Showing posts with label Production. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Production. Show all posts
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Volkswagen Transporter was first produced in March 1950, making this month its 60th anniversary. The popular van has subsequently sold over 10 million units worldwide and gone through five generations of evolution. The latest T5 facelift was launched in the fourth quarter of 2009 and comes in styles such as the people-carrying Caravelle as well as the campervan California.
That first model, the T1, featured a four-cylinder, air-cooled, 1.1-litre petrol engine typically fitted at the rear end. It made 18 kW (25 PS / 25 bhp) and could muster a top speed of 97 km/h (60 mph) when really pushed.
In comparison the latest T5 model is powered by a 2.0-litre common rail turbo diesel unit pushing out between 62 kW (83 bhp / 84 PS) and 132 kW (178 bhp / 180 PS), and can run up to 192 km/h (119 mph).
Over the years the Transporter became an icon for both business and leisure use. From rock bands to fleet managers, to families of seven, people bought it for its generous interior space and comfort.
Press Release
HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY TO THE WORLD'S MOST POPULAR VAN
HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY TO THE WORLD'S MOST POPULAR VAN
Production of the Volkswagen Transporter van officially started in March
1950 and during the 60 years since then it has become one of Volkswagen
Commercial Vehicles' best-selling models globally, the number one imported
van in the UK as well as one of the most iconic and popular vans in the
world.
With over 10 million produced, the Volkswagen Transporter has evolved
through five generations of functional and practical bodystyles, each
representing the ultimate multi-purpose vehicle of its time and loved by
business and private users alike for transporting goods or people for work
or leisure. This unique heritage is the focus of the current ‘Evolution of
Van' advertising campaign for the new Transporter which was launched in the
UK in January.
The first T1 ‘split-screen' model was powered by a four-cylinder,
air-cooled, 1.1-litre petrol engine mounted at the back of the vehicle. It
produced 25 PS of power and had a top speed of about 60 mph. By comparison,
the new Transporter enjoys the refinement of Volkswagen's latest 2.0-litre,
common rail, turbocharged diesel engine, available with power outputs
ranging from 84 PS to 180 PS and a top speed of up to 119 mph, plus the
latest stability control systems and braking technology that would have
sounded like something from a science fiction novel 60 years ago.
Although the design has evolved over the years, the first and the latest
Transporter share the same badge on the front and the same design principles
of a generous loadspace and an enviable reputation for quality and
durability.
Similarly, comparing the latest Volkswagen California with a T1 campervan
shows that both make efficient use of the space available to create a
vehicle equally suitable for daily trips to work or the shops, as for
weekend escapes or continental capers.
Over the years, Volkswagen Transporters have endured challenging round
the world trips by enthusiastic travellers, been used as the preferred
choice of travel for rock bands since the 1960s to the present day, and been
relied upon by many businesses needing a fleet of delivery or passenger
carrying vehicles.
The first Transporter was imported into the UK in 1955, and the latest
version of the van as well as today's people-carrying and campervan
versions, the Caravelle and California, arrived in the UK this January, 55
years later.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
BMW plans to assemble their electric cars at a manufacturing facility in Leipzig, Germany. Amongst these vehicles is a subcompact, referred to internally as the "Megacity," which the automaker plans to release midway through 2013 with a different name.
“The BMW Group will build the car of the future in Leipzig with high-tech innovations from Bavaria,” BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer said in a statement. “The main reasons behind this decision are the qualities that Germany has to offer: we have a tried-and-tested production network here and high levels of education and outstanding competencies at our disposal.”
BMW plans to launch an entire family of electric vehicles from the Megacity subcompact, which is designed for major metropolitan areas. BMW hasn't decided on a production name for the car.
A heavy use of carbon fiber will help keep the Megacity lightweight. A joint venture with BMW and SGL Group will produce a carbon fiber fabric that will later become carbon fiber reinforced plastic. The automaker has not said what parts will be made from the material.
At the Detroit auto show in January, BMW presented its ActiveE concept, an electric-drive vehicle based on the 1-series coupe. Next year, BMW development chief Klaus Draeger plans to launch another test fleet of electric cars based on the ActiveE.
More Photos
Thursday, February 4, 2010
10 million sales by 2018 is new goal
BY ANDREAS CREMER
BLOOMBERG NEWS
Volkswagen, Europe's largest carmaker, said it plans to increase sales to more than 10 million vehicles by 2018 as it seeks to dethrone Japan's Toyota.
