Announcing the Golf R Ultimate Fan Experience

Posted on 25 April 2012 by

Oh, what a difference a letter makes. When Volkswagen announced that the all-new 2012 Golf R would be available for the first time ever, enthusiasts rejoiced with a capital R. We’re excited about it, too, which is why we’re celebrating its launch by offering our fans a chance to win the Golf R Ultimate Fan Experience.

With 256 horsepower, a turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI engine, standard six-speed manual transmission, 4Motion all-wheel-drive and a zero-to-60 time of less than six seconds, the 2012 Golf R is sure to please anyone looking for thrills behind the wheel. But we’re not looking for just anyone—we’re looking for the Ultimate Golf R Fan. If that sounds like you, here’s what you could win:

  • A seven-day, six-night trip to Germany
  • A visit to Wolfsburg to tour the Autostadt and Volkswagen headquarters
  • A visit to Nürburg to drive a Golf R on the Nürburgring with instruction from professional drivers
  • A visit to Berlin to enjoy an exclusive sightseeing package

To enter, download the Drivers Forever iPad application. Then tell us, in 256 characters or less, why you want to win the Golf R Ultimate Fan Experience. The contest runs from April 12 through May 14, 2012, so download the app and enter now.

Tell us: what do you love about the Golf R?

See the official rules.

A mix of blue and green: Passat TDI wins green accolade from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com

Posted on 25 April 2012 by

Because Earth is our very favorite planet (no offense, Jupiter—you’re super special, too), we prefer to celebrate Earth Day year round instead of just once a year. So you can imagine how happy we were when we heard that the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI was named a 10 Best Green Car by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.

The 10 Best Green Cars announcement comes just in time for Earth Day, perfect timing for a list of eco-friendly cars. And with gas prices well over $4 a gallon in many US cities, there’s never a bad time to drive a fuel-efficient vehicle. The top 10 cars were selected on a variety of criteria, but the Passat TDI was chosen in part because it offers up to 43 mpg with a powerful, responsive engine. The editors went on to state that the Passat TDI is “further proof of how clean and green diesels have become.” We’d like to think that it’s just the beginning.

Read the full article at kbb.com.

Tell us: what do you like best about the Passat TDI?

VOLKSWAGEN NAMED BEST TOTAL VALUE BRAND IN STRATEGIC VISION’S TOTAL VALUE INDEX™ STUDY

Posted on 16 March 2012 by

Stylish CC and practical Jetta SportWagen number one ranked vehicles in Total Value in their segments as rated by new vehicle buyers

Herndon, VA -  Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced that two of its vehicles have received top ratings from buyers in Strategic Vision’s Total Value Index® (TVI) in addition to the Volkswagen brand being recognized as the best in Total Value. Volkswagen’s Jetta SportWagen received top honors in the medium multi-function category with the Volkswagen CC named as the number one larger car.

“The way you become a Value leader in this economy is to create an exceptional product that is also affordable. Volkswagen has done just that by delivering vehicles like the Jetta SportWagen and the Volkswagen CC that fit into our economic structure with the engineering and performance that make the purchase so very desirable,” says Dr. Darrel Edwards, Founder and Executive Director of Strategic Vision.

Strategic Vision’s TVI calculates a number of important vehicle attributes like great fuel economy, price, reliability, and resale value along with innovation that is impactful and intuitive to owners’ expressed vehicle needs.

“Volkswagen is proud to be named the number one brand by Strategic Vision’s Total Value Index, and to have two of our top vehicles honored with best-in-class ratings by the buyers themselves,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “This honor represents the core values and abilities that set the Volkswagen brand apart, with our technological and design innovation, safety, reliability, and the overall power of our German engineering.”

This distinction marks the latest in a series of honors for Volkswagen from Strategic Vision. The brand has been named the best full-line corporation in Strategic Vision’s Total Quality™ Index four times in the past five years, with several Volkswagen vehicles winning top honors in both the Total Quality and Total Value Indices.

The Strategic Vision Total Value Index was calculated from 68,088 buyers who purchased models during September 2010 to June 2011. The vehicles’ Total Value is calculated starting with clear statements that owners make about value, including price, innovation, fuel economy, and more and then incorporates the importance of the variables that make up the entire ownership experience to determine the vehicles’ worth compared against the costs involved, also known as the “True Value.” The Strategic Vision Total Value Awards® have been presented annually since 1995.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Beetle, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers.

