BlueTDI Jetta ready for a summer launch

Come summer of this year, Volkswagen will begin ramping up supply of TDI engines that are 50-state legal in the US. Volkswagen announced in the Vienna Motor Symposium that development on the BlueTDI engine for the Jetta is concluded and will be ready for launch this summer in the US. Good news just as gas prices continue to rise and car buyers look to alternative fuels for relief.

Volkswagen's new diesel engines are now common rail diesel and also uses Bluetec technology from when Volkswagen was still working on Daimler. The BlueTDI Jetta diesel is Tier2 Bin5 compliant, making it the first diesel to be so without using urea injection to reduce NOx emissions. The 2.0L diesel engine, first fitted in the Tiguan last fall, is able to achieve such low NOx emissions because each cylinder is fitted with pressure sensors that allow optimized fuel injection pulses and keep engine temperature down. This reduces NOx emissions by 60%. When on the highway, the Jetta will not only be cleaner, it will also be sipping very little diesel returning about 60 mpg, besting the Prius' posted highway rating at 45 mpg.

Down the pipeline, The 3.0L V6 TDI will be coming for the Touareg by the end of the year. For that particular engine, urea injection will be necessary to bring NOx levels down, as well as a particulate filter to eliminate the black smoke familiar to many old diesels.

Press release after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen

BlueTDI will debut midyear in North America

The U.S. version of the Jetta will be the first to use BlueTDI
Wolfsburg, 24 April 2008 - At the International Vienna Motor Symposium (24-25 April), Volkswagen is to introduce the production version of the BlueTDI, a next-generation turbo diesel developed especially for the North American market. The common rail engine is based on the high-tech TDI, which was first introduced in Europe in 2007 with the Tiguan. This engine already satisfies the Euro-5 standard that comes into effect in autumn 2009. In order to meet specific operating conditions in the U.S., this four-cylinder engine was redeveloped with internal engine modifications and a NOx trap.

Background information: Five U.S. states1, including California, currently have the strictest emissions standards in the world (BIN5/LEV2). In spite of variations in fuel quality, which are more dramatic in the U.S. than in Europe, the new BlueTDI meets these emissions standards. The engine will debut in the U.S. Jetta this summer. For years, the Limousine has been the most popular and successful European-manufactured car on the American market, especially as a diesel.

The Jetta BlueTDI will debut as one of the cleanest and most economic cars of its class in the world. In the run-up to the Vienna Motor Symposium, Dr. Ing. Jens Hadler, Director of Volkswagen Powertrain Development comments, "high fuel prices and a dramatic change in environmental consciousness means that diesel is becoming more and more attractive for American drivers every day." Dr. Hadler continues, remarking, "this is why many customers, especially in California, have been waiting for a super-clean diesel like our BlueTDI. I think this motor will help the diesel get its big break in America because it consumes so little and yet can go such long distances on a single fill-up. And in a country as big as the United States, this is a priceless advantage. On the highway, for example, this engine can reach up to 60 miles per gallon2. This is an improvement of 12 percent over its predecessor, which had a lower capacity and higher emissions."

A key aspect in the development of the BlueTDI (2.0 litre engine displacement, 103 kW/140 PS, 320 Nm) was the reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx); the American BIN5/LEV2 standards stipulate a nitrogen oxide limit of only 0.05 g/mile. The engineers in Wolfsburg met this limit and the general reduction of raw emissions by using internal engine modifications, some of which are unique worldwide, and implementing the maintenance-free NOx trap.

These internal engine changes include modifications to the design of the injection system of both the American and European TDI as well as the implementation of cylinder pressure sensors. This allows for a completely new type of cylinder pressure-based combustion control, which is both faster and tailored to each specific cylinder. Also new on-board: an optimised high-pressure injection pump. Another unique feature is the combination of a high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation system with additional low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation. This dual exhaust gas recirculation (dual circuit EGR) is an effective means of reducing nitrogen oxides in the engine. The dual circuit EGR system alone reduces NOx by up to 60 percent.

