The Forte Koup is definitely one to watch for. Power numbers are on par with the tC and has *gasp* a six-speed manual transmission! Seen it run mid 16s on Motorweek. Might have to cap it and upload the segment.

 

It has more HP, more torque, better handling, better braking, better MPG, quicker to 60, quicker in the 1/4 mile, more room, better warranty, more standard equipment...all for the same (if not cheaper) price tag.

 

MW Road Test: Kia Forte Koup
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XysWyoaDGo
Seems like the driver could learn how to actually drag race a car from Motor Trend or other magazines.

 

i forsee some nice loooking kias....werid lol.

 

Where does it say they are number one. VW hopes to take number uno by 2018, it does not mean they will achieved it. What goes up must come down. Any decreases in their sales will cause VW to lose whatever growth they achieved by Toyotas temporary slump.

The claim that they are anywhere near number one is an obnoxious statement by the site (not you scott) lulz. Thats like me saying, now that Orlando has VC, their projection for the championship title is sealed as of today. Any ways, the claim is just like the title of the website, rumor.

 

maybe you missed this^^^^

more
http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/auto...est-automaker/
more
http://jalopnik.com/5400753/volkswag...ota-the-new-gm
more
http://www.thecarconnection.com/mart...gest-automaker

 

Like I said, its just a one year projection that means nothing but a small glimpse of hope. Toyota has years ahead of VW. Until VW actually take number one, which is not going to happen, then you have a valid point.

Rumors.com "largest auto manufacturer, a goal the company hoped to achieve by 2018."
Jalopnik.com "VW-Porsche has overtaken Toyota as the world's largest automaker, at least through the first nine months of 2009, having produced 4.4 million cars to Toyota's 4.0 million."
Autos.com "The Guardian notes that Toyota has the capacity to make 10 million vehicles a year."
TheCarConnection.com "Based on simple production stats, Volkswagen is now the world's largest automaker. We're not sure how long VW will remain at the top of the heap, since much of its production and sales have been driven by government-run incentive programs in Europe, and many those programs have now ended."

VW did well because of government-run incentive programs but now that those programs are over, what growth that has already happen will start a journey of decline. We have been comparing both companies on simple and very broad statistics. You can't purely say VW has taken the crown if we don't consider other stats.

 

It'll be short lived for VW. One thing I keep on reading in the linked articles is the government incentive programs helped out on VW sales lol. All I see is production numbers, where's sales numbers? You can produce the most product, but if it doesn't sell it's just expensive paper weight. We'll see how things look after Toyota's gas pedal fiasco is handled.

 

I'd keep an eye on the blue oval as well. They've done a lot right over the past three years, like finally bringing the euro-Focus stateside and picked up MT's Car of the Year with the Fusion, and bringing out a Festiva that doesn't look like a chevette, 3-cylinder direct port injected turbo anyone? That, and they didn't take my tax $$.

Next year will be interesting to say the least. I'm questioning Scion's pricing of the iQ, I know they're trying to match the Smart but Toyota is no BMW to be asking as much for it as an xA, and getting only 2/3 the car. Will also be curious to see if they keep the tC pricing the same, or push it to the 20k+ mark but with a more sporty engine, suspension, etc. out of the box to run with the other sport coupes.

 

Production != sales.

 

^^ that's what I was just thinking.. so.. VW made more cars... doesn't mean they sold them all..

(well perhaps eventually.. but still... yea.. not the same)

 

indeed

 

I am disappointed. I was expecting that to be a link.

 

haha it was on accident but i figured why change it.

 

I've been tryin to find last year sales totals, but can't seem to get what I'm looking for. So let's look at last months sales numbers.

http://online.wsj.com/mdc/public/pag...autosales.html

http://www.motorintelligence.com/m_frameset.html

VW has a LOT of catching up to do to top Toyota and this is looking at U.S. sales. We have 8 years to see if their projections are met. Looks like a lot of fleet VWs to be had if their sales don't jump up.

 

I like how the Jetta is made in Mexico.

 

Not all of them come out of Mexico. They also come out of China, Russia, India, and South Africa.

 

the ones sold in the US is from Mexico

Honestly, the front of the Jetta looks very nice but the rear is fugly

 

The GTI is still made in Germany(been looking at edmunds.com for a few mins.). If I were to get a VW, the GTI would be my choice. I like the '09 body style, still trying to warm up to the new refreshed '10 model.

 

i hear the prius doesnt stop

http://www.worldcarfans.com/11002042...esign-problems