About Strategic Vision
Strategic Vision is a research-based consultancy with over thirty-five years of experience in understanding the consumers’ and constituents’ decision-making systems for a variety of Fortune 100 clients, including most automotive manufacturers. Its unique expertise is in identifying consumers’ comprehensive motivational hierarchies, including the product attributes, personal benefits, value/emotions and images that drive perceptions and behaviors. J. Susan Johnson, CEO of Strategic Vision, coined the phrase “True Innovators” and we measure this construct in the detailed Total Value Index report. The ValueCentered® psychology and research methods were defined by Dr. Darrel Edwards in 1968, and enhanced by co-founders J. Susan Johnson (1972) and Sharon Shedroff (1975). For further information, contact Alexander Edwards or Christopher Chaney at (858) 576-7141 or visit www.strategicvision.com.

ABOUT BOARDWALK AUTO GROUP VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS

Boardwalk Auto Group has three Volkswagen Dealerships serving the North Dallas community. Boardwalk Volkswagen, located in Richardson, Texas, was recently named 2012 Volkswagen Dealer of the Year for Texas by DealerRater® reflecting on the dealer’s commitment to unparalleled customer service. Park Cities Volkswagen and McKinney Volkswagen have also become two of the Highest-Rated DealerRater Certified Volkswagen Dealers in Texas.  For more information about Boardwalk Auto Group Volkswagen Dealers, please visit www.DallasVWDealers.com.

ABOUT BOARDWALK AUTO GROUP

Boardwalk Auto Group is one of the premier auto groups in the nation representing Audi, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche, and Volkswagen.

Golf GTI Cabriolet makes world debut at 2012 Geneva Motor Show

Posted on 08 March 2012 by

Wolfsburg/Geneva — Volkswagen presented the new Golf Cabriolet at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show. Now, at the same venue one year later, the sportiest version of the popular model is making its world debut: the first GTI Cabriolet. The GTI’s 2.0-liter TSI® engine crowns the open-top four-seat model with 207 horsepower, making it the most powerful Golf Cabriolet ever.

Along with more power, the GTI also brings a sportier exterior and interior and precisely tuned running gear. The first Golf GTI Cabriolets will be delivered just in time for summer.

Exterior

The Cabriolet exhibits typical visual trademarks of the GTI. These include the signature red-framed honeycomb grille and GTI badge, the front bumper that also has a large honeycomb air intake and the vertically positioned foglights, as well as a new rear diffuser featuring chrome tailpipes. Similar to the GTI Coupe, the Golf GTI Cabriolet features smoked LED rear lights, LED license plate illumination, and side sill extensions.

Standard wheels are 17-inch “Denver” style alloys with five prominent openings, fitted with 225/45 tires. Showing the same styling, but with a machine-polished surface and contrasting black inner surfaces, are optional “Detroit” style 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 tires.

Interior

The interior of the new Cabriolet matches that of the classic GTI’s, except for a more raked windshield frame and unique rear bench seat. It has sport front seats upholstered in the timeless “Jacky” tartan fabric; leather-covered seating is available as an option. True to the sporty nature, interior appointments include brushed stainless steel pedals, a unique GTI shift lever, and a flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel with a GTI emblem. The steering wheel and the shift and parking brake levers have decorative red seams. The cloth convertible top and A-pillars are lined in black. Also standard is automatic climate control, decorative chrome surrounds for light, window, and mirror controls, and the RCD 210 radio.

Performance and Handling

The Golf GTI Cabriolet accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. Customers can either specify a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG® (dual clutch gearbox) transmission, driving the front wheels. The turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engine develops a maximum torque of 207 lb-ft at a low 1700 rpm. The torque curve stays flat and constant up to 5300 rpm. The Cabriolet is not only equipped with electronic differential locks (EDS) in its ESP system; the GTI Cabriolet also has the XDS® transverse differential lock as standard. Even under full acceleration out of corners, the XDS® system ensures optimal grip and driving stability.

Top-down fun in 9.5 seconds

The fabric top of the Golf Cabriolet, which was designed for high speeds, was adopted unchanged for the GTI. It is operated electro-hydraulically and takes just 9.5 seconds to open (and 11 seconds to close). The top may also be operated while driving at speeds of up to 19 mph. When the top is up, this Volkswagen is one of the quietest convertibles available.

The Golf GTI Cabriolet also exhibits impressive safety attributes. Standard roll-over protection that automatically deploys is added to front and side head/thorax airbags and a knee airbag on the driver’s side.

