Daimler and Renault-Nissan Alliance break ground for new joint-venture plant in Mexico

AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico - Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance today broke ground for their joint-venture manufacturing complex, COMPAS (Cooperation Manufacturing Plant Aguascalientes), in Aguascalientes in central Mexico, which will build next-generation premium compact vehicles for the brands Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti.

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MAZDA BEGINS CONSTRUCTION OF NEW TRANSMISSION PLANT IN THAILAND

A rendering of the plant at completion

HIROSHIMA, Japan : July 5, 2013 - Mazda Motor Corporation held a groundbreaking ceremony today at the construction site of its new transmission plant in Thailand's Chonburi province, Mazda Powertrain Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (MPMT). Approximately 50 people attended the ceremony including Senior Executive Investment Advisor from the Thailand Board of Investment, Ajarin Pattanapanchai; Governor of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, Verapong Chaiperm; President of Kajima Corporation, Mitsuyoshi Nakamura; Mazda's Representative Director and Vice Chairman of the Board, Seita Kanai and the president of MPMT, Hidenori Kawakami.

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BMW GROUP AND TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION DEEPEN COLLABORATION BY SIGNING BINDING AGREEMENTS

BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation sign contract

MUNICH : January 24, 2012 - BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) are pursuing their successful strategic long-term cooperation in the field of sustainable mobility today by signing binding agreements aimed at long-term collaboration between the two companies for the joint development of a fuel cell system, joint development of architecture and components for a sports vehicle, and joint research and development of lightweight technologies. These agreements follow a memorandum of understanding signed in June 2012.

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VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OPENED NEW ENGINE PLANT IN MEXICO

Volkswagen engine plant in Silao

Volkswagen is further extending its commitment to manufacturing in North America. The engine plant in Silao in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato was opened today and is the Volkswagen Group’s 100th plant worldwide. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the President of Mexico, Enrique Peña, the Governor of the state of Guanajuato, Miguel Marquez, and Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft. The factory will supply Volkswagen’s North American vehicle plants in Puebla (Mexico) and Chattanooga (U.S.) with modern and fuel-efficient TSI engines produced locally in Silao.

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI inaugurates new Renault-Nissan Alliance plant in Tangier, Morocco

Tangier Plant, Morocco - Photo : Yannick BROSSARD

The new Renault-Nissan plant in Tangier represents an investment of €1 billion. 

The new plant’s annual production capacity of 400,000 vehicles will play a part in ensuring the continued success of the Entry range across the world.

The Tangier factory is the world's first zero carbon and zero effluent automotive plant.

It is the southern Mediterranean basin's biggest automotive plant, with an estimated total staff of more than 6,000 by 2015.

TANGIER, Morocco : February 09, 2012 - Renault's presence in Morocco dates back more than 80 years. Today, its geographical location is situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea at the heart of the Tangier Med Port area which benefits not only from an extensive network of competitive suppliers, but also from a pool of highly qualified staff with trained to modern automotive production techniques.

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About the Impact of Flooding in Thailand on Honda Operations

Flood damaged cars while waiting to destroyed at Honda plant in Rojana Industrial Park, Ayutthaya

Photo : AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong

AYUTTHAYA, Thailand : January 31, 2012 – Following is the most current information regarding the situation of Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (HATC), the Honda automobile production subsidiary in Thailand (headquarter in the Rojana Industrial Park, Ayutthaya), which experienced damage from the flooding, as well as other Honda group companies located in neighboring Asian countries.  

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Nissan to build new, $2.0 billion manufacturing complex in Aguascalientes, Mexico, grow capacity in The Americas

Nissan Plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico

• Phase I to enable 175,000 units of small car production capacity in the Americas
• 3,000 direct and up to 9,000 indirect positions will be created in the community

MEXICO CITY : January 25, 2012 - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced plans to invest up to $2.0 billion USD for an all-new manufacturing complex in Aguascalientes, Mexico, to support the company’s Americas growth strategy. The facility, which will complement Nissan’s two existing Mexican factories, is scheduled to begin operations in late 2013. During the initial phase of its development, the new complex will support production of up to 175,000 units annually of Nissan’s ‘B’ platform products. Further expansion of the site will be considered in phases as product and capacity needs are formalized.

