It's hard to keep losing a billion dollars every year. And that's exactly what has happened to Volkswagen's U.S. So some changes are in the offing. If they don't work, the consequences will likely be serious. VW has a history of highs and lows here in the states. During their last crisis in the mid to late 90's, Volkswagen redesigned their flagship vehicle, the Beetle. The good news was that it caught on and re-established itself with solid sales. This, along with modest gains in the Jetta's acceptance, helped VW regain a profitable foothold. But the company has come across hard times once again. Sales have been declining an average of 25,000 units a year for the past four years. In 2002, Volkswagen sold 338,000 vehicles. Last year, it sold just 235,000. And this has been particularly frustrating for them due to the fact they lead the European car market with a 20.3% share. Volkswagen models are known for attractive styling, upgraded interiors, good fuel economy with lively engines, and agile driving performance. But apparently, this hasn't been good enough for stateside car buyers. One of the biggest problems has been price. Due to the strength of the Euro, VW's costs are higher than its competitors, even when factoring in those vehicles assembled in Mexico. Another problem are inconsistent quality ratings. J.D. Power, for example, rates VW in the lower 20% for reliability, quality, and service. The growing number of car buyers who do internet research see this information and back off. So, what's Volkswagen to do? They've announced two major steps recently. First, they're going to begin assembling vehicles in China for the U.S. Second, they're bringing in Stefan Jacoby, highly touted for growing VW's market share in Europe. He's been given the task of breaking even by 2009. If not, the next move by Volkswagen may be "auf wiedersehen" (goodbye).
THE BOLTS SECURING THE FRONT HOOD LATCH CAN LOOSEN OVER TIME. Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR BRAKE LINE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS ROUTED TOO CLOSE TO THE CORNER OF THE FUEL TANK. Problem: FRONT BRAKE HOSES OF INSUFFICIENT LENGTH WERE INSTALLED IN SOME VEHICLES. Problem: AN ENGINE PREHEATING TUBE MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SUPPORTED DUE TO A MISSING SUPPORT BRACKET, CAUSING THE PREHEATING TUBE TO CHAFE AGAINST THE RIGHT FRONT METAL BRAKE LINE. Problem: AN ENGINE PREHEATING TUBE MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SUPPORTED DUE TO A MISSING SUPPORT BRACKET, CAUSING THE PREHEATING TUBE TO CHAFE AGAINST THE RIGHT FRONT METAL BRAKE LINE. Problem: AN ENGINE PREHEATING TUBE MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SUPPORTED DUE TO A MISSING SUPPORT BRACKET, CAUSING THE PREHEATING TUBE TO CHAFE AGAINST THE RIGHT FRONT METAL BRAKE LINE. Problem: AN ENGINE PREHEATING TUBE MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SUPPORTED DUE TO A MISSING SUPPORT BRACKET, CAUSING THE PREHEATING TUBE TO CHAFE AGAINST THE RIGHT FRONT METAL BRAKE LINE. Problem: UNDER ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, OUTER RUBBER LAYER OF BRAKE HOSES MAY BECOME BRITTLE AND DEVELOP CRACKS. Problem: UNDER ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, OUTER RUBBER LAYER OF BRAKE HOSES MAY BECOME BRITTLE AND DEVELOP CRACKS. Problem: THE FUEL PUMP MAY STOP FUNCTIONING WITHOUT WARNING. Problem: THE FUEL PUMP MAY STOP FUNCTIONING WITHOUT WARNING. Problem: TIRE LABELS WRITTEN IN FRENCH WERE INADVERTENTLY AFFIXED TO VEHICLES IN U.S.. Problem: THE LOCKWASHER FOR THE TWO BOLTS HOLDING THE LEFT AND RIGHT AXLE STRUT TO THE AXLE BEARING HOUSING, AS WELL AS THE BOLT HOLDING THE WISHBONE TO THE CROSSMEMBER, MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. SOME OF THESE WASHERS ARE TOO BRITTLE.
It is important to maintain proper tire pressure for Volkswagen Jetta tires. Low tire pressure will result in tire underinflation, and high tire pressure will result in tire overinflation, which can compromise tire safety, cause tire blowout, decrease fuel efficiency, cause uneven tire wear and reduce tire tread life. Check Volkswagen Jetta tire pressure regularly, and monitor Volkswagen Jetta tire inflation levels to avoid driving with overinflated or underinflated tires. Tire inflation value listed on tire sidewall is a maximum tire pressure the tire can be inflated to, and not the recommended tire pressure for Volkswagen Jetta. Use recommended tire pressure listed on the tire pressure chart found on a sticker on driver's door jam or in Volkswagen Jetta manual. Recommended tire pressure for your Volkswagen Jetta tires will be listed in one of the following pressure units: psi (pounds per square inch), bar or kPa (kiloPascals). Pay attention as your Volkswagen Jetta may have different recommended tire pressure values for front and rear tires. Keep your Volkswagen Jetta tires inflated at recommended tire pressure levels at all times for your driving comfort and safety.
Always refer to the Volkswagen Jetta owner鈥檚 manual for any specific safety advice regarding the application of Volkswagen Jetta replacement tires. Volkswagen Jetta replacement tires must have equal or greater speed rating compared to the original equipment tires if your Volkswagen Jetta speed capability is to be maintained. It is recommended that tire installers refer to the Volkswagen Jetta owner鈥檚 manual to identify any tire speed rating restriction or recommendation that could affect the operation of the vehicle. If your Volkswagen Jetta replacement tires have a lower speed rating than the original equipment tires, the vehicle鈥檚 speed must be restricted to that of the replacement tires. Original equipment tires that come on your Volkswagen Jetta will have the proper tire load index, so stick to that number or higher when you replace them with new tires. Tire load index tells you how much weight your tire can carry. Putting too much weight on your tires will overload them, and can cause tire damage, premature tire wear or even tire blowout.
Refer to your Volkswagen Jetta manual to find its original equipment tire sizes and their load ratings. Volkswagen Jetta tire pressure changes with temperature, so check your Volkswagen Jetta tire pressure when outside temperature goes up or down. During colder months when temperatures drop, Volkswagen Jetta tire pressure will decrease also by approximately 1 psi for each 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintain proper Volkswagen Jetta winter tire pressure by adding air to your tires as needed to the recommended tire inflation levels. Volkswagen Jetta tire pressure should be checked when tires are cold, after your vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours. It is best to check your tire inflation pressure in the morning, after the vehicle has been parked overnight, using a reliable tire pressure gauge. If your Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), pay attention to low tire pressure warning light being on.