VW's management board approved business targets, including profit margins, measured by earnings before interest and taxes, of at least 5% for the automotive business in the "medium term," Wolfsburg, Germany-based Volkswagen said in a statement Wednesday. The target doesn't include Porsche, which will be integrated by 2011, it said.
Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn has a target of beating Toyota, the world's biggest carmaker, in global deliveries and profit margins. VW sold 6.29 million cars and SUVsworldwide last year, an increase of 1.1% from 2008. Toyota said last month that 2009 vehicle sales, including those of affiliates, fell 13% to 7.81 million vehicles.
"It shows plenty of ambition in the whole Volkswagen Group," said Stephen Pope, chief global equity strategist at Cantor Fitzgerald in London. "By being able to learn from Porsche's discipline, it gives them that extra springboard."
By 2018, Volkswagen, which includes the Audi luxury division and Czech unit Skoda, should have a pretax profit that exceeds 8% of sales, the company said.
Volkswagen shares fell 18 cents, or 0.3%, to 65.72 euros after rising as much as 1% on the Frankfurt exchange before the announcement. The automaker has a market value of 25.7 billion euros ($36 billion).
"With the implementation of 'Strategy 2018,' the Volkswagen group is seeking global economic and environmental leadership in the automotive industry by 2018," VW said in its statement. The plan would include "significant cost cutting, in part through the more prominent use of the modular design principle."
VW foresees steps to promote research and development of hybrid and electric cars, according to the statement. VW will also maintain "strict discipline" on spending and aim to keep the expenditure on fixed assets in automaking at about 6% of sales in the medium and long term.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
ZEEWOLDE, The Netherlands (1 February, 2010) - In advance of the General Meeting of Spyker shareholders, to be held on 12 February 2010, and which was convened on 28 January 2010, Spyker Cars N.V. ("Spyker") provides further strategic and financial details regarding its acquisition of Saab Automobile AB ("Saab").
ACQUISITION RATIONALE AND SAAB BUSINESS PLAN
Spyker believes that through the purchase of Saab it has a rare opportunity to acquire and rebuild a global car brand which will be repositioned towards an independent performance-oriented niche car company with an industry-leading environmental strategy. Saab's brand DNA is unique and rooted in its aeronautical heritage, innovative and independent thinking and its Swedish origins. Spyker fully supports Saab's Business Plan which will be implemented by Saab management. The Business Plan, drawn up by Saab management over the past ten months, was analysed by Spyker in assistance with Booz & Co and KPMG Transaction Services, advisors to Spyker. The Business Plan has also been analysed and supported by several advisors to the Swedish Government and the EIB.
At the General Meeting, Spyker Cars N.V. intends to adopt a resolution to change its name to Saab Spyker Automobiles NV ("Saab Spyker"). This entity will operate Spyker and Saab as two separate operating companies, each focused on its distinct target markets with their respective vehicle lines. As previously stated, Saab Spyker is committed to execute the Saab Business Plan. It is the intention to enhance it in several areas. The highlights of Saab's strategy will be:
* Saab will be a stand-alone niche manufacturer with three to four model lines: 9-3 (sedan, hatchback, sports estate, X and convertible) and 9-5 (sedan, sports estate and X) and the 9-4X for both the US and European markets. In addition, Saab will investigate the potential of adding a fourth smaller car line ("9-1") in due course provided that the positive development of the smaller car segment continues. However, this model is currently not envisaged in the Business Plan so if the outcome of the investigation is positive, additional financing to develop this model could be required.
* Saab's product portfolio will be renewed completely, beginning with the launch of the new 9-5 early this summer, the new 9-4X in early 2011 and the new 'all Saab' 9-3 in 2012.
* Saab will continue to be repositioned against other brands such as Audi (A4/A6) and BMW (3/5 series) as a premium brand, leveraging its strong and unique brand heritage.
* Saab's Technical Development Center in Trollhättan has full capability in developing complete vehicles and will continue to do so. In areas such as safety, environment, driving characteristics, practicality, turbo technologies and several other innovations, the Saab brand is among the best in the industry.
* With Trollhättan as one of the most efficient mid-size car plants in Europe, production and sales volumes are aimed to be rebuilt to recent pre-crisis levels of about 100,000 to 125,000 vehicles including the 9-4X built in Mexico.
* The current dealer network will be re-energized with a new sales and distribution approach in certain markets, which will be implemented during 2010.