Outside of the engine, it is the NOx trap – connected downstream of the oxidation catalytic converter and the particle filter – that reduces nitrogen oxide to an absolute minimum. Implemented together, these measures reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 percent. Drive the Jetta BlueTDI and you will be driving one of the most economical and environmentally-friendly cars in America.

1) = BIN5 states: California, Massachusetts, Maine, New York and Vermont.
2) = MPG (miles per gallon) is the standard range specification in the U.S. for describing fuel consumption.

Park Assist goes one step further

Would you ever let your car park itself? Granted we already have a system from Volkswagen, called Park Assist that steers the car while the driver controls the brakes/gas pedal. Lexus also has a similar system (albeit one that doesn't work too well). But today, Volkswagen went a step further, too far for some perhaps. They have come up with Park Assist Vision.

It will do everything the current Park Assist does except -- get this -- you don't even have to be in the car. Yes, you actually get out of your car, press a button on your key fob and watch as the car goes in reverse, back up, and then even shut off the engine and lock the doors for you -- all while you're standing outside the car! It will even correct itself if it can't back into the space in one go. Park Assist Vision will work in any kind of parking situation.

(Thankfully) Park Assist Vision is still in development but don't be surprised to see it in a few years, just as a few years ago, a robot named Stanley managed to navigate an obstacle course just by using satellites and lasers. In 50 years when this is commonplace, we will all be telling our kids how we actually had to park our cars ourselves. They'll think we were daredevils or something.

Watch a truly amazing demonstration after the jump.

Source: Autoblog, Youtube

Diesel-hybrid Golf is a no-go

Remember that remarkable diesel-hybrid Golf concept from the Geneva Motor Show back in January? Well, it will apparently stay a concept, according to Auto Motor und Sport. A surprise considering the excellent reception the concept received. Autoblog also tried to sort out fact from rumor by shooting an email to the Volkswagen HQ in the US. According to them, the Golf TDI Hybrid was merely "...a concept. No plans to produce were announced."

Shame.

Source: Autoblog

Carefree Maintenance Program announced for all 2009 models

Today, Volkswagen has announced the Carefree Maintenance Program for its entire 2009 model lineup. This program means that for the length of the limited warranty (3 years/36,000 miles) on your MY2009 vehicle, Volkswagen will do all the scheduled maintenance for free. Useful if your car was a Tiguan, which requires 3 scheduled maintenance service stops, or a Routan, which requires 6. Good thing, then, that the program will launch with these vehicles. A program like this isn't actually new. What is new, however, is that Volkswagen is the first non-luxury marque to have something like this. Audi and BMW has had something similar for years.

Press release after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen

VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES CAREFREE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

Program designed to improve owner loyalty and brand distinction

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today a no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program on its entire 2009 model line. With this program there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance described in each vehicle's maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty-three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The Carefree Maintenance Program will launch with the introduction of the Tiguan, Volkswagen's all-new crossover utility vehicle.

"Volkswagen's Carefree Maintenance Program is a great way to improve our owner loyalty for our brand, as well as increase consumer consideration" said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "This program also differentiates us from our competition by allowing us to be the only automaker among our key competitors to offer a no-charge maintenance program" added Barnes.

The maintenance intervals covered under this program and detailed in each vehicle's maintenance booklet are 10K, 20K, and 30K miles for all 2009 model year Volkswagens. Since all current Volkswagens use synthetic oil, combined with state-of-the-art European engineering, a 5K oil change is no longer necessary. This means that Volkswagen customers can drive further between oil changes.

This program also covers the forthcoming Routan, Volkswagen's all-new seven passenger minivan, which arrives in dealer showrooms later this year. Maintenance intervals for the Routan are 6K, 12K, 18K, 24K, 30K and 36K.

The Carefree Maintenance Program also includes a courtesy vehicle check. This allows owners to return to the dealership from which they purchased their 2009 model year Volkswagen within 90 days or 6,000 miles, whichever occurs first, for a full review of the vehicles benefits and features, and to have their vehicle checked at no charge.