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Chevrolet achieves best-ever global sales in 2011

DETROIT : January 20, 2012 – Chevrolet sold 4.76 million vehicles around the world in 2011, setting a global sales record and driving General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) global sales to more than 9 million vehicles, a 7.6 percent gain compared with 2010.

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Lexus to lose top spot in U.S. luxury car market

2011 Lexus RX 450h

CHICAGO, July 8, 2011 - Toyota Motor Corp's brand Lexus will end its streak of 11 years as the top luxury brand in the U.S. market due to lost sales in the aftermath of the Japan earthquake and tsunami, said Mark Templin, Lexus Division general manager.

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Chrysler prepares to build small car that may increase Fiat stake

DETROIT : June 24, 2011 - Chrysler Group LLC said it plans to begin test production in the second half of this year of the small car that will trigger U.S. government requirements to increase Fiat SpA (F)’s ownership stake.

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Mazda to jointly establish vehicle production facility in Mexico and Sales company in Brazil with Sumitomo

2011 Mazda 3 Facelifted with SkyActiv Engine

HIROSHIMA, Japan : June 17, 2011 — Mazda Motor Corporation today announced that it has signed formal agreements and begun preparations to establish a Mazda vehicle production facility in Mexico and a sales company in Brazil, in alliance with Sumitomo Corporation. Through the new joint ventures, Mazda and Sumitomo intend to combine their individual strengths in order to enhance both companies' business in the rapidly growing Central and South American markets.

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Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors sign contract for establishment of joint venture for minicar business

YOKOHAMA/TOKYO : May 20, 2011 - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today announced that the two companies signed a contract for the establishment of a joint venture related to their minicar business in the Japanese market. The establishment of the joint venture was part of an agreement signed in December 2010 to expand the scope of cooperation between the two companies. The two companies will strengthen their competitiveness in the minicar business through this joint venture.

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Spyker Pays $74 Million for Saab

SAAB plant in Trollhattan, Sweden

• Other new products in the pipeline are the 9-4X, which will be built by GM
• GM will also continue to produce powertrain components for other new Saab models
• Previous Chinese deal involves old technology/designs

AMSTERDAM - January 27, 2010 : Spyker reached a deal Tuesday night (GMT) with General Motors for the take over of Saab. Tuesday morning I spoke to Victor Muller, CEO of the Dutch sports car manufacturer, who by that time could only say that he was in Stockholm and that there was “no deal yet”. ”So much has happened after we last spoke each other at the LA Auto Show in December…”, Muller said


After the news broke, Muller later said in a telephone interview with a Dutch late night show that he was exhausted after five days negotiations and little sleep.

In a press release, Spyker says that the deal will probably be official next month. By that day, $50 million will be payable, the other $24 million will be paid by Spyker on July 15.

Part of the agreement is that Saab remains an independent car manufacturer and that the dismantling of Saab, that GM initiated in December, will be stopped immediately.

Spyker gets all shares of Saab Automobile A.B., as well as ownership of the Trollhättan plant. GM will get preferred shares for an amount of $326 million and provide technology to the new company. Nick Reilly, President of GM Europe said that GM always hoped to find a positive solution for the Swedish division: “GM will support Saab and SPyker Cars on their road ahead.”

The European Investment Bank EIB will provide a loan that is guaranteed by the Swedish government, who also agreed to this Monday afternoon. The European Committee has to approve the guarantee, and is expected to do so shortly.

Spyker intends to rename Spyker Cars N.V. into Saab Spyker Automobiles N.V.

We will talk to Muller in a later stage and get more background on this spectacular deal, so stay tuned.
[Source : Auto Channel]

GM reached agreement to sell Saab to Spyker

2010 SAAB 9-5

DETROIT : January 26, 2010 – General Motors and Spyker Cars NV confirmed that they have reached a binding agreement on the purchase of Saab Automobile AB.


"The announcement was great news for Saab employees, dealers and suppliers, great news for millions of Saab customers and fans worldwide, and great news for GM,” said John Smith, GM vice president for corporate planning and alliances.

“General Motors, Spyker Cars, and the Swedish government worked very hard and creatively for a deal that would secure a sustainable future for this unique and iconic brand, and we're all happy for the positive outcome,” Smith said.

