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Italian investigators search Lambo headquarters in VW probe

Italian investigators searched Lamborghini headquarters on Oct. 15 to look for evidence of managers' involvement in Volkswagen's emissions cheating. VW's main office in Verona was also inspected, according to Reuters. Lamborghini is owned by Volkswagen, and Lambo in turn is listed as the owner of VW Group Italia. Authorities wanted to find out if employees were conscious that the vehicles were skirting emissions rules. "It is one thing if I sell water and pretend it's wine, but if I sell water believing it is wine it's different." Verona chief prosecutor Mario Giulio Schinaia said to Reuters. Italian newspaper Gazetta del Sud reported that several managers in Italy were under investigation for alleged fraud. Prosecutors in Germany have also been rigorously investigating VW, and they recently staged a similar raid on the company's headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany. The automaker reportedly turned over documents and other data relating to the software defeat device. Meanwhile, VW's internal investigation has turned up little wrongdoing, though a recent leak suggested otherwise, and at least 30 managers could have known about the defeat device. The automaker has disputed that figure. Volkswagen of America CEO Michael Horn testified before Congress that he believed only a few individuals were involved. The situation hasn't been easy on VW in the US, either. The Department of Justice has also been pursuing an investigation into the automaker. Plus, state attorneys general are filing lawsuits against the company for defrauding customers. VW has until Nov. 20 to explain a repair for the problem to the California Air Resources Board. Related Video:

Volkswagen reveals updated Sharan minivan for Europe

Volkswagen's experiment with rebadging Chrysler minivans as the Routan may not have gone so well for the German automaker in North America, but overseas it offers vans of its own. Even aside from the fullsize Crafter and Transporter vans sold by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, the passenger car division offers its own minivans like the Touran and the Sharan. Now it's revealed an updated version of the latter. The VW Sharan was first introduced back in 1995 and entered its second generation in 2009, built in Portugal alongside the Seat Alhambra and offering seating for seven in its five-door form. The new model looks largely the same as the existing one, but benefits from new taillights and a revised interior. But most of the upgrades are found under the skin. There's an array of turbocharged and direct-injected engines that are now up to 15 percent more efficient than those found in the existing model, with two gasoline engines ranging in output from 148 horsepower to 217, and three diesels producing 113, 148 and 181 hp. Along with the updated powertrain options, the revised Sharan also gets a host of new safety and convenience systems, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Park Assist and Blind Spot Monitor. Inside, the infotainment system has been upgraded as well. The updated Sharan arrives hot on the heels of the new Caddy released earlier this month and just in time for the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. Wolfsburg, 18 February 2015 Show premiere of the Sharan in Geneva - Even more technical highlights for the popular Volkswagen MPV - New TSI and TDI engines* are up to 15 per cent more fuel efficient Volkswagen is presenting the technically updated Sharan at the Geneva International Motor Show. Numerous new convenience and assistance systems make the family-friendly MPV one of the most advanced models in its segment. A wide range of infotainment systems also guarantees full connectivity to many smartphones and tablets. At the same time, the fuel economy of the petrol and diesel engines* was improved by up to 15 per cent. The updated Sharan will arrive on the German market this summer; advance sales begin in April. Along with the standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically initiates braking after a collision if the driver is no longer able to intervene, numerous optional assistance systems are available in the updated Sharan as well.

Rimac inks deal to purchase 55% of Bugatti from VW Group

ZAGREB, Croatia — Croatian electric supercar builder Rimac is taking over the iconic French manufacturer Bugatti in a deal that is reported to be worth millions of euros. Rimac said GermanyÂ’s Volkswagen Group, including the Porsche division — which owns a majority stake in Bugatti — plans to create a new joint venture. The new company will be called Bugatti-Rimac. Rimac Automobili announced Monday that it will be combining forces with Bugatti to “create a new automotive and technological powerhouse.” Rimac has progressed in 10 years from a one-man garage startup to a successful company that produces electric supercars. Mate Rimac, who founded the company in 2009, says the venture is an “exciting moment” and calls the combination of the companies “a perfect match for each other.” Porsche will own 45% of Bugatti-Rimac while Rimac Automobili will hold the remaining 55% stake, according to Croatian media reports. Financial details of the deal were not published. Bugattis will continue to be assembled in eastern France, where the company was established in 1909. The vehicles will use engines developed and made in Croatia. “In an industry evolving at ever-increasing speed, flexibility, innovation and sustainability remain at the very core of RimacÂ’s operations," the company said. “Uniting RimacÂ’s technical expertise and lean operations with BugattiÂ’s 110-year heritage of design and engineering prowess represents a fusion of leading automotive minds." Earnings/Financials Green Bugatti Automakers Porsche Volkswagen Green Automakers Electric Supercars