Last but not least, the Golf GTI Cabriolet offers the most spacious interior in its class and the trunk has 8.8 cubic feet of usable space, even when the top is down. All of this makes the Golf GTI Cabriolet ideal for a summer vacation over challenging roads.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Beetle, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.

Notes:
This press release and images of the Golf GTI Cabriolet are available at media.vw.com.

“TSI”, “VW”, “Volkswagen”, “XDS”, “DSG”, all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG.

ABOUT BOARDWALK AUTO GROUP VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS

Boardwalk Auto Group has three Volkswagen Dealerships serving the North Dallas community. Boardwalk Volkswagen, located in Richardson, Texas, was recently named 2012 Volkswagen Dealer of the Year for Texas by DealerRater® reflecting on the dealer’s commitment to unparalleled customer service. Park Cities Volkswagen and McKinney Volkswagen have also become two of the Highest-Rated DealerRater Certified Volkswagen Dealers in Texas.  For more information about Boardwalk Auto Group Volkswagen Dealers, please visit www.DallasVWDealers.com.

ABOUT BOARDWALK AUTO GROUP

Boardwalk Auto Group is one of the premier auto groups in the nation representing Audi, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche, and Volkswagen.

Pricing for the redesigned 2013 Volkswagen CC starts at $30,250

Posted on 08 March 2012 by

The only affordable four-door coupe now sports a new look and more premium features

  • High-luxury, high-quality interior now has seating for five
  • Bi-Xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights and LED license plate illumination available across entire model line
  • New design incorporates current VW “family face” on front and rear fascias
  • New front-wheel-drive V6 Lux and 2.0T Sport Plus models
  • New exterior colors, interior trim and wheels available

Herndon, VA – Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced pricing for the redesigned CC, its ultra-stylish and luxurious four-door coupe. The 2013 CC makes an even bolder move towards the automotive luxury class, with new front and rear styling and an extended range of standard equipment that includes Bi-Xenon headlights and LED taillights. The new 2013 CC will start at $30,250 and will go on sale this spring in the U.S.

The CC is available with two different powertrains. The 2.0T models are fitted with Volkswagen’s award-winning, 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected TSI® four-cylinder engine that makes 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic. All 2.0T models are front-wheel drive. The VR6® Lux and VR6 4Motion® Executive have the 3.6-liter VR6 engine that produces 280 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, driving through a six-speed automatic transmission. The Lux is front-wheel drive, while the Executive is fitted with VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.
The 2013 CC model range:

2.0T Sport

The 2.0T Sport provides entry to the 2013 CC model range and starts at an MSRP of $30,250; it is available through special order. Standard equipment includes new 17-inch “Verme” alloy wheels with all-season self-sealing tires; Bi-Xenon headlights; LED taillights; LED license-plate illumination; rain-sensing windshield wipers; Climatronic® automatic climate-control; heated 12-way power front seats; touchscreen Premium VIII sound system with HD Radio, eight speakers, and a six-disc CD changer; Bluetooth® technology; iPod® connectivity; V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces; and matte chrome interior trim. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual with the option of a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic. The Sport model with LED Daytime Running Lights and Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) is available in dealerships for an MSRP of $30,610.

2.0T Sport Plus

This is a new model in the CC lineup and opens at $32,850. It adds LED Daytime Running Lights and AFS; stylish new 18-inch “Mallory” alloy wheels with all-season 235/40 tires; and the RNS® 315 navigation system. The six-speed dual-clutch DSG is the only transmission offered.

2.0T Lux

The 2.0T Lux has an MSRP of $35,355 and comes standard with the six-speed DSG automatic transmission. Its additional standard features over Sport Plus include new 18-inch “St Louis” five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels; brushed-aluminum interior trim; a power-tinted-glass sunroof; and ambient lighting.

VR6 Lux

The VR6 Lux is a new model for 2013 and retails for $37,730. It features a 280-hp, 3.6-liter VR6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Compared with the 2.0T Lux, it adds a headlight washer system with heated nozzles; a rearview camera; the RNS 510 navigation system that features a 6.5-inch touchscreen; leather seating surfaces; “Interlagos” 18-inch alloy wheels; memory seating and mirrors; and new engineered ebony trim (available on select V6 models).

