Showing posts with label nissan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nissan. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Confirmed: Datsun making a comeback.

Perhaps in an effort to combat Toyota's Scion brand, Nissan has confirmed that the Datsun nameplate will join with Nissan and Infiniti in 2014. Currently, the U.S. has not been named as one of the countries where Datsun will make its comeback. Russia, India, and Indonesia are slated as the three launch countries. I won't count out the U.S. though. There would be a huge market for a Nissan sub brand to go after the youthful market. Can we see a possible Datsun 510 or 610 in the near future? I hope so!

Source: Nissan

Press Release: Nissan CEO expects strong growth in Indonesian auto market
- Carlos Ghosn details Indonesian investment and the launch of Datsun -

Production capacity to grow to 250,000 by 2014
33 billion Japanese yen investment
Nissan strongly supports Indonesia's green car program
Return of the Datsun brand

JAKARTA (20 March 2012) -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced measures to strengthen its production base and sales presence in Indonesia. Total capacity will increase to 250,000 annually by 2014, with the workforce expanding to 3,300, and sales outlets are planned to increase to 150 by 2015.

On March 19, CEO Carlos Ghosn met Indonesia president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and reiterated Nissan's commitment to the nation's motorization.

"Nissan is bringing new jobs and new vehicles to Indonesia," said Ghosn. "We are going to expand our production capability and offer a new and exciting product line here."

The new plan announced today will make Nissan's Cikampek site, located 80 kilometers outside of Jakarta, one of the largest production facilities in the ASEAN region for Nissan.

In 2011, 890,000 vehicles were sold in Indonesia, for the first time making the nation ASEAN's largest car market. Nissan is in line to achieve its sales objectives of 60,000 units for fiscal year 2011. Indonesia total industry volume is estimated to increase nearly double by 2017 compared to 2010, largely driven by the introduction of the Green Car program now being drafted by the Indonesian government. Nissan strongly supports the program and looks forward to its speedy ratification.

While talking to the media, Ghosn announced the return of the Datsun brand, Nissan's third global brand, alongside Nissan and Infiniti. Datsun will provide sustainable motoring experience to optimistic up-and-coming customers in high-growth markets. Datsun represents 80 years of accumulated Japanese carmaking expertise and is a important part of Nissan's DNA. Datsun vehicles will start sales in India, Indonesia, and Russia from 2014.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

2012 Nissan Esflow Concept - Geneva Motor Show


This year at the Geneva Motor Show their seems to be a lot of hype about electric cars, the coolest so far has been by Nissa, name the Esflow. It can go from 0-60mph in under 5 seconds and the fully charged battery will last you 150 miles. The best thing about these new electric cars is that the weight of the car is the same every day all day, unlike gasoline powered cars weigh more when it is filled up or weighing less when empty. The interior is all leather and suede, so it is not peta friendly.

Monday, February 28, 2011

Ten Best Selling Cars of 2010


1. Ford F-Series: 27,630
2. Chevy Silverado: 22,772
3. Honda Accord: 20,759 (1,737 Accord Crosstours included)
4. Nissan Altima: 18,636
5. Toyota Corolla: 17,121
6. Chevy Malibu: 16,439
7. Toyota Camry: 15,792
8. Honda Civic: 14,693
9. Chevy Cobalt: 12,962
10. Ford Fusion: 12,179

Toyota significantly dropped in sales last year, yet Ford has reached the top in the current economy after facing 2 years of losses. And GM has finally made a profit since 2008. Congratulations to the American Auto Industry.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Nissan GT-R Tuned by PowerHouse Amuse


A few months ago I was told that the Japanese tuner Amuse, broke the 600 hp barrier with the Nissan GT-R but without any extra information. Today, the technical information was revealed by Amus themselves. With a new name, called the GT-R Phantom, the upgrade includes a new ECU software boosting the engine to incredibly satisfying yet ratifying number of 611 hp at 6560 rpm and 775 Nm of torque.

