Volkswagen celebrates 20 years of partnership with FAW in China |  |
- Volkswagen celebrates 20 years of partnership with FAW in China
- Belgian Audi Club Team WRT in a favorable position for Magny-Cours
- SEAT Exeo’s with new TDI offerings in 2012
- Preview: VLN 6h ADAC Ruhr-Pokal-Rennen
| Volkswagen celebrates 20 years of partnership with FAW in China Posted: 26 Aug 2011 09:07 AM PDT One of the Chinese automotive industry’s success stories began twenty years ago: In 1991, Volkswagen and First Automotive Works (FAW) set up the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture. Some 4,500 guests celebrated the joint venture’s 20th anniversary yesterday evening at a ceremony in Changchun. FAW-Volkswagen is currently one of China’s largest automobile manufacturers and has built five million vehicles since operations began. The anniversary vehicle, a “New Magotan”, left the assembly line in Changchun this week. The company expects annual production to top the one million mark for the first time this year.
At the ceremony in Changchun Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, looked back on 20 exciting and successful years of cooperation. The FAW-Volkswagen joint venture is today one of the largest and most innovative car manufacturers in China. “Together with our partner FAW we have played a decisive role in shaping mobility in China and created more than 15,000 jobs,” Winterkorn said. “Alongside our strong partners we are aiming to grow further in our second home of China and to create new jobs. We have laid the right foundations with targeted investments of €10.6 billion in capacity expansion and innovative and emotional vehicles.” The People’s Republic of China has been the Group’s largest sales market since 2009, FAW-Volkswagen is a leading manufacturer in the country’s automobile industry. The company produces Volkswagen and Audi brand vehicles as well as parts and components at its plants in Changchun, Chengdu and Dalian. With an ever-growing model range that today includes vehicles such as the Golf or the long-wheelbase Audi A6, FAW-Volkswagen is targeting annual production in excess of one million units for the first time in 2011. Apart from the joint venture with FAW, Volkswagen also operates a second joint venture in cooperation with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). In total, the Group with its Volkswagen, Audi and Škoda brands employs over 40,000 people at its production sites in China and is aiming to sell more than two million vehicles for the first time this year. FAW-Volkswagen: Key facts
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| Belgian Audi Club Team WRT in a favorable position for Magny-Cours Posted: 25 Aug 2011 02:11 PM PDT Scheduled on Saturday’s evening, this 3-hour race should confirm the excellent position of Belgian Audi Club Team WRT’s drivers in the championship. Following his victory at Spa, Greg Franchi is the leader in the overall standings, ahead of the trio formed by his team mates Stephane Ortelli, Bert Longin and Filipe Albuquerque. Awarding double points for the championship, the Total 24 Hours of Spa have allowed the Belgian Audi Club Team WRT to make a significant step forward, with Gregory Franchi now as the points leader and the driving team of the other Belgian R8 LMS in second position. “This doesn’t mean at all that we are going to relax and lose focus” stresses Team Manager Vincent Vosse. “While we have finished twice on the podium in the two first races in Monza and Navarra, we haven’t won yet one of the 3-hour races, and it would obviously be great to do so in Magny-Cours, a track we know well from our involvement in the French GT Championship. Therefore, we hope to be competitive and be able of aiming at victory. With Greg in the lead and our other team in second position, we have two serious title bids and we hope one of them will work!” While he was associated with Timo Scheider and Mattias Ekstrom at the 24 Hours of Spa, Gregory Franchi will be reunited in France with the two drivers he shared the wheel with in the first two rounds, the Swiss Marcel Fassler and Italy’s Andrea Piccini. “Greg has already won in the Blancpain Endurance Series this year, but not Andrea and myself”, says with a smile Marcel Fassler, a winner at the 24 Hours of Le Mans last June. “You can easily imagine what our objective will be at Magny-Cours… If everything goes right, this will also be extremely beneficial for Greg towards the championship, and I am completely determined to help Audi and the team conquering this title. We will of course keep in mind that the second placed in the standings are our team mates of the sister car and avoid any fighting between us. As always in these cases, the team’s interests are above all.” Although he was not at the wheel of the winning car, Stephane Ortelli will keep an excellent memory of the recent 24 Hours of Spa. “I was really happy and proud for the entire team”, says the Monegasque. “WRT is like a second family to me, and I have a lot of respect for WRT’s bosses Vincent Vosse and Rene Verbist. As everybody in the team, they are working very hard and are always stimulating the drivers, the mechanics and every team member to deliver their utmost. With two second positions, our start of the season has been quite positive. Still, without a puncture in Monza and the safety-car in Navarra, we could have won both races. This means that the performance level is good and I am confident we can confirm it at Magny-Cours, a track that suits our Audi R8 LMS. We currently lie second and it would be great to clinch the title together with Bert Longin and Filipe Albuquerque. After all, Greg has already won the 24 Hours…” It is in this professional and friendly atmosphere that the Belgian Audi Club Team WRT is heading towards the Nievre, hopeful to continue the winning trend initiated at Spa. Unusually, the Magny-Cours race will start at 6:15 pm on Saturday, to finish three hours later, in the dark. All the action can be watched live on the web TV of the BES. Related posts: Belgian Audi Club Team WRT in a favorable position for Magny-Cours
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| SEAT Exeo’s with new TDI offerings in 2012 Posted: 25 Aug 2011 08:35 AM PDT From the autumn, Exeo’s distinctive design will be further enhanced and the powerful TDI engines become even more efficient. The new upgrade adds even more appeal to the sporty, comfortable Exeo and the spaciously dynamic Exeo ST. All diesel versions benefit from a decrease in CO2 emissions of around 7 grams per km – resulting in a CO2 figure of 129 grams per kilometer (Exeo ST, 132 g/km), making the Exeo one of the most efficient, low-emission vehicles in its class. Fuel consumption will also drop below the current combined figure of 5,2 l per 100 km (5,3 l on the ST).And the introduction of these improvements to Exeo’s efficiency are just the first step, with additional improvements to Exeo’s efficiency scheduled to arrive in 2012 thanks to the fitment of SEAT’s Start/Stop engine technology.