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, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com.

New Robust spyshot that isn't a Hilux

Thus far, all of the spyshots for the upcoming Robust pickup has depicted a Toyota Hilux mule. This time, Volkswagen has decided to put some camouflage on its prototype, leading us to believe that the Robust is finally wearing its own skin.

The Robust pickup in the spyshot is a quad-cab with a shortened bed. Aside from this flavour, a single-cab with a regular bed will be offered. These two flavours will be offered with two- or all-wheel drive and are to be built in Germany and Argentina for global markets. The US market isn't guaranteed to get the Robust, though. But I think it's suicide not to offer a pickup truck in the pickup truck capital of the world. Hopefully Volkswagen sees that.

More pictures after the jump.

Source: Autoblog

Beijing 2008: Volkswagen unveils Lavida for Chinese market

China is already the number one largest market in the industry. All attention is on the People's Republic as it continues to buy cars at a faster rate each year. Companies are now making China-only cars and Volkswagen is no exception. At this year's Auto China show in Beijing, Volkswagen unveiled the Lavida, a China-only car based on Mk. IV components.

The Lavida, like many made-for-China models from many car companies, is very plain. The front and rear is generic. Not ugly, by any means but the car does not stand out and is actually very un-Volkswagen-like. The side profile, on the other hand, is reminiscent of a BMW 5-series, for some reason. Inside, you'd be surrounded in woodgrain. Switchgear isn't found anywhere else on Volkswagen's vehicles. Overall, this car is ok. Not being an expert in Chinese taste, I don't know whether this is exactly what they like. Maybe it is.

Press release after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen, images from Autoblog

Volkswagen to showcase Scirocco during 24-hour 'ring race

The new Scirocco has a lot to prove. As Volkswagen's latest sporting model, it needs to get some proper street cred before it hits the roads later this year. So, to fix that, Volkswagen will be showcasing the Scirocco during the 24-hour endurance race at the Nurburgring the weekend of May 24th and 25th. The race-spec Scirocco will do 300 hp. Details are pretty slim in terms of exactly what modifications Volkswagen did to the Scirocco but suspension and brakes should be top of the list, we think.

The Scirocco will be driven by Carlos Sainz, two-time WRC champ and Hans-Joachim Stuck, two-time Le Mans winner.

Press release after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen

Stuck and Sainz in Volkswagen Scirocco on the Nordschleife

The two-time Le Mans winner Hans-Joachim Stuck and the two-time World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz are leading Volkswagen's line-up of drivers for the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. The three factory-developed racing versions of the Scirocco, which is making its début on the race track before its market launch, will be piloted by an unusual mix of seasoned rally and circuit drivers as well as young talent and journalists at the legendary motorsport marathon staged at the "Green Hell" on 24 and 25 May.

Alongside factory driver Carlos Sainz (E) his rally team-mates Giniel de Villiers (RSA) and Dieter Depping (D) from cross-country rally sport are part of the line-up as well as Volkswagen Junior Jimmy Johansson (S) and the seasoned touring car racers Florian Gruber (D), Thomas Mutsch (D) and Francois Verbist (B). Prominent support from the Volkswagen Group will be provided to them by Hans-Joachim Stuck (A), who has been the company's motorsport representative since the beginning of this year, as well as by Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Volkswagen board member for technical development. Other Scirocco drivers are journalists Bernd Ostmann (auto motor und sport) and Matthias Malmedie (Grip das Motormagazin)

Board member Dr Ulrich Hackenberg: "A demanding project"

"The new Scirocco's entry in what is arguably the world's toughest auto race is a demanding as well as an exciting project," states Dr Ulrich Hackenberg. "The objective should be for one of the three Scirocco teams to repeat the 2007 class victory of the Golf GTI. This would be an excellent way to support the market launch of the production model in autumn."

Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen is convinced that the drivers as well as the Scirocco will cause a sensation at this tradition-rich race. "With this fantastic drivers' squad and the racing début of the Scirocco, which has attracted a lot of attention since its unveiling in Geneva, we're offering a real highlight to the crowd of some 200,000 spectators lining the circuit and the many TV viewers during the long live coverage on DSF," says Kris Nissen. "Last year, the successful running of the Golf GTI with class victory and eighth place overall made a strong impression. Now, the Scirocco's entry means that a legend, which made its mark in racing as early as in the seventies and eighties, returns to the race track."

Three-time Nürburgring winner Stuck: "A dream combination"

The Volkswagen Group's motorsport representative, Hans-Joachim Stuck, will tackle the 24-hour race on the 25.378-kilometre combination of the Grand Prix circuit as a proven Nürburgring veteran. As many as three times – in 1970, 1998 and 2004 – "Strietzel" Stuck won this prestigious race in the "Green Hell".

"I'm proud about the fact that, at my age, I have the chance to take part in the racing début of a newly introduced car like the Scirocco. In addition, it's a great thing for me to compete alongside Carlos Sainz as a team-mate. In rally racing he's a shining light, similar to Michael Schumacher in Formula 1," says Stuck. "For me, the 24-Hour Race at the Nürburgring along with the Monaco Grand Prix, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Indy 500 is one of the world's four most attractive races. With the Scirocco we can compete for class victory and a good result overall. In all, a dream combination."

Factory drivers from cross-country rally sport take turn as circuit racers

For the Volkswagen factory drivers from the brand's cross-country rally programme - Carlos Sainz, Giniel de Villiers and Dieter Depping – contesting the 24-hour race barely a month after competing in the Central Europe Rally in Hungary and Romania from 20 to 26 April represents a welcome, contrasting change. All three have experience in circuit racing. Giniel de Villiers won the touring car championship in his native South Africa in 1994 as well as from 1997 to 2000. Dieter Depping clinched class victory at the 24-Hour Race at the Nürburgring in the Golf GTI last year."

"My last circuit race dates back to the 1980s at the beginning of my career," says Carlos Sainz, who won the 2007 FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup with Volkswagen. "I've never driven a 24-hour race and am looking forward to it very much. I only know the Nürburgring from what others have told me about it and have heard that this race poses a very special challenge. I want to support the team as best I can, that's why I'm going to prepare myself thoroughly and will compete in a test race as well."

2007 class winners in the field again: Johansson, Gruber and Depping

As three of the four drivers who clinched class victory in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring last year, Jimmy Johansson, Florian Gruber and Dieter Depping are part of the field again this year. In 2007, together with René Rast – the Volkswagen Junior will not be part of the line-up at the "ring" as he will be contesting the Porsche Supercup race in Monaco at the same time – they were victorious with the Golf GTI in the two-liter turbo engine class and, in addition, achieved an outstanding overall finish in eighth place. The racing version of the new Scirocco is based on last year's successful technology and, like its predecessor, is powered by a 300-hp 2-liter TFSI engine.

Volkswagen is up! to something

Ever since revealing the first up! concept to the world back in September of last year during the Frankfurt Motor Show, Volkswagen has received nothing but good press for what they're about to do. These up! concepts are being hailed as the real successor to the original Beetle. I don't think Volkswagen even saw that coming.

Up until now, not much else was known about the up!, other than the name gaining two letters to form the production name Lupo. Now, however, Auto Express is also saying that Volkswagen will be offering up the up! with gasoline and diesel engines from a .6L turbocharged with a possibility of a range-topping 1.2L three-cylinder engine. This would translate to a Prius-beating 80 US mpg, give or take. Base price for the up! will be very low from around £4,500 for models in emerging markets to nicely appointed European (and North American, presumably) models around £7,500. Keep in mind that direct currency conversions don't work for finding out prices of cars over here so we won't know how much an up! would cost in US dollars.

The two of the three up variants may actually see the green light, them being the three-door up! and the 5-door space up! A MPV version of the up! is also being planned. Though the fuel-cell electric space up! blue is still some years away, a hybrid up may be offered.

The first production up! should be revealed next year.

Source: Auto Express via Autoblog.