Due to the light materials used, the vehicle also lost some weight, now it is only 1674 kg! The tuner also added a new exhaust system as well as a new adjustable suspension and standard brakes. For the exterior, the GT-R Phantom received a carbon fiber front lip spoiler, new side skirts and a carbon fiber rear wing spoiler. In the interior, everything remains the same, com except the addition of the stylish Recaro sport seats. No info for the price yet.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Nissan GT-R R35 Convertible Concept


Check out these interesting and unofficial Nissan GT-R R35 Convertible Renderings which recently showed up on AutoJunk.nl and DeviantArt.com. With all the hype surrounding the recently released Nissan GT-R and the sold out level of demand it has endured, it’s hard to fathom that Nissan would contemplate a convertible version.

I know most purist or GT-R cult leaders would drop their jaws if a convertible version would ever make its way out of momma Godzilla’s womb. Either way what do you think of the renderings? I think they are pretty slick, however I wouldn’t be caught dead owning or driving one (unless it was the GF’s).

Source: Zimbio

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Early Look on Convertible 2009 Infinit G37


Infiniti has released an initial image of its forthcoming G37 Convertible, which is expected to go on sale in the United States in early 2009. Based on the popular G37 Coupe, the drop-top model will feature a folding metal roof and unique interior treatment.

The G37 Convertible will feature a three-piece hardtop, to keep a coupe-like roofline, the automaker says. So far, the only image of the car shows it with the top down, so it remains to be seen how much of the coupe’s distinctive roofline gets carried over to the convertible.
The G37 convertible will mark the first Infiniti drop top since the M30 convertible – which was discontinued in 1992 and made famous by the movie Three Kings — and will inevitably lead to the question "Does Lexus make this model?"

As expected, the car will share the same 3.7L V6 used in the G37 coupe, delivering 328 horsepower. The upgrades for 2009 across the line will also include a new optional 7-speed automatic transmission, an optional sport brake package, new design 18-inch wheels and standard Scratch Shield paint.

Monday, July 7, 2008

2007 Infinit M45


The Infiniti M is a new mid-luxury sedan added early in 2005 as a 2006 model, built on the same FM rear-wheel-drive platform used for the G35. Described as the most technically advanced vehicle ever from Infiniti.
Engine : V8, supercharged DOHC
Horsepower : 335 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque : 340 lb-ft @ 4000rpm
Redline : 6600 rpm
Top speed : 143 mph
0-60 mph : 5.3 sec.

Fuel economy : city - 17 mpg
highway - 23 mpg

Saturday, June 21, 2008

New 2009 Nissan Maxima


The latest Nissan out of the gate - the sixth model to wear the "Maxima" designation - gets a significant redesign for 2009. Launched in 1985, the first Maxima was a praised departure from its predecessor, the rear-wheel-drive Datsun 810. Reconfigured as front-wheel-drive, the newly-named sedan foreshadowed the arrival of Nissan's "4-Door Sports Car" or "4DSC", a name aptly-coined for the 1989 model. While each subsequent generation seemed to soften (much to the lament of enthusiasts), the automaker claims this ground-up remake once-again earns the 4DSC moniker.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Arrival of Nissan GT-R


Spotted in Jacksonville, Florida. A lot full of Nissan Gt-R's, they just can't wait till they get out an get to embarres cars that cost twice as much. You will probably see many on salvage auctions in about a week. Well GT-R here we come.
see more pics here at the forums - NAGTROC

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

New 240sx/Silvia Appearance


This rendering, features the next generation 240SX/Silvia, which made its appearance on a video screen along with the first official picture of the 2010 370Z during the Nissan GT 2012 meeting a few weeks ago.

The scanned images from the Japanese magazine “Best Car” clearly depict an artist’s impression on the next gen 240SX/Silvia that will supposedly be powered a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot developing 225 PS. Best Car also speculates that Nissan’s affordable rear-wheel-drive coupe will be based on the Japanese carmaker’s FM platform measuring approximately 4,350 mm in length and 1,750 mm in width.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

A Kids GT-R


With Nissan’s GT-R coming to North American shores any time now, it’s no surprise that lesser beings want to mimic the much hyped GT-R. What’s surprising though is that Infiniti G35 owners are the ones adding GT-R styling cues. Yes, that’s right: Infinitis that want to look like Nissans. Go figure.
What gets me is that the G35 is already as beautiful as cars come, so why add an ugly misfit GT-R front bumper? Not only does mock the driver, but it also looks terribly tacky. It’s definately not worth the $495 it costs.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Infiniti Announces Pricing on 2009 FX50 and FX35