The addition of this technology – which stops the engine when the car is stationary, such as when waiting at a red traffic light – will significantly reduce consumption and emissions, with a target figure of sub-120g for CO2. Exeo’s dynamic driving performance will not be compromised despite the reduction in consumption and emissions. This low level of emissions will make Exeo one of the most efficient cars in its class and will further enhance its competitive appeal, particularly for fleets where emissions are a key purchasing factor. The many strengths of the SEAT Exeo include its clear design language. With the redesigned front end, both the saloon and the estate are now even more expressive. The new, optional bi-xenon headlamps adopt the “arrow” theme that is so characteristic of SEAT design. The integrated daytime running lights in energy saving LED technology are sculpted into sharply defined, angular “wings”, giving the Exeo a precise and dynamic look. New headlamps show attention to detailThe sophisticated design of this light unit is clear evidence of the detail with which the Exeo was designed and developed. Together with the new, honeycomb grille insert, the LED rear lights and the all-new 17 and 18-inch alloy wheel designs, the Exeo now has an even more athletic and dynamic appearance – by night and by day. The interior is further enhanced with new upholstery. The redesigned leather steering wheel now sports an even more premium look-and-feel – further evidence of the passion that SEAT dedicates to every single detail. Reduced fuel consumption and emissions across all TDI modelsFrom a technical perspective, the focus was on further efficiency improvements. Systematic refinements to the power units enabled the CO2 emissions of all TDI versions to be reduced by around 7 grams per kilometer. The 88 and 105 kW (120 and 143 hp) saloon models with manual transmission now both come in below the 130 grams per kilometer mark. Exeo combines driving fun and quality with low costsThis latest generation makes the Exeo an even more attractive proposition for business class people who set just as much store by driving fun and a premium feel as they do by efficiency, utility and low costs. The Exeo unites distinctive and elegant design with state-of-the-art technology, outstanding quality and excellent value-for-money. Exceptional precision and premium feelAlongside sporty dynamics, the SEAT Exeo is distinguished primarily by its precision and premium feel. The exceptionally stiff bodyshell structure is the fundamental factor in the high-quality feel, the exceptional bodyroll characteristics and precise road manners. The excellent fit and finish both inside and out bear testament to the attention to detail and the high precision with which the Exeo is built in Martorell near Barcelona. Add to that the premium materials and surface finishes, plus the very latest comfort and information systems. Exeo ST with significantly enhanced utilityAt a length of 4.66 meters, the Exeo is the prestigious athlete of the mid-size class. It offers space for five passengers and a generously proportioned luggage compartment. The Exeo ST estate version delivers significantly enhanced utility. With its luggage volume ranging from 442 to 1,354 liters, its wide rear opening and its high level of variability, the Exeo ST is the perfect partner for all the challenges posed by an active, sporty lifestyle or a successful business day. State-of-the-art technology for dynamics and safetyThe application of state-of-the-art technologies underpins the hallmark sporty SEAT driving experience. The engine line-up ranges from 88 to 155 kW (120 to 210 hp). The latest TDI power units with common-rail direct injection ensure excellent pulling power, smooth running characteristics and outstanding efficiency. For particularly comfort-oriented drivers, the multitronic transmission with steering-wheel shift paddles presents an alternative to the manual gearbox. This efficient automatic is available as an option for the 2.0 TSI with 147 kW (200 hp) and for the 2.0 TDI with 105 kW (143 hp). The SEAT Exeo is also a very safe vehicle in its class. Alongside the crash-optimized bodyshell structure, its standard equipment list also boasts seven airbags – including driver knee airbag – ESP system with ABS and electronic brake force distribution and automatic tyre pressure monitoring system. The list of hi-tech options is extensive and includes a DVD navigation system, bi-xenon headlamps with dynamic cornering light and a Bose sound system. 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 the 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 Centre, a ‘knowledge hub’ bringing together more than 900 engineers whose goal 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 sustainability, namely reduction of CO2 emissions, energy efficiency, as well as recycling and re-using of resources. - SEAT Related posts: SEAT Exeo’s with new TDI offerings in 2012
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| Preview: VLN 6h ADAC Ruhr-Pokal-Rennen Posted: 24 Aug 2011 08:57 AM PDT The entry list for the second highlight of the VLN endurance racing championship at the Nurburgring, the race in the ‘Green Hell’, is fantastic. The organizing MSC Ruhrblitz Bochum has received more than 190 entries for the 6h ADAC Ruhr-Pokal-Rennen ‘um die Pokal der Opel-Werke Bochum’. This demonstrates once more the high level of the endurance racing championship and its status as the most popular club sporting series in Europe. What, however, would be a full grid without an appropriate quality? This is what the VLN fans do not need to worry about. More than three dozens of top cars in the leading group and a great number of ambitious privateers in the wide middle field of the series will provide genuine and living motor sport. The race over the distance of six hours will be started on 27th of August at 12 o’clock exactly. The positions on the grid will be decided during the time practice between 08:30 and 10:00hrs. Entrance is free all around the Nordschleife. Tickets giving access to the paddocks and to the open grandstands at the Grand Prix Circuit are available at the cash boxes for a family-friendly price of 12 Euros. A 30 minutes summary of the race will be shown in channel Sport 1 on 2nd September at 16:00hrs. The Nurburgring Nordschleife fascinates all race drivers, starting from the ambitious privateer up to the experienced and professional race driver – hardly anyone can withstand the magical attraction of this 24.369 kilometers long tarmac track in the Eifel region. More than 500 drivers from Germany, Europe and the rest of the world will take part in the second 6h race of the 2011 season and finally celebrate the fastest ones. There will not only be big fights for the win at the end of the race day but also for the may cups in the more than 30 different classes organized within the endurance racing championship. ROWE-Racing will take the start with visible pride. Roland Rehfeld (Blankenfelde/ Germany) and Alexander Roloff (Berlin/ Germany), who dominated at the last race together with Michael Zehe (Floersheim/ Germany), will this time be supported by Thomas Jager (Munich/ Germany) for the Ruhr-Pokal-Rennen and aim at another result on the podium. The sister car will be driven by Zehe and his team mates Hubert Haupt, Klaus Rader (both from Munich/ Germany) and Marco Schelp (Berlin/ Germany). The competition is incredibly high even in the own camp: Black Falcon, Mamerow-Racing and Horn-Motorsport are prepared to take up the challenge for the win. Audi will be represented amongst others by the experienced sports car drivers Christopher Haase (Kulmbach/ Germany), Christopher Mies (Heiligenhaus/ Germany), Marc Basseng (Leutenbach/ Germany) and Frank Stippler (Bad Munstereifel/ Germany) in two R8 LMS entered by Phoenix-Racing. The super sports car from Ingolstadt has recently gained its 100th victory in Asia which shall be followed by the 101st success at the Nordschleife. The spearhead of the Porsche teams has been entered by Manthey-Racing. The crew which is based in Meuspath near the Nurburgring is still waiting for their first victory of the season with the GT3-911. The only success for the team in the current season was scored with the Hybrid Porsche at the fourth round. For the 6h race, the green yellow 911 GT3 R will be driven by Marc Lieb (Ludwigsburg/ Germany), Lucas Luhr (Switzerland) and Arno Klasen (Karlshausen/ Germany) who finally wishes to celebrate his 25th overall victory. The two Porsche teams of Pinta- and Frikadelli-Racing have also already demonstrated their performance but their statistic figures of the season do neither include a victory so far. The class of VLN Specials up to 2600 cc cylinder capacity and turbo engines (SP4T) will feature an interesting addition for the Ruhr-Pokal-Rennen. Whilst there will only be four cars at the start, they all figure totally different concepts. The successful Ford Focus entered by the ‘FH Köln Motorsport powered by Ford’ will meet the Audi TT RS of the team Raeder-Motorsport who have contracted a top team with drivers Frank Biela (Monaco), Christian Hohenadel (Illingen/ Germany) and Michael Ammermuller (Pocking/ Germany). Diversion will also be provided by Martin Muller (Griesheim/ Germany) and Ulli Andreé in the Volvo C30 T5 as well as by the four Italians Paolo Previati, Giuseppe Tobia, Matteo Cocovi and Sabina Raviglione in a Renault Clio NZW. Speaking of Clio: With almost 30 cars, the Cup class with the same name and organised by VLN partner Renault will again be the strongest class in the field at the seventh round of the season. At the race for the cups supplied by the Bochum plant of Opel, the race cars with the Opel Blitz are of course particularly in the focus. The variety of Opel race cars ranges from the Opel Manta well advanced in years up to the dynamic Opel Astra OPC in the class of VLN Specials up to 2000 cc cylinder capacity with turbo engine. The crews in both cars include Opel Sports Director Volker Strycek (Dehrn/ Germany). He will share the cockpit of the Manta with Olaf Beckmann (Oststeinbek/ Germany) and Peter Hass (Hofheim/ Germany) and the one of the Astra entered by Kissling-Motorsport with Hannu Luostarinen and Julius Nieminen, both from Finland. Related posts: Preview: VLN 6h ADAC Ruhr-Pokal-Rennen
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