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Volkswagen Group reported that the automaker is clearly exceeded prior-year deliveries, selling over 8 million vehicles for the first time in 2011. Precisely, a total of 8.16 (2010: 7.14; +14.3%) million vehicles were handed over to customers.

Developments on the global passenger car market during the same period were also positive; however growth only ran at 5.1%, and Europe’s largest automaker was therefore able to expand its global market share. The Group brands also closed 2011 on a high note, delivering 650,000 (December 2010: 545,600; +19.1 percent) vehicles to customers in the month of December.

“All Group brands reported further gains under difficult conditions on volatile markets. This outstanding result is clearly a team achievement,” the Group Board Member for Sales, Christian Klingler, said. “However, a very challenging year lies ahead. The risks on European markets in particular will multiply in 2012. In spite of this, the Volkswagen Group is well placed and well prepared to master the upcoming challenges and play a leading role on world markets.”

Volkswagen Group is promoting cost-effective, environmentally compatible solutions in China by opening an engine reprocessing facility. There will be 15,000 engines per year are to be reprocessed at the plant in Dalian. The reprocessed engines will allow Chinese car drivers to benefit for the first time from genuine Volkswagen parts that are up to 50% less expensive. 

So far, Volkswagen Group China and its partner FAW have invested 100 million RMB (10.9 million euros) in reprocessing facilities at Dalian. “The new facility is a further milestone for Volkswagen in China,” said Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group China, at the inauguration ceremony. He added that Volkswagen was consistently pursuing sustainability, i.e. the responsible use of raw materials and energy, in China. As 70% of the materials in an engine can be reused, engine reprocessing also saves large quantities of raw materials such as steel. “Volkswagen is making a key contribution to environmental protection and resource conservation, which is especially important in a country such as China where there is such a high demand for raw materials.”

In Germany, the Volkswagen Group already has more than 60 years of experience in the reprocessing of components. The unique reprocessing plant at Kassel achieves the same quality as in the production of new components and is the model for engine reprocessing at Dalian. In Europe, genuine reprocessed parts are in greater demand than ever before as a result of growing environmental awareness and price sensitivity.

The project in China is the Group’s first reprocessing facility outside Germany. The next step will be the expansion of activities at Dalian to include other engine models as well as transmissions. In addition, a test centre to test engines and transmissions with reference to Chinese driving habits will be established in the future.

At the 32nd International Vienna Motor Symposium, the Chairman of the Volkswagen Group, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, announced that the Volkswagen Group will be going into production with a range of important models with plug-in hybrid technology starting in 2013/14.

The electric car will impact the future of individual mobility in crucial ways – and Volkswagen is spearheading this technology. Over the mid-term, the plug-in hybrid offers great potential, because it combines the best of two worlds in one vehicle, said Winterkorn. The plug-in hybrid offers precisely what many customers expect: unlimited internal combustion engine performance combined with attractive electric mobility ranges in everyday driving. Moreover, Winterkorn noted that there are no limitations to the vehicle’s speed, climbing or towing abilities. He also stated that plug-in technology has excellent potential for reducing CO2 emissions.

Electric mobility is the task of the century for the automotive industry and the European industrial community as a whole. Manufacturers, suppliers, energy providers, scientists and politicians – everyone must step up to the plate here, said the Volkswagen chairman. Winterkorn spoke in support of more targeted research funding, especially in the field of electro-chemistry for battery technology.

The German Volkswagen Group tuning specialist – MTM makes their way to showcase two heavily modified Audi models in Geneva Motor Show. First, the R8 V10 follows by TT RS.

The most impressive and stunning model is the MTM R8 V10 Bi-Turbo that comes with a polished chrome body which took over 700 hours to complete. The supercar fitted with a large rear spoiler, 20-inch forged rims and carbon fibre parts around the exterior. Performance wise, MTM modified and tune up the V10 engine to churn out 777hp and 888Nm of max torque.

Performance summary of MTM R8 V-10 Bi-Turbo:-

- 0-100km/h in 3.0 seconds
– 0-200km/h in 9.37 seconds
– 0-300km/h in 19.42 seconds
– Top speed: 350km/h

Next on the TT RS, the 2.5-litre turbo inline-5 engine producing 472hp. MTM also offers upgrade to the braking system to MTM brake VA 380x34mm, dimpled with 8-piston callipers. The wheel also upgraded to 20inch MTM Schmiederad im BIMOTO Design.

Performance summary of MTM TT RS:-

- 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds
– Top Speed: 312km/h

Photo Gallery: MTM Audi for Geneva Motor Show 2011

[Show as slideshow]

Audi has added a new Q3 SUV to their range with a planned launch date expected in late 2011. The Q3 will be based on the VW Tiguan with Audi’s styling. This new compact SUV will join the family of Q5 (5 seaters) and Q7 (7 seaters) and will broaden the range in the premium sector.

As part of Volkswagen Group plan, Audi is also planning to increase their portfolio to over 40 plus models within six years.

Based on some information given, Q3 will be offered in 3 variants:-

- 170PS 2.0-liter TFSI with a 6-speed manual gearbox and CO2 emissions of 172 gr/km

- 211PS 2.0-liter TFSI with an S Tronic transmission and CO2 emissions of 184 gr/km

- 170PS 2.0-liter TDI with an S Tronic transmission and CO2 emissions of 158 gr/km

Production of the Audi Q3 will take place at the Seat’s Martorell plant in Spain. We will keep you posted once there is more information added further down the line.