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Volkswagen could build plug-in hybrids in China

When you're Europe's largest automaker and your largest global market happens to be the one most notorious for its pollution (China), some solutions just present themselves. Volkswagen may be heeding that call. During the upcoming Beijing Motor Show, the company is expected to announce plans to produce plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in China, Reuters says, citing sources within the company. Few details have emerged, though the plug-ins will likely be produced at VW's Foshan factory in South China, which currently makes the Golf and Audi A3 and has plans to eventually make 600,000 vehicles annually. News has been percolating for a while, as Oliver Schmidt, general manager engineering and environmental office for Volkswagen Group of America, said last March that the company was planning at least two plug-in hybrid lines under the VW badge (and another three with its Audi and Porsche affiliates), including possibly a Touareg and Jetta PHEV. VW said late last month that it was looking to speed up development of "particularly eco-friendly models" made by Shanghai Volkswagen as well as developing a "new, very eco-friendly vehicle" with First Automotive Works (FAW). Earlier this year, VW unveiled its Golf GTE plug-in hybrid at the Geneva Motor Show. That model has a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to provide 201 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The car can travel as many as 81 miles on electric power alone.

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #366 LIVE!

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #366 tonight, and you can check out the topics below, drop us your questions and comments via our Q&A module, and don't forget to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so. To take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #366
2015 Lincoln Navigator

Bosch fuel pumps spark recall of 2015 Golf, GTI and Audi A3

A few weeks ago, BMW and Nissan both issued recalls for some of their vehicles to replace Bosch-supplied fuel pumps. The pumps had nickel plating that could flake off and cause a failure. Volkswagen Group is the latest automaker to be affected by the problem and has a campaign for the 2015 Audi A3, VW Golf and GTI. In total, 6,204 units of these models are in need of repair. The problem with the VW Group vehicles is identical to the previous recalls. It's possible for the pump's nickel plating to come off and cause increased friction. Eventually, this can result in the component's failure. According to documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (as a PDF, here), there are no reports of accidents or injuries from this issue in the VW Group models. Bosch spokesperson Linda Beckmeyer tells Autoblog that these vehicles don't all necessary share an identical fuel pump, but the parts all use the same plating process. The problem also prompted repairs of the 2014 Ford Escape several months ago, she indicated. When asked if the issue could prompt more campaigns, Beckmeyer said that she "can't speak to that" because automakers decide on the recalls. Owners should receive notice of the problem soon, but according to the NHTSA documentation, there currently aren't enough pumps to fix all of these vehicles. "Bosch is working closely with automakers regarding replacement parts," Beckmeyer said. When available, dealers will replace the components free of charge for affected customers. Related Video: RECALL Subject : Improper Plating may cause Fuel Pump to Fail Report Receipt Date: APR 17, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V229000 Component(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Potential Number of Units Affected: 6,204 All Products Associated with this Recall Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) AUDI A3 2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 2015 VOLKSWAGEN GTI 2015 Details Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. SUMMARY: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Golf, GTI, and Audi A3 vehicles. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing. CONSEQUENCE: If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle will not start, or if the engine is running, it will stop and the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any affected fuel pumps, free of charge.