VR6 4Motion Executive

In addition to the features offered on the VR6 Lux, the flagship CC adds 4Motion all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission for an MSRP of $41,420. Standard equipment includes polished 18-inch “Interlagos“ alloy wheels; Tiptronic® paddle shifters; a driver’s seat with massage function; Park Distance Control with front and rear proximity sensors; Dynaudio® Premium Sound System; and a power rear sunshade.

2.0T R-Line®

The popular R-Line will again be offered — tailored to the new CC design — in early 2013. More information will be released closer to launch.

2013 CC Pricing

Model Price (exc. destination and handling)
2.0L TSI Sport (special order)
(manual) $30,250
(automatic) $31,350
2.0L TSI Sport (with DRLs and AFS)
(manual) $30,610
(automatic) $31,710
2.0L TSI Sport Plus $32,850
2.0L TSI Lux $35,355
3.6L VR6 Lux $37,730
3.6L VR6 4Motion® Executive $41,420

 

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Beetle, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2012

Notes:
This press release and images of the 2013 CC are available at media.vw.com.

“TSI”, “DSG,” “VW”, “Volkswagen”, “4Motion”, “R-Line”, “RNS”, “Climatronic”, all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. “VR6” is a registered trademark of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “Bluetooth” is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. “Dynaudio” is a registered trademark of DYNAUDIO International GmbH. “iPod” is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. “Tiptronic” is a registered trademark of Dr. Ing h.c. F. Porsche Ag.

Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.

All prices listed are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and exclude transportation, taxes, title, options and dealer charges.

ABOUT BOARDWALK AUTO GROUP VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS

Boardwalk Auto Group has three Volkswagen Dealerships serving the North Dallas community. Boardwalk Volkswagen, located in Richardson, Texas, was recently named 2012 Volkswagen Dealer of the Year for Texas by DealerRater® reflecting on the dealer’s commitment to unparalleled customer service. Park Cities Volkswagen and McKinney Volkswagen have also become two of the Highest-Rated DealerRater Certified Volkswagen Dealers in Texas.  For more information about Boardwalk Auto Group Volkswagen Dealers, please visit www.DallasVWDealers.com. 

Go-ahead for fundamental ecological restructuring – Volkswagen Group commits to 120g CO2 target

Posted on 06 March 2012 by

  • Ambitious new sustainability targets
  • 30 percent reduction in CO2 emissions during period from 2006 to 2015
  • Emissions below 120 gram CO2/km mark for first time in 2015
  • More than two thirds of €62.4 billion investment program for the period to 2016 to be spent on ever more efficient vehicles, powertrains and technologies as well as environmentally compatible production
  • Every new model generation will on average be 10 to 15 percent more efficient than its predecessor
  • Group production to become 25 percent more environmentally compatible by 2018
  • 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with production-related energy supplies by 2020
  • Some €600 million is to be invested in expanding the use of renewable energies such as wind, solar and hydroelectric power

Wolsfburg/Geneva — The Volkswagen Group is raising the bar for environmental protection higher and has set itself ambitious new sustainability targets. In light of this, the Group will be spending well over two thirds of its entire €62.4 billion investment program for the coming five years directly or indirectly in ever more efficient vehicles, new powertrains and technologies as well as environmentally compatible production at its plants all over the world. “Geneva 2012 marks the start of a fundamental ecological restructuring of the Volkswagen Group”, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Volkswagen Group Board of Management, announced on Tuesday at the Geneva International Motor Show. “Our declared goal is to make Volkswagen the leading automaker in ecological terms, too.”

Volkswagen stands for responsible conduct towards employees, society and the environment. “That is the fundamental element and core of our Strategy 2018. To take pole position and to sustain that lead over the long term, you have to understand all these dimensions of our business and to practice them convincingly at every level,” Winterkorn said, and continued: “We are raising the bar much higher when it comes to sustainability.”

In this context, he stated that the Group would be reducing CO2 emissions by its European new vehicle fleet by some 30 percent during the period 2006 to 2015. “As a result, emissions by the Volkswagen Group fleet in 2015 will be below the important threshold of 120 grams CO2 per kilometer for the first time,” Winterkorn announced. He went on to say that every new model generation would on average be 10 to 15 percent more efficient than its predecessor.

