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Now available in (Think) Blue: VW reveals the Beetle TDI Clean Diesel at the Chicago Auto Show

Posted on 22 February 2012 by Volkswagen McKinney

The Volkswagen Beetle is known for inducing smiles, and the latest addition to the Beetle family is no exception. This month at the Chicago Auto Show Volkswagen announced that a TDI Clean Diesel model of the 2013 Beetle will be available this Summer.

The 2013 Beetle TDI is the first TDI Clean Diesel Beetle we’ve offered since 2006, but we think you’ll agree that it was worth the wait. It’s the most fuel-efficient Beetle yet, with a predicted fuel economy of 29 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. Besides its excellent efficiency, what sets this model apart is what’s under the hood.

The Beetle TDI makes the most of Volkswagen’s innovative 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection Clean Diesel engine, which puts out 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. That’s great news for your right foot, because all that extra torque equals substantially more responsive driving.

We don’t use the term “Clean Diesel” lightly. Like our other TDI models, the Beetle TDI features an exhaust system with a particulate filter and no less than three catalytic converters: one for oxidation, one for oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and one for hydrogen sulfide. For those of you who aren’t chemistry majors, that means that engine emissions are reduced. For that, we can all breathe easier.

The Beetle TDI will be available in three trim levels, including a TDI with Sunroof and a TDI with Sunroof, Sound, and Navigation. All three levels are very nicely equipped, with standard features like power windows with one-touch up/down; cruise control; V-Tex Leatherette seating; the Kaeferfach secondary glove box; Bluetooth®; a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with audio controls; three auxiliary gauges; Keyless entry with push-button start; and a Media Device Interface with iPod® cable.

Plug in, Bug out: VW unveils E-Bugster concept car at the Detroit Auto Show

Posted on 10 January 2012 by Volkswagen McKinney

Volkswagen rolled into the Motor City with something a little different this year—think of it as a time machine in the guise of a car. Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show, it’s a little something we call the E-Bugster, and it’s the latest addition to our Blue-e-motion™ line of concept cars. While its design lines hearken back to the classic Beetle era, it takes a future-forward leap with an all-electric motor and pumped-up, speedster styling.

At the heart of the E-Bugster is a 114-horsepower (85 kW) electric motor and a lithium-ion battery that enables the car to go more than 100 miles with zero emissions. Stored under the trunk floor and the rear bench, the battery weighs a mere 695 pounds—pretty light, considering all the power it’s producing. The battery is recharged via a plug interface located beneath the hood’s VW logo and can accommodate all three types of available chargers: Level 1 (120V), Level 2 (240V) and, where available, Level 3 (quick charge; 80 percent charge in 30 minutes).

Up front, the E-Bugster boasts a distinctive flat, wide. The E-Bugster features the same “C”-shaped LED daytime running lights offered on the production Beetle, mirrored as reflectors in the rear bumper. The front end is arched and stretched, like a chopped-down speedster; it’s three inches shorter than the production Beetle.

A unique exterior look isn’t all that sets the E-Bugster apart from the production Beetle; a peek inside reveals other differences. Traditional gauges are for traditional vehicles, and the E-Bugster is anything but. It features EV-specific gauges, like an energy consumption display that fluctuates with vehicle acceleration, a driving range indicator and a display that shows the battery’s charge state. There’s even a display that shows the level of battery regeneration, important for long road trips.

We know you can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the first-ever electric Beetle, but we’re afraid you’ll have to. Concept cars like the E-Bugster and the award-winning Bulli offer a glimpse into the future of the automotive world, and besides, good things come to those who wait. Even though you can’t drive it now, you can see it at the Detroit Auto Show, located on the main stage of the Volkswagen booth And be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for live updates from the show.

