L.A. Auto Show: For VW, never mind the icebergs, full speed ahead

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Declaring that VW ‘will control what it can control,’ VW of America President and Chief Executive Stefan Jacoby promised that the company would not back down ‘one inch’ -- or 26 mm -- from the North American market. VW’s U.S. sales have declined 6% for the year, but Jacoby noted that VW’s market share is up 14% on the strength of new products, including Routan minivan, Tiguan CUV, Jetta TDI sedan and Jetta TDI SportWagon and CC coupe/sedan.

Today VW unveiled the to-be-expected Touareg TDI -- a V6 diesel with 225 hp with 17/25 mpg fuel economy. The Touareg TDI’s 50-state-legal engine develops a clod-hopping 405 pound-feet of torque. If you want a big SUV, VW’s still got them.

Meanwhile, VW is stepping up its off-road racing game. In 2007, the company went to the Baja 500 with Touareg Trophy Trucks, logging a 1-2 victory in its class. This weekend, the company is tackling the Baja 1000, again with the famed Arciero-Miller Racing team. The Touareg Trophy Truck (pictured) is powered by a 5.5-liter V12 diesel wringing the axles with 550 hp.

On other fronts, VW powertrain executive Ulrich Hackenberg explicated the company’s continuing research and development of fuel cell vehicles, a moment at the press conference that produced an almost audible yawn. Once the high-tech darlings of auto shows, fuel cells and hydrogen have all but left the building.

-- Dan Neil