Volkswagen will be revealing the next-generation version of the Golf GTI - one of the most acclaimed hot hatches on the market - in October, just in time for the Paris Motor Show. A slight boost in power and a modestly redesigned appearance are expected to give the GTI a fresh look while leaving enough intact of the outgoing model for fans to be comfortable with the new car.

The European Commission has finally given permission for Porsche to acquire control of the Volkswagen Group, something the German sports carmaker previously confirmed it would do before the end of the year. Porsche’s supervisory body authorised the purchase of a majority stake in Volkswagen, about $15.73 billion worth of shares, as far back as March. The purchase would take Porsche’s current holding of about 31% beyond the 50% mark, giving it almost total control of the entire Volkswagen Group.

The Volkswagen Group has had a penchant of late for nautically-themed SUVs. Starting with the Audi Q7 Coastline revealed at the Geneva Motor Show back in March and then followed up with the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta that same month, now the carmaker has revealed the Touareg North Sails Concept, which will be on display at this week's Travemünder Woche sailing event in Germany.

A MPV based on the next-generation Polo platform is in the works at Volkswagen, with a planned launch of the new vehicle slated for early next year. Unlike previous generation VW Caddy vans, which were also based on the Polo, the new MPV will be aimed at private buyers and positioned to give VW a strong entry in the new battle to make the most out of small-car platforms as fuel prices rise and carbon trading concerns develop.

Volkswagen confirmed today that it will build a new U.S. plant in the southern state of Tennessee. The new site, situated in the city of Chattanooga, beat out rival bids from cities in Alabama and Michigan because of its low cost and central location. Production at the site is scheduled to begin in early 2011.