Latest news with #VWPassat
Euronews
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Euronews
Volkswagen and Chinese partner SAIC to close Nanjing production plant
German car manufacturer Volkswagen and its Chinese partner SAIC will close their joint plant in Nanjing, eastern China. Production at the facility has now ceased, Volkswagen confirmed to Euronews, and the plant is expected to slowly close down over the second half of the year. First reports of the closure first surfaced late last year. This does not, however, spell the end for the partnership, as in 2024, the joint venture period of SAIC VOLKSWAGEN was extended until 2040, according to VW's website. Why is VW closing its Nanjing plant? The plant opened in 2008 and holds a production capacity of 360,000 vehicles per year. It has recently produced popular cars such as the VW Passat and the Skoda Superb. The production of the Passat will relocate to a plant 70km away in Yizheng, also in Jiangsu province. Located not far from the centre of Nanjing, a huge city with a population of nine million, the densely populated setting limited the plant's ability to be extended and upgraded, sources close to the company told Euronews. As the industry focuses on a move to EV production, a transformation here would be too costly and inefficient. This approach seems to align with VW future plans, outlined on their website in February 2025: 'The Volkswagen Group is driving forward the digitalisation of its model portfolio 'in China, for China'. Starting in 2026, the 'China Electronic Architecture' (CEA) – a powerful zonal architecture, will be used in the locally produced fully electric vehicles of the Volkswagen brand.' EV capabilities will be developed at the new site in Yizheng and the site in Nanjing will be returned to the city. Volkswagen has been producing cars in China since 1985 and has become a leader in mobility in the country. According to their website, they produced 2.93 million vehicles in 2024 in China.
Irish Independent
01-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Cash stolen from Donegal Friary as thieves target donation box
The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 25 at approximately 12.55pm when two males entered the Friary and proceeded to force open a petitions donation box and a sum of cash was stolen from within. One of the males is described as being aged in his 20's wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and a black cap while the other is believed to be in his teens and was wearing blue jeans, a black jacket, a pink/orange t-shirt and a black cap. Gardaí are appealing for anyone who may have observed these males or a black VW Passat with a partial registration of '10 LK' in the area of the Friary on that date to get in touch. A spokesperson said, "We especially appeal to anyone who may have travelled in the area of the Friary or the surrounding area with a dash-cam between 12.30pm and 1.30pm, to make the footage available to Gardaí. "Gardaí in Ballyshannon may be contacted on 071-9858530 in connection with the incident.' Gardaí are also appealing to those in charge of Churches/places of worship to take note of the fact that this incident occurred and to take some time to review the security measures that they currently have in place. "Should anyone wish to obtain advice in relation to security measures they are welcome to make contact with Sergeant Fergus Mc Groary (Divisional Crime Prevention Officer) at Letterkenny Garda Station on 074-9167100 and he will be happy to assist,' said a spokesperson.
Sunday World
13-06-2025
- Sunday World
Mechanic drove into Garda car inside GAA club grounds after high speed chase, court told
The court was told how the vehicle appeared to be trying to capture the attention of gardaí who were on patrol at the time by stopping in the middle of the road and recording officers on a mobile phone. Conor McPhillips led gardaí on a high speed chase across Monaghan in a pursuit that ended in a GAA club grounds. A mechanic went 'buck mad' when he led gardaí on a high speed chase before turning and driving into a garda patrol car inside the grounds of a GAA club, a court has heard. Conor McPhillips (32) Kincorragh, Smithborough, Co Monaghan was eventually stopped after his attempts to give gardaí the slip moments after entering the vicinity of Tyholland GAA ended in failure during the early hours of July 21 last year. McPhillips appeared at a sitting of Monaghan District Court where he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, no insurance, refusing to provide a specimen to gardaí and of having no driving licence in place in the wake of the incident. Conor McPhillips on the steps of Monaghan Courthouse. Sgt Lisa McEntee outlined how gardaí had been drawn to the movements of a VW Passat shortly before 4am after it was spotted being driven in an erratic manner. The court was told how the vehicle appeared to be trying to capture the attention of gardaí who were on patrol at the time by stopping in the middle of the road and recording officers on a mobile phone. Moments later, the vehicle proceeded out the N2 and towards Emyvale where its driver failed to stop despite attempts by gardaí to signal to its driver to pull in. As the VW Passat continued towards Emyvale, gardaí temporarily lost sight of the vehicle before noticing it then travelling behind the patrol car minutes later. The same vehicle carried out what was described in court as a 'dangerous' overtaking manoeuvre by crossing a number of traffic islands in the Gortmoney area of the county. As gardaí set off in pursuit of the vehicle once more, its driver undertook a second dangerous overtake a short time later before it was spotted circling around a roundabout 'numerous times' as it made off in the direction of Tyholland. It was there, the court was told McPhillips entered the grounds of Tyholland GAA with gardaí following in hot pursuit. Conor McPhillips on the steps of Monaghan Courthouse. Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 13 2025 Sgt McEntee said it was at that stage, gardaí observed the accused turn his vehicle and drive directly into the garda patrol car, causing damage to its front bumper in the process. Judge Raymond Finnegan was informed how McPhillips proceeded to drive around the outside perimeter of the Monaghan club side's pitch before he subsequently exited the vehicle and was arrested. Defence solicitor Martin Cosgrove described his client's actions as a 'big outing for a first outing' in light of his lack of any previous convictions. 'He has no real explanation and just went buck mad that night,' said Mr Cosgrove as he handed in €400 on behalf of McPhillips for the damage that was caused to the garda patrol car. The local solicitor insisted that while there was no damage inflicted upon the pitch or gates of Tyholland GAA which McPhillips rammed during the course of the chase, it was conceded his 'cooperation wasn't great' with gardaí when he was brought to a local garda station following his arrest. 'This is worthy of a prison sentence,' replied a visibly irritated Judge Finnegan as he ordered McPhillips to spend a spell in the holding cells of Monaghan Courthouse while he considered his verdict. When the accused was brought back up shortly before lunchtime, McPhillips said that experience was one he did not wish to encounter anytime soon again. 'How would you like nine or ten months in it because from what I heard this morning you deserve it for the way you conducted yourself,' said Judge Finnegan. McPhillips responded by insisting his actions on the night of the incident were 'completely out of character', something which drew a terse response from Judge Finnegan. 'Do you know how many times I have heard that in here? Everything is out of character when you end up in the court,' he said. McPhillips was consequently fined €500 for one of the dangerous driving charges and banned from driving for two years, as well as being fined €500 for the section 12 refusal alongside an accompanying four year ban. A €350 fine, meanwhile, was also handed down for driving without insurance. In 'taking into consideration' the no driving licence charge and criminal damage charge given the €400 compensation which was handed in earlier, Judge Finnegan told the 32-year-old: 'You are a very lucky man Mr McPhillips.' In the aftermath of that ruling, Mr Cosgrove applied for a brief postponement to McPhillips' disqualification in view of the fact he lived at home with his parents and was presently bringing his mother to medical appointments for treatment to a shoulder injury. Those overtures, however, fell on deaf ears as Judge Finnegan insisted his client needed to recognise the error of his ways. 'No, I won't do it (postpone driving ban),' he said. 'Let him pay for a taxi as he needs to take responsibility.'
Wales Online
10-06-2025
- Wales Online
Biker seriously hurt in Gwynedd crash that closed road for hours
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A biker was seriously injured in a crash that closed a Gwynedd road the hours. The incident happened more than a month ago but the motorcyclist remains in hospital. Police now want the public's help to establish what happened. They are asking for potential witnesses or dashcam footage - and would also like to speak people who were in the vicinity who may have information that would help. The incident was on the A493 near Penmaenpool and happened just after midday on May 5. North Wales Police said: "We are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a motorcyclist was left with serious injuries following a road traffic collision near Dolgellau last month. The collision involved a blue Suzuki motorcycle and a black VW Passat which took place on the A493 at Penmaenpool just before midday on the first May Bank Holiday (May 5th). Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox "The motorcyclist was taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd by Ambulance where he remains with serious injuries. "Anybody who may have been travelling along that stretch of road and who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have been in the vicinity prior to the collision and who may still have dash cam footage is urged to contact us via the website or by calling 101, quoting reference number 25000371349." Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
North Wales Live
10-06-2025
- North Wales Live
Biker seriously hurt in Gwynedd crash that closed road for hours
A biker was seriously injured in a crash that closed a Gwynedd road the hours. The incident happened more than a month ago but the motorcyclist remains in hospital. Police now want the public's help to establish what happened. They are asking for potential witnesses or dashcam footage - and would also like to speak people who were in the vicinity who may have information that would help. The incident was on the A493 near Penmaenpool and happened just after midday on May 5. North Wales Police said: "We are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a motorcyclist was left with serious injuries following a road traffic collision near Dolgellau last month. The collision involved a blue Suzuki motorcycle and a black VW Passat which took place on the A493 at Penmaenpool just before midday on the first May Bank Holiday (May 5th). Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox "The motorcyclist was taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd by Ambulance where he remains with serious injuries. "Anybody who may have been travelling along that stretch of road and who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have been in the vicinity prior to the collision and who may still have dash cam footage is urged to contact us via the website or by calling 101, quoting reference number 25000371349."