* The economies of scale of the on-going collaboration with GM after Closing the acquisition (February 2010) will continue to be leveraged in sourcing via ancillary agreements, with independent sourcing gradually increasing to reduce GM dependency and obtain improved access to other suppliers and the co-development of unique innovations.
Saab Spyker believes that its two brands, both deeply rooted in aeronautical and automotive history, will benefit from sharing certain assets and technology services. Examples include but are not limited to:
* Saab's extensive global network of 1,100 dealers.
* The extensive engineering know how and innovative technologies available at Saab.
* Sharing of activities in marketing & sales: i.e. merchandising, promotion & sponsorship activities, etc.
In the future, the two brands will be able to share certain parts and components and expect to obtain access to supplier and partner resources not available to Spyker or Saab individually today.
FUNDING OF SAAB
The Saab Business Plan requires approximately $1 billion in peak funding for Saab in advance of the return to profitability, forecast to occur by 2012. The funding is provided in part by GM, through $326 million Redeemable Preference Shares ("RPSs"), and in part through other contributions, which concern various substantial contributions to the funding of Saab's Business Plan on favorable terms for supplies by GM to Saab and deferred payments from Saab to GM. The remaining amount, apart from cash at bank, is to be provided by a EUR 400 million loan from the European Investment Bank for certain R&D projects at Saab. Securing this EIB loan is a condition precedent to closing of the Saab acquisition ("Closing").
With this financing in place, the business plan does not envisage any future funding being required, neither from Spyker or elsewhere, for Saab to return to profitability. The business plan targets car production and sales at or below historical levels of 100,000 to 125,000.
Explanation on the two sources of funding:
Redeemable Preference shares
At Closing, GM will convert USD 326 million of pre-closing receivables on Saab into RPSs in Saab. The issue of the RPSs will therefore NOT cause any dilution for the shareholders in Spyker. The voting rights attaching to these RPSs constitute 0.0005% of the total voting rights in Saab. The other 99.99% of the voting rights (100% of the ordinary shares) will be held by Spyker. Since the RPSs are capital and not a loan, no interest is due at any time by Saab. The RPSs carry no dividend from Closing until December 31, 2011. A dividend entitlement of 6% starts from January 1, 2012 through June 30, 2014 and increases over time to 12% as from July 1, 2014 until the scheduled redemption date of December 31, 2016. The dividend over 2012 will be added to principal, but as from fiscal year 2013 the dividend is payable in cash. Should Saab have insufficient distributable reserves to pay the cash dividend it will be added to principal increased with a penalty factor of up to 4%, but such that the total dividend entitlement will never exceed 12%.
In the period 2010-2016, the average dividend payable is about 4%, which is considerably below the average interest on a comparable subordinated loan.
The RPSs qualify as equity and therefore, if Saab cannot pay dividends or redeem the RPSs, Saab will not be in default but the RPSs will simply continue to accrue. Also, the RPSs cannot be redeemed as long as the EIB loan is not yet fully repaid. The Saab Business Plan envisages redemption of the RPSs starting in 2016 out of retained profit, without additional funding (from Spyker or anyone else) being required.
EIB loan
The Share Purchase Agreement is subject to the execution of a EUR 400 million loan agreement between Saab and the European Investment Bank ("EIB"), for which a guarantee was obtained from the Swedish Government on January 26, 2010. This loan will be issued to Saab. All amounts payable by the EIB are specifically earmarked to the Euro for designated Saab projects and capital expenditures and represent 50% of these projects or capital expenditures. The projects mainly relate to increasing fuel efficiency and clean car technology. The remaining 50% is funded by Saab itself pursuant to its Business Plan. Spyker will not have any access to the EIB funds which are completely ring-fenced nor will it pay any part of the Purchase Price with proceeds from the EIB loan. The guarantee is subject to approval by the European Commission. Saab and the Swedish Government have provided all required information to the EC prior to the issue of the guarantee so the decision by the EC is expected very soon.
FUNDING OF SPYKER
Spyker's existing bank loans in the aggregate amount of EUR 57 million are refinanced by Tenaci Capital B.V. ("Tenaci"). The terms and conditions of this loan will mirror those of the existing loans it repays, including the right to convert EUR 9.5 million into ordinary shares at EUR 4.00 per share. The term of the loan is 12 months and the interest 10 percent above Euribor. After payment of the last instalment of the Purchase Price, Tenaci has the right to collateralize the loan on terms and conditions identical to those on which the existing loans were collateralized.
