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Hard to believe the Volkswagen New Beetle has been on the road for a full decade, already. Most vehicles would go through two full generations in that period, but the New Beetle has built on the original’s reputation for going the distance. (The classic Beetle was produced from 1938 until 2003!) Since its introduction, over 1 million New Beetles have been produced worldwide, with more than 500,000 sold in the United States. Originally unveiled as a design study car called “Concept 1” at the Detroit-based North American International Auto Show in 1994, the New Beetle made its worldwide debut in 1998. Since then, the hardtop spawned a cute convertible version. Together, both have offered a range of engines, including diesel, for both performance and fuel efficiency. Special editions have injected new life into the production run, including clever online marketing tie-ins for exclusive colors. In 1996, the New Beetle received its most significant update, with revised bumper caps freshening the exterior appearance. Under the curved hood, a five-cylinder engine was fitted, giving the New Beetle a smooth, refined alternative to the peaky, yet highly entertaining turbocharged four-cylinder...
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Volkswagen has launched a major polling effort that goes beyond auto-show-type feedback, to learning how the public feels on a variety of seemingly mundane issues, such as “Cup or cone?” and “Boxers or briefs?” VW is taking the user-generated content approach, reaching out to consumers online and in New York’s Time Square (vote by text message!) to collect response-provoking questions and tally answers. Users are credited for submissions, and they can even order T-shirts with their question and handle. For the musically inclined, VW has teamed with pandora.com to allow listeners to collectively influence the play lists of two Volkswagen radio stations called “Music for the People” from now through May 9, 2008. Listeners can vote for which artists they want to hear, and Pandora will generate all the requests into a truly democratic play list. Through these clever marketing-driven efforts, VW will gain an understanding of the American consumer. In the end, no amount of feedback on underwear will change the dollar-to-Euro exchange rate that is taking its toll on the profitability for oversees imports. To participate in polls, visit vw.com/whatthepeoplewant . If you own a Volkswagen, deliver...
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The entire 2009 Volkswagen model line will be covered by a no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program that covers 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 maintenance intervals covered under this program and detailed in each vehicle’s maintenance booklet are 10K, 20K, and 30K miles for most 2009 model year Volkswagens. These long service intervals are aided by the use of synthetic oil. Co-developed with Chrysler, the Routan minivan requires services at 6K, 12K, 18K, 24K, 30K, and 36K miles. The Carefree Maintenance Program will launch with the introduction of the Tiguan, Volkswagen’s all-new crossover vehicle . Research Volkswagen in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.
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Volkswagen of America has announced that it will make electronic stability control (ESC) standard equipment on every 2009 model year Volkswagen vehicle, including its growing range of passenger cars, SUVs, and minivans. By offering ESC as a standard feature, Volkswagen poised to be the first non-luxury manufacturer to include an electronic stabilization system at no additional cost on every vehicle it sells -- well ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's ( NHTSA ) deadline requiring all 2012 model year light-duty vehicles to have such systems. (Learn more about the 2012 ESC requirement .) The addition of ESC, the government says, will cut traffic fatalities by 5,300 to 9,600 a year and reduce injuries by 168,000 to 238,000 per year. The government estimates that adding ESC to every vehicle will up the cost to consumers by $111 a vehicle assuming the vehicles already offers anti-lock brakes. ESC works by using sensors in the wheels and steering mechanism to keep an eye, so to speak, on the intended steering path, and the overall yaw rate and lateral acceleration of the vehicle. When the system detects a deviation from the driver's intended path—i.e. the...
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The doors have opened at the Geneva Motor Show, and one of the more intriguing cars on display is the Volkswagen Scirocco. This is a fitting venue for the unveiling, since the original Scirocco made its world debut in Geneva 34 years ago. The fondly remembered VW classic is making its production return, at least in Europe. The coupe-like 2009 Scirocco has the same length and wheelbase as the Golf GTI. It will be offered in Europe with a range gasoline and diesel engines, including the engaging 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The 197 horsepower is routed to the front wheels and commanded via a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed DSG gearboxes. A range of gasoline and common-rail turob-diesel engines will be added to the range teamed with six-speed manual and seven-speed DSG gearboxes. The sporting character is enhanced with adaptive chassis control offering three driver-selected settings: comfort, normal, and sport. Noteworthy, especially at its low-20s price point, the system’s influence extends to the steering system. For example, in “sport” mode, the steering firms up to provide more feel while “comfort” mode makes the steering lighter and easier to operate at low speeds...
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Special-editions abound (Read: 2008 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Z06 ), with Volkswagen of America announcing a Wolfsburg Edition Jetta 2.0T. Wolfsburg packages have been used for years to give VW models a touch of distinction and hopefully a sales boost. This latest example follows last year’s successful Wolfsburg Edition Jetta 2.5 L and will be available on about 12,500 Jettas. This value-priced model adds 17-inch alloy wheels and leatherette seats. It is available in the following color schemes: Reflex Silver, Black, Salsa Red, and Platinum Gray. The finishing touch is obligatory “Wolfsburg Edition” badging on both front quarter panels. The Wolfsburg Edition Jetta 2.0T is value priced at $20,875 with a six-speed manual transmission, and $21,950 with an optional six-speed DSG automatic transmission. Research the Jetta . Read our Volkswagen Jetta review .
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