Text from Volkswagen of America. Strong January through June sales of the all-new Jetta, Passat and GTI, and the restyled New Beetle contributed to Volkswagen’s favorable showing. The all-new 2006 Jetta sedan grew its sales volume by 37.9 percent over the same period last year and the award-winning, newly redesigned Passat showed a 70 percent increase. The all-new GTI and New Beetle coupe also contributed to Volkswagen’s strong performance, with sales up 51.5 percent and 30.8 percent, respectively. Growth in Volkswagen vehicle sales during the first half of 2006 reflect product success, and a positive comparison with 2005 when volumes were lower due to transitions in the model range. As volume gained momentum in the latter half of 2005, with launching new models increasing showroom traffic, Volkswagen anticipates double digit year-over-year growth when year end sales are tallied. “Volkswagen of America is in a process of change, a clear path forward - milestoned in product development.
Just recently, Strategic Vision, Inc. released the findings of its 2006 Total Quality Study, in which it noted that Volkswagen showed the most improvement in quality over last year, and named Volkswagen the “Best Full-Line Corporation” for quality standards. In addition, Volkswagen’s new look is resonating with buyers. Of the 37 brands featured in the J.D. Power and Associates’ 2006 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, Volkswagen is the most improved, jumping to fourteenth from twenty-ninth in last year’s study. The 11th annual APEAL study, measures “owner delight” with the design, content, layout and performance of their recently acquired vehicles. Volkswagen remains committed to introducing technological advancements that move the industry forward. Volkswagen is the leading seller of diesel powered passenger cars in the U.S., with diesel models accounting for 14.9 percent of total year-to-date sales. In another industry-leading innovation, the highly refined Touareg’s new engines offer exceptional torque and brute power. The standard V6 engine provides 240 horsepower at 6,000 revolutions per minute and an impressive 229 lbs-ft of pulling power at 3,200 rpm.
The enhanced V8 engine provides 310 hp at 6,200 rpm and 302 lbs-ft at 3,000 rpm, while the clean diesel V10 TDI provides 310 hp at 3,750 rpm and 553 lbs-ft at 2,000 rpm. The use of clean diesel fuel reduces emissions of sulfur compounds and allows for the use of advanced emission control systems. The 2006 Touareg V10 TDI is compliant in all fifty states, and is the first light duty vehicle in the U.S. 30 percent less fuel than traditional gasoline engines. Earlier this month, three Touareg V10 TDI vehicles participated in the 84th running of the Pikes Peak Invitational Hill Climb. Except for required safety devices and tires, the vehicles were completely stock and unmodified. Finishing 1-2-3 in the Luxury SUV exhibition class, the Touareg team posted a best time of 14:08 besting many purpose-built race vehicles. Earlier this year, at the North American International Auto Show, Volkswagen signed an agreement with DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler Group to develop and produce a new van for the North American market. The minivan will be presented under the Volkswagen brand, allowing the company to reach a new segment of the market. Understanding that Volkswagen is more than a car - it’s a way of life - Volkswagen has appointed MWW Group as its lifestyle and entertainment public relations agency of record. Involvement in key social and entertainment venues such as the Bonnaroo Music Festival, the Teva Mountain Games and the Sundance Film Festival reinforce Volkswagen’s commitment to emerging artists, and the active lifestyles of its owners. “Volkswagen is a brand with deep connections to its customers,” explained Hallmark. 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, Jetta, GTI, GLI, Passat, Passat Wagon, Touareg and Phaeton through more than 600 independent U.S.
In the case of the front-wheel drive Tiguan 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Technology with 81 kW / 110 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS, for example, combined fuel consumption is just 5.3 l/100 km. Also setting standards is the all-wheel drive Tiguan 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Technology with 103 kW / 140 PS and 5.8 l/100 km. This makes the Volkswagen one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in the world. All 7 engines ideally fit the SUV character profile with torque-strong performance and maximum torque outputs ranging from 200 to 350 Newton metres; 3 of the engines may be combined with a 7-speed DSG transmission. A new option available on all versions is the XDS electronic differential lock, which perfects vehicle dynamics especially when driving through bends. The VW Tiguan offers an impressive trailer towing capacity of up to 2,500 kg, depending on the specific drive configuration - so, the Tiguan offers just as much fun as it does utility-oriented functionality. The 122 PS Tiguan 1.4 TSI will always be delivered as a BlueMotion Technology version with front-wheel drive and 6-speed manual gearbox. The Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems are both standard here.