Introducing the Jetta Hybrid: One part eco-friendly, one part high-tech, all parts awesome

Posted on 10 January 2012 by Volkswagen McKinney

The Volkswagen Jetta made a New Year’s resolution: to be even more fuel-efficient. And only nine days into 2012, it’s made good on that promise. The Jetta Hybrid was revealed at the North American International Auto Show today, and thanks to its all-new technology, it’s the most fuel-efficient Jetta in our lineup.

What’s New

The all-new Jetta Hybrid is powered by a high-tech turbocharged gasoline engine that is paired with a zero-emissions electric motor. While this marriage of smart and sensible enables impressive driving performance with a class-leading 0-60 mph time of less than 9.0 seconds, this new Jetta is also the world’s first hybrid to use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. What does that mean to you? It means the Jetta can deliver an estimated combined fuel economy figure of 45 mpg with no sacrifice in power. The fuel efficiency is a full 20 percent higher, and in city traffic, it climbs to a little over 30 percent.

The Jetta Hybrid can also be driven in pure electric mode at speeds of up to 44 mph and for up to 1.2 miles, depending on operating conditions. And for the first time in the U.S. market, we’re using our acclaimed 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline power plant, which weighs in at a mere 216 pounds. The slimmed-down four-cylinder engine produces 150 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque from just 1400 rpm. Now you can have a lead foot and still be environmentally friendly.

What’s Cool

The Jetta has always had a certain cool factor, but the Jetta Hybrid turns it up a few notches. It features a new take on regenerative braking: its clutch decouples the gasoline engine from the drivetrain when in pure electric drive or coasting modes to release more kinetic energy back into the battery. Because “decouples” is such a cool word, we’ll use it to describe another feature: when you step off the accelerator pedal at speeds of up to 84 mph, the TSI® engine shuts down and decouples from the drivetrain to eliminate driveline drag and the effects of the engine’s torque, resulting in even greater fuel efficiency. Want info on how fuel-efficient the Jetta Hybrid is? Get it with one glance at its all-new ePower meter. It also boasts a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery, and its Autobahn-proven technology makes it the fastest compact hybrid in its class. Now that’s cool.

Why It Matters

Think Blue is Volkswagen’s commitment to achieving sustainable mobility through technology and cars that don’t compromise performance. With its impressive fuel efficiency, turbocharged speed, innovative technology and standard safety equipment like Electronic Stability Control, anti-lock brakes and six airbags, the Jetta Hybrid embodies the Think Blue spirit of mobility that’s not only environmentally friendly, but fun.

For more information on the new Jetta Hybrid, check out our press release. The Jetta Hybrid launches in North America in late 2012, but you can see it now at the Detroit Auto Show. And be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for live updates from the show.

GLI stands for “Gotta Love It”: 10 things to love about the 2012 Jetta GLI

Posted on 05 January 2012 by Volkswagen McKinney

“Absolutely fantastic.” “Very quick.” “A lot of fun to drive.” Judging from the responses to the all-new 2012 Jetta GLI, it looks like we’ve got a hit on our hands. But how is it different from the standard Jetta? Simple: we just added the letters “GLI.” Hold on—our designers and engineers are telling us that it took more than a few letters to create the sportiest, most performance-focused Jetta yet. In fact, they have a list of a few of the things that make the 2012 Jetta GLI the great car that it is.

1. The GLI has a sporty appearance. With new features like a flat-bottomed steering wheel, honeycomb front grille, vertical fog lights, smoked taillight lenses, and dual exhausts, the GLI is the sportiest-looking Jetta yet.

2. The GLI offers sporty performance. And you thought the GLI just looked fast. Go on—lift up the hood and take a peek at its award-winning 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, complete with 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque.

3. The GLI has the same XDS differential found in the GTI. The Volkswagen XDS™ (Cross Differential System) helps prevent inside wheel spin during cornering so you get better handling, faster acceleration, and more driving fun.

4. Not only is it sporty—it’s practical. Why keep all that driving fun to yourself? Thanks to its roomy interior, passengers can pile in the GLI and enjoy a comfortable (and thrilling) ride.

