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2015 VW e-Golf coming to ZEV states for $35,445* this November

Is $6,465 too much to get someone thinking about buying a Nissan Leaf to opt for the Volkswagen e-Golf instead? That's the price difference between the current EV sales champion, which now starts at $28,980, and the just-announced price for the e-Golf, which will sell for $35,445 in the US when it arrives in about ten states (basically, the ZEV states that follow California's lead in zero-emission vehicle rules) this November and will qualify for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500. VW says that the extra money will get you "the most versatile electric vehicle in its class." There is only one trim line, the SEL Premium, which will be the first VW in the US with all-LED headlights. The car's powertrain numbers pretty much match the Nissan Leaf, though. The e-Golf has a 24.2-kWh lithium-ion battery (the Leaf has a 24-kWh pack) and a 115-hp, 199-pound foot electric motor (107 hp,187 lb-ft in the Leaf). The e-Golf's official EPA numbers are not yet available, but VW says it will have an "average range between 70 and 90 miles." The Leaf has an official EPA range of 84 miles. The e-Golf has a better onboard charger – 7.2 kW vs. 3.6 or 6.6, depending on your Leaf's options – and has SAE Combo fast charging capability as standard. VW is also working with 3Degrees to offset all of the emissions "created from production, distribution and charging of the e-Golf for up to approximately 36,000 miles of driving." VW also announced prices for its lightly facelifted 2015 Jetta today. The base model, the 2.0-liter S with a manual transmission, starts at $17,325 while the top-of-the-line model, the Hybrid SEL Premium, will set you back at least $31,670. The lowest-cost TDI is the S manual, which starts at $21,640 and features VW's new 2.0-liter diesel four. A new limited-edition 1.8 Sport model with a firmer suspension, tinted taillamps and rear spoiler starts at $20,895. All VW prices listed exclude VW's *$820 destination charge and you can find all the details on trim lines in the press releases below.

Latest Volkswagen Transporter shows itself as the modern Microbus

With a model history dating back to 1950, the newly unveiled Volkswagen Transporter has a long legacy to uphold as one of elder statesmen of the commercial vehicle world. The sixth generation maintains the classic boxy look, and VW even admits that the shape is "modernized cautiously." Still, the changes show handsome improvements like creases in the hood and a grille that better integrates into the headlights. Rather than styling, economy is more on the minds of many commercial buyers. VW ticks that box with an average 15-percent improvement in fuel consumption across the lineup, thanks in part to standard stop/start. The engine range includes a 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder available in 83-, 101-, 148- and 201-horsepower variants. There's also a 2.0-liter gasoline-fueled four with either 148 hp or 201 hp. VW is really working to make the Transporter a safer, more comfortable carrier for its new generation. The van is available with features like adjustable shocks, adaptive cruise control, a power tailgate and the company's City Assist Braking system, which is capable of automatically bringing the van to a stop from under 19 mph. The Driver Alert System even monitors behavior behind the wheel and advises when to take a break. VW offers the T6 in many variants, including the Multivan for carrying people and mixed use Caravelle, but the highlight at launch is the fantastic looking Generation Six special edition (pictured above). Based on the Multivan Comfortline, the retro, two-tone paint is optional, but standard features include LED headlights, chrome trim and Alcantara seats. While the latest Transporter isn't coming to the US, European buyers can order one soon with a base price of 23,035 euros ($27,000). Generation SIX: world premiere of the new T series Classic Transporter design is even sharper, more precise, higher end Better fuel economy – new engines with stop/start function as standard Better safety – latest driver assistance systems More comfort and convenience – adaptive chassis, electrically adjustable seats and electric tailgate More information – new radio-navigation system with integrated online services Prices start below level of previous model Hannover/Amsterdam, 15 April 2015 – Today, the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand presents the sixth generation of the successful Transporter model series that is produced in Hannover.

Automakers want to stop the EPA's fuel economy rules change, and why that's a shortsighted move

With a Trump Administration looming, the EPA moved quickly after the election to propose finalizing future fuel economy rules last week. The auto industry doesn't like that (surprise), and has started making moves to stop the EPA. Ford CEO Mark Fields said he wanted to lobby Trump to lower the standards, and now the Auto Alliance, a manufacturer group, is saying it will join the fight against cleaner cars. The Alliance represents 12 automakers: BMW, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, GM, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Toyota, VW, and Volvo. Gloria Bergquist, a spokesperson for the Alliance, told Automotive News that the "EPA's sudden and controversial move to propose auto regulations eight months early - even after Congress warned agencies about taking such steps while political appointees were packing their bags - calls out for congressional action to pause this rulemaking until a thoughtful policy review can occur." The EPA was going to consider public comments through April 2017, but then said it would move the deadline to the end of December. That means that it can finalize the rules before President Obama leaves office. The director of public affairs for the Consumer Federation of America, Jack Gillis, said on a conference call with reporters last week when the EPA originally announced its decision that it is unlikely that President Trump will be able to roll back these changes. Gillis also said on the same call that any attempt by the automakers to prevent these changes would be history repeating itself. "These are the same companies that fought airbags, and now promoting the fact that every car has multiple airbags," he said. "These are the same companies that fought the crash-test program, and now are promoting the crash-test ratings published by the government. So, it's clear that they're misperceiving the needs of the American consumer." There are more reasons the Allliance's pushback is flawed. Carol Lee Rawn, the transportation program director for Ceres, said on that call that the automotive industry is a global one, and many automakers are moving to global platforms to help them meet strict fuel economy rules around the world.