Modular Transverse Toolkit: Efficiency technologies available as standard in all new models

According to Winterkorn, the “Modular Transverse Toolkit” (MQB) would make significant improvements in efficiency and alternative powertrain technologies accessible across all brands and segments. “Based on the MQB, the Volkswagen Group’s efficiency technologies will be available as standard in all new models over the coming years. The next big milestones this year are the Audi A3 and our best-selling model, the Golf”, Winterkorn said. He declared 2013 the “year of e-mobility” for Volkswagen, starting with the e-up!, which would then be followed by further all-electric or partially-electric vehicles from many Group brands.

25 percent improvement in environmental compatibility of production

Sustainable production and sustainable energy resources represent a further focus of the multi-billion investment program. According to Winterkorn: “Volkswagen is not only working on developing the most environmentally-friendly vehicles, but also on building them with the greatest possible sustainability. That is why we have set ourselves the target of making production in the Volkswagen Group 25 percent more environmentally compatible by 2018.”

He also announced that the Group was aiming for a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with production-related energy supplies by 2020: “To that end, we will be investing some €600 million in expanding the use of renewable energies such as wind, solar and hydroelectric power.”

Overview of the Volkswagen Group’s targets:

  • The Volkswagen Group will be investing €62.4 billion worldwide plus an additional €14 billion in China during the period to 2016. Well over two thirds of this investment program will be spent directly or indirectly on ever more efficient vehicles, powertrains and technologies as well as environmentally compatible production at Group plants.
  • CO2 emissions by the European new vehicle fleet will be reduced by some 30 percent during the period from 2006 to 2015 – emissions will be below the threshold of 120 grams CO2/km for the first time by 2015.
  • Every new model generation will on average be 10 to 15 percent more efficient than its predecessor.
  • There is to be a 25 percent improvement in the environmental compatibility of production in the Volkswagen Group by 2018. In specific terms, that means 25 percent less energy and water consumption, waste and emissions.
  • 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with production-related energy supplies by 2020.
  • To that end, some €600 million is to be invested in expanding the use of renewable energies such as wind, solar and hydroelectric power.

Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com names the 2012 Volkswagen Passat Top Family Car

Posted on 06 March 2012 by

Herndon, VA — The 2012 Passat can add yet another accolade to its growing roster of awards: It has been named by Kelley Blue Book’s www.kbb.com as the number-one pick for its 10 Best Family Cars of 2012 list. Each year, the expert editors at kbb.com choose 10 vehicles that they feel address a wide selection of typical familial concerns, ranging from safety, comfort, child-friendliness and favorable consumer ratings to potential out-of-pocket costs during the car’s first five years of ownership.

The Passat—starting at $19,995, with class-leading rear-seat legroom and parent-friendly standard features like Bluetooth® technology and dual-zone climate control—represents a tremendous value for any modern family. And, with the option of a TDI® Clean Diesel engine that gets an EPA estimated 43 mpg on the highway and a range of up to 795 miles when equipped with a manual transmission, the Passat can also be an eco-conscious family-hauling machine.

In naming the Passat their number one pick, kbb.com editors said: “Crafted specifically for the American market—it’s even built in Chattanooga, Tennessee—the 2012 Volkswagen Passat is both larger and cheaper than the model it replaces. But the European driving dynamics and interior feel remain, making the new Passat a uniquely well-rounded family sedan and our best family car of 2012.”

“We’re flattered to have the Passat recognized as the best family car of 2012 by the editors at Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, a company that is highly regarded by both the automotive industry and consumers,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “Such acknowledgement further validates our efforts to make it the first affordable, midsize German-engineered car for the American family. And it’s built in America!”

For more information about kbb.com’s 10 Best Family Cars of 2012, visit
http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/10-best-family-cars-of-2012/.

To learn more about the 2012 Passat’s other accolades, visit media.vw.com.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Beetle, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers.

Notes:
This press release and images of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat are available at media.vw.com

“VW”, “Volkswagen”, “TDI” all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. “Bluetooth” is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG.

Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.

Vehicle range based on EPA highway estimate and 18.5 gallon fuel tank. Your mileage will vary.

All prices are MSRPs and exclude taxes, title, transportation, options and dealer charges.

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)

Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the industry. Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website www.kbb.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In and Retail Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new cars this week. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies as well as governmental agencies. Kbb.com provides consumer pricing and information on minivans, pickup trucks, sedan, hybrids, electric cars, and SUVs. Kelley Blue Book Co. Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AutoTrader.com.

ABOUT BOARDWALK AUTO GROUP VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS

Boardwalk Auto Group has three Volkswagen Dealerships serving the North Dallas community. Boardwalk Volkswagen, located in Richardson, Texas, was recently named 2012 Volkswagen Dealer of the Year for Texas by DealerRater® reflecting on the dealer’s commitment to unparalleled customer service. Park Cities Volkswagen and McKinney Volkswagen have also become two of the Highest-Rated DealerRater Certified Volkswagen Dealers in Texas.  For more information about Boardwalk Auto Group Volkswagen Dealers, please visit www.DallasVWDealers.com. 

Volkswagen reports 42.5 percent increase in February U.S. Sales

Posted on 05 March 2012 by

  • February sales total 30,577 units, a 42.5 percent increase over prior year sales
  • Passat, the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year, sold 8,189 units its best month since August 2001
  • Tiguan sold 2,280 units, its best February ever
  • Jetta sedan achieved 11,694 units, up 11.4 percent versus the prior year
  • High-mileage, clean diesel TDI models account for 21.3 percent of sales in February, up 54.6 percent versus the prior month

Herndon, VA — Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) reported 30,577 units sold in February, a 42.5 percent increase over prior year sales and best February since 1973.

“February’s strong sales of 30,577 units and back-to-back record months reflects the increasing consumer confidence in the marketplace and strong interest for our products,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “With escalating fuel prices, we anticipate increased demand for our full-range of fuel efficient vehicles, particularly our TDI Clean Diesel models, to continue into the spring selling season.”

The Passat, recently named the #1 Family Car for 2012 by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, continues to be a success in the competitive mid-size sedan segment with 8,189 units for the month of February.
Jetta sedan remains the volume leader for Volkswagen with sales totaling 11,694, its best February ever.

The 2012 Beetle sold 1,303 units. The TDI Clean Diesel Coupe was unveiled this month at the Chicago Auto Show; it will go on sale late summer 2012.

The Tiguan continued strong sales with 2,280 units sold, marking the best February ever. The Touareg vehicles saw an increase in sales with 65.1 percent with 723 units sold.

Volkswagen’s high-mileage, clean diesel TDI models account for 21.3 percent of sales in February, a 54.6 percent increase versus the prior month.

VW – U.S. Snapshot — February  2012 — — YEAR-TO-DATE —
Feb-12 Feb-11 Yr/Yr
%change		 Feb-12
YTD		 Feb-11
YTD		 Yr/Yr %
Golf 1,194 1,089 9.6% 2,421 2,124 14.0%
GTI 1,285 1,383 -7.1% 2,516 2,352 7.0%
Total Golf R/Golf/GTI/R32 2,753 2,472 11.4% 5,403 4,476 20.7%
Jetta – Sedan 11,694 10,495 11.4% 21,258 20,237 5.0%
Jetta – SportWagen       1,144 2,097 -45.4% 2,542 3,815 -33.4%
Total Jetta 12,838 12,592 2.0% 23,800 24,051 -1.0%
Beetle – Coupe 1,303 53 2358.5% 2,704 160 1590.0%
Beetle – Convertible - 203 -100.0% - 367 -100.0%
Total Beetle 1,303 256 409.0% 2,704 527 413.1%
Eos 419 422 -0.7% 784 671 16.8%
Passat – Sedan 8,189 56 14523.2% 14,507 132 10890.2%
Passat – Wagon - 15 -100.0% - 47 -100.0%
Total Passat 8,189 71 11433.8% 14,507 179 8004.5%
CC 1,413 2,329 -39.3% 2,828 3,712 -23.8%
Tiguan 2,280 2,172 5.0% 4,588 3,711 23.6%
Touareg 723 438 65.1% 1,554 933 66.6%
Routan 659 710 -7.2% 1,618 1,602 1.0%
TOTAL 30,577 21,462 42.5% 57,786 39,862 45.0%

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Beetle, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.

Boardwalk Auto Group Volkswagen Dealers take the Wheel as Presenting Sponsor for 2012 Dallas International Film Festival

Posted on 24 February 2012 by

For the first time, the top Volkswagen dealers in Texas, Boardwalk Auto Group Volkswagen Dealers have signed on as presenting sponsor for the 2012 Dallas International Film Festival April 12-22, 2012. Boardwalk Auto Group Volkswagen Dealers will be providing the festival with a Volkswagen fleet to transport filmmakers and festival guests around Dallas for the entire 11-day duration.