5. The GLI has an all-new interior. While they enjoy the ride, your passengers will also enjoy the stylish red stitching, brushed aluminum accents, and standard heated front seats.

6. The GLI features independent rear suspension. We’ve always been fans of independent thinking, even when it comes to a car’s suspension. This system allows each wheel to react independently to road conditions, ensuring a smooth ride.

7. You can choose between 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels. We know you love options, and you can’t go wrong with either of these wheel packages.

8. The GLI comes with our intelligent crash response system (ICRS). Because your safety is important to us, the ICRS steps in in the event of an airbag deployment and turns off the fuel pump, turns on the hazard lights, and unlocks all the doors.

9. You can add the Fender Premium audio system. The sound system is optional, but once you experience its nine speakers, 400 watts of power and crystal-clear sound, you’ll realize that it’s a must-have.

10. The GLI may cause reverse sticker shock. With an MSRP of only $23,495, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by just how affordable luxury performance can be.

Tell us: what’s your favorite thing about the 2012 GLI?

Best-in-class vowel-to-consonant ratio: 10 things to love about the Touareg

Posted on 05 January 2012 by Volkswagen McKinney

Ah, the majestic Volkswagen Touareg. Bold, beautiful, and born for adventure. What’s not to love? You already know that the Touareg gets you where you’re going in style and comfort, but here are a few more things you may not have known about it.

It’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s judges awarded the Touareg with their Top Safety Pick rating, the highest possible rating from the non-profit safety research organization.
The Touareg TDI gets an estimated 28 miles per gallon. You already know that the Touareg can go anywhere—and now you know that it will burn less fuel getting there. The Touareg TDI also puts out an impressive 406 pound-feet of torque at 1,750 to 2,250 rpm while producing 225 horsepower at 3,500 to 4,000 rpm.
It’s rugged, yet refined. Sure, the Touareg is ready to handle any terrain at any time, but with luxurious standard features like a multi-function steering wheel, heated rear reclining seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and leather seats, you’ll look (and feel) great, no matter where your Touareg takes you.
It has an available Dynaudio® premium sound system. The 620-watt sound system with 10 premium speakers and DSP technology will make road noise practically disappear.
The Touareg has a Hybrid option. That’s right: you can get a Touareg fully loaded with premium features and the world’s first supercharged hybrid engine.
The REST button keeps you warm when it’s cold out. “Rest” is the German word for “residual,” and the REST button enables the Touareg’s residual heat function, which uses an electric pump to circulate engine coolant through the heat exchanger for a maximum of 30 minutes after the car is turned off.
Available 4Motion all-wheel drive. With the special synchronized technology in 4MOTION, each wheel is always in motion and constantly working together.
It can get you across two continents in record time. Earlier this year, Rainer Zietlow and his team set a new world record for driving the length of the Pan-American Highway, crossing through 14 countries and covering nearly 16,000 miles in a Touareg TDI in only 12 days. You may never need to drive that far, but if you do, the Touareg can handle it.
It comes with a programmable key fob. The key fob can be programmed to do all sorts of things, like open and close the rear hatch and even start your engine remotely.
The Touareg will leave the light on for you. The automatic vehicle illumination feature lights the way when you’re walking from the vehicle to your destination. You can even turn on the headlights from your key fob when you’re approaching the Touareg.

Tell us: what’s your favorite thing about the Touareg?

Let us count the ways: 10 things to love about the 2012 Beetle

Posted on 12 December 2011 by Volkswagen McKinney

The all-new Volkswagen Beetle is a modern take on the most lovable car the world has ever known. It’s been redesigned from the inside out, and with so many changes, you may have missed a few new features. Fear not, Beetle fans, for we’ve outlined 10 things to love about the 2012 Beetle.

