2005 Volkswagen Touareg V8 4wd Fully Loaded,no Reserve on 2040-cars

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German judge 'inclined to dismiss' hedge fund lawsuit against Porsche

Last year, around two dozen investors, including hedge funds, leveled a 1.4 billion euro ($1.95 billion at the time) lawsuit against Porsche in connection with the automaker's attempted takeover of Volkswagen in 2008. The Stuttgart Regional Court dismissed the case. Around 19 of those plaintiffs are heading back to court to appeal the ruling and still hope to get 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion). However, according to one German judge, the chances for success aren't any better this time around. "On balance it's our view that we consider the lawsuit, or the appeal, to be unpromising for several reasons," Gerhard Ruf, a judge in Stuttgart, said to Reuters. "We are inclined to dismiss the case." The court's ruling on the appeal will be announced on March 26. The investors' case hinges on Porsche's strategy surrounding the botched takeover. The sports car maker said that it wasn't trying to control VW, when in fact it was. These hedge funds had bet against Volkswagen stock, but the share price surged when Porsche's plan inevitably came to light. Investors have sued the sports car company multiple times since then in attempts to recoup billions of dollars. However, none of the lawsuits have been successful, whether attempted in the US or Germany. Former Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking and and CFO Holger Haerter might still stand trial for the alleged stock manipulation, though. News Source: ReutersImage Credit: Matthias Rietschel / AP Photo Government/Legal Porsche Volkswagen lawsuit hedge funds porsche lawsuit

2015 VW Golf SportWagen priced from $21,395*

Now known as the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen in the US, the long-roof version of the platform gets larger for its new generation in 2015, but it also sheds up to 137 pounds and cuts some money off the price of some models. The base now begins at $21,395, plus $820 destination on all versions, when they arrive at dealers in April. Volkswagen claims that with all of the extra standard content, buyers actually save $700 compared to the previous-gen Jetta SportWagen, despite its lower $20,995 starting price. The S trim is the least expensive model and comes with a five-speed manual and 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 170 horsepower. Paying an extra $1,100 adds a six-speed automatic. The SE for $26,995 gets the auto as standard and also includes a panoramic sunroof, front foglights, push-button start and a rearview camera. The top SEL for $29,345 further features chrome roof rails, navigation, a 12-way power driver's seat and more. In addition to the gas engine, buyers can choose the 2.0-liter TDI with 150 hp and 236 pound-feet of torque, and VW quotes EPA estimates of up to 43 miles per gallon highway fuel economy for it. All of the trims with the oil burner come with a six-speed manual, but a six-speed DSG is a $1,100 extra. The base TDI S trim starts at $24,595, which is nearly $2,000 less than the last-gen Jetta SportWagen with a diesel, and buyers also get standard push-button start and a rearview camera. The SE and SEL trims offer similar upgrades as their gasoline counterparts and ring up for $27,995 and $30,345, respectively. Of course, many buyers want extra tech for their cars, and VW is offering two packages of options for the SE and SEL trims with either engine. One adds collision warning, automatic post-collision braking and front and rear parking sensors for $695. The Lighting Package includes adaptive Bi-Xenon headlights, LED running lights and LED interior lighting for $995. VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES PRICING OF 2015 GOLF SPORTWAGEN ? New TDI® S model reduces base Clean Diesel pricing by almost $2,000 ? Newly available driver assistance technology includes Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Post-Collision Braking System ? Larger interior than outgoing Jetta SportWagen rivals compact SUVs for size ? Car will be offered with 1.8-liter turbocharged TSI® gasoline and 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel engines ?

Audi CEO Rupert Stadler: Ducati is not for sale

"Ducati is not for sale." Those words, attributed to Audi CEO Rupert Stadler, are about as clear and definitive as can be, and they reiterate a previous statement about the potential sale of the premium Italian motorcycle brand that was made in March of this year. "[Ducati and Lamborghini] belong to Audi and, together with us, have an excellent future," said Stadler. Thing is, Audi, as well-off and established as it may be, still falls under the Volkswagen umbrella. And, as you're surely aware, things haven't exactly been smooth sailing for the VW Group over the last several months. The German automaker has squirreled away billions of dollars in anticipation of the legal fallout that's sure to come from the falsification of vehicle emissions data, and that's going to leave the company strapped for cash. All of that bad news led to speculation that VW could sell off some of its non-core businesses. What of the future of the Scania and Man heavy truck brands? Those don't currently appear to be on the auction block, either. VW's continued involvement in the HD truck segment was announced as part of the brand's TOGETHER - Strategy 2025 plan, in which Volkswagen outlined plans to push further into vehicle electrification and vehicle autonomy. Related Video: News Source: Asphalt & RubberImage Credit: Malte Christians/AFP/Getty Earnings/Financials Audi Lamborghini Volkswagen Motorcycle Performance Ducati Scania