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Volkswagen Announces 2010 Jetta TDI Cup Schedule
Schedule includes 10 races for young drivers
Herndon, VA (Dec. 3, 2009)
With the second successful season of the SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup in the rearview mirror, series officials have begun making preparations for the 2010 season. Today, Volkswagen announced the 10-race schedule for next year, which includes six of the circuits from the 2009 schedule and the series’ first visit to Mexico.
The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup schedule includes:
Rounds 1 & 2 - April 23-25 - VIRginia International Raceway (Alton, VA)*
Round 3 - May 8-9 - New Jersey Motorsports Park (Millville, NJ)
Round 4 - June 5-6 - Miller Motorsports Park (Tooele, UT)
Round 5 - June 18-20 - Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (Lexington, OH)
Round 6 - July 30-August 1 - Autobahn Country Club (Joliet, IL)
Rounds 7 & 8 - August 20-22 - Road America (Elkhart Lake, WI)*
Rounds 9 & 10 - September/October TBD - Mexico TBD*
* - Indicates double-race weekends
“In building the 2010 schedule, we have been able to achieve a great mix of historic tracks and newer facilities in excellent geographic markets in North America,” said Clark Campbell, motorsport manager, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “During the first two seasons of our series, we have clearly demonstrated the benefits of Volkswagen’s clean diesel TDI technology, and we’re looking forward to an exciting 2010 season.”
Volkswagen is currently accepting driver applications for the 2010 season at www.vwmotorsportusa.com. Potential driver candidates must be between the ages of 16 and 26 as of January 1, 2010 and hold a passport from the U.S., Canada or Mexico. In addition, drivers entering the series for the first time must not have competed in any professional racing series regardless of location. Applicants must submit their application along with a season entry fee of $45,000 by December 11, 2009 in order to be considered as a candidate. The entry fee will be fully refunded to those not chosen as a 2010 series driver.
From the driver applications, up to 125 candidates will be selected to attend the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup final driver selection event that will be held February 7-9 in Las Vegas. This final event will determine the final 25-driver lineup for the 2010 season. The final driver selection event includes three days of professional driving instruction, autocross competition, track time in a Jetta TDI Cup car, physical fitness training, a sponsorship development workshop, marketing and media training, and Volkswagen brand familiarization.
About Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup
The SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup was launched in 2008 as way to introduce clean diesel technology to the U.S. market and develop the best of motorsport’s up-and-coming talent. During the season, young, up and coming drivers (between ages 16-26) compete on road courses around North America in identical factory-prepared clean diesel Jetta TDI’s. Each driver competing in the series earns a Pro Racing license from SCCA at the conclusion of the season. In addition to more than $50,000 in prize money at stake during the season, the series champion receives Volkswagen factory career advancement support with a value up to $100,000.
The Jetta TDI Cup car is powered by a 2.0-liter, 170 hp, four-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine mated to a six-speed, double-clutch, automatic DSG transmission. The car is only slightly modified from stock with Pirelli racing tires, race suspension and brake components, drivers racing safety seat, FIA roll cage and an on-board fire extinguisher system. Series sponsors include: Pirelli, Bosch, ViON, Castrol, Oakley, Red Bull, HYPERFUELS, Aggreko, defNder, Lamin-X, Meguiar’s, Sherwin-Williams, Chicagoland VW, Safety-Kleen, Ringer Gloves, Jim Russell Racing School and Trellis Earth.
Follow the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series action on: www.vwmotorsportusa.com www.tditruthanddare.com Volkswagen Online Newsroom: media.vw.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VWJettaTDICup Twitter: http://twitter.com/VWJettaTDICup
Volkswagen GTI Named 2010 AUTOMOBILE Magazine Automobile of the Year
HERNDON, Va.
Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/
Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that its all-new sixth generation GTI has been named the 2010 AUTOMOBILE Magazine Automobile of the Year. This marks the second time in its history that the GTI has won this prestigious award. In AUTOMOBILE Magazine's twenty year history of awarding their top honor, the Volkswagen GTI is the only make and model to ever win it twice.