It boasts a more powerful, sporty look. In the words of VW design brand chief Klaus Bischoff, “The Beetle is now characterized by a clean, self-confident and dominant sportiness.” Nice work, Klaus.
It offers two engine options. Choose between the 2.5L gasoline five-cylinder model and the 2.0L TSI turbocharged gasoline engine—you can’t go wrong.
It has several transmission options. The 2.5L models come with a 5-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic. Our acclaimed Direct-Shift Gearbox® 6-speed dual-clutch transmission is an option on the 2.0L TSI turbocharged model, while the 6-speed manual transmission comes standard.
It comes with a Kaeferfach glove box. As a nod to the classic Bug, the new Beetle features a second glove box—the Kaeferfach—just above the main glove box.
You can add Heritage wheels. Available in 17- and 18-inch options, our aptly named Heritage wheels harken back to the classic Beetle.
Four words: Fender Premium audio system. The sound system is optional, but once you experience its nine speakers, 400 watts of power and crystal-clear sound, you’ll realize that it’s a must-have.
An MP3/iPod adapter is standard. Speaking of audio, it’s easy to connect your MP3, iPod or iPhone to the audio system. You’ll never need to clutter your car with CDs again.
You can match the interior trim to the exterior paint job. If you match your socks to your car’s floor mats, you may want to consider this option.
You can add custom graphics. With Second Skin, a partnership between Volkswagen and Original Wraps, you can add graphics and racing stripes that will make your Beetle look like it’s going fast even when it’s standing still.
The Beetle R is coming to America. Speaking of going fast, the Beetle R, a racing-inspired version of the Beetle, is coming soon. Stay tuned to the Beetle Blog for more info.

Tell us: what’s your favorite thing about the 2012 Beetle?

McKinney Volkswagen Has Become One of the Highest-Rated DealerRater Certified Volkswagen Dealers in Texas

Posted on 08 December 2011 by Volkswagen McKinney

DealerRater, the nation’s premier car dealer review web site, has certified McKinney Volkswagen, one of the premier car dealerships in the nation.

Dealerships that qualify for this certification program must be committed to quality customer service and in good standing with DealerRater. Certified Dealers have the opportunity to actively engage DealerRater community members and potential customers. DealerRater visitors can feel confident in knowing that a Certified Dealer is dedicated to providing a high level of customer attention and in the event of a disappointing experience, will work with the reviewer to rectify the situation.

In the past two years, DealerRater has demonstrated record increases in dealer reviews, web traffic and registered users. “Our steady growth points to the increasing significance of third-party online reviews in today’s auto marketplace,” said Chip Grueter, President of DealerRater. “Consumers are increasingly relying on credible, third-party review sites like DealerRater to research prospective dealerships across multiple geographic areas and vehicle brands so as to find the right car dealer committed to quality customer service.”

Brian Ongaro, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Boardwalk Auto Group said, “We chose DealerRater because we understand the importance of building trust with online shoppers. We feel that DealerRater has become one of the primary information sources for car buying consumers. More than that though, we embrace the complete unbiased customer feedback and the transparency that DealerRater provides our entire organization.”

About McKinney Volkswagen
Among the largest and fastest growing Volkswagen dealerships in the U.S., McKinney Volkswagen is proud to be one of the premier dealerships in the Dallas area. From the moment you walk into the showroom, you’ll know that McKinney Volkswagen’s commitment to customer service is second to none.

About Boardwalk Auto Group
Boardwalk Auto Group is one of the premier auto groups in the nation representing Audi, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche, and Volkswagen. Learn more about Boardwalk Auto Group at http://www.BoardwalkAutoGroup.com.

About DealerRater®
DealerRater was founded in 2002 as the first car dealer review website worldwide. DealerRater is the world’s #1 online resource for anyone seeking third-party information on automobile dealerships. DealerRater features more than 41,000 U.S. and International car dealers, 460,000 user reviews and over 1,000,000 cars for sale. DealerRater attracts more than 5 million consumers every year who visit the site to search for car dealerships, read current reviews, write their own descriptive reviews, and find car deals – all for free. Car dealers are rated on the criteria of customer service, quality of work, friendliness, price and overall experience.