Pirelli GTI is back in the UK

In last year's Wörthersee show, Volkswagen presented enthusiasts with the Golf GTI W12 650; a GTI powered by a W12 engine mounted where the rear seats should be. It was a behemoth but couldn't really go around a corner.

Oh, and they also showed a preview of the Golf GTI Pirelli, which pays tribute to the original 1983 Pirelli GTI built by both Volkswagen and Pirelli. Nothing has really changed between last year's "concept" and this year's production Golf GTI Pirelli. The Golf GTI Edition 30 is still used as a base and even those Pirelli P rims and the tire tread upholstery remain on the production car. The first Golf GTI Pirelli should be on UK streets by June.

Press release and pictures after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen




The iconic Pirelli name is set to make a return to the Golf GTI range exactly 25 years after the original made its debut as the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Pirelli is launched in the UK.

Originally introduced in May 1983 the GTI Pirelli was based on the MkI Golf and featured the distinctive Pirelli 'P' alloy wheels. The vehicle proved to be an instant hit with its planned production run of just 10,500 vehicles selling out within six-months.

For 2008 the GTI Pirelli returns to the UK. Based on the MkV GTI bodyshell the new vehicle features uprated dynamics and aesthetics to distinguish it from the standard car.

At its heart is an enhanced version of the 2.0-litre T-FSI engine with its output raised from the standard 200 PS to 230 PS. Drive is channelled through a choice of six-speed manual or the twin-clutch DSG gearbox. The new GTI Pirelli reduces the standard car's 0-62 mph time of 7.2 seconds to 6.8 seconds while the top speed rises from 146 mph to 152 mph.

As with the original GTI Pirelli the new car features a set of unique alloy wheels. The modest 13-inch wheels fitted to the 1983 car have evolved into a set of five-spoke 18-inch versions fitted, appropriately, with a set of 225/40 R18 Pirelli P-Zero tyres. Body-coloured elements including the front splitter, side skirts and rear bumper are complimented by a set of smoked rear light lenses and tinted rear windows. A unique Pirelli badge mounted on the bootlid further distinguishes the new car which will be available in a choice of three colours – reflex silver, diamond black and blue graphite.

The Pirelli theme continues to the vehicle's interior which features unique half-leather sports seats with tyre-tread imprints set into the seat base and back. Yellow stitching contrasts against the black leather of the seats, sports steering wheel and handbrake.

Despite the focused nature of the vehicle the standard specification remains high. A total of six airbags, 2Zone electronic climate control, a CD stereo system and Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) are all fitted as standard.

The new Golf GTI Pirelli is available to order now with the first vehicles set to arrive in the country in June. Prices will start at £22,555 on-the-road for the three-door model equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, rising to £24,385 for the five door model fitted with a six-speed DSG gearbox.

7-seater SUV to slot between Tiguan and Touareg

Volkswagen may have two SUVs in its lineup but they're both 5-seaters. Two 5-seaters create one glaring hole in Volkswagen's SUV lineup for a 7-seater. However, if recent reports are to be believed, Volkswagen may be filling that hole up. According to Autocar, the Touareg and the newly minted Tiguan will be receiving a stablemate, which will become the creamy centre to the Tiguan and Touareg's chocolate cookies.

This new model will be larger than the Tiguan but smaller than the Touareg and have seats for seven. Volkswagen will not be going to the Audi Q5 for this, or a stretched Tiguan for that matter. They will instead utilize the next gen Passat's platform. However, other reports say that this third SUV will be based off of the upcoming Robust pickup.

The new SUV is slated for a 2011 launch.

Source: Autocar via Autoblog

Back to business

Ok, folks, I apologize for the lack of posts the past week and a half but I just came back from a vacation of sorts (I decided not to bring my notebook so I wasn't able to blog on the road). Yes, I had fun. No, I did not ride in a 747 that was being towed by a Touareg. Regardless, I'm now back so you can once again expect new stuff as they come in. Hope you didn't miss me too much...

