Friday, November 03, 2006

Volkswagen at SEMA

Volkswagen once again embraces tuner culture as they make another big splash in this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association. This time around, Volkswagen wants to build upon them famous "Unpimp mein auto" commercials by showing what Euro-tuning is all about. And in this year's show, Volkswagen provides 2 specimens of excellent Euro-tuning: the Thunder Bunny and R GTI.

As well, Volkswagen showcases their appearance packages for the Rabbit and Passat, with the latter being based on last year's RGT Passat Concept which generated positive feedback.

Jump in for full details in Volkswagen's press release.

Source: Volkswagen of America.
LAS VEGAS – Volkswagen of America, Inc. showcases its commitment to Euro-Tuning at this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. This year marks the return of Volkswagen to SEMA, following up on a successful debut in 2005.

Volkswagen is about personalization, high quality, and style, coming together in a package backed by a factory warranty. With beautiful fit, finish, and styling from the tires up, Volkswagen’s positioning reflects the way they build vehicles, and it is at the heart of everything they do. As a result, Volkswagens are a distinct canvas for tuners.

“Bringing the Volkswagen Brand to SEMA a second year is gratifying for all of us. We are committed to offering distinctly VW platforms for personalization and performance. ‘Pimp’ is about ego and bombast. We are different – we are about distinctly German performance and styling,” said Ken Gurney, general manager, Parts and Accessories.

The Rabbit is North America’s most affordable European car starting at $14,990, and the easiest entry into what Volkswagen calls Euro-Tuning. Less is sometimes more as demonstrated with Volkswagen’s latest in styling components delivered to the SEMA floor. Starting with a ground effects package, its front chin spoiler, side skirts, rear bumper and sporty diffuser, create a completely new lowered appearance for only $1,675. For the Rabbit’s shoes, Volkswagen offers a pre-mounted tire and wheel program. Giving this car a completely new demeanor, it is shod with 18x8-inch machine-finished Vision V alloy wheels, wrapped in high-performance 225/40R18 Michelin tires. To top off the styling package, this Rabbit sports a hatch spoiler and showcases the many appearance items available in Volkswagen’s current Genuine Accessories catalog. Owners looking for practical complements to protect their investment can choose splashguards, rubber mats, or trunk liners. A custom roof-rack system, with attachments suitable for many types of gear, is also available.

Last year, the RGT Passat Concept stirred interest among SEMA attendees with its striking appearance. A year later, Volkswagen is proud to announce that it will be installing the RGT inspired Hi-Def appearance package as on option for the Passat sedan, with availability beginning in December 2006. Passat owners with the Hi-Def appearance package will be an exclusive group as kits will be available in a limited number of colors, with installations to be limited to 2,000 units.

Complementing the Hi-Def appearance package, and factory-installed sport suspension, the SEMA display Passat wears a set of 18x8-inch Velos alloy wheels finished in diamond black with 235/40R18 Pirelli performance tires. As with many other Genuine Volkswagen Accessories, these wheels are available as options when ordering a new Passat sedan or wagon.

High quality and OEM fit are the two most important requirements of a Genuine Volkswagen Accessory. Genuine Volkswagen Accessories are designed to enhance a Volkswagen’s look without compromising comfort or safety. Buyers also have the option to incorporate the cost of accessories into their new-car financing. Volkswagen’s New Car Warranty is extended to Genuine Volkswagen Accessories, as well.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, Touareg and Phaeton through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers.