week. The European Commission has found that Volkswagen Group broke consumer laws in 20 European Union countries by cheating on emissions tests, German daily Die Welt reported, citing Commission sources. Among them are the Consumer Sales and Guarantees Directive -- which prohibits companies from touting exaggerated environmental … [Read more...]
VW UK told to clean up its act and compensate owners
An influential group of British politicians has called on the Government to set strict timelines for Volkswagen Group to recall tainted diesel vehicles and compensate their British owners. VW is "only just beginning to recall cars in the UK," where about 1.1 million vehicles were found to contain software that rigged emissions tests, said Parliament's environmental audit committee. It … [Read more...]
On your marks for the new VW Transporter Sportline
Volkswagen Sportline versions are being reintroduced on the Transporter series. Last seen over four years ago, the Sportline was a popular derivative with its trim and fittings reflecting a more dynamic style including special alloys and body kit plus leather interior and advanced connectivity system. The new series will first be seen on the 180ps 2.0 bi-turbo diesel T32 kombi next month … [Read more...]
Tradelines 31 August
Ashley Andrew has been appointed Managing Director of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK, with immediate effect. Mr Andrew, 45, was most recently Head of Marketing, Skoda UK, overseeing product, communications, digital and media and was previously Head of Operations at SEAT UK, after positions with Rolls-Royce, BMW, MINI and Ford. Volkswagen is revealing a selection of special finance deals on its … [Read more...]
Newslines 22 August
The Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante convertible will be built, but only 99 cars will be assembled. It echoes design elements from the 1960 DB4 and updated in the Vulcan, and all have been sold before deliveries begin next year. A very special Jaguar E-Type which starred in the BBC’s famous comedy series, Only Fools and Horses, will be offered for sale at Silverstone Auctions’ … [Read more...]
Newslines 19 August
New state-of-the-art test facilities have been installed at MG Motor UK’s Longbridge site demonstrating commitment to the future and the quality of its products. £1.2 million has been invested to install a fifth engine test facility and to further enhance the vehicle rolling road on-site at MG HQ in Longbridge. German vehicles sales fell in July, first time this year, by almost 4%. While … [Read more...]
VW Passat is powering up for future
The new Volkswagen Passat GTE will offer drivers the very best of all worlds. A winner in the Large Family Car class in the recent Next Green Car Awards even before its showroom debut, the new Passat GTE is available to order with prices starting at £36,525, excluding Government Plug-In Car Grant of £2,500. The first Passat with a state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid drive system, the innovative new … [Read more...]
Crafter takes to the streets
There is an all new Volkswagen Crafter van on the streets. The clear objective when designing and engineering the all-new Crafter was to produce a customer-focused transport solution, offering high economy and low total cost of ownership. To that end it was developed precisely in line with the specific demands and requirements of various user groups and will achieve … [Read more...]
EU put pressure on VW to compensate buyers
Europe's Commissioner for Justice is working with EU consumer groups to pressure Volkswagen to compensate buyers in Europe as it has in the United States over the diesel emissions scandal. The German carmaker has pledged up to $15.3 billion to compensate 475,000 owners of VW diesel-powered cars, but has so far rejected such calls for the 8.5 million affected vehicles in Europe, where different … [Read more...]
Trade lines 13 July
The UK Government has started talks to resolve legal issues surrounding autonomous cars. Changes to the law and advice on driving as well as insurance requirements will be discussed so the system can be introduced by 2020. Romania says it’s talking to two un-named car makers to establish assembly plants in the country. Ford and Dacia are already building there with a network of component … [Read more...]