The Purchase Price of Saab amounts to USD 74 million (EUR 53.23 million at the current exchange rate of 1:1.39). The first instalment of USD 50 million, to be paid on Closing, will be paid as follows: USD 25 million is borrowed from Tenaci at the same interest rate as the other funding extended by Tenaci, without the right to convert into shares. This amount is currently already in escrow with General Motors.
The other USD 25 million is financed through a share issue, largely through a commitment from GEM Global Yield Fund Ltd under an equity facility concluded between Spyker and GEM. Spyker currently does not intend to draw in excess of USD 25 million under this facility.
The second instalment, USD 24 million, will be payable on July 15, 2010. Spyker has been approached by various investors to fund this instalment. Spyker intends to finance this amount primarily through senior debt (senior to the debt owed to Tenaci), but does not rule out other alternatives. Spyker has committed to pledge its assets to GM as security for this final tranche.
FUNDING OF TENACI
Tenaci's equity is wholly owned by Investeringsmaatschappij Helvetia B.V., the personal holding company of Mr. Victor Muller. Tenaci obtains its debt funding from sources that wish to remain anonymous and with which Tenaci has entered into non-disclosure agreements. The terms and conditions of Tenaci's own financing do not impact Spyker or Saab in any way.
Tenaci has successfully bought Mr. V. Antonov's current shareholding in Spyker consisting of 4.6 million ordinary shares, subject to closing of the Saab acquisition. Currently Tenaci has no plans to make a public offer on all of the issued shares in Spyker.
More Photos
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
GM To Be First Major U.S. Automaker to Manufacture Electric Motors
0 comments Posted by Dono at 11:36 PM
- Electric traction motors are ‘engines' for electric vehicles and hybrids
- First GM electric motors will debut in next-generation rear-wheel-drive Two-mode Hybrids
- Total investment of $246 million in electric motor and electric drive facilities in the U.S.
WASHINGTON - GM will expand its in-house electric vehicle development capabilities by becoming the first major U.S. automaker to design and manufacture electric motors, a core technology for hybrids and electric vehicles.
By doing so, GM will lower costs and improve performance, quality, reliability and manufacturability of electric motors by controlling design, materials selection and production processes. The first GM-designed and built electric motors are scheduled to debut in 2013 in next-generation, rear-wheel-drive Two-mode Hybrid technology.
"Electric motor innovation supported the first wave of automotive growth a century ago with the electric starter, which eliminated the need for a hand crank, and revolutionized automotive travel for the customer," said Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman, Global Product Operations. "We think the electrification of today's automobiles will be just as revolutionary and just as beneficial to our customers. Electric motors will play a huge role in that."
In conventional cars and trucks, automakers design and manufacture engines to efficiently use energy provided from a gas tank to provide power to the wheels. Motors and batteries, respectively, fill that role in hybrid and electric vehicles. As the range and speed of electric-only propulsion increase, so do the importance of motors and batteries.
Electric vehicles are powered solely by electric motors, while hybrid vehicles also use an internal combustion engine for propulsion. GM's next-generation rear-wheel-drive Two-mode Hybrid system will use two unique motor designs and an internal combustion engine to provide improved fuel efficiency compared with the current Two-mode Hybrid technology in GM's full-size pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles.
"In the future, electric motors might become as important to GM as engines are now," Stephens said. "By designing and manufacturing electric motors in-house, we can more efficiently use energy from batteries as they evolve, potentially reducing cost and weight - two significant challenges facing batteries today."
GM has been building this in-house capability for years, expanding electric motor research and development, design and validation capabilities at facilities in Michigan, Indiana and California. GM also has developed state-of-the-art math-based design and computing capacity for electric motors. The electric motors will be manufactured in the U.S. at a GM facility.
GM was selected in August by the U.S. Department of Energy for a $105-million grant for the construction of U.S. manufacturing capabilities to produce electric motors and related electric drive components. "The new GM is about speed, and we are delivering quickly on the government's desire to grow domestic expertise in electric vehicle technologies, such as batteries and electric motors," Stephens said.
Similar to today's internal combustion engines, automotive electric motors require an unparalleled combination of exceptionally low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH); high reliability and affordability that is achievable only by understanding the entire value chain. In addition to growing in-house capabilities, GM will continue to purchase and co-design electric motors with suppliers.