The all-new second generation 2009 Infiniti FX crossover will go on sale June 24 at Infiniti dealers in the U.S. and Canada with prices set at $40,950 for the FX35 RWD, $42,350 for the FX35 AWD and at $56,700 for the FX50 AWD. Both FX35 variants are equipped with a 303 Hp 3.5- liter V6 while the top-end FX50 gets a new 390Hp 5.0-liter V8 unit. All FX models are paired with a new 7-speed automatic transmission featuring Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and available solid magnesium paddle shifters.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Online Drifting Game


I found this cool little drifting game online that's for free and a great time waister if you have nothing else to do. You can play either by yourself, or challenge up to 14 friends in a league and became the "drift champion". It's a pretty fun GTA 2 style game. Go here to play ----> http://www.driftgame.com.au/

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Relentless Show Stopping FX35


When the Infiniti FX35 first made it's debut in 2003, it made quite an entrance. It was the fastest SUV in production. Like most Nissan's it inherits many of it's family generics from the 350z and G35. Which made it useless off road, whimpering SUV? Nope not really the FX35 is something else on the black top.

Viet Nguyen our boy from California, decided to make his FX35 a better than before SUV that packed a punch into the hot import nights. First of all he would put on some aftermarket rims, and later on the FX35 was supercharged by JWT. He went down to California to test his project at the local drag races. He landed 13.3 at 103 mph for the quarter mile. Many people would be satisfied with these results but no Viet, he went for more.

The first things to go were the S2 cams from JWT and in went C2 cams instead. The turbos were swapped out next, as a pair of GT28 turbos would be more capable of handling higher boost pressure. The new cams were working the valves with JWT springs and the valves themselves had just received a three-angle job. The rest of the head was ported and polished. The exhaust is routed through JWT 700BB manifolds into 2.5-inch test pipes from APS and exits through a GReddy Evo TT 70mm system. The engine internals were reinforced with forged Pauter rods and Arias pistons and rings. Fuel was brought from the stock tank with a Walbro 255lph pump and sent to Nismo 555cc/min injectors. HKS handled the ignition with their Twin Power DLI-II system. In the meantime, the internals of the auto transmission were upgraded to a Level 10 kit, the torque converter was swapped for one from Edge Racing and ATS Carbonetics handled the differential. Finally, a Rotora brake kit helps bring the vehicle to a stop, thanks in part to massive 15-inch front discs and 14-inch rears.

The car was now putting down over 500 hp to the wheels. It made a significant difference at the strip as well, with his best run now being a 12.7 at 110 mph-seriously fast for a vehicle like this.

With all this power you think he would keep this car in the garage right? Nope Viet uses this car as a daily commuter and drives up to 100 miles a day. This car is definitely a show stopper, head turner, rice eater for sure.

Friday, May 2, 2008

2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe

The new Infinit G37 Coupe made it's debut at the International Auto Show 2007 in New York City. It combines performance and luxury, making the ideal sports car. The style, performance, and modern interior is brought to new levels with the 2008 Inifiniti G37. Among the new features it has larger, stronger engine, a V6 that produces 330 break horsepower and 270 pound torque. Handling and ride performance increases for the new model. The G37 was tested in Nürburgring, Germany where it was called a "thoroughbred performance vehicle".
Engine
Power bhp: 330
Torque lb-ft: 270
Type: V6
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual

Performance
Acceleration 0-6o mph: 5.2 seconds

My Rating: *****/*****

Sunday, April 20, 2008

2008 Nissan 350z

The 2008 Nissan 350Z continues to offer sports car lovers high performance excitement and a dynamic driving experience in a range of high value Coupe and Roadster models – including the dramatic NISMO 350Z (Coupe only) that was added to the lineup as part of a major Z® revision for the 2007 model year. Changes for the 2007 model year also included an all-new next-generation 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 rated at 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. Enhancements for 2008 include one new premium exterior paint color, Nogaro Red. The 2008 350Z is available in Coupe and Roadster body styles and in an array of models – five for the Coupe (including the NISMO 350Z) and three for the Roadster.