As part of the agreement, Spyker intends to form a new company, Saab Spyker Automobiles, which will carry the Saab brand forward. The sale will be subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory, governmental and court approvals. Other terms and conditions specific to the sale will be disclosed in due time.

The Swedish government is at present reviewing the transaction and the related request for guarantees of a Saab Automobile loan that has been requested from the European Investment Bank. Assuming quick action, the transaction is expected to close in mid-February, and previously announced wind down activities at Saab will be immediately suspended, pending the close of the transaction.

“Throughout the negotiations, GM has always had the hope to find a solution for Saab that would avoid a wind down of the brand,” added Nick Reilly, president, GM Europe. “We’ve worked with many parties over the past year, including governments and investors, and I’m very pleased that we could come to such a good conclusion, one that preserves jobs in Sweden and elsewhere. GM will continue to support Saab and Spyker on their way forward.”

[Source : GM]

Opel intends to close Antwerp facility

Opel Antwerp Plant - Photo : REUTERS

BRUSSELS/RÜSSELSHEIM : January 21, 2010 - As Opel moves quickly on its way towards a viable future, the company announced today the intent to wind down its manufacturing plant in Antwerp, Belgium in the course of 2010.


Opel will continue to engage in the official information and consultation process with employee representatives regarding the envisaged restructuring.

“We fully understand the effect this announcement has on the Antwerp employees and their families and we sympathize with them,” said Opel CEO Nick Reilly. “Many have been dedicated to the plant over generations and have done an excellent job producing great quality cars. The decision to announce this today, was not taken lightly; instead, it is the unfortunate result of the current business reality. We must make this announcement now so that we can secure a viable future for the entire Opel and Vauxhall operations.”

The global economic crisis has led to a major downturn in the automotive industry. The Western European car market in 2010 is expected to be 1.5 million vehicles below 2009 levels and almost 4 million below its peak in 2007. It is not expected to return anytime soon – if ever – to these peak levels, resulting in significant overcapacity in general and at Opel in particular. To ensure long-term sustainability for the company, Opel needs to reduce capacity by approximately 20 percent.

In view of current capacity utilization at all European Opel and Vauxhall plants, planned future product portfolio, timing requirements and financial impact, winding down the Antwerp plant would be the most logical approach for the company. If confirmed, production would conclude in the next few months.

It is expected that the full restructuring plan, when completed, will affect all Opel and Vauxhall production sites and entities through such measures as capacity reductions, job redundancies and labor cost reductions. More details will be announced in due time.

[Source : GM-Opel]

Mitsubishi Weighs Manufacturing Future in U.S.; Considers Adding Asian Pickup

Mitsubishi Triton - Asian Edition

DETROIT : January 13, 2010 – Mitsubishi Motors Corp. continues to debate whether its sole U.S. plant in Normal, IL, has a future, a top executive tells Ward’s during the North American International Auto Show here.


“We cannot think about (production) just for Illinois,” Mitsubishi Motors North America CEO Shinichi Kurihara says.

The Japanese auto maker first must decide on the proper allocation of models for all its global manufacturing plants before it can make a move on the Normal facility, which has been producing well under capacity for years.

“We need more time to finalize that kind of long-range product plan,” Kurihara says. “At this moment, I can’t say a clear idea for the future (of Normal).”

Should Mitsubishi decide to maintain a U.S. manufacturing footprint, Normal likely would continue to be a source of larger vehicles, he says, noting it’s difficult to build smaller A- or B-segment cars in the U.S. and sell them at a low cost.

Kurihara says he is in favor of using Normal as a source of greater volumes, due to the current weak dollar/strong yen, which makes the U.S. a more compelling production base.

Mitsubishi also would be open to the idea of contract manufacturing at Normal, says John Koenig, executive vice president-MMNA. He notes the auto maker already does contract assembly at a plant in Japan for PSA Peugeot Citroen.

Ward’s data shows Mitsubishi built 18,501 vehicles at Normal in 2009. The plant’s website lists an annual capacity of 135,000 units under “current conditions.” Normal’s capacity was 240,000 units when Mitsubishi and former joint-venture partner Chrysler Corp. both manufactured at the facility.

In 2008, Mitsubishi and the United Auto Workers union ratified a new contract that keeps the plant open through 2012.

