The Qatar Investment Authority could acquire more shares in ailing German sports car maker Porsche SE than previously thought, German magazine Focus said.
In an advance copy of an article due to be published on June 22, the magazine referred to details of a paper outlining the future ownership structure that it said Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking had presented to the Porsche and Piech families.
It said there had been a provision for an external investor to hold 29.9 percent, when so far only a 25 percent share had been mentioned. However, there was no direct mention of Qatar.
Qatar has been discussing the possible size of a stake with Porsche and is due to reveal the outcome in two to three weeks, according to media reports.
Focus also said a Qatari delegation would discuss possible details with the state of Lower Saxony, which is home to Volkswagen. The state owns just over 20 percent of VW and has to approve any deals related to Porsche and VW.
Porsche amassed a 9 billion euro ($12.5 billion) net debt pile in its aborted attempt to acquire 75 percent of Volkswagen AG votes and has looked to rescue itself by uniting with its cash-rich subsidiary, which is Europe's largest carmaker.
Volkswagen CEO Ferdinand Piech is a member of the family that controls Porsche.
German car maker Daimler is also in advanced talks to buy a stake in Porsche, German magazine manager magazin reported on Friday on its website, citing financial sources.
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Automaker Volkswagen will temporarily shut parts of its plant in central Mexico from next week until early August but exports of the popular New Beetle should not be affected, a union spokesman said on Saturday.
The partial closure, starting Wednesday, will be the latest in a series of temporary shutdowns at the plant in recent months as the global slowdown hurts demand for new cars.
Union spokesman Arturo Monter said by idling some operations at the plant in the city of Puebla, the German auto maker hoped to save jobs while also taking advantage of the drop in orders to make adjustments to assembly lines.
He said about one-third of union workers on assembly lines for the Bora and Bora Variant models would be off work for 14 days. For 10 of those days, their pay would be cut by 50 percent.
The Puebla plant is Volkswagen's only factory in North America and most of the cars it produces are shipped to the United States, Canada and Europe.
About 70 percent of cars produced across Mexico are destined for the U.S. market, which is suffering its worst downturn in almost 30 years.
Mexico is the world's No. 10 producer of autos but output fell 39.4 percent in May year-on-year, hit by slumping U.S. demand. The country's plants assembled 108,162 automobiles in May and exported 83,910, industry group AMIA said.
BMW motorcycles are the first choice when it comes to used bikes, too. Long-lasting technology, reliable service and optimum parts supply are the rational arguments – innovative ideas, superior chassis and unmistakable engines provide the emotional appeal.
There is also a checklist which has been specially developed by BMW Motorrad ensuring that the motorcycle is inspected according to rigorous quality criteria, both in terms of technology and appearance – regardless of whether the bike is a BMW or another make. Any defects are remedied and the motorcycle’s condition is such that you can look forward to sheer riding pleasure even before the test ride. Generally speaking we can give you a warranty, too: after all, the same standard applies to used motorcycles as to new ones: absolute top quality at all times. Just what you’d expect from BMW Motorrad.
Haven’t you always wanted to own a BMW? Make your dream come true!
Powerful character for pure motorcycling joy - the new BMW R 1200 R.
This roadster is the universal talent on tarmac. A true cornering fiend on the one hand and a supremely comfortable travel companion on the other. Moreover it can be customised with a wide range of accessories to suit your every need. You can style it into a sporty, classic or touring oriented naked bike - the BMW R 1200 R will always be your reliable companion. The classy looks catch many an eye and the high-quality workmanship can be seen and felt everywhere. Typically BMW but yet different featuring proven qualities that will fascinate you over and over again - qualities that you will not want to do without once you have got to know them.
The 1200 cc flat twin contributes its share to the dynamic and supremely controlled experience generating an output of 109 bhp and 115 Nm of torque. The perfect suspension has no trouble at all with the weight of 223 kg (fully fuelled). You could load up the same again and still enjoy the almost playful and truly convincing handling of this bike. Combined with exemplary safety equipment, a timeless yet modern, high-quality and sporty design, the BMW R 1200 R is truly a multi-talented bike and an evergreen.
The BMW R 1200 R - modern power, exclusive looks and a truly classic naked bike.
The interceptor. The athlete. Aerodynamic, avant-garde. Do you know of another sporty bike with this profile? A bike that develops such pulling power with 175 bhp that it take the heat out of many a 200 bhp bike? But a bike you can still take out on a quick trip simply because it has great everyday suitability? At the same time a technological treat? The reasons: 140 Nm from 1,293 cc – and at 8,250 rpm too. With a throaty sound from a cool, hexagonal tube. With catalytic converter and exhaust valve. And with fuel consumption and exhaust emission values which would suit many a machine with half the dynamic performance.
With this jet, the whole concept of speed moves into a new dimension. This in-line 4-cylinder delivers its power in such a way that you can almost feel it when standing still. That’s because within the engine speed ranges in which you move more than 80% of the time – i.e. the lower and medium speed ranges – it delivers performance from the first yard. The real thing. And in terms of safety features, this machine is unique: ABS as standard with ASC and ESA optional. And the extras are amazing: race through the gears with the automatic shift function, pure racing in view with the 2D dashboard.
The BMW K 1300 S: supreme power with the sportiest of understatement. Why not try it out right away!
360 degrees of operating range as standard: after all, the BMW R 1200 GS is the ultimate all-round talent made to perfection – and therefore yet another example of an unstoppable BMW motorcycle.
A myth for almost three decades and an institution when it comes to travel enduro bikes. But even so, with the 2008 update the BMW Motorrad engineers have set new standards, providing absolute supremacy in all situations, not only with superior pulling power on any surface - 105 bhp at 8000 rpm – but also innovations such as the first enduro ESA(optionally available ex works).
Whether niftily tackling tree roots along the track leading to a remote holiday home or if a long distance is to be covered at speed with pillion passenger and luggage on the back – simply press a button to set the route profile and load level.
This means you are always in the right mode. With the even more ergonomical seat you sit more stably in the saddle - making playful drifting on bends or a bit of jump training off the road a welcome change.
And it also gives your own personal urge for freedom a sporty touchwhich is emphasised with striking accentuations: fuel tank side trim in high-quality steel, redesigned windshield carrier and cast iron rims, along with magnesium-coloured cylinders for an even more robust exterior.
Fine details such as white direction indicators, gold shimmering suspension fork bars and the LED rear light add elegant highlights. Powerful, dynamic colours such as Namibia Orange and Titanium Silver leave a lasting impression. Thus the legendary era is perpetuated – and all you need to do is climb up on the seat.
It is time to set forth – into a new age, on a new generation of enduro bikes. With low weight and abundant power reserves. Able to cope with real terrain as well as perform amazing banking feats on asphalt.
An enduro bike like no other BMW Motorrad has made before: an 800 cc machine with a full 85 bhp of horsepower and torque of 83 Nm weighing no more than around 200 kg! State-of-the-art engine management with highly economical fuel consumption, but abundant riding fun with powerful sound management, too: truly unstoppable! With a space frame which is not only hasa high level of torsional stiffness but also allows room for lots of other highlights such as a large airbox and fuel tank under the seat.
Fitted at the front with a 21-inch wheel which provides constant directional stability even over off-road stretches, at the rear with a full 17-inch wheel for the appropriate propulsion power – both naturally with robust spokes. The dual disc at the front and the single disc at the rear make for a breathtaking braking performance, with further safety enhancement available from the optional ABS.
The chassis isadapted to the off-road concept and has generous spring travel which can cope with the odd jump. Even though this bike is perfect when it comes off the production line: it wouldn’t be a BMW if there weren’t an extensive range of special accessories available for it – so that you can make your BMW even more individual.
This modern enduro – almost like a fun bike in its naked state – can thus be turned into an adventurous long-distance runner, not just visually but functionally too. Fuel up with a quick test ride from your BMW Motorrad dealership–then start planning your first trip!
That’s what modern high-performance sport is like on this purebred enduro: you sit on it and feel that everything is just right – the seating position, handlebars, footrests, it’s simply perfect. Then you look ahead: there’s never been a bike with a more streamlined steering head.
What geometry! Almost straight frame tubes – made of the finest steel – right down to the swing arm bearing. And there’s the next highlight: the swing arm and pinion on one shaft – or coaxial as the experts would say.
The effect is a tight chain in every situation on the road, whether the suspension is on fullrebound or compression. And that means traction at all times! And then you understand the principle of this unique construction: the distance saved between the pinion and the swing arm bearing fully benefits the swing arm length, which means even more traction! Greater length at the rear allows for a steeper fork at the front – making the machine agile but with excellent directional stability! Then there’s the engine: fuel injection, an almost straight intake tract, maximum efficiency with the most compact layout.
BMW intelligence is seen here once again: the clutch on the crankshaft, making the engine extremely short in length!
We could go on like this for pages – low centre of gravity due to fuel tank under seat, coloured mounted parts, fine quality components, compliance with EU-3 and street-legal. But why bother – when you can just sit on it, and all you will want to do is ride. And you’ll see why our engineers went to so much trouble. Get hold of your start number, because that’swhat this bike is built for. Simply unstoppable!