Volkswagen has not decided whether to offer a minivan after its contract with the Chrysler Group expires in about two years, said Jonathan Browning, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.

The VW Routan, which is built at Chrysler’s plant in Windsor, Ontario, shares a platform and mechanicals with the Chrysler Town & Country.

VW sold 15,961 Routans in the United States last year, up almost 9 percent in an overall market that grew 11 percent from 2009.

Browning also said VW has no plans to enter NASCAR competition as a way to market the redesigned, U.S.-built 2012 Passat sedan, despite reports on some Web sites: “It’s not something we are looking at.”

VW expects to build 150,000 Passats annually in the United States once full production is reached in Chattanooga, Tenn. U.S. sales begin in late August or early September.

On other topics, Browning said:

– U.S.-built Passats will be sold in Canada, Mexico, Korea and possibly the Middle East.

– VW will drop “New” from the New Beetle’s name when the redesigned car goes on sale late this year. The car will be called the Volkswagen Beetle.

– Suppliers are still struggling to meet production demand. In VW of America’s case, Browning said the VW Touareg SUV is affected: “We probably will see it tight through the balance of this year.”

- Auto News

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1. Volkswagen Routan now with Wi-Fi from Autonet Mobile

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We ask, where is the TDI Routan? Wouldn’t this make it even better if you could save a ton of cash while driving long distances? The Routan S gets a 16/23mpg split while the Routan SEL gets a 17/25mpg. Now, this is on par with the other mini-vans out there but we all know moms put a lot of miles on their van, daily.

This Labor Day, as millions of Americans take to the streets and highways, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is teaming up with travel expert and author Emily Kaufman (aka The Travel Mom) to share high- and low-tech ways to keep the family busy and bonding on their journeys.

According to AAA, some 34 million Americans traveled 50 miles or greater from their home during Labor Day weekend last year, and 28 million of them traveled by automobile. With similar numbers of car travelers expected for this year, making the ride a safe and enjoyable experience is an important way to get your trip off to a great start. Kaufman provides solutions to keeping the family happy and safe.

Avoid high-tech disconnect

“Some of today’s modern cars, like the Volkswagen Routan, offer fantastic high-tech features,” said Kaufman. “Instead of having everyone plug in and tune out, however, simply use this advanced technology to bond. For example, instead of putting on the ear phones and tuning out, use technology like the Routan’s built-in DVD player or Wi-Fi to research and learn about your trip destination as a family.”

Embrace low-tech time

Kaufman suggests that families take advantage of their time in the car together to reconnect and bond. “Playing simple memory games or even singing along gives everyone a chance to let loose and laugh a little. The Volkswagen Routan offers USB ports so you can download and play your favorite car tunes.” She also says it’s easy to modernize some of these old fashioned favorites and prevent potential eye-rolling by just being creative with the name of the activity; for example, instead of calling it a “sing-a-along,” Kaufman suggests calling it “car karaoke.”

Plan ahead to avoid splurging on the road

The two major ways that many families waste money on road trips, according to Kaufman, are on food/drinks and on gas. Kaufman says that with a little advance planning, families can save both time and money. “By making sure your tires are pumped up, you can avoid potential unnecessary stops along the way and increase your gas mileage,” recommends Kaufman. Kaufman recommends reliable vehicles with great performance like the Volkswagen Routan, which features Carefree Maintenance to help travelers drive more and worry less about their car’s performance. All current Volkswagen vehicles offer Carefree Maintenance.

Kaufman also recommends packing a cooler of healthy sandwiches, snacks and drinks to help avoid what she calls “exit foods” at pricey rest stops and gas stations. “Instead, prep healthy meals and snacks ahead of time, like sandwiches and sliced fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugary drinks that can often result in sugar highs and lows – not to mention cranky parents and kids!” she said.

Kaufman also recommends throwing in a cookie sheet to serve as a table for eating or drawing, and creating a “boredom bag” filled with a few toys, games and crafts that can be used as prizes for car games or to reward good behavior.

For more information on the German-engineered Routan, or other VW vehicles visit www.vw.com.