"At a time when the world's economy is in shambles and fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are on everyone's minds, there remains only one car that ticks all the enthusiast boxes without setting off a single wretched-excess alarm. That's the Volkswagen GTI, and that's why it is, once again, Automobile Magazine's Automobile of the Year," said Joe DeMatio, Executive Editor, Automobile Magazine.
"Having our GTI named AUTOMOBILE Magazine's Automobile of the Year once again is a tremendous honor for our brand," said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "We're thrilled that the staff of AUTOMOBILE Magazine acknowledged that today's sport's car consumers are looking beyond horsepower and going fast, rather they are looking for vehicles that are practical, fuel efficient, and fast. The GTI truly embodies what the Volkswagen brand is all about--affordable, efficient, and fun-to-drive German Engineering," Barnes added.
First introduced in the U.S. in 1983, the GTI drew admiration for its combination of sporty performance and practicality. The 2010 GTI is Volkswagen's definitive return to its groundbreaking, hot hatch sports car, offering a modern and dynamic extension of the automaker's original "pocket rocket."
The 2010 GTI is a solid and aggressive sports model that features Volkswagen's highly acclaimed 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC turbo-charged four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque. It's available with an automated manual DSG® transmission that utilizes direct shifting, which essentially automatically depresses clutch-shift points more efficiently and quicker than even a professional driver can. For those driving enthusiasts who want the unique control of a clutch, the GTI comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission. Top speed is electronically governed at 130 miles per hour in the U.S. The 2010 GTI starts at $23,490, and attains a fuel economy rating of 32/24 highway/city when equipped with the DSG transmission.
New for the 2010 GTI is a standard Electronic Limited Slip system that Volkswagen has named XDS. The system electronically monitors input from various wheel sensors and, in the event of slippage, transfers extra torque to the wheel or wheels with the most traction. The 2010 GTI also comes standard with numerous other safety features including: a three channel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Anti-slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Engine Brake Assist (EBA), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and like all 2010 Volkswagen's, Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP®).
PBS' MotorWeek Honors Volkswagen Jetta TDI as 2009 Drivers' Choice
"Best of the Year"
Chicago, IL /PRNewswire/
February 12, 2009
Setting the pace for a new era of clean diesel in America, Volkswagen's Jetta TDI was named MotorWeek's "Best of the Year" 2009 Drivers' Choice Award winner for delivering eco-friendly performance, fuel-efficiency and pure driving entertainment, all in a mid-priced family sedan. The honor was announced at the 101st edition of the Chicago Auto Show.
"Having the Jetta TDI clean diesel awarded MotorWeek's "Best of the Year" 2009 Drivers' Choice Award is a tremendous honor for the Volkswagen brand," said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO, Volkswagen of America. "This award is testimony that drivers agree the 2009 Jetta TDI clean diesel provides an environmentally responsible choice, and a spirited and passionate driving experience."
"The Jetta TDI has no peer this year," said John Davis, MotorWeek host. "It is the best of all worlds rolled into one vehicle. It's clean, powerful, fun to drive, roomy and comfortable, and it also happens to be very affordable. If history is any judge on past Volkswagen diesels, you can also add extremely reliable and durable to the list."
Recognized as the best overall among winners in 13 categories, the Jetta TDI is the first 50-state legal diesel car available in the U.S., and the first diesel to win a "Best of the Year" Drivers' Choice Award. It also took top honors as "Best Eco-Friendly."
The MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards are unique for their consumer focus and represent the definitive list of best automotive picks for a range of lifestyles. More than 150 cars and trucks were evaluated based on performance, fuel efficiency, technology, practicality and dollar value. The winners represent what MotorWeek considers to be the best in each class.
About MotorWeek
MotorWeek is one of the nation's leading sources for automotive industry news, new car information and driving entertainment. The award-winning series, seen nationwide on PBS, SPEED and V-me, is produced by Maryland Public Television. For more information on MotorWeek and the Drivers' Choice Awards, visit motorweek.org.
