Volkswagen And Proton Playing Hard-to-get With Each Other
It appears Volkswagen and Proton has once again broken talks with each other. We're not sure if this is really the end between the two parties. This certainly isn't the first time Volkswagen and Proton have haulted talks with each other. No reason was given for their actions but certainly, they're not talking. That means its not completely done, yet. So the saga continues between the two. When will it end? Press release after the jump. Wolfsburg, 20 November 2007 - Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft and the Malaysian government have decided to shelve their joint talks concerning cooperation with or participation in the Malaysian automaker Proton Holdings Bhd for the time being. As a consequence, there is at present no foundation for a more in-depth investigation. Irrespective of this decision, Volkswagen will be stepping up its efforts to review other possibilities for actively engaging in the ASEAN region and further intensifying its sales activities in the region, including such activities in Malaysia. The company remains committed to its plans to establish a sustainable and successful production and sales basis in the South East Asia region.
Inside, the further improved Volkswagen Golf Plus sports details like new upholstery materials and details also implemented in the Golf such as its instruments, steering wheel options and user interface for the automatic climate control system (Climatronic). Technically, the Volkswagen Golf Plus also implements details that the new Golf introduced for the first time in this Volkswagen segment. They include the new, fuel-efficient and very quiet common rail turbo-diesel engines (66 kW / 90 PS to 103 kW / 140 PS). The common rail TDIs reduce average fuel consumption by up to 0.8 liter per 100 kilometers. As on the classic Golf, the conventional automatic transmission was also eliminated on the Volkswagen Golf Plus and replaced by 6-speed and 7-speed dual clutch transmissions (DSG) that are as fuel efficient as they are agile. Also new aboard the Volkswagen Golf Plus are the optional "Adaptive Cruise Control" (ACC), "Park Assist" parking assistant and rearview camera.
Last but not least, the equipment lines were restructured too (Trendline, Comfortline and Highline as top version). The Golf has always exhibited an unmistakable and linear design. And this not only applies to the original form of the classic car; it is also true of the "specialists" on the Golf team - successful Volkswagens like the "GTI", "Variant" and certainly the "Plus" as well. With the recent launch of the sixth generation of Golfs, this model series is experiencing a new level of maturity in its timeless and confident styling and design. This is based on the newly developed "Volkswagen design DNA". A key aspect here is the car's extremely high level of value. Key elements of the design language developed by the team led by Walter de Silva are now characteristics of the new Golf Plus too. Dominant here is the horizontally aligned band of the radiator grille between the new headlight design (with standard daytime running lights); it consists of two high-gloss black cross-bars in which the VW logo is integrated. On the Highline version, each of these bars has a narrow strip of chrome at its upper end.
The lines of the new bumper match those of the radiator grille. In the space below the bumper, designed in black, there is another air inlet and the fog lights that are worked into the outer areas as well as a chrome surround around the inlet screen. The fog lights also assume the new function of static turning lights being introduced on this model. This much is certain: the new front end design and distinctive headlights give the Volkswagen Golf Plus a significantly more dynamic and high-end appearance. In the rear, designers have restyled the bumper. The results: a plus in dynamics and precision. The bumper is now completely painted in car color. The only exception is the lower area, where there is a high-gloss black segment in the center giving the visual effect of a diffuser. High-visibility reflectors were also integrated in the lower section of the bumper. The taillights with their LED technology were styled in a new dark red ("Cherry red"). The side profile of the Volkswagen Golf Plus has remained largely unchanged. However, new roof rails were integrated more harmoniously into the car's overall line.