- Volkswagen of America

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1. Volkswagen Routan now with Wi-Fi from Autonet Mobile

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Routan Customers Now Able to Take Internet Access on the Road With Wi-Fi from Autonet Mobile

Uconnect web to provide in-vehicle internet entertainment to Volkswagen’s minivan

Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced a collaboration with Autonet Mobile, that will make it possible to equip their European-tuned minivan, Routan, with uconnect web, an in-vehicle internet service. Beginning this month, approximately 600 Volkswagen dealerships in the United States will offer Routan owners the opportunity to add uconnect web, powered by Autonet Mobile, to their vehicle. This partnership will deliver the first internet entertainment system for Volkswagen vehicles.

Routan customers will now be able to take the internet with them on the road. With Autonet Mobile, the seven passenger Routan becomes a Wi-Fi hotspot, delivering reliable and easy-to-use internet access. Passengers can bring all of their own Wi-Fi enabled devices such as laptops, gaming systems, digital music players, and other devices on the road. Routan passengers will be able to Instant Message (IM), visit popular social media sites, check traffic or make dinner reservations all from the comfort of their Routan.

‘Volkswagen is committed to delivering vehicles that epitomize and enhance our digital customers’ lifestyle, and the Routan is a modern family vehicle,’ said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. ‘Internet access is a clear benefit to our customers. We’re excited to work with Autonet Mobile to bring uconnect web to our Routan customers.’
The addition of uconnect web brings advanced communications features to Volkswagen’s newest family vehicle. Now Routan customers will have instant internet access anytime and anywhere. Monthly subscription plans start at $29 and uconnect web is installed by the dealer.

‘The Routan customer is looking for entertainment options beyond the traditional DVD player,’ said Sterling Pratz, CEO of Autonet Mobile. ‘Consumers want to extend their living room lifestyle to the vehicle and want the ability to use internet-driven applications – gaming, email, IM, internet radio, and other entertainment and information services – while on the road. We’re thrilled to be a part of the revolution that is making the minivan the cool vehicle to own.’

About Autonet Mobile
Autonet Mobile is the world’s first in-car internet service provider. Founded by a corporate executive and former race car driver and a leading network architect and designer, the company is dedicated to enhancing the in-car experience by bringing the power of the internet to the 200+ million cars on the road in the U.S. For more information about Autonet Mobile, visit www.autonetmobile.com

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New ‘BUS’ Character Voiced by Thomas Haden Church Discusses Fuel Efficiency, Safety and Low Cost

Volkswagen of America, Inc. today kicks off the latest installment of its DAS AUTO brand campaign, this time with a collection of 30-second TV spots entitled ‘Meet the Volkswagens.’ The new spots again feature Max the Beetle but also introduce a brand new character named BUS. Voiced by actor Thomas Haden Church, BUS is a talking ruby red 1963 Volkswagen Micro Bus who draws upon Volkswagen’s tradition and heritage while creating clever vignettes that make subtle competitive comparisons in order to highlight key messages like mileage, fuel efficiency, cost of ownership and safety. The campaign will run for 8 weeks and will be supported online and at dealerships nationwide. A first for Volkswagen, the TV spots will direct viewers to Facebook where they will experience information and messaging surrounding the campaign and other brand initiatives.

 
‘Meet the Volkswagens’ will help to increase the familiarity of our growing product line, while bringing awareness to the true value of owning a Volkswagen,’ said Tim Ellis, Vice President of Marketing at Volkswagen of America. ‘We will build our case by sharing facts about real issues that customers care about, debunking myths and doing it in a tongue-in-cheek and entertaining way that is uniquely Volkswagen.’
 
The ‘Meet the Volkswagens’ campaign, developed with partner Crispin Porter + Bogusky, is comprised of five 30-second spots set in a neighborhood of modernist homes designed by the late Joseph Eichler. Each stylish spot will showcase a key Volkswagen model along with Max and/or the new BUS having conversations with the neighbors about competitive models as compared to Volkswagens. This is the first time Volkswagen will use a campaign to directly address its competition. Conversations will focus on key models including the clean diesel Jetta TDI, CC, Tiguan and Routan, as well as Volkswagen’s new Carefree Maintenance program offering no-charge scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.
 