Koenig says building Mitsubishi’s Triton compact pickup truck, currently produced and sold in Southeast Asia, also is a possibility for the U.S. It’s a move he and Kurihara would welcome. But the decision rides on the profitability of such a move.

“We both like the truck,” Koenig says. “We both would love the chance to sell the truck. But in order to sell it (here), we’d probably have to build it here because of the 25% (import) tax.

“If we (produce) it here, we’ve got to build a volume of at least 50,000 or 60,000 units a year to make it profitable. And that’s our sticking point. Can we do that?”

Mitsubishi’s total U.S. sales last year across all vehicle lines were 53,986, a decline of 44.8% from 2008. However, Koenig says the auto maker plans to return to a 100,000-unit annual sales rate in a few years.

Chrysler had been building a version of the Dodge Dakota compact truck for Mitsubishi to sell in the U.S. However, the Raider was canceled last year due to lackluster sales.

A Mitsubishi spokesman says Raider production at Chrysler Group LLC’s Warren, MI, plant has ended. Ward's data shows nine units of the truck in inventory at the end of last year.

[Source : WARDsAUTO]

Spyker to file final Saab bid by Thursday

Spyker CEO, Victor Muller will make a third bid for Saab on this Thursday

AMSTERDAM : January 4, 2010 - Spyker Cars NV will rebuild Saab around the 9-3, 9-5 and 9-4X models if it buys the Swedish brand from General Motors Co., Spyker CEO Victor Muller says. Plans for a Saab 9-1 entry-level car would be put on hold.


Muller said Saab would maintain its headquarters, engineering and production in Trollhattan, Sweden, under Spyker's ownership. Trollhattan would produce all Saab cars except the 9-4X, which would be produced in GM's assembly plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico.

Muller made the comments in an interview with AOL Autos.

He said Saab would press ahead with the launch of the new 9-5 sedan this spring.

The 9-4X crossover, which shares mechanicals with the Cadillac SRX, would be introduced late next year or early in 2011. A new 9-3 would go on sale in 2012.

GM would continue to produce engines for Saab, and Saab would use GM parts in vehicles such as the 9-4X and 9-5, Muller said.

Saab's relationship with GM “would last for years,” Muller told AOL Autos.

He said he has abandoned plans to trim Saab's U.S. network of dealerships from the current 218 stores down to 137 outlets.

Spyker could use Saab's all-wheel-drive technology, plus other components from Saab's parts bin, Muller said, adding that selected Saab dealerships could sell Spyker cars.

He declined to indicate whether Saab can break even on sales of 100,000 units by 2011 or 2012, as had been previously reported. Saab sold 93,295 units in 2008, and sales this year could fall as low as 60,000.

Spyker, which is backed by Russian and Arabic investors, lodged a renewed fast-track offer to buy Saab on Dec. 20. Money-losing Spyker made 43 luxury cars last year.

GM has extended a Dec. 31 deadline to sell or close Saab until Jan. 7, giving Spyker more time to come up with financing to buy the brand.

GM has said it is still in talks with potential bidders for its Swedish unit.

Merbanco Inc., a Wyoming-based investment group, has been named in the media as another Saab bidder.

Saab said it will restart some production lines after a holiday break on Jan. 11 for its new 9-5 model and cabrio.

"We have the orders and we have to deliver them as usual. We also have the orders for the 9-3 and others. The factory has to continue again," Saab spokesman Eric Geers said on Dec. 30.

[Source : Reuter via Automotive News Europe]

GM Sales in China Jump 66.9% in 2009 to All-Time High, Continue to Lead the Industry

2010 Buick Regal - Chinese Market Version

• 1,826,424 units sold in 2009, achieving year-end market share record of 13.4%
• Builds on forward-looking strategy of rolling out new products with improved fuel economy
• Ongoing expansion and investment position GM for long-term success

SHANGHAI : January 4, 2010 – GM and its joint ventures in China announced today that their domestic sales jumped 66.9 percent in 2009 to a record 1,826,424 units. Based on bullish sales of Buick, Chevrolet and Wuling vehicles, the GM China family achieved an estimated market share of 13.4 percent, another year-end record and an improvement of 1.3 percentage points from the end of 2008.


