CES 2016: VW's Budd-e concept is a futuristic EV minivan

Volkswagen just unveiled its BUDD-e concept vehicle which holds the promise of many future technologies including a hypothetical 373 miles of range and ability to charge to 80 percent of battery capacity in about 15 minutes, this doesn't represent any technology currently available to VW but is more a marker for what's to come in the future.

With a fully reconfigurable interior reminiscent of older camper microbuses, the Budd-e concept also features 12.3-inch curved screen in front of the driver that blends into a 13.3-inch display in the center console. It's good to see VW aspiring for an all-electric future in a vehicle that, while purely conceptual, could generate interest in pursuing and developing more widespread technology, safety and energy efficient solutions.

Source: VW

Original Herbie VW Beetle sells for $86,250

Herbie the Love Bug, star of various Disney movies and possibly the most beloved and recognized VW Beetle has just been sold at auction for a $86,250. The particular model is the one used in Herbie Rides Again and Herbie goes to Monte Carlo. While this is an ideal example of a tricked out mid-60's Beetle, it also features modifications for a rear-stunt driver to make the car look like it was a self driving car. What's surprising is that this very same car fetched $55,200 a year ago when it was sold on eBay.

Source: AutoBlog

VW releases video showing how they will fix emissions-cheating engines

Volkswagen has started its long hard road to repair the damage caused by their emissions test cheating 'defeat device,' scandal. The company posted a video showing how they plan to fix millions of diesel powered vehicles in the 1.6 liter and 2.0 liter classes. Note that this video and the included remedies are for the UK, North American emissions regulations are different which means that this remedy, which takes 30 minutes per car to complete, may or may not apply here.

Source: The Verge

VW shares plummet after Dieselgate scandal spreads to gas engines

VW Logo by Oliver Dead via FlickrIt seems we've not heard the last of Volkswagen's global Dieselgate scandal which since September has revelealed 11 million vehicles cheated emissions tests using a 'defeat device' placed there for the sole purpose of gaming exhaust emissions tests. The result is that VW vehicles could be polluting the air up to multiple times the regulated amount. The company’s ordinary shares slid 9.7 per cent Wednesday to 100.80 euros in morning trading in Europe.

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