Actor Thomas Haden Church voices the BUS throughout the campaign series. Best known for roles on the TV sitcom Wings, 2007’s Spiderman 3 and his Academy Award Nomination for the 2004 hit Sideways, Church’s vocal qualities landed him in radio before becoming a success in film and on television. ‘I was excited by the chance to work with an iconic brand like Volkswagen and to develop my character to help make the campaign fun and irreverent,’ said Church.
 
‘Meet the Volkswagens’ is the latest extension of Volkswagen’s DAS AUTO brand campaign launched in 2008, which introduced the world to Max, the iconic, quirky, talking 1964 black Beetle. The addition of BUS in the new installment is designed to play on the tradition and feel-good nature of the brand while at the same time, educating consumers.
 
‘We’ve drawn upon more traditional values and imagery for this campaign, particularly in the given economic climate. We want the people to know how well Volkswagen meets the needs of today’s drivers and families, especially when it comes to value, safety and reliability,’ added Ellis.
 
In addition to the ‘Meet the Volkswagens’ ads, Volkswagen also launches today its first true consumer blog forum called TDI Truth & Dare. Through the forum, Volkswagen will educate its visitors on the truth about clean diesel technology using real facts while also daring them to get involved in the alternative fuel discussion.   The site will feature fun videos, blog content on the subject of clean fuel, a high mileage driving competition for Facebook users called ‘Tank Wars,’ and a ‘diesel finder’ and ‘savings calculator’ application.

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1. Porsche sees stronger sales in April 2009

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Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced April 2009 sales of 16,289 units, a 16.1 percent decrease over April 2008 sale of 19,415 units.

Volkswagen’s European tuned minivan, Routan, posted its best sales month ever with 2,606 unit sales. The New Beetle also performed well in April with its best sales month since August of 2008.

‘Our new products continue to sell well and are helping us gain important market share.’ said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. ‘Products like our Tiguan and stylish CC continue to perform well. We are extremely pleased that our seven passenger minivan, Routan, posted its best sales month ever. Volkswagen also has several key new models coming this year, like our all-new clean diesel Touareg TDI, which will be available in dealer showrooms across all 50-states this month. We’re also anxiously awaiting the arrival of the all-new sixth generation Golf and GTI. Our Golf, which was recently named World Car of the Year, will be offered with the highly acclaimed clean diesel engine when it arrives this fall.’ added Barnes.

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Hmmm, Brooke Shields? We just hope this entrance into the minivan segment works for Volkswagen AG. Oh and the fact that it’s not a true Volkswagen

http://www.RoutanBoom.org

Ads Introduce Celebrity Spokesperson and Give Call to Action: Have Babies for Love, Not German Engineering

Volkswagen of America announced today the launch of its campaign for the Routan, the only minivan in America with German engineering. Part of the global brand platform Das Auto, the advertising and marketing campaign rolls out today and includes TV, radio, print and online components and features Brooke Shields as spokesperson.

“This campaign challenges traditional conventions surrounding the minivan category,” says Tim Ellis, Vice President of Marketing for Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Throughout the multi-layered campaign, consumers will meet our Routan spokesperson, Brooke Shields, as she urges parents to have babies for love rather than for German engineering.”

“Like any style and safety-conscious mom, I appreciate the Routan’s German ride and feel, European styling and fuel-efficient power,” says actress, author, model, mother and Routan spokesperson Brooke Shields. “Volkswagen gave me quite a fun character to play, doing the Baby Beat on the streets and encouraging parents to have babies for love, not German engineering.”

The campaign breaks today with radio, online and :30 television spots. Print ads with Shields continuing to urge people to have babies for love will follow in October titles such as Everyday with Rachael Ray, Health and Cookie, on newsstands mid September.

The campaign also allows consumers to engage directly with the brand in a unique way with the Routan BabyMaker3000. Launching in late September, this program gives visitors the opportunity to create their own Routan baby. The application utilizes state of the art facial recognition and image output technology to create a photo-realistic digital. The virtual baby will exhibit facial features derived from uploaded photos of the ‘parents.’ Once users create their baby, they can share their little bundle of kilobyte joy with friends and family through social networking sites and email announcements.

Through flash banner ads, consumers will also be directed to visit www.RoutanBoom.org. The Routan landing page on the Volkswagen website will feature Brooke Shields and call attention to the Routan’s German suspension, sleek European design, handling and performance.

