Feb. 10: VW’s Mexican plant began producing the Taos for export markets. The U.S. is the Taos’ first destination arriving at your dealer by the end of Q2 2021. VW has already built 4,300 units for the Mexican market.
The Taos features a new-for-the-U.S. 1.5-liter, 158-hp turbocharged mill. This variation of VW’s EA211 engine family is more powerful and more economical to feed than VW’s current 1.4-liter gas engine. One of its efficiency tricks is its variable turbine geometry turbocharger.
Feb. 18: Consumer Reports’ 2021 Brand Report Card Ranking, based on test and survey data, places VW 18th, Audi 11th and Porsche 4th out of 32 brands. J.D. Power’s 2021 Vehicle Dependability Study ranks VW below average at 28th with 163 problems per 100 vehicles surveyed. The average is 121 problems. Audi is 20th (127 problems), whereas Porsche is second (86 problems).
Automotive News reports VWAG is weighing whether to spin off Porsche as a separately traded brand. This could raise additional capital. VW would retain the majority of Porsche shares.