Argentine Dealer Signs Porsche-For-Wine Program to Offset Car Imports

Argentina's Industry Ministry signed an agreement with Porsche importer Grupo Pulenta according to which, the company will have to offset all car imports with equivalent exports of wine and olives.

The deal complies with local regulations that allow companies to import cars for sale only if they export goods of the same value. Grupo Pulenta, which aims to import 100 vehicles worth around $8 million this year, will therefore have to export wine and olive products to 18 countries, including the U.S. and neighboring Brazil.

The agreement comes two weeks after Volkswagen signed a deal with the Argentine government to increase exports from VW's Cordoba plant by 77 percent in 2011, so that the deficit between the company's exports and imports will drop around 70 percent.

Automobile sales in Argentina rose 43 percent in 2010 to a record 698,299 units, according to the country's Automobile Manufacturers Association. Out of these, 435,767 units were imported. Exports from Argentina's car industry reached 447,953 units last year.

By Dan Mihalascu

Source: Bloomberg

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Volkswagen Launches New Line of Accessories for Facelifted Eos

VW has released the first aftermarket accessories for its facelifted Eos coupe-cabriolet in the form of new aerodynamic, styling and practical accessories. In particular, VW proposes a tailgate spoiler, stainless steel muffler tips and a rear protection bar finished in high-gloss chrome. The spoiler is applied directly to the bootlid and promises to improve the car’s aerodynamics at high speeds

The chrome bar gives the Eos an extra “bling” factor, while also protecting the edge of the tailgate. It simply sticks to the lower rim of the tailgate, without damaging it in any way. Rounding off the exterior styling propositions is a new 17-inch alloy wheel design called “Azuro”, which is painted in silver and has five double spokes.

For the car's interior, VW Accessories offers three different trim sets, each consisting of five decorative pieces that apply to the doors and the dashboard. Available colors include carbon, aluminum and piano.

Cycling fans can order a bicycle rack that can transport up to two bikes, with an extension kit for a third one available. Finally, Volkswagen has developed a special luggage set for the Eos, made up of two branded suitcases.

The updated Eos was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late November 2010, featuring new headlights and grille, revised bumpers, redesigned taillights and an upgraded equipment list.

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Report: Seat to Launch Four New Models in 2012 including a Four-Door Sedan

VW's Spanish subsidiary is expecting a 10 percent rise in sales this year and aims further growth in 2012, when it will launch four new models. According to CEO James Muir, new products such as the Ibiza ST and the Alhambra will boost Seat sales in 2011.

"We want to increase our 340,000 unit sales from last year – by 8 to 10 percent – thanks to existing models. We aim to sell 45,000 units of the Ibiza ST (station wagon) this year. And the Alhambra already is well above plan so we expect a full-year volume of 20,000 units. This proves that our brand is gaining strength," Muir was quoted as saying by Autonews Europe.

For 2012, the company has even bigger plans, fueled by the launch of four new models. "We will launch four new cars: the new Leon, a totally new entry-level model, a four-door sedan and a major Ibiza facelift," said Muir, who was appointed head of Seat in 2009.

While the new Leon is no surprise and the entry-level model should be Seat's version of the VW Up!, the four-door sedan leaves room for speculations. The most logical choice would be to build a new Toledo, based on the upcoming Leon. But the four-door sedan could also be a reiteration of the Cordoba or even a facelift of the older Audi A4-based Exeo.

In order to sustain the expected sales growth, Seat will also hire more people. “Before the end of the year, we will hire 300 to 800 new employees," Muir said. His plans for 2018 are way more ambitious: by that time Seat should sell 800,000 units a year and achieve a 15 percent return on investment.

By Dan Mihalascu

Source: Autonews Europe [Sub. Req.]

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2011 VW Jetta Recalled in the States Over Wiring Glitch

Volkswagen has announced a voluntary recall for its 2011 model year Jetta sedan in the USA due to a defect in the wiring system controlling the anti-theft alarm system and horn. The German company said that in some instances an electric short in the horn could, which in turn could cause the engine to stall, adding that no injuries or accidents have been reported as a result of this problem.

The recall affects sixth generation Jetta sedan vehicles built between March of 2010 and March of 2011. According to the company, a total of 71,043 cars are affected by the recall. VW will notify owners by mail.

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CSR Automotive Adds Some Aggression to VW Scirocco Coupe

If the Volkswagen Scirocco coupe doesn’t look wild enough for your taste, you may want to take a look at CSR Automotive’s aesthetic treatment. The exterior mods include a new honeycomb lower grille in a matte black finish, a front apron, headlamp trims, side skirts and a rear apron with a diffuser that houses the new exhaust outlets. There’s also a rear spoiler and a matte black foil wrap in a carbon fiber look that partially covers the hood and the roof, as well as the exterior mirrors.

To complete the package, CSR Automotive adds a new set of funky-looking 20-inch alloy wheels with carbon-look parts shod in Toyo tires size 235/30 ZR20 up front and 285/25 ZR20 at the back.

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