The new Routan has been highly anticipated since Volkswagen announced its plans to make it available in the US. The Routan comes standard with a 3.8L V6, offering 197 hp and 230 lbs-ft. of torque. A 4.0L V6 will be available rated at 251hp and 259 lbs-ft. of torque. Routan features German -tuned suspension and steering optimized for handling and advanced driving dynamics. Standard all-season traction control and ESP bring safety and security to the Routan. The Routan comes with a host of sought-after standard and optional features, including: Remote engine start system, power second row windows, towing preparation package with automatic load-leveling rear suspension, power sliding doors, Conversation Mirror, rear seat entertainment system with two 9-inch screens for second and third rows, wireless headphones and remote control, SIRIUS(tm) Satellite Radio and SIRIUS(tm) Traffic data, dual power sliding doors with power windows, touch screen JoyBox TM DVD-navigation entertainment system with 30GB hard drive, remote-operated power lift gate with flood lamp, seating for 7 and up to 21 different seating configurations. Routan carries NHTSA’S 5-Star Safety Rating. Like all 2009 models, Routan comes standard with Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance program.

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1. 2009 Volkswagen Routan: A Stylish alternative to the Minivan

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The 2009 Routan, Volkswagen’s all-new seven-passenger minivan, delivers the best of both worlds: a vehicle that combines German sensibilities in design, fit and finish and European ride and handling characteristics, together with market relevant features while still delivering an outstanding value.

The Routan comes with a standard six-speed automatic transmission mated to a 3.8L V6 with 197 horsepower and 230 lbs. ft. of torque or an available 4.0L V6 with 253 horsepower and 262 lbs. ft. of torque. Function follows form with fuel economy numbers of 16 city 23 highway for the 3.8L and 17 city and 25 highway in the 4.0L in this well designed and spacious seven-seater.

A distinctly designed minivan with attractive starting prices of $24,700 for the S model, $29,600 for the SE model and $33,200 for the well equipped SEL model. Routan not only broadens Volkswagen’s appeal, but it also provides a roomy alternative to existing Volkswagen owners that desire a seven passenger vehicle.

Design
The Routan is instantly recognizable as a member of the Volkswagen family, with its stylized front grille and exterior treatments. The interior enhancements create an environment that is visually pleasing, modern, and meticulously detailed. The high quality materials, beautiful textures and rich luxurious colors are combined with exacting tolerances and superb fit and finish.

Safety and Security Come Standard
Routan comes with a host of standard safety features – including standard front and side curtain airbags. Routan features German tuned suspension and steering optimized for handling and improved driving dynamics. Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) – standard on all 2009 Volkswagen’s – with hydraulic brake assist, bring an added level of security to the Routan. Also available are High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps for improved visibility and an ultrasonic rear-park assist.

Convenience
Routan features a host of functional features, including: conversation mirror, rear seat entertainment system with two nine inch screens for second and third row passengers, touch screen navigation with 30 GB JoyBox™ Multi-Media Entertainment system, dual power sliding doors with power windows, power fold third row seating for extra storage room or “tailgating” function, and no less than thirteen cup holders.

Available heated front and second row captain’s chairs offer an increased level of luxury and comfort. The convenience of a traditional minivan is here with up to 144 cubic feet available with second row removed, and the third row stowed. Remote keyless entry with an available remote vehicle start system provides an extra level of comfort on a cold or hot day.

To accommodate the needs of today’s families, the Routan features standard 12V power outlets and an available 115V AC outlet for powering up phones, MP3 players and game consoles.

Also standard for 2009 is Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance Program, with this program there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance described in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty—three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

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1. Volkswagen: Purchase Routan = Help fund your child’s college tuition

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As a father of two and a VW nut, something about this just sounds not right. $1,500 is going to contribute nada, well, I once paid $3k cash for a ’90 Jetta GL. Without looking into it, I’m sure you never see the $1,500.

We have used upromise.com in the past and you can get family members to sign up as well. Anything they purchase adds to your childs account. In reality it is a better gift than the toys and crap that accumulates, then breaks and gets trashed. However, the Volkswagen Routan does have nice, rear space for storage.