Engine
Power bhp: 306
Torque lb-ft: 268
Type: V6

Performance
Accelaration 0-60 mph: 5.8 seconds
Top Speed: 155 (with electronic limiter)
Base Price: 2009 Nissan 350Z - $27,900

My Rating: ***/*****

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34

World wide know Skyline, mainly popularized by the movie "2 fast 2 furious", the Skyline is a Japanese legend. Also mainly known for being not allowed in the United States, but hearing from rumors the new model may be allowed sometime soon. I have seen older models of the skyline in the U.S. but none compare to this one. It is a great piece of art work, it's rear wheel drive provides you with intense handling ability, and the twin turbo allows you to slide freely with enough power causing you not to stop like you would in a normal car.

Engine
Power bhp: 276
Torque lb-ft: 216
Type:Inline-6 Twin-turbo

Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph:5.2
Top Speed: 155 mph
My Rating *****/*****

Base Price: 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 - $89,500

Monday, February 25, 2008

2009 Nissan GT-R

The all new Nissan, probably the best yet import ever made, that is legal in the U.S. It can compete with the BMW M3 and the Ferrari Spyder and at a low price of $69,850. The most anticipated skyline is to come out in 2009.

Engine
Displacement cu in (cc): 214 (3498)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 480 hp /6400 rpm
Redline at RPM: n.a.
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 430 tq/ 3200-5200 rpm
Type: Twin-turbo V6
Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds
Top Speed mph: 196 mph
Base Price: 2008 Nissan GT-R - $69,850

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

LA 2007: 2009 Nissan GT-R. The wait is over

Here in the US we have not been privileged to buy a Nissan Skyline GT-R, that is of course you imported one from Japan and went through the lengthy process to legalise the car. Now we finally get our chance to buy a legit US Spec GT-R. Today Nissan unveiled the all new 2009 GT-R at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. This of course being the official US Spec car, unlike the worldwide debut at the Tokyo Auto Show last month.

The new GT-R is quite an impressive piece of machinery. Utilizing the worlds first ATTESA E-TS all wheel drive system with an independent rear axle. This layout allows for the transmission, transfercase, and final drive at the rear of the car for greater weight distribution.

Top that with an all hand built 3.8 liter twin turbo V6 capable of 480 HP with 430 ft. lbs of torque, and you have quite the tarmac eater on your hands.

Styling is bold, daring, and dare I say....Sexy. This Nissan has a look all its own. And while it looks great in stock form it will be interesting to see what the aftermarket is able to come up with.
A new feature to the GT-R is a anti-chip dual layer clearcoat paint system. There is also a seven coat silver paint available that is baked 5 times and polished by hand. Sounds good to me. Where can I get my VW painted like that?

Pricing is set at $69,850. So it's up there in price, and I'm sure the car is well worth the wait. Cars should start showing up at dealerships starting in June of 08. Finally no more skyline ownership through video games.








PRESS RELEASE:
All New 2009 Nissan GT-R Comes To North America – Multi-Dimensional Supercar Available in June 2008

The all-new 2009 Nissan GT-R, the fifth-generation of the legendary Nissan supercar, makes its North American debut at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, following its worldwide debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2007. No longer the unobtainable object of desire on a video game or in the movies, the GT-R will be available on sale for the first time in North American in June 2008.

GT-R is a multi-dimensional performance machine that lives up to the concept of "the ultimate supercar that can be driven by anyone, anytime, anywhere" and achieved a lap time of 7:38 around the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife, one of the fastest times achieved by a production-spec vehicle to date.

Packaging and Driveline Suited for a Supercar
The new Nissan GT-R is built on an exclusive all-new Premium Midship platform. This new platform enables the use of a world's first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system, which optimizes weight distribution and handling capability. This layout places the transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle, without the use of traditional torque tubes, allowing the suspension to operate independently and optimizing tire grip at each corner.

Under the hood, the Nissan GT-R features an all-new hand-built VR series 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 producing 480 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm and 430 lb-ft of torque @ 3,200 to 5,200 rpm, while meeting ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) standards.

The all-new VR38 engine, named VR38DETT, features innovative plasma-sprayed bores replacing cast iron liners for reduced friction, lighter weight, enhanced cooling, power output and fuel efficiency; a symmetrical independent intake and exhaust manifold system featuring twin high-performance IHI turbochargers; a secondary air management system for improved cold-start emissions performance; a thermostatically controlled oil-cooling system; an oil scavenger pump to maintain oil flowing to the turbochargers; and a lateral wet and dry sump oiling system. All GT-R engines are hand-built in a clean room environment at the Nissan Yokohama engine plant.

