Volkswagen Bouncing Back After Profits Dip

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past year (if so, cool), you’ve undoubtedly heard about Volkswagen being handed down some tough sanctions after its emissions scandal. In its attempt to reconcile the scandal, Volkswagen has already found itself profitable again, which was confirmed in the company’s full-year outlook published recently.

“In light of the wide range of challenges we are currently facing, we are satisfied overall with the start we have made to what will undoubtedly be a demanding fiscal year 2016,” said Volkswa

gen chairman Matthias Müller in a statement. “In the first quarter, we once again managed to limit the economic effects of the diesel issue and achieve respectable results under difficult conditions.”

While Volkswagen sales dipped 3.4 percent overall to just under $56.7 billion, the loss ended up being greater than many analysts foretold. Analysts polled by Reuters predicted losses bringing Volkswagen to around 700 million higher. The extra loss in revenue came as foreign exchange movements became disadvantageous.

But even with the loss in revenue, Volkswagen shares in Frankfurt recently rose one percent. However, Volkswagen ability to continue on with increased profits is directly contingent upone economic conditions in South Africa and Russia, as well as on exchange rate developments worldwide.

These sales figures go on to show what many seemed to already know: people don’t typically care about the amount of emissions released from their vehicle. As one Volkswagen manager recently put it, “Thankfully, the bulk of the customers don’t give a flying [expletive deleted] about these scandals.” Only time will tell if the Volkswagen manger was right in his statement.

Sources: thestreet.com, forbes.com

AAA Green Car Guide Names Volkswagen e-Golf 2016 Best Compact

Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced recently that its 2016 e-Golf was named Best Compact in the 2016 AAA Green Car Guide. The car guide is a yearly comprehensive report published by the Automobile Club of Southern California and its Automotive Research Center. The club is the largest member of the AAA federation.

“Our team is very proud to be named to the top of AAA’s list,” said Joerg Sommer, Vice President of Product Marketing for Volkswagen of America. “This award is a testament to the many strengths of the e-Golf—cutting-edge technology, versatility, efficiency and value along with the fun to drive element that is so characteristic of the Volkswagen brand.”

The report is based on tests ranging across 13 categories, which include emissions, fuel economy, braking, crash-worthiness, acceleration, handling, cargo-carrying capacity, ride quality, interior noise, ease of entry and exit, maneuverability, roominess and visibility. Each category rating is measured between 0 and 10, with each category score being combined for a final grade upon completion of the tests.

The 2016 VW e-Golf carries a synchronous permanent-magnet alternating current motor. The motor produces 199 lb-ft of torque and 115 horsepower without using any fuel whatsoever, and creating zero emissions. The EPA-estimated range for the e-Golf is 83 miles and a combined EPA-estimated 116 MPGe, leaving it at the top of its 2016 compact EV class.

Modern technology features can also be found throughout the e-Golf, including the ability to charge up to 80 percent in approximately 30 minutes. It also features some new connectivity features, including USB connectivity and VW Car-Net App-Connect technology. Other features include keyless access with push-button start, heated seats, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking.

“The VW e-Golf SEL Premium is well equipped and fun to drive, and the best part about it is that it’s a greener version of a traditional Golf,” said Megan McKernan, manager of the Automotive Research Center.

For more information, come in for a test drive or visit VolkswagenOfTucson.com!