"This is a strategy we use today with batteries," Stephens said. "We are partnering with suppliers to create innovations faster than ever before. Our goal is simply to establish GM as a leader in automotive electric motors. We see that leadership as a key enabler - both to our long-term success and to our nation's move away from oil dependence."
More Photos
Thursday, December 31, 2009
2010 Saab 9-5
1. 2010 Saab 9-5 - 267,642 visits
The most popular production (intended) car of 2009 is the second generation Saab 9-5. It's ironic as we await news of the brand's survival as GM evaluates prospective offers to buy the brand but continues to phase out operations. It has been reported today that GM will commence production of the all-new 9-5 but on a tentative scale to only fill orders already placed.
2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift - 1280
2. 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift - 266,127 visits
As evidence of how visually conscious Mercedes enthusiasts are for their beloved S-Class, the facelifted full-size premium sedan takes the number 2 spot on the list. Surprising, as this is not a new model but just a minor cosmetic remodeling of the S-Class which has been on the market since 2006.
Ferrari 458 Italia
3. 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia - 258,815 visits
The core model of the Ferrari empire, the all-new mid-rear engined 458 Italia replaces the much loved F430. Power comes from a new direct injection 4499cc V8 engine that produces 570 bhp (425 kW / 578 PS) and 540 Nm of torque. As the pop-star of the supercar world, the F458 is guaranteed to grace the bedroom walls of teenagers the world over.
2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
4. 2010 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG - 255,027 visits
January saw the debut of the 2010 Mercedes E-Class, yet another leader in the mid-size premium sedan segment. Surprisingly, it did not make it to the top 10 list as a result of numerous leaks which diffused its impact leading up to the official release. However, the top of the range E 63 AMG variant captivated readers with its menacing looks and 518bhp (386kW) 6.3-liter (6208cc) V8 engine. The 2009 E 63 AMG sedan was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show in April.
VW Scirocco R - 1600
5. 2010 VW Scirocco R - 254,315 visits
Marked with an R designation, the Scirocco revival was finally granted VW's highest level of power output of 265hp via the same 2.0-liter TFSI engine found in the Audi S3 and Golf R. As VW's sportiest coupe since the Corrado, enthusiasm runs high for this model. The result of 5th most read article on WCF in 2009 proves it.
2011 BMW 5-series F10 Sedan
6. 2011 BMW 5-Series - 251,211 visits
The mid-size premium sedan segment has always been a top attraction on WCF, and the all-new sixth generation BMW 5-Series is no different. Surprised it didn't make it to the top half of the list, the 2011 5-Series plays down the baroque stylings of it's predecessor with a more traditional BMW approach. As a result, comparissons have been made to the hallowed fourth generation E39 5-Series of the late 1990s.
2010 Jaguar XJ
7. 2010 Jaguar XJ - 241,324 visits
Pegged as Jaguar's breakthrough vehicle after three generations and over 40 years of XJs all cast from the same mold, the 2010 XJ signaled a new design direction. Unveiled during an exclusive event at London's Saatchi Gallery in July, hopes run high as the executive XJ attempts to ignite a new customer experience.
BMW 550i GT
8. 2010 BMW 5-Series GT - 225,083 visits
The only vehicle to make both WCF Top 10 lists, the 5-Series GT in production form was offically revealed in May with much controversy. As a "mixed-breed" of various passenger car formats, the 5-Series GT captured WCF visits for both fandom and morbid curiousity.
2010 BMW 760i
9. 2010 BMW 760i and 760Li - 208,708 visits
BMW's flagship model with a new top of the range all-aluminum 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 was unveiled in April. Directly aimed at the 5.5-liter biturbo V12 Mercedes S600 with 380 kW (517 hp) and 829 Nm (612 lb-ft) of torque, the new BMW 760 has more horsepower but less torque. Nonetheless, BMW fans and cynics alike put this story as the 9th most read story on WCF in 2009.
Mosler MT900 GTR XX by IAD
10. 2009 Mosler MT900 GTR XX - 204,291 visits
Revealed exclusively through WCF, the production based car gave a crushing blow to enthusiasts worldwide with a proclaimed 2500hp. Nicknamed "The Land Shark," the car is a stripped down and rebuilt Mosler MT900 GTR XX which weighs a full 250 kg (551 lbs) less than the already lightened GTR XX coming in at 861 kg (1898 lbs) with its fuel tanks full. The specs presented for such a concept are impressive to say the least, but left us feeling doubtful. Check out the story to see why.
Source:worldcarfans
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