The strong year-end results were possible in part because of record December sales by GM’s Shanghai GM and SAIC-GM-Wuling joint ventures and the addition of sales from its new FAW-GM joint venture.

Modern products

“We are proud of our performance in 2009,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “Chinese consumers responded enthusiastically to our lineup of modern, fuel-efficient and stylish products, validating our strategy of rolling out a steady cadence of great vehicles that are leaders in their respective segments. This is part of GM’s global strategy of focusing on designing, building and selling the world’s best products.”

In 2009, as part of GM’s aggressive product launch strategy, GM and its joint ventures in China introduced several new and upgraded models to keep up with strong industry demand, including the new Buick LaCROSSE and New Regal turbo series; the Chevrolet Cruze; and the new Cadillac SLS and SRX. In addition, GM continued to bring to China its latest technology such as the new 1.2-liter engine in the Chevrolet Spark and ECOTEC 1.6-liter DVVT engine in the Chevrolet Cruze. Both powertrains made the list of the 10 best engines in China for 2009.

Growing investment

GM and its joint ventures continued increasing their investment in China to help position themselves for long-term success. To provide better service to local customers, Shanghai OnStar initiated in-vehicle safety, security and communication services. It welcomed its first subscriber in China on December 20. In addition, the GM China Science Lab was launched and PATAC opened its new vehicle safety lab. Shanghai GM broke ground on China’s largest proving ground in Anhui province, SAIC-GM-Wuling opened a new engine plant in Qingdao, and GM China moved to new offices in Shanghai, sharing space with the GM International Operations headquarters and the Center for Advanced Research and Science.

To maintain its growth, the GM China family continued to expand. In the middle of the year, GM launched an important new partnership with FAW, FAW-GM, which has given GM a presence in the light commercial vehicle segment. In December, GM and SAIC Motor announced the establishment of a new 50-50 joint venture investment company, General Motors SAIC Investment Ltd., to capture business opportunities in Asia’s emerging markets.

The joint global automobile partners of World Expo 2010 Shanghai, GM and SAIC, built their corporate pavilion. GM and SAIC will be jointly showcasing their vision for the future of urban transportation called “Drive to 2030.” GM will highlight its advances and leadership in vehicle electrification and connectivity technology.

Record Buick, Chevrolet and Wuling sales

Domestic sales by Shanghai GM rose 63.3 percent to 727,620 units in 2009. The passenger car joint venture was once again led by its original brand, Buick, which experienced sales growth of 59.6 percent year on year to 447,011 units. The Excelle, which sold 241,109 units, remained the brand’s bestseller for the sixth consecutive year. Further contributing to the resurgence of Buick in China were the New Regal, which generated sales of 79,930 units, and the new LaCROSSE, which generated sales of 43,429 units in just six months on the market.

Chevrolet sales in China likewise experienced strong growth, with 332,774 units sold – an increase of 67.1 percent from 2008. The Cruze, GM’s new global compact car, enjoyed great success in China, with sales of 92,190 units despite being on the market only nine months. In addition, the Lova had sales of 118,935 units.

In 2009, SAIC-GM-Wuling became the first automaker in China to sell more than 1 million vehicles in a year, increasing its domestic sales by 63.9 percent to 1,061,213 units. With sales of 596,630 units, the Wuling Sunshine set a Chinese industry record for annual sales by a single model.

FAW-GM sold 34,510 light commercial vehicles in the four months after its establishment in August 2009 and began construction of a new assembly plant in Ha’erbin.

According to Wale, “As China asserts itself as the world’s largest vehicle market, our domestic operations will be counted on to deliver solid results. We will continue to introduce cutting-edge products that are leaders in their segments in fuel economy, quality and styling.”

Wale expressed optimism about the 2010 outlook. “Despite the sales records in 2009, it looks as if 2010 will be even stronger. The industry outlook is strong and we expect more growth, albeit on a somewhat slower pace. It is our intent to keep up with that growth and make sure we defend our leadership position. GM has all the tools in place to have another great year in China.”

