Former VW Personnel Chief Admits to Bribing Union Officials
Jan-28-2007
Filed under: , , ,
Back in the summer of 2005 the headlines of international magazines and newspapers were peppered with a scandal that included bribery, sex, and corruption. No, Dallas wasn't making a comeback, it was automotive giant VW and the scandal involved 2.5 million dollars in payoffs to VW Works' Council Chief Klaus Volkert and another $500k to Volkert's Brazilian lover. Those payments were used between 1994 and 2005 to bankroll sexcapades and lavish trips to Brazil and Lisbon.
In the first of four trials linked to the elaborate scandal, former Chief of Personnel Peter Hartz has confessed to paying the bribes and will receive a suspended two year sentence and a $750,000 fine. Hartz insists he acted alone in arranging the trips, yet the VW management trials will continue later this year. We're sure VW executives can't wait for all of this negative press to end. Maybe a trip to South America will help to ease the pain. We kid.
[Source: Business Week]
| | |
A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Volkswagen Overseas Posted By : Natalie Anderson
Jan-29-2007
Volkswagen is making waves overseas. In Dubai, a circulating scam email stating that the recipient has won a huge cash prize plus a new car courtesy of Volkswagen has caused major confusion among people in the UAE. Volkswagen has already released an official statement saying that they have not sent any email containing such message. The German automaker has warned people in the UAE to be careful and not to easily believe such hoax email.
Volkswagen, Proton and Lotus
Jan-30-2007
Could Volkswagen be about to get control of Malaysia's Proton? If it did, it would also gain control of Lotus. VW CEO Winterkorn today surprised no-one with his assertion that there are 'lucrative niches' waiting to be exploited by the Volkswagen brand and that the brand has more potential. If there's a product blitz ahead, it might be useful to have the resources of Lotus Engineering in-house.
Enter the rumormill: VW won bid to control Proton
Jan-28-2007
Filed under: ,
Motor Authority came across an article in
XFN-Asia that says VW won the bidding contest for controlling stake of Malaysia's Proton. Although the report is light on details, it seems that a source who was privy to the deal confirmed that Volkswagen will be purchasing the required 51-percent of Proton's manufacturing arm and that an official statement will be released on February 8th.
If the source is to be trusted, that means that both GM and PSA Peugeot-Citroen were ousted from the runnings, which is little surprise, as VW has had a long standing relationship with the state-owned automaker.
[Source: Motor Authority]
| | |
A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Comment on ‘Official’ VW iPod Adapter - Some Good, Some Bad by Erik J. Barzeski
Jan-31-2007
[quote comment="39336"]VW should be standing behind their products.
For that matter when someone wants to buy the iPod adapter they should say to the consumer:[/quote]
Ty, you're full shit. I knew all of the things you listed prior to purchasing my iPod adapter, and I got one of the first ones available nationwide (over a year ago).
I researched what I could and asked questions. For me, the solution is adequate and beats using an FM broadcaster. Would I like to see ID3 tags? You bet. Am I disappointed it doesn't? NO, because I knew it wouldn't going in.
[quote comment="39336"]BE HONEST with the consumer. There is nothing worse then a pissed off consumer.[/quote]
They haven't lied to you. Stop posting on my blog if you're going to lie yourself.
Volkswagen Financial Services Reduces Costs of SAP Data Warehouse...
Jan-30-2007
Volkswagen Financial Services Reduces Costs of SAP Data Warehouse Management with Nearline Solution from SAND SAND/DNA Enables Highly Efficient Data Storage and Transparent Access to Data from SAP NetWeaver BI ...
Reviewed: Volkswagen Platinum Rewards Visa Card
Jan-29-2007
Updated credit card reviews - Volkswagen Platinum Rewards Visa Card. Best Feature: No annual fee; reward program offered; common platinum benefits.
Top Volkswagen Executives on Trial Posted By : Natalie Anderson
Jan-29-2007
The trial of former Volkswagen human resources executive Peter Hartz has ended on Friday, January 26. And the verdict? Hartz received a two-year suspended sentence and a fine. The bribery and corruption case of Peter Hartz was feasted on by journalists and camera teams with matching angry protesters outside the courthouse in the town of Braunschweig.
VIDEO: Xtreme shadow puppets sell the VW Phaeton
Jan-31-2007
Filed under: , ,
This spot is as amazing as the fact that the Phaeton actually made it into production. Of course, its run didn't pan out (at least in the U.S.), but you have to admit the Phaeton's a hell of a car no matter the badge on the grille. This commercial is truly incredible, as well. The expressiveness, detail and natural-looking motion these shadow puppets achieve just boggles the mind. Actually, it makes us wonder if it was a real spectacular feat shot in a single take with many talented performers who had rehearsed it until they were doing it in their sleep; or if it was a digital creation. Either way has its challenges, but we're more impressed with the former, so that's the story we'll continue to tell ourselves.
Video after the jump[Source: YouTube via ]
VIDEO: Xtreme shadow puppets sell the VW Phaeton
| |
A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time
Touareg, Cayenne to be first hybrids from VW camp
Jan-29-2007
Volkswagen's first gas-electric vehicle will come in the form of a Touareg hybrid, according to a German media report. VW's new CEO Martin Winterkorn changed plans made by former boss Bernd Pischetsrieder, which originally called for hybrid versions of the company's compact vehicles, according to German weekly Automobilwoche.
Winterkorn concluded the $2,000-$3,000 premium associated with adding [...]
MALAYSIA: Proton, VW reported negotiating
Jan-29-2007
Malaysia's prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has said troubled national car maker Proton and Volkswagen are in negotiations, but declined to give details of the deal, according to reports.