“For the last five years we have watched the impressive evolution of the Dallas International Film Festival,” said Scott K. Ginsburg, Owner of Boardwalk Auto Group Volkswagen Dealers. “As the festival enters into its sixth year, we are thrilled to be a part of the celebration of the arts within our community. At Boardwalk Auto Group Volkswagen Dealers, we have a fierce commitment to integrity and service performance and in this, we feel a natural synergy with the Dallas International Film Festival – it is renowned for its hospitality and putting the filmmakers and their work on a pedestal. We celebrate that.”

Approximately 180 films from all over the world will be screened over 11 days. “For each of the first five years of the Dallas International Film Festival we have worked to bring a vibrant mix of international excellence and artistry to the city of Dallas,” said James Faust, artistic director of the Dallas Film Society.

For the first year since the festival’s inception there will be a Festival Village at the fashionable Mockingbird Station. The Festival Village will serve as the hub of the festival where filmmakers and film fans will have the chance to mingle and network at the Festival Lounge and CBS Radio will present its first ever Music Lounge – showcasing local music to the public every evening for the festival’s eleven-day duration. Only a few steps from Mockingbird Station, Kimpton’s luxurious Hotel Palomar will conveniently offer a stylish retreat for the out-of-town filmmakers and visiting celebrities as the festival’s host hotel.

The festival will culminate with the Dallas Film Society Honors, an evening of tributes with Dallas Star Award honorees and filmmaker award winners at the Hotel Palomar.

ABOUT BOARDWALK AUTO GROUP VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS
Boardwalk Auto Group has three Volkswagen Dealerships serving the North Dallas community. Boardwalk Volkswagen, located in Richardson, Texas, was recently named 2012 Volkswagen Dealer of the Year for Texas by DealerRater® reflecting on the dealer’s commitment to unparalleled customer service. Park Cities Volkswagen and McKinney Volkswagen have also become two of the Highest-Rated DealerRater Certified Volkswagen Dealers in Texas. For more information about Boardwalk Auto Group Volkswagen Dealers, please visit http://www.DallasVWDealers.com.

ABOUT BOARDWALK AUTO GROUP
Boardwalk Auto Group is one of the premier auto groups in the nation representing Audi, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche, and Volkswagen. Learn more about Boardwalk Auto Group at http://www.BoardwalkAutoGroup.com.

ABOUT THE DALLAS FILM SOCIETY
The Dallas Film Society celebrates films and their impact on society. A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the Dallas Film Society recognizes and honors filmmakers for their achievements in enhancing the creative community, provides educational programs to students to develop better understanding of the role of film in today’s world, and promotes the City of Dallas and its commitment to the art of filmmaking. The annual Dallas International Film Festival, scheduled for April 12 – 22, 2012, is a presentation of the Dallas Film Society. In addition to producing one of the largest festivals in the Southwest, the Society produces numerous year round events, screening series and partnership programs with arts organizations around the city. For more information, call (214) 720-0555, or visit http://www.dallasfilm.org.

Now available in (Think) Blue: VW reveals the Beetle TDI Clean Diesel at the Chicago Auto Show

Posted on 22 February 2012 by

The Volkswagen Beetle is known for inducing smiles, and the latest addition to the Beetle family is no exception.  This month at the Chicago Auto Show Volkswagen announced that a TDI Clean Diesel model of the 2013 Beetle will be available this Summer.

The 2013 Beetle TDI is the first TDI Clean Diesel Beetle we’ve offered since 2006, but we think you’ll agree that it was worth the wait. It’s the most fuel-efficient Beetle yet, with a predicted fuel economy of 29 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. Besides its excellent efficiency, what sets this model apart is what’s under the hood.

The Beetle TDI makes the most of Volkswagen’s innovative 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection Clean Diesel engine, which puts out 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. That’s great news for your right foot, because all that extra torque equals substantially more responsive driving.

We don’t use the term “Clean Diesel” lightly. Like our other TDI models, the Beetle TDI features an exhaust system with a particulate filter and no less than three catalytic converters: one for oxidation, one for oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and one for hydrogen sulfide. For those of you who aren’t chemistry majors, that means that engine emissions are reduced. For that, we can all breathe easier.

The Beetle TDI will be available in three trim levels, including a TDI with Sunroof and a TDI with Sunroof, Sound, and Navigation. All three levels are very nicely equipped, with standard features like power windows with one-touch up/down; cruise control; V-Tex Leatherette seating; the Kaeferfach secondary glove box; Bluetooth®; a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with audio controls; three auxiliary gauges; Keyless entry with push-button start; and a Media Device Interface with iPod® cable.