[Source : GM]

Volkswagen to buy 19.9% stake in Suzuki

Volkswagen and Suzuki agreed to establish a comprehensive partnership - from left to right: Detlef Wittig, Executive Vice President, Group Sales and Marketing, Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Piëch, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG, Osamu Suzuki, CEO Suzuki, and Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG

TOKYO/WOLFSBURG : December 9, 2009 - Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft and Suzuki Motor Corporation have reached a common understanding to establish a close long-term strategic partnership. A framework agreement has been signed by representatives of both companies today.

Volkswagen and Suzuki agreed to establish a comprehensive partnership - from left to right: Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, and Osamu Suzuki, CEO Suzuki

In terms of global presence and product diversity, the partnership marks an important step towards the future for both Volkswagen and Suzuki. In terms of product portfolio, global distribution and manufacturing capacities, Volkswagen and Suzuki ideally complement each other. The companies plan a joint approach to the growing worldwide demand for more environmentally friendly vehicles. The management of Volkswagen and Suzuki have concluded that the complementary strengths of each company make for a perfect fit in exploiting their respective advantages as well as rising to the challenge of the global market.

In the automotive industry, where globalization and diversification proceed in parallel, both companies will establish a cooperative relationship while respecting each other’s independence as a stand-alone entity. Both parties are focused on achieving synergies in the areas of rapidly growing emerging markets as well as in the development and manufacturing of innovative and environmentally friendly compact cars.

To support a smooth development of this relationship, Volkswagen will purchase 19.9% of Suzuki’s issued shares. The Closing of the transaction is subject to approval of the relevant authorities and is expected in January 2010. Suzuki intends to invest up to one half of the amount received from Volkswagen into shares of Volkswagen. Both companies will form a long-term strategic partnership based on this which will support their successful strategies in these challenging times.

As demand continues to rise for smaller cars and for powertrains with higher fuel efficiency and lower CO2 output, Volkswagen and Suzuki will offer a compelling solution for customers in emerging markets buying a car for the first time and also for customers in advanced economies seeking to lower their CO2 footprint while still enjoying the freedom of transport offered by an exciting range of cars.

[Source : VOLKSWAGEN]

Volkswagen Group invests in Brazilian growth market

2009 Volkswagen Crossfox

WOLFSBURG/SÃO PAULO : November 27, 2009 - Volkswagen will continue to pursue its growth course in Brazil over the coming years. The company will be investing a total of 2.3 billion euros in new products and manufacturing capacity expansion in the country between 2009 and 2014.


"The Volkswagen Group will strengthen its leading competitive position in Brazil over the long term with these investments," Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, said. "Brazil is one of our most important growth markets worldwide. We expect demand there to rise significantly over the coming years and we are now systematically adjusting our manufacturing capacity," Winterkorn continued.

"We will enjoy significant growth in Brazil this year and win market share. Our target is to sell one million vehicles per year in Brazil by 2014, thus making an important contribution to the success of the Group’s Strategy 2018," Thomas Schmall, CEO Volkswagen do Brasil, commented.

The sum of 2.3 billion euros has been earmarked for investment in developing new products and in expanding capacity in Anchietá, Taubaté and the engine plant in São Carlos. With a daily production capacity of 3,000 vehicles, Volkswagen do Brasil is today already the country’s largest automaker. Volkswagen also has the largest dealer network in the Brazilian automotive industry with 600 dealers located across the country. Deliveries to customers by Volkswagen do Brasil have risen by 70 percent since 2005 to 585,000 units in 2008. Local production will total some 800,000 vehicles this year.

The Volkswagen brand is launching 26 product innovations in Brazil during this year and next year under its product initiative. Over the last two years, Volkswagen has completely rejuvenated its product range with the introduction of the new Gol, Saveiro, Voyage and Fox. The new Cross Fox will debut at the end of November. The Passat CC, Eos and Tiguan are available as imported vehicles.

Brazil is seen as a market with high growth potential. Statistics indicate there is at present only one vehicle per seven inhabitants. In Germany, this figure is one vehicle per two inhabitants. Forecasts indicate that vehicle density in Brazil will rise to approximately one vehicle per four inhabitants over the next five years. Deliveries by the Volkswagen

Passenger Cars brand during the first ten months of 2009 rose to approximately 529,000 units (2008: 456,500, + 15.9 percent). Market share increased by 1.7 percent to 25.7 percent. Brazil is the Volkswagen Group’s third largest market after China and Germany.

[Source : VOLKSWAGEN]