The VR38DETT is backed by an all-new, paddle-shifted GR6 sequential 6-speed dual clutch rear transaxle, which can be driver selected to shift at race car-like speeds. The sequential-shifting transaxle features separate wet clutches for the odd (1,3,5) and even (2,4,6) gears and pre-selects the next highest and next lowest gear for immediate shifts. It also features Hill Start Assist for easy starts on uphill inclines.

Contributing to overall vehicle balance and low center of gravity, the unique offset input and reaction shaft design of the GR6 rear transaxle enables a shorter design profile versus a typical manual transmission, moving the concentration of powertrain weight lower in the vehicle.

Putting the power to the ground is an electronically-controlled ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system specifically developed for GT-R. The rear drive-biased system can vary torque split from 0:100 to 50:50 depending on speed, lateral acceleration, steering angles, tire slip, road surface and yaw rate. Of note is a special GT-R-specific yaw-rate feedback control, which measures the differences between the target yaw rate calculated from steering angle and actual yaw rate detected by the yaw-rate sensor and G sensor to adjust torque bias.

Handling duties are managed by a sophisticated 4-wheel independent suspension system mounted to high-precision six-point front and rear subframes.

A special Bilstein DampTronic driver adjustable shock absorber system utilizes multiple vehicle information systems to provide appropriate damping forces and high level of control for a variety of driving situations. The DampTronic system features three driver selectable settings - Normal; Comfort, for maximum suspension compliance; or "R," for ultimate handling. The same three-stage adjustability is available for the VDC system and transmission shift operation, which also includes a Snow mode.

Stopping power is provided by Brembo mono block six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers with large 15-inch Brembo full-floating cross-drilled two-piece rotors and low-steel high-stiffness brake pads which minimize fade and provide intense stopping performance. The calipers utilize race car-style radial mounting to minimize caliper flex during extreme braking.

GT-R-specific lightweight forged 20-inch wheels, with special knurling to assist with securing the tires during hard acceleration or braking, are shod with nitrogen-filled Bridgestone high-performance summer run-flat tires specifically designed for the GT-R, sized 255/40ZRF20 front and 285/35ZRF20 rear. High-performance Dunlop all-season tires are also available.



GT-R's Signature Functional Design – High Performance Aerodynamics and Style
The Nissan GT-R's styling follows the "function over form" theory. Every styling aspect, from the overall design to the smallest details, is created to maximize the vehicle's driving experience – as well as suggest GT-R's "supercar" level of performance. Utilizing advanced aerodynamics, GT-R's aggressive styling evokes the lines of a well-trained athlete, combining strong character lines with smooth and solid areas.

The all-new GT-R's hybrid body construction is created with a combination of steel, carbon fiber and die-cast aluminum, providing a unique combination of stiffness, precision and lightness. The body features a low coefficient of drag of 0.27 while achieving high front and rear downforce, providing stability and handling performance in a wide range of driving conditions.

GT-R's front fenders express power and stability, while the "aero-blades" on the fenders' leading edges provide optimum airflow around the tires and along the body. The vents in the fenders' trailing edges assists in providing front downforce and optimizing side air flow. The aggressive front end, with a large hood budge and single central air intake, provides a sophisticated style as well as undisturbed air flow for power and cooling. New "super wide beam" headlights feature three additional sub-reflectors (compared to conventional lights) to give a wide illumination spread.

The Nissan GT-R's four-passenger cabin features a sloping "aero blade canopy" roofline and curved C-pillar "sword edge," which expresses the distinctive GT-R identity, as well as facilitating air flow around the rear of the vehicle. The signature rear view of the GT-R is provided by its hallmark four-ring taillights, while air flow above and below the vehicle is managed by the functional rear carbon fiber underbody diffuser, rear spoiler and large, integrated quad exhaust tips.

GT-R's advanced technology is present even in the vehicle's paint, which utilizes a durable anti-chip paint and "double clear coat" process. A special seven-coat silver paint color is available, which is baked five times and is also hand-polished by craftsman.

An Interior Suitable for Daily Driving or Supercar Duties
Key to the Nissan GT-R's usability as a both daily driver and a high-performance machine is its interior, which is designed to balance functionality and comfort. It provides comfortable four-passenger seating and trunk capacity of two golf bags or suitcases.

