It's hard to keep losing a billion dollars every year. And that's exactly what has happened to Volkswagen's U.S. So some changes are in the offing. If they don't work, the consequences will likely be serious. VW has a history of highs and lows here in the states. During their last crisis in the mid to late 90's, Volkswagen redesigned their flagship vehicle, the Beetle. The good news was that it caught on and re-established itself with solid sales. This, along with modest gains in the Jetta's acceptance, helped VW regain a profitable foothold. But the company has come across hard times once again. Sales have been declining an average of 25,000 units a year for the past four years. In 2002, Volkswagen sold 338,000 vehicles. Last year, it sold just 235,000. And this has been particularly frustrating for them due to the fact they lead the European car market with a 20.3% share. Volkswagen models are known for attractive styling, upgraded interiors, good fuel economy with lively engines, and agile driving performance. But apparently, this hasn't been good enough for stateside car buyers. One of the biggest problems has been price. Due to the strength of the Euro, VW's costs are higher than its competitors, even when factoring in those vehicles assembled in Mexico. Another problem are inconsistent quality ratings. J.D. Power, for example, rates VW in the lower 20% for reliability, quality, and service. The growing number of car buyers who do internet research see this information and back off. So, what's Volkswagen to do? They've announced two major steps recently. First, they're going to begin assembling vehicles in China for the U.S. Second, they're bringing in Stefan Jacoby, highly touted for growing VW's market share in Europe. He's been given the task of breaking even by 2009. If not, the next move by Volkswagen may be "auf wiedersehen" (goodbye).
It does this by restricting the throttle or gently applying the brakes to maintain the preset distance. If the vehicle in front continues to decelerate, Adaptive Cruise Control will reduce cruising speed - even down to a stop. 4460.00) Porsche dynamic chassis system. PDCC is an active anti roll system that anticipates and significantly reduces lateral movement during cornering maneuvers. The electronically controlled rear differential lock further enhances the traction of the rear wheels when required on roads with varying friction coefficients, or when accelerating out of tight curves. Porsche added a unique adjustable rear spoiler to improve traction (available on 4S and Turbo models only). It begins to work after 55 miles per hour. It adjusts itself to the speed giving down force for better handling. Above 125 mph it holds the Panamera to the pavement. To stop the powerful lineup of Panamera鈥檚 standard are six piston aluminum brake calipers in front with vented grooved brake discs.
In the rear are 4 piston fixed aluminum calipers with vented brake discs. 8840.00 that are excellent! If an accident occurs the Panamera has engine immobilizers and the most advanced air bags and air curtains available. Hit the starter button on the left and get the four door sedan purring. Porsche Panamera S I drove at the Pocono Race track near Wilkes Barre/ Scranton. Zero to sixty in 5.1 seconds. If you get the sport chrono package it will get you to sixty in 5.0 seconds Porsche states. The top of the line Turbo even gets to sixty quicker as stated before in 3.5 seconds! Any model of the Panamera delivers a great sound to the exhaust under power. The driving is unmistakably Porsche thanks in part of the chassis.. There are different settings for the suspension: sport, offering a drift angle or sport plus. If you go straight down the highway there is very little power that is transferred to the front axle.
If you get the Sport Chrono package you can hit the 鈥渟port button鈥?and the transmission will blip during downshifts. If you go to Porsche website you can view all the options. So many I cannot list them. From paint to heated steering wheel. Porsche buyers like the Viper buyers end up owning more than one. Many of the inquiries coming to dealers now comes from Porsche owners. In Las Vegas, Atlanta, Wilkes Barre/Scranton, Northern Florida, or any city that has a race track see if you can get onto the track to test your Porsche Panamera above 100 miles per hour. One Porsche dealer offers this as a plus when you buy a Porsche. That is Brumos in Jacksonville, Florida. That is also where one of the finest Porsche drivers is vice president. That is Hurley Haywood. I had the pleasure to drive with him in the Poconos, Atlanta, Las Vegas and other world-renowned tracks. Their dealership is one of the few Porsche dealers that offer driving instructions. Well worth the flight to Jacksonville, Florida. Or if you will attend the 2010 Amelia Island Concours in Northeast, Florida it would be worth it to travel to nearby Jacksonville just to get a test drive in Porsche vehicles including the Panameria. Get ready to see two more members of the Porsche Panamera line up. The Panamera and Panamera 4, the model line鈥檚 new entry-level versions, will be in Porsche dealerships in June 2010. Both feature a brand-new 3.6-liter V6 with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) developing 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Panamera transmits its power to the road via the rear wheels, while the Panamera 4 comes standard with active all-wheel drive.
