volkswagen

WASHINGTON--A federal plan to require automakers to standardize keyless ignition systems in the wake of Toyota's unintended acceleration problems is likely to mirror industry guidelines issued in January, an automaker group said.

Large automakers except Toyota said they already comply with the guidelines crafted by SAE International or plan to do so.

These "recommended practices'' seek to counter the variation, driver confusion, and safety problems that have ensued since automakers started installing push-button ignition in luxury models.

The number of models offering keyless ignition has more than quadrupled to 189 in the 2011 model year--including the Hyundai Elantra … Read more

From the string of hybrids we've seen at CNET lately, the BMW ActiveHybrid 7, the Infiniti M35h, and the Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, it's clear that you can do a lot more with the technology than get good mileage. Although all of these cars get better mileage than their conventional gas engine equivalents, they also get considerably more power. Forget the mild-mannered Prius, these hybrids are exciting.

Volkswagen's Touareg Hybrid makes use of a supercharged direct-injection engine and an electric motor to hit 60 mph in about 6 seconds. It also represents a new generation of Touareg, featuring … Read more

Volkswagen's history includes two legendary vehicles, the Beetle and the Type 2, or Microbus. As it revived the Beetle some years ago, the company takes a look back at the Type 2 in a new concept called Bulli. That name comes from the common German term for the Type 2.

The Bulli hearkens back to the Type 2 in its general shape, color scheme, and large VW emblem mounted on the front. But Volkswagen aficionados will immediately notice the lack of a split front windshield.

And unlike the flat four-cylinder engine that rested at the rear of the Type … Read more

The Geneva auto show is filled with signs that the industry turnaround under way in North America has reached Europe.

Automakers are bouncing back from the downturn of the past two years with a number of production vehicles and concepts in Geneva.

Volkswagen Group, helped by its new subsidiary Italdesign Giugiaro, will unveil an array of concept cars to show the industry it has the design depth, as well as the production capability and the financial strength, to topple Toyota as the world's No. 1 automaker.

BMW will debut the Vision ConnectedDrive, a futuristic roadster concept that shows how … Read more

Last year VW released its new Jetta, a car designed with the kind of boring nature that would appeal to Camry buyers. But now VW has a new version of the Jetta, this one built for the 1 percent of us who like to drive.

Sporting a turbocharged 2-liter engine, the new Jetta GLI gets propelled by 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Buyers can opt for a six-speed manual or VW's dual-clutch DSG transmission.

Most importantly, VW reworked the suspension. Where the lower-trimmed Jettas get rear drum brakes, the GLI gets discs. For the GLI, VW replaced … Read more

The 2011 Chrysler 200 convertible and the 2012 Acura TL are among the vehicles that will be unveiled this week at the Chicago Auto Show. Chevrolet, Dodge, Hyundai, Volkswagen, and Chrysler's Ram division also are planning world debuts.

While Toyota will not have a world debut, the automaker is touting its display, which it says will be the largest the Toyota brand has created for a U.S. auto show, covering 45,000 square feet.

As part of the display, an indoor road course will feature Toyota pickups and SUVs. The public will be able to ride in the … Read more

If you're a "Star Wars" fan--and who's not?--you'll want to be one of the first to check out the new Volkwagen ad that's expected to air during this Sunday's Super Bowl.

Thanks to the great mommy blog Tiny Iron Fists, I found the just-posted-on-You Tube ad today. Featuring a pint-size Darth Vader--actually a suburban kid in a Darth Vader suit who is fruitlessly trying to get "the Force" to work for him--the spot at first makes no sense as a VW ad.

But with the twist, it all becomes clear, … Read more

What with gasoline prices at the pump well past $3 a gallon--and edging ever higher--drivers understandably are pining for the day when technology will come to their rescue.

If you're willing to wait a couple of years, Volkswagen may have what you're waiting for.

At an auto show in Qatar this week, Volkswagen showed off a proof-of-concept car that will get 261 miles to the gallon. The XL1, a two cylinder, two-seater made from carbon fiber, is expected to go into production sometime in the next two years. If the auto's fuel efficiency lives up to the advance billing, VW likely will be able to say it makes the world's most economical car. … Read more