Lots has happened during my hiatus so the next few posts will be about those things I've missed. Look away for a minute if you already know about them. I'm just posting them for posterity if nothing else.

Das Auto kicks off with Heidi Klum and Bobby Knight

So, as we announced last week, Volkswagen of America adopted the global "Das Auto" slogan and made a whole marketing campaign around it. For TV spots, they have a black Beetle named Max doing interviews with various pop culture icons. One such icon is supermodel Heidi Klum, who manages to make the Beetle blush. Another spot is with college basketball coach Bobby Knight, which Max manages to piss off. It's all really very well done, great dialogue, and I for one look forward for more. Will post more as they come in.

Both videos are after the jump.

Source: YouTube

Volkswagen issues far-reaching recall for B5/5.5 Passat

Volkswagen has issued a recall for 410,000 Passats in the US from 1999 to 2005. The recall involves three separate yet equally important parts. The first one involves a heat shield near the catalytic converter that may be damaged in some automatic-equipped cars. Affected vehicles involve all gasoline powered Passats from the 1.8t to the W8. Volkswagen will get dealers to check and make sure everything is sound or add shielding if required. The second issue involves a faulty fuel line on 1.8t and the third issue involves damaged fuel tank ventilation valves on 4Motion-equipped Passats. No accidents or injuries have been reported for these issues.

Volkswagen will begin notifying owners on May 30. Don't go to dealers now as they most likely won't know about it yet (the recall isn't even on the NHTSA website yet). Wait until May 30 and/or when you get your letter. Also, whether this affects Passats in other markets is unknown. Contact your local market's Volkswagen HQ for more details.

Source: Autoblog

Passat CC is now just CC (at least in the US)

Further proof that Volkswagen is killing off the Passat marque in the US has just come to light. Volkswagen has decided to drop the Passat from the 4-door coupé's name, thus calling it simply "CC". The use of the revised name has been widely used on the vw.com website. A quick check on volkswagen.com however still shows "Passat CC" leading us to believe that this is a US-only thing.

Source: Autoblog

Volkswagen of America goes "Das Auto"

Nothing has replaced Volkswagen of America's "Driver's Wanted" slogan since it was ditched after Crispin Porter & Bogusky took over as Volkswagen's ad agency in the US. Volkswagen never adopted Volkswagen's former global slogan of "Aus liebe zum automobil" or "For the love of the People's Car". When Volkswagen changed the global slogan to Das Auto, it was the perfect opportunity for Volkswagen of America to take it as its own. Now, it has.

Volkswagen has officially launched the Das Auto marketing campaign in the US. Capitalizing on Volkswagen's place in popular culture, Max, a black 1964 Beetle, will be interviewing celebrities such as Heidi Klum, David Hasselhoff, and Leonard Nemoy on various TV spots to find "What People Want"

The Tiguan will be the first model to be launched under the Das Auto campaign. The Routan, CC, Clean Diesel Jetta, and Jetta SportsWagen are to follow.

Visit vw.com to find out more about Das Auto and Max.

Press release after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen

When Volkswagen reintroduced the Rabbit to the U.S., it claimed that it was drawing on enthusiasts' emotional connection with the Rabbit name, and it wants to draw on even more of that pop culture history with its latest advertising and marketing campaign. VW is referring to its new campaign as "DAS AUTO", or literally as "the car." A black 1964 Beetle called Max will be the star of the campaign as he it converses with such varied celebrities as Heidi Klum, David Hasselhoff (!) and Leonard Nimoy, among others.

According to Tim Ellis, the newly-appointed vice president of marketing at Volkswagen of America, "Max personifies Volkswagen's American consumers and lets them know how Volkswagen understands and responds to what the people want." Were people asking for talking VW Beetles? We're not sure, but we'll soon be finding out; Max and the DAS AUTO campaign will begin in earnest starting very soon, kicking off five new model launches: the Tiguan compact SUV, Routan minivan, CC, clean diesel Jetta TDI and Jetta SportsWagen.