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/motorweek/36955/
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New Mid-Sized Sedan – First Design Sketch
VW Brand Department
February 12, 2009
Great news! We are pleased to share with you the first design sketch of the New Mid- Size Sedan (NMS). This sketch was released today by the Board of Volkswagen AG to give a more realistic idea of the car’s design, following much speculation in the media.
Obviously, the NMS will undergo some degree of design evolution before it begins commercial production in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 2012. We know you will appreciate this small glimpse into the exciting future of Volkswagen!
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2009 Volkswagen GTI receives third consecutive AUTOMOBILE Magazine All Star Award
Herndon, VA
January 15, 2009
For the third consecutive year AUTOMOBILE Magazine has recognized the Volkswagen GTI with the 2009 AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE All Stars Award. The award is given to vehicles that provide excellent value and performance for the money and offers pure driving enjoyment.
Each year, the editors and bureau chiefs of the magazine convene to test, evaluate and debate the performance, significance and pure enthusiast appeal of the cars that have made the biggest impact. After a 1,000-mile road trip, winners are determined by a round-table discussion that results in a vote. The editor's at AUTOMOBILE Magazine laud the GTI – "With a new version of the GTI due in the U.S. in September, AUTOMOBILE Magazine applauds this return-to-its-roots VW with yet another All-Stars award. During its three-year run, the GTI's performance, comfort, and functionality kept it out front in the race to be the best sporty compact car and also made it the 2007 Automobile of the Year."
The GTI delivers an exhilarating driving experience that strikes directly at the hearts and souls of those with an affinity for the brand and authentic European engineering. With its high-tech, 200 horsepower 2.0T four-cylinder engine that produces 207 ft.-lbs. of torque, fully independent sports-tuned suspension, aggressive exterior styling, and a practical interior that equally mixes functionality, flair and a driver-first focus and layout. With a starting price of $23,230, the latest GTI offers all the refinement and technology found on vehicles that cost thousands more.
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
All 2009 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.
http://www.automobilemag.com/features/awards/0902_2009_automobile_all_stars/2009_volkswagen_gti.html
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 VW Jetta Clean Diesel Wins 2009 Green Car of the Year!
November 11, 2008
This is an important time for ‘green cars,’ even amid some of the most challenging times the auto industry has ever seen. The reasons are clear. In many ways, ‘green’ cars represent the future of the auto industry and the products that will enable our mobility in the years to come.
It’s no longer an option for automakers to address the efficiency and environmental impact of new models, but rather an imperative. It will become even more so as environmental performance, in all its forms, becomes a greater touchstone for new car buyers.
 In fact, environmental performance already is viewed as an important measure of a new car. While not yet on par with more traditional touchstones such as safety or quality, environmental performance – especially when it includes higher fuel economy and lower carbon emissions – has taken on greater meaning in this era of high and unstable fuel costs.
Green Car Journal’s Green Car of the Year® program is the industry leading measure of environmental progress, identifying the one vehicle model that offers the most significant achievement in this area during the new model year. This year, GCOY nominees included a diverse crowd, among them the BMW 335d, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid, and smart fortwo.
The winner, just announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show, is the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. This is the first time that a clean diesel model has been awarded the title Green Car of the Year®.
 The 2009 Jetta TDI breaks new ground in the field of clean diesels, achieving emissions certification in all 50 states without the use of special additives or extraordinary measures. It provides five passenger functionality with welcome levels of power and a satisfying driving experience. Importantly, it also achieves estimated highway fuel economy of 41 mpg with greatly reduced greenhouse gas emissions. That’s a rarified fuel economy number typically achieved by only the most efficient gasoline-electric hybrids. The clean diesel Jetta TDI matches this efficiency with a powerplant that’s more straightforward and affordable, allowing the Jetta TDI an affordable $21,990 price tag.
Selecting the 2009 Green Car of the Year® was a jury including four Green Car Journal editors and a larger number of invited jurors including automotive icon Carroll Shelby; auto expert and ‘Tonight Show’ host Jay Leno; Sierra Club executive director Carl Pope; Natural Resources Defense Council president Frances Beinecke; and Ocean Futures Society president Jean-Michel Cousteau.
