In its latest attempt to crack the puzzle of the American market, Volkswagen is building a new assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tenn., and is aiming to sell one million vehicles in the US–up from last year’s 213,000–by 2018. Additionally, it has launched a major redesign of its US dealerships to help the brand achieve that lofty goal.

Internally named the “White Frame” concept, the new design is “going in a completely different direction” than the “Marketplace” concept that Volkswagen imposed on its American dealers beginning in 1998. Randy Pressgrove, general manager of network development for Volkswagen of America, told brandchannel.

“It coincides with our new commitment to America,” Pressgrove explained. At the same time, however, Volkswagen plans to roll out its new White Frame dealership design in other countries as well. Continue reading...

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"Google" declared word of the decade. [WSJ]

Toyota to expand Prius brand. [CNNMoney]

Tesco beats Christmas sales expectations. [WSJ]

Intel, Microsoft creating interactive digital ads. [WSJ]

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Accenture ends sponsorship of Tiger Woods. [NY Times]

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Forecasting dismal performance in 2010, Nokia cuts jobs at Finnish plant. [NY Times]

Beijing Automotive will buy parts of Saab. [WSJ]Continue reading...

Chrysler is willing to suffer in the short term in order to succeed in the long term. [NY Times]

Sprint believes slow and steady will win the race. [WSJ]

Citi fights to raise capital to pay back federal funds. [NY Times]

Burberry named Brand of the Year at British Fashion Awards. [Guardian]

AIG business is booming, just don't tell their customers it's AIG. [NY Times]

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Global ad spending will rise in 2010. [NY Times]Continue reading...