by VW in the News on July 13, 2011
Taking the next step in its efforts to reach 1 million annual sales in the U.S. by 2018, Volkswagen recently opened its new plant in Chattanooga, Tenn., during a special ceremony led by Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, chairman of the board of Volkswagen AG.
“The Volkswagen Group has finally arrived as a local manufacturer in the United States. We are proud to be part of this great automobile nation as a producer, an employer, and as a friend and good neighbor to people in the region,” said Winterkorn, speaking in front of an audience that included Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, U.S. Senators Robert Corker and Lamar Alexander, and Dr. Klaus Sharioth, Germany’s ambassador to the United States. [click to continue…]
by VW in the News on July 11, 2011
When the folks at Volkswagen were developing the all-new 2012 Beetle, they were committed to showcasing the style and spirit of the original, but also to updating the new car to provide “all the benefits of today’s technologies and efficiencies”—and that includes the latest powertrain technologies and the kind of fuel efficiency demanded by today’s drivers. So, naturally, they made sure one of the automaker’s innovative TDI clean-diesel engines was available for the reborn Bug.
With the available four-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbodiesel, the 2012 Beetle is expected to achieve EPA ratings of 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway/33 mpg combined, making it the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever offered by the company. And at the same time, the quiet and smooth-running powerplant lives up to its “clean” moniker by meeting all U.S. emissions requirements. But that doesn’t mean the diesel Beetle will be any less fun to drive. In fact, because diesel engines are known for their robust torque—236 lb.-ft. of which will be on tap in the new VW, along with 140 hp—owners will benefit from unexpectedly snappy off-the-line acceleration. [click to continue…]
by VW in the News on June 22, 2011
To help U.S. consumer cope with rising fuel prices, the automotive experts at Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com recently put together their list of “Top Green Cars for 2011.” And to help those customers cope with the boredom offered by most high-efficiency cars, they made sure the Volkswagen Golf TDI had a starring role in that lineup.
Calling it the right choice if “you’re interested in saving the planet but don’t want to stop having fun,” the website editors specifically called out the Golf for its “European driving feel, hatchback utility and interior quality,” without, of course, forgetting to mention its innovative 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine. The responsive I4 powerplant delivers 140 hp and a robust 236 lb-ft of torque for brisk acceleration, 25 percent lower greenhouse-gas emissions (as compared to a similar gas engine), and an EPA line of 30 mpg city/42 mpg highway/34 mpg combined—with both its six-speed manual transmission and its six-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual-shifting capabilities. [click to continue…]
by VW in the News on May 13, 2011
Boasting a subtly enhanced exterior, notably improved cabin and significantly better fuel efficiency, the new 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan was recently introduced to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland.
The changes start right up front, where the Tiguan now showcases the Volkswagen family’s new “face,” first introduced on the completely redesigned 2011 VW Jetta and Passat. It provides a more modern, sleek look, using chrome accents to integrate the Tiguan’s new grille with its revised headlights. Below the grille, the vehicle gets a more athletic appearance courtesy of trapezoidal lower air intakes that also holster the Tiguan’s fog lights. LED daytime running lamps, packaged with VW’s AFS advanced headlight system, will be available as well. [click to continue…]
by VW in the News on April 6, 2011
The Volkswagen GTI is well known to enthusiasts for providing a big dose of thrills without adding too much to the monthly bills, but make no bones about it: VW’s hot hatch is a total value package. In fact, it was just honored as “Best Upscale Compact for the Money” by the editors of U.S. News & World Report. The recognition came as part of U.S. News’ annual “Best Car for the Money” rankings, which combine an analysis of published reviews and test drives with the latest reliability and safety data.
Among the top reasons for receiving this honor was the GTI’s “ridiculously nice interior,” boasting a multifunction steering wheel, keyless access with push-button start, premium touchscreen audio system, Bluetooth connectivity and striking Interlagos plaid design scheme. [click to continue…]
by VW in the News on February 22, 2011
A lot of automakers talk about how safe their vehicles are, but when the experts at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) released their list of 2011 Top Safety Picks, there was just one company that could claim the most honors: Volkswagen.
“Volkswagen has shown an enduring commitment to engineer vehicles with safety performance that goes beyond basic government standards,” said IIHS president Adrian Lund. “The 2005 Jetta was the first car to ace the Institute’s tough side impact crash test, and Volkswagens like the new 2011 Jetta continue to set the standard with the highest safety ratings.” [click to continue…]
by VW in the News on February 16, 2011
Calling it “not only a segment standard,” but “also an industry benchmark” and “a refined and proven formula for driving bliss,” AUTOMOBILE Magazine recently named the Volkswagen GTI to its automotive All-Star list for the fifth straight year. And even with the car’s compact proportions, the GTI had room for a full-size range of compliments.
The GTI’s award-winning 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine makes a robust 200 hp, but it “acts like a much more substantial engine, with broad power delivery, smooth revs, and a throaty exhaust note.” [click to continue…]
by VW in the News on February 10, 2011
Beginning with select 2012 models, Volkswagen is launching a new Fender system that actually enhances crashes—at least if you’re talking about crashing cymbals. That’s because VW is partnering with Fender, the musical masters behind the Fender Stratocaster and other iconic electric guitars, on a new up-level sound system for future Volkswagen models.
In fact, the Fender Premium Audio System and the 2012 VWs in which it will debut were specifically developed together to create an optimum listening experience for drivers and passengers alike. The audio setup leverages nine separate speakers—boasting proprietary Panasonic technology—and includes both extended-range tweeters and front dual-voice coil speakers. The bottom line will be uncompromised clarity with particularly low inter-modulation distortion and smooth mid-range response to eliminate harshness. [click to continue…]
by VW in the News on January 31, 2011
Volkswagen’s innovative TDI clean-diesel technology helped pave the way for two more notable honors recently, with the VW Jetta TDI and Jetta Sportwagen TDI each earning kudos from well-respected industry experts.
For the Sportwagen, it was the result of a Consumer Reports test of “fuel-efficient cars” that featured the VW, Ford Fiesta, MAZDA2 and Honda CR-Z. As you might expect, the subcompacts from Ford and Mazda did fairly well in terms of fuel economy, although they still trailed Honda’s hybrid. But it was the bigger and more versatile Jetta Sportwagen that put up the top mark, scoring 36 mpg in the CR’s own testing, including a “superb 49 mpg on the highway.” [click to continue…]
by VW in the News on January 17, 2011
Sunny Los Angeles was the perfect place for the introduction of the new 2012 VW Eos, as Volkwagen’s stylish convertible coupe was recently introduced there during November’s LA Auto Show. Featuring a retractable hardtop—the only one in the industry with a built-in sunroof—the 2012 Eos has been refreshed both inside and out to deliver top-down driving thrills during nice weather and a dynamic, no-compromises ownership experience the whole year round.
The Eos now boasts cleaner lines with fresh, horizontally designed body contours, along with a sophisticated new front-headlight design, a black grille with subtle chrome accents, two-part LED rear lights featuring fiber optics, and a redesigned, more aerodynamic rear bumper/diffuser. The interior of the Eos has been refined as well, with a standard keyless entry/start system, “matte chrome” detailing, chrome-framed window buttons and light switches, and new trim for the car’s ergonomic instrument panel. Up-level models add genuine walnut wood accents for their instrument and door panels, along with new “Vienna” leather seating surfaces. In addition, Eos sound systems can now receive HD Radio programming. [click to continue…]