Article found at:
http://www.greencar.com/features/2009-vw-jetta-clean-diesel-wins
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Top Safety Pick Award
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
November 4, 2008
The “Top Safety Pick” Awards Keep Coming!
Four Volkswagen models are the latest of our company‘s products to earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK award for 2008, the highest rating possible from the non-profit research organization. IIHS recognized the 2009 Volkswagen Eos, Jetta, Passat, and Rabbit each as a TOP SAFETY PICK.
Earlier this year, our all-new Sport Compact Utility Vehicle, Tiguan, was named a TOP SAFETY PICK. The ratings from IIHS also apply to the 2009 Jetta SportWagen and the 2009 Passat Wagon.
“Safety is a top priority at Volkswagen and this recognition by the IIHS highlights that we are a market leader in offering some of the safest vehicles on the road today,” said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Our Prevent and Preserve Safety System, standard on Volkswagen vehicles, is an important factor in the high level of safety and protection in our vehicles.”
What the Award Means
The TOP SAFETY PICK award recognizes vehicles that perform best in protecting passengers in the Institute‘s front, side, and rear crash test evaluations, and includes only vehicles with head protection airbags and electronic stability control (branded Electronic Stabilization Program or ESP on Volkswagen vehicles).
We're Leaders in Occupant Safety
Your customers can be confident that Volkswagen is a leader in safety. We seek to provide a high level of occupant protection in all our vehicles through a comprehensive and evolving approach to vehicle safety. Volkswagen was the first non-luxury manufacturer to include an electronic stability control system at no additional cost on every 2009 vehicle we sell – ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration‘s (NHTSA) deadline requiring all 2012 model year vehicles to have such systems.
Our electronic stability control technology works in conjunction with anti-lock brakes and helps reduce loss of control and rollovers to avoid crashes. NHTSA predicts nearly 10,000 lives could be saved each year if all automakers included stability systems as standard equipment.
The Prevent and Preserve Safety System portfolio for MY2009 consists of important safety features, all of which contribute to protecting the driver and passengers as well as possible, helping avoid crashes and keeping the severity and consequences of possible crashes to a minimum.
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2009 Best Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Program Award
from Intellichoice.com
October 23, 2008
We're the Top – for the Fifth Year in a Row!
Intellichoice.com has given our Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program its highest ranking in the non-luxury category for the fifth year in a row! This is great news for us and for our current and potential customers!
With this kind of track record, it’s easy to introduce new customers to the Volkswagen Brand through a pre-owned vehicle – and especially now, when the economy has hit a rough spot.
James Bell, editor of IntelliChoice.com, says, “Even in this difficult economy, people will still need a new car now and then, and certified used cars are even more attractive to buyers who are looking for value.” He points out that, while new auto sales are showing steep declines, 2008 CPO sales actually made slight gains in terms of both month-to-month and year-to-year growth.
It's a Tough World Out There
To come up with its CPO rankings, IntelliChoice.com analyzed 32 manufacturer programs. As James Bell points out, “Many automakers score high on CPO rankings, so those that come out on top are to be commended for beating stiff competition.” —it proves we're a smart choice!
What the Award Means
Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles (CPOs) are cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles that have come off lease or have been resold to dealers, and have been thoroughly inspected prior to sale. IntelliChoice.com rates CPO programs based on the criteria that consumers identify as having the most value, including:
- Certification inspection process
- Extended manufacturer warranties
- Title verification
- Roadside assistance
- Special financing
- Return/Exchange policies
- Program/Dealer compliance
- Brand value
The most important considerations cited by consumers when shopping for a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle are the auto warranties and inspections offered by the manufacturers. You can learn more about our program at:
http://www.mollevwofkansascity.com/CPOStory
IntelliChoice is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and value analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice is committed to empowering consumers to make better purchase decisions by providing independent and essential automotive information and tools. Additional information is at www.Intellichoice.com
http://www.intellichoice.com/press/cpo_programs_2009
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