Sculpted performance bucket seats give the driver and passenger a comfortable driving experience, and soft pads are utilized on the dash in front of the passenger and both doors to give an extra level of comfort. The rear transaxle layout of GT-R, with a flat floor and narrow center tunnel, allows GT-R to have an optimal driving position.

A cockpit-style instrument panel surrounds the driver, with all meters and multi-function meter at a uniform height to minimize the driver's head movement. A large center-mounted tachometer, with gear display on its upper right, as well as the easy-to-read graphics of the display, gives the driver instant detailed information, essential for the performance nature of the GT-R.

Functional style is also evident in GT-R's interior – each meter features a dial plate design that evokes the idea of engaged gears, as well as a three-dimensional metal-like ring, suggesting the multi-dimensional performance of GT-R. A large, metallic-framed center console features an ergonomically designed shift lever and a red "engine start" button.

The centerpiece of the instrument panel is a video game-inspired multi-function display. Eleven pages of information are available on this system, including mechanical and driving information, acceleration, brake pedal pressure, steering angle and a recording function with playback. Additional on-screen information includes a Navigation system, enhanced entertainment system with a Music Box Hard Drive and a Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System.

An available specially-designed 11-speaker Bose® audio system features two forward-facing woofers in the rear center armrest area. Rigid aluminum die cast panel-mounting of all speakers allowed Bose engineers to perfect the acoustical performance of the GT-R sound system.

High-Performance Safety Technologies
The Nissan GT-R offers a long list of safety features, including, for enhanced visibility inside and out of the vehicle, high-mounted LED stoplights, bright LED rear combination taillights, "super wide beam" headlights, heated door mirrors and flat-blade windshield wipers.

Standard safety equipment includes a Nissan Advanced Air Bag System for driver and front passenger, front seat belts with pretensioner and load limiters and tension reducers, and three-point ELR/ALR rear seat belts. Driver and front passenger SRS Side Air Bag System and SRS Curtain Air Bag System are also available.

Source: Nissan
Photos: Autoblog.com

Monday, October 29, 2007

VWoA announces new executive appointments & brand management restructuring.

Volkswagen of America, Inc., CEO Stefan Jacoby today announced new executive appointments and realignment of the Volkswagen brand executive management team, taking effect January 1, 2008.

Jacoby will add the title of executive vice president of the Volkswagen brand, in combination with his duties as CEO, Volkswagen of America, Inc.

The executive vice president role at Volkswagen has been held by Adrian Hallmark since November of 2005. Hallmark will transfer to corporate parent Volkswagen AG in Wolfsburg, Germany where he will lead Volkswagen sales and marketing initiatives for the Asia/ Pacific region.

Also announced was the appointment of Michael Lohscheller as executive vice president, chief financial officer for Volkswagen of America, Inc., reporting to Jacoby. Lohscheller transfers from corporate parent Volkswagen AG, where he was most recently director, Group Marketing and Sales Planning. He has been with Volkswagen AG since 2004, after holding various senior finance positions with Daimler and Mitsubishi Motors.

In addition, Falk Beil has been named executive vice president, Service & Quality, Volkswagen of America, Inc. Reporting directly to Jacoby, he has held multiple inter-disciplinary posts since joining Volkswagen AG in 1988.Jacoby also appointed the following vice presidents, both reporting directly to him, within the Volkswagen brand, taking effect immediately.

Mark Barnes has been named vice president, Customer Service. Mark has held numerous management positions at Chrysler, Hyundai and Nissan, bringing 25 years of Parts and Service experience in both national and regional operations.

M. Toscan Bennett has been named vice president, Product Marketing & Strategy. He replaces David Goggins, formerly director, Product and Marketing Strategy. Bennett brings more than twenty years of automotive brand management experience at Ferrari, Chrysler and Mitsubishi. Goggins will return to Bentley Motors headquarters in Crewe, United Kingdom where he will lead Bentley global communications.

"With these organizational changes, we have strengthened the enterprise to best meet the challenges of the dynamic American automotive marketplace," said Jacoby. "The Volkswagen Brand will continue on the path set by Adrian. We appreciate his efforts to build a solid platform for continued growth and profitability."