[Source: Volkswagen]
New Spokesperson Reintroduces Brand to American Consumers With Message of
'It's What the People Want'

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 2, 2008 -- Volkswagen of America
announced today the launch of a new advertising and marketing
campaign called DAS AUTO, literally translated to "the car." Part of a
global brand platform, DAS AUTO will build on Volkswagen's unique place in
pop culture through its message of It's What the People Want.

The campaign, which launches today, will introduce the world to Max, an
iconic, quirky, talking 1964 black Beetle. DAS AUTO kicks off with an
extensive targeted television, print and online advertising effort, as well
as integration into social media channels. In each spot, Max has candid
conversations with notable figures from pop culture in a talk show setting.
The discussions focus on Volkswagen's intuition on what it is the people
want. Guests include supermodel Heidi Klum, pop and TV personality David
Hasselhoff, Star Trek's Leonard Nimoy, NASA astronaut Richard Searfoss,
music-sharing innovator Shawn Fanning and former basketball coach Bob
Knight.

"Volkswagen has always occupied a unique and positive place in both
American car culture and American popular culture. And the brand is as
relevant today as it has ever been," said Tim Ellis, vice president of
marketing at Volkswagen of America. "Max personifies Volkswagen's past,
present and vision for the future. Through him, we will reconnect with
American consumers and let them know how Volkswagen understands and
responds to what the people want."

The American public will first meet the campaign brand icon, Max, in a
series of teaser ads in major market daily newspapers that will seed him
and introduce his knowledge of what the people want. To complement the
print ads, an interactive polling program will simultaneously rollout on
vw.com. A collection of thirty-second television spots will follow
throughout the month of April.

DAS AUTO and Max will be integrated directly into all aspects of the
company's business in 2008, including support for five new model launches
-- the Tiguan compact SUV, Routan minivan, CC, clean diesel Jetta TDI and
Jetta SportsWagen -- and the existing lineup. Max will be the centerpiece
in the introductory phase and then will take a backseat to form the
connective tissue for all other product communications. The campaign is the
first under the new direction of Tim Ellis, who took the helm in January.

"DAS AUTO builds upon our unique position as one of the world's leading
and most culturally-relevant automakers," added Ellis. "Through DAS AUTO,
we are reaffirming the brand's commitment to bring innovative, responsible
and value-driven auto-making to the people."

Already this year, Volkswagen has delivered what the people want
through its products and recent announcements.

-- The people want to be safe: In March 2008, Volkswagen officially
became the first non-luxury car manufacturer to provide an Electronic
Stabilization Program (ESP) as standard equipment across its entire
2009 offering -- a full three years ahead of the national mandate.
ESP works in conjunction with Anti-lock Braking and other safety
systems and could save over 10,000 lives per year according to the
National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA).
-- The people want to be kind to the environment: In mid-2008,
Volkswagen will introduce the paradigm-shifting TDI Clean Turbo Diesel
engine option in its 2008 Jetta sedan and SportsWagen models, which is
the first 50-state legal diesel engine to provide extremely high fuel
efficiency and class-leading carbon emission reductions.
-- The people want to celebrate their individuality: 2008 marks the 10th
Anniversary of the New Beetle, a pop culture icon, which began selling
in the U.S. in March 1998.

For more information about Volkswagen and the DAS AUTO campaign, please
visit http://www.vw.com.

UP: Volkswagen of America reports March sales

Brand Sales Surge 12.9 Percent

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced March 2008 sales of 19,587 units, a 12.9 percent increase over the March 2007 sales of 17,355 vehicles. On a year-to-date basis, 2008 Volkswagen sales are 0.4 percent ahead of 2007 sales through March.

The Jetta, consistently Volkswagen’s top sales performer, posted a 19.7 percent increase over March 2007 results. Passat sales were 13 percent ahead of March 2007 totals.

March 2008 represents the best Volkswagen sales month since August 2007. Reflecting anticipation of open air summer driving, New Beetle convertible sales were up 14.1 percent. Furthermore, March 2008 represents the best Eos sales month since June of 2007.

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, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.

Detailed numbers after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen