SEAT unveils its future design language at the Barcelona Motor Show |  |
- SEAT unveils its future design language at the Barcelona Motor Show
- It’s official! Porsche Cars North America to create $100 million HQ with track
- Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Pringles kickoff summer of festivals
- Audi plans 10,000 new jobs globally through 2020
- Porsche adds 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupe and Cabriolet to its lineup
| SEAT unveils its future design language at the Barcelona Motor Show Posted: 12 May 2011 12:10 PM PDT SEAT today has unveiled its future design language for the first time in Spain. At the Barcelona Motor Show, the carmaker is showing the IBE and the IBX, its two latest prototypes offering a sneak peek into SEAT’s new design language, technology and proposals for electro-mobility. Both cars belong to the same family of models and have been conceived with the near-future requirements of urban mobility in mind. The IBE is a SportCoupé, and was singled out at the last Paris Motor Show as the best electric prototype. The IBX, unveiled in Geneva, combines the capabilities of an SUV with sporty coupé styling and is designed for a latest-generation hybrid propulsion system.
SEAT chairman James Muir explained that “these two concept cars are a preview of the design DNA of our new models, and also demonstrate SEAT’s interest in electro-mobility. They take different paths – the IBE features all-electric drive and the IBX is a plug-in hybrid, but they are both proof of SEAT’s concern for the environment”. Muir further underlined that “we have recently announced SEAT will bring ‘enjoyneering’ to the dynamic, demanding Chinese market. We will sell models manufactured at our plant in Martorell. SEAT is aiming for a brilliant future”. The Spanish carmaker is currently one of the most environmentally aware on the market. SEAT’s ECOMOTIVE range has evolved into a highly successful line-up of exceedingly frugal vehicles. The greenest versions of the Ibiza, Leon, Altea XL and Alhambra are all on display at the SEAT stand in Barcelona. SEAT is taking full advantage of its entire-pavilion privilege to exhibit 18 vehicles, including the new Leon FR and the Alhambra 4WD, which are scheduled for market release before this summer. The recently launched Ibiza Spotify, which features the bonus of driver-chosen musical entertainment directly piped into SEAT’s best-selling model, and the brand-new COPA range, which includes an even more extensive equipment line-up on all four-door versions at an extremely competitive price, are only a few examples of the strengths that made the company the leading brand in the Spanish market in 2010 and the first quarter of 2011. SEAT is the only company in its sector with the full-range capacity to design, develop, manufacture and market cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting approximately 75% of its production to 72 countries. SEAT is market leader in Spain, and in 2010 reached a turnover amounting to 4.7 billion euros, with total sales of 339,500 vehicles. SEAT Group employs 13,000 professionals at its three production centers in Barcelona – Zona Franca, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon, amongst other models. The Volkswagen Group production facility at Palmela in Portugal supplies the SEAT Alhambra. The Spanish multinational also has a Technical Center, a ‘knowledge hub’ bringing together more than 900 engineers whose remit is to be the driving force behind innovation for the number one industrial investor in R&D+i in Spain. In line with its declared commitment to environmental protection, SEAT undertakes and bases its core activity on criteria of sustainability, namely reduction of CO2 emissions, energy efficiency, as well as recycling and re-use of resources. - SEAT Auto Related posts:
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| It’s official! Porsche Cars North America to create $100 million HQ with track Posted: 12 May 2011 11:23 AM PDT A great win for Atlanta, GA! As we reported yesterday about PCNA’s office move, it is now official. Early this morning, Detlev von Platen, president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America met with Mayor Reed to announce the deal. Porsche Cars North America to create $100 million HQ with track on the old Ford site. Other Georgia locations and even states competed for the highly decorated brand. von Platen also described the move as being much more than just headquarters. Complete with a 1.6 mile testing track, it will bring in roughly 20,000 extra visits from its customers. Along with the local move, Porsche will also relocate a Chicago division, create 100 new jobs and look to have about 400 total in five years. By 2013, passengers arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will be greeted by a huge red sign for one of the world’s most iconic luxury brands: Porsche. The German automaker announced details today of its plan to build its North American headquarters and a 1.6 mile test drive track right beneath the wings of landing aircraft at the Atlanta airport on the former Ford plant in south metro Atlanta. “It will be absolutely unique,” said Detlev von Platen, president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, at a press conference at the state Capitol Thursday morning. The company has been based in Sandy Springs for the last 13 years, but the available land of the Ford site for the test track was a major reason for wanting to put the $100 million headquarters and its 200 local jobs to the Southside. “It will be much more than a headquarters,” he said. The track itself will be meant as a place for potential Porsche customers to test drive options. Porsche expects about 20,000 people a year to visit it. Mayor Reed was excited for the message the Porsche building will send to passengers arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson. “They will see the Porsche sign and associate excellence with the city of Atlanta,” he said. The state offered $1.75 million in job tax credits, as Porsche will be moving a division from Chicago and creating about 100 new jobs in Georgia. The headquarters in general is expected to employ up to about 400 people in about five years. The Georgia Department of Transportation is adding $800,000 in infrastructure improvements to the package. Other local incentives were not yet made public, but the former Ford plant site does qualify for several programs meant to encourage development on the former industrial site, officials said. Von Platen said that 17 sites competed aggressively for the headquarters, including other states. He said he would have to make some calls to some governors today to tell them that “Georgia won the race.” That fact was not lost on Gov. Nathan Deal, who said, “Detroit is just a little bit jealous.” Georgia has about 300 auto-related companies that employ about 20,000 people, he said, and the new Porsche jobs will add to that. Porsche cars are built in Germany. Company officials said they don’t have current plans to move any assembly operations to Georgia. - AJC Related posts:
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| Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Pringles kickoff summer of festivals Posted: 12 May 2011 10:20 AM PDT The summer festival season is about to begin. Together with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Pringles is launching a big summer campaign throughout Europe. The Volkswagen Bulli plays a very special role as it is the central icon of the campaign. Four Bullis will be taking part in 13 festivals in Western Europe and 20 city events in Germany. The Pringles Bulli will be at the centre of stalls and a stage where various contests will be held. Fans using mobile networks can, via free WiFi hotspots on the metre high multimedia tins, post photos and videos they have taken themselves to their Facebook profile. The appearance of the classic Volkswagen Bulli with an elaborate paint finish and a gigantic Pringles tube on the roof creates a stir visually – and acoustically. The passenger compartment has been converted to a control room for mobile DJs who lay down some “festival” beats. The “roof tube” is not just for decoration, it is in fact a loud-speaker. The Bulli is accompanied by Crafters and Multivans with Pringles branding that ensure that the equipment for the shows reaches the various venues quickly and reliably. The party continues on the Pringles homepage and Facebook: this is where owners of smartphones can follow live tweets from the corresponding venues. By entering the codes from three Pringles campaign tubes, competitors have the chance to win loudspeakers in the shape of Pringles tubes and other prizes as well in the exclusive competition. Under the heading “Follow the van”, user-generated photos and videos keep fans up to date on the latest activities of the Pringles Bulli. The Pringles Bulli will be making appearances at big concert events. Fans will also have the opportunity to take part in the celebrations with the classic Volkswagen Transporter at Pringles mini festivals in many European towns. While DJs get the party going on the outdoor dance areas, Pringles promoters will be distributing free samples and various giveaways. German towns that could be included on the tour are Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Düsseldorf. *Note: The homepage and facebook campaigns are lousy. The facebook page looks to be U.S based and there is no word on it about this partnership. - VCV Related posts:
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| Audi plans 10,000 new jobs globally through 2020 Posted: 12 May 2011 09:58 AM PDT Volkswagen AG’s luxury brand Audi plans to create 10,000 jobs globally through 2020, CEO Rupert Stadler said today, according to the prepared speech for the company’s shareholder meeting in Neckarsulm. Earlier this month, Audi announced measures to ease waiting times for models including the Q7 SUV. Audi plans additional weekend shifts this month at its two main German factories to increase production, CFO Axel Strotbek said. “The extra shifts are required by the good order book,” he said. “The delivery times of several models are higher than we’d like.” Record sales BMW AG, Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz and Audi are targeting their highest-ever sales this year, lifted by growing wealth in China and a rebound in spending in the U.S. On Monday Audi announced it sold 109,400 cars last month, a 13.2 percent increase, to remain ahead of rival Mercedes, which reported last week that its April global sales grew 8.2 percent to 100,703 units. Both luxury brands were topped by competitor BMW which sold 113,078 cars in the same period, a rise of 14.8 percent over 2010 figures. - AutoNews Related posts:
