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Volkswagen plans 4 million cars from one platform

Volkswagen is pushing the global-platform concept to a level unprecedented in the auto industry, introducing a modular platform this summer that eventually will be the basis of microcars, sedans, crossovers and SUVs for its four largest brands. While automakers now share platforms across brands and sometimes even segments, the VW initiative that starts this summer is far more ambitious than anything seen so far. By 2017, some analysts estimate, the MQB platform that debuts with the Audi A3 eventually will be used in 4 million units a year--close to half of VW's annual production.

Porsche – the boss goes

Porsche boss Wendelin Wiedeking quits Well, Wendelin Wiedeking is not just any old suit, but the man credited with taking Porsche from an ailing, one-model car maker to the cash-cow it became. But Wendelin has become a victim of his own success – and the current economic woes. At any other time in the last decade, Wendelin’s plans to swallow VW would have worked.

Vauxhall Meriva concept (2008): first official pictures

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 28 February 2008 11:45 This is Vauxhall’s new Meriva, and it will be the first mini-MPV with suicide doors. The car in our pictures is the concept, set to be unveiled at next week’s Geneva Motor Show. It gives us huge hints towards the final look of the production car, which will be shown at the Paris show in autumn 2008.