Oh Snap! We forgot, it is a Chrysler Town & Country. Never mind Volkswagen. Better yet, can you offer this with the Tiguan? Toureg? or how about a used EuroMV!

Volkswagen partners with Upromise® to provide customers $1,500 when they buy or lease a Routan

Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today a partnership with Upromise, the country’s largest private source of college funding contributions, to provide $1,500 to customers who purchase or lease a new 2009 Routan for their child’s future education savings.

“We know parents are concerned about saving for their kid’s future. To help families tackle this challenge of saving for college, we’re excited that we are able to partner with Upromise,” said Tim Ellis, Vice President of Marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We’re aware that the cost of college continues to rise exponentially, far outpacing inflation, and our hope is to help our customer’s off-set that cost, while getting a great new vehicle.”

Upromise members can get $1,500 in college savings when they pre-order a Routan by August 31, 2008 and take delivery by November 30, 2008. To do so, members should log on to www.upromise.com/vw, print their unique Upromise VW Savings Code, and present it to their preferred Volkswagen dealer at the time the pre-order deposit is made. Anyone can join Upromise at no charge simply by visiting www.upromise.com. Signing up is fast, simple and completely free.

The Routan, Volkswagen’s all-new seven-passenger minivan, delivers families the best of both worlds: a vehicle that combines German sensibilities in design, fit and finish, and handling characteristics with market relevant features and outstanding value. The Routan is instantly recognizable as a member of the Volkswagen family, with its stylized front grille and exterior treatments. The interior enhancements create an environment that is visually pleasing, modern, and meticulously detailed. The high quality materials, beautiful textures and rich luxurious colors are combined with exacting tolerances and superb fit and finish.

While pleasing and contemporary, the Routan’s interior also follows the traditional Volkswagen design philosophy that form follows function. The Routan comes with a host of functional features, including: conversation mirror, rear seat entertainment system with two nine inch screens for second and third row, touch screen navigation with 30 GB JoyBox™ Multi-Media Entertainment system, dual power sliding doors with power windows, power fold third row seating for extra storage room, and no less than thirteen cup holders.

Second row captain’s chairs offer an increased level of luxury and comfort while still providing the convenience of a traditional minivan, with over 32.7 cubic feet available behind the third row seats and a full 83 cubic feet is available behind the second row.

The Routan will come standard with a 3.8L V6, offering 197 hp and 230 lb. ft. of torque when combined with the standard six-speed automatic transmission. A 4.0L V6 will also be available rated at 251 hp and 259 lb. ft. of torque. Routan features European tuned suspension and steering optimized for handling and improved driving dynamics. Standard all-season traction control and ESP, brings safety and security to the Routan.

The Routan will have starting prices of $24,700 for the S Model, $29,600 for the SE Model, $33,200 for the SEL Model and $38,400 for the SEL Model equipped with a Premium Package. A distinctly designed minivan at an attractive price point will broaden the brand portfolio, while providing a roomy alternative to existing Volkswagen owners. The Routan is expected to be available at dealers in September 2008. For more information about the Routan, please visit www.vw.com/routan.

About Upromise
Launched in April 2001, today Upromise is the largest private source of college funding contributions in America, with more than 8.5 million members and $425 million in member rewards. Membership is free and can help families save money for college while making everyday purchases of products and services at more than 21,000 grocery and drug stores, 14,000 gas stations, 8,000 restaurants, as well as thousands of retail stores, and more than 575 online shopping sites. Upromise partners include Citi®, ExxonMobil Corporation, Bed Bath & Beyond®, McDonald’s®, JCPenney.com, LandsEnd.com, Sears.com, and hundreds of others. Upromise also makes it easy for families to start their own college savings strategy through tax-advantaged 529 college savings plans offered through Upromise Investments, Inc. or by using Upromise contributions to help pay down eligible student loans. Upromise is a wholly owned subsidiary of SLM Corporation (NYSE: SLM), commonly known as Sallie Mae, the nation’s leading provider of saving-and-paying-for-college programs. Upromise is headquartered in Newton, Mass., and has more than 350 employees. For additional information, visit www.Upromise.com.

- Volkswagen

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