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| Porsche adds 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupe and Cabriolet to its lineup Posted: 12 May 2011 06:41 AM PDT Porsche adds new siblings to the 911 model line. With a bit of sweetening, the Carrera 4 GTS will now utilize the all-wheel drive, Porsche Traction Management (PTM) matted to the 3.8l, six-cylinder Carrera S engine. Porsche also reworked the intake system gaining 23hp. This brought the total output to 408hp. The Coupe will now hit 62mph in 4.6 seconds, with it’s Cabriolet brother in 4.8 seconds. With the PDK option, you can save 0.2 seconds on that. New bodywork, 19″ wheels and Alcantara interior are also included. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is widening the top end of its Carrera model line and pairing up each of the two 911 Carrera GTS with an all-wheel drive twin. That means that the 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupé and Cabriolet will combine the 408 hp (300 kW) top of the range engine of the Carrera GTS family with the intelligent, all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM). Driving dynamics are not the only source of attraction. Economics are as well. Thanks to Porsche Intelligent Performance the new all-wheel 911s consume no more than the equivalent Carrera 4S version, the Coupé remains at 11.0 l/100 km (25.7 mpg imp.) and the Cabriolet at 11.2 l/100 km (25.2 mpg imp.) respectively based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Moreover both of them boast an even more comprehensive standard equipment package compared with the Carrera 4S models. The 911 Carrera 4 GTS power unit has its origins in the 3.8-litre, six-cylinder Carrera S engine. A wholesale revamping of the intake duct added 23 hp (17 kW), taking the power output to 408 hp (300 kW) at 7,300 rpm. The special aspiration system not only improves peak power output but flexibility and power development as well thanks to a more generous torque curve in the lower and middle engine speed range. 320 Newton metres kick in from as low as 1,500 rpm; the six-cylinder engine delivers its rated torque of 420 Nm in the broad engine speed range from 4,200 rpm and 5,600 rpm. The sports exhaust system fitted as standard ensures a distinctly sporty sound. It invests the new Carrera 4 GTS with an unmistakable acoustic signature and the rear view of its tail pipe with its unique black surface design lends it a unique character. At full power the Carrera 4 GTS Coupé sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds, the Cabriolet in 4.8 seconds. The Carrera 4 GTS is fitted as standard with a six-speed manual transmission but the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) seven-speed is available as an option if desired. The PDK shaves an additional 0.2 seconds respectively off the acceleration times from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph). In the Carrera 4 GTS as well, PTM all-wheel drive stands for Porsche’s typical driving pleasure with even more driving stability, traction and agile handling. The PTM achieves this by directing the optimal proportion of the engine torque to the front wheels via a multiple-plate clutch. What’s more, just how single-mindedly the Carrera 4 GTS is designed for driving dynamics is evident from the use of a standard limited-slip differential. This mechanical rear differential lock contributes to the driving dynamics of the electronically controlled all-wheel drive system. Visually, the new Carrera 4 GTS models with all-wheel drive differ in points of detail from earlier variants with rear-wheel drive: In addition to the type name on the doors and rear lid, the distinguishing characteristic of all models with all-wheel drive is the additional reflective stripe between the taillights. What the Carrera GTS models have in common is the 911’s wide body, otherwise reserved for the all-wheel version of the 911s, and the rear axle track width that goes with it. In numerous other details as well the GTS models differ both visually and technically from the other Carrera models. For example, they run on 19 inch RS Spyder wheels in black with central locking and gloss-lathed rim flanges fitted with 305/30 ZR 19 tyres on the rear axle. Additional visual features include the Sport-Design front apron with black painted spoiler lip and special side skirts, also in black. Driver and passenger are accommodated on sports seats. Typical of the GTS, the emphatically sporty black Alcantara covering on centre panels, steering wheel rim, gearshift and handbrake lever, door handles and door storage box lid and extension are offered as standard in addition to a range of leather upholstery options. The 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupé, including country-specific equipment and VAT at 19 per cent, is offered in Germany at a price of 111,956 euro, the Cabriolet costs 122,071 euro. Both models will be on sale in Germany from July 2011.                               - Porsche Related posts:
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