Volkswagen Chattanooga Earns LEED Platinum

Posted on 05 December 2011 by Volkswagen McKinney

First Automotive Manufacturer to Reach Top Green Building Standard
Both Volkswagen Factory and Volkswagen Academy Awarded Platinum Certification

Chattanooga, Tenn. — Volkswagen’s Chattanooga manufacturing plant has received a platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) green building certification program. The facility is the first and only automotive manufacturing plant in the world to receive the Platinum certification.

Platinum certification recognizes the highest level of performance.

“Because Volkswagen has a longstanding, worldwide commitment to sustainable mobility and environmentally responsible manufacturing, we are proud to have achieved the LEED Platinum certification at our Chattanooga manufacturing facility,” said Hubert Waltl, member of the board of management of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand for production and logistics.

“Volkswagen Chattanooga’s LEED Platinum certification is the fulfillment of a promise that Volkswagen has made around the world and in this community that we will work in harmony with the environment,” said Frank Fischer, CEO and chairman of Volkswagen Chattanooga. Our commitment to building a LEED certified factory began in the planning and design stages,” Fischer said, “I believe that this not only helped insure that we would achieve Platinum status, but was actually a very cost effective way to implement environmentally responsible building methods,” he said.

The ultra-clean paint shop alone will save 50 million gallons of water in ten years.

“Volkswagen is clearly committed to the US market;” said Jonathan Browning, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “During the worst recession in the past century we never wavered with our investment of a billion dollars to create this world class facility. This certification underscores Volkswagen’s commitment to engineering excellence.”

LEED certification is an internationally-recognized green building certification system developed by the USGBC in March of 2000. LEED provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.

LEED promotes sustainable building and development practices through a suite of rating systems that recognize projects that implement strategies for better environmental and health performance.

Aspects of the plant that earned LEED recognition include:

Superior insulation provided by six inches of mineral rock wool, resulting in 720,000 Kilowatts per year savings
Green power from the local hydroelectric dam
Use of LED lighting on the exterior results in 68% less energy used, up to 262,500 kWh per year and a reduction in light pollution.
Rainwater collected and reused to flush toilets and cool the welding machines
White roof membrane is highly reflective, minimizing heat island effect by up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Natural flowing creeks to capture heavy rains and restore a natural habitat
Low-flow water fixtures and no-touch sensors throughout the plant reduce water usage by 30%.
Plant was built on a brownfield property with no destruction of untouched nature. Protected 100 ft. wide creeks and wetlands were established to create natural habitats with low impact on natural habitats.

The Volkswagen Academy was also certified by USGBA as a Platinum LEED facility. The primary purpose of the Volkswagen Academy is to prepare new employees for work at the Volkswagen plant. In conjunction with Chattanooga State and Tennessee Tech, the Academy also offers an Industrial Technology degree and an apprenticeship program.

“We are very pleased that the Volkswagen Academy has been Platinum LEED certified, because this reflects the level of excellence that we expect and produce in the academy,” said Hans-Herbert Jagla, EVP of Human Resources.

“Building operations are nearly 40% of the solution to the global climate change challenge,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “While climate change is a global problem, innovative companies like Volkswagen Chattanooga are addressing it through local solutions.”

Volkswagen Chattanooga produces the all-new 2012 Passat, which has recently been named Motor Trend magazine’s 2012 Car of the Year, as well as having earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick rating, the highest possible from the non-profit safety research organization. The Passat TDI – the only clean diesel option in the midsize segment – is rated at 43 mpg highway, with a range of nearly 800 miles.

About U.S. Green Building Council

The U.S. Green Building Council is the nation’s foremost coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. More information on USGBC can be found at www.usgbc.org.

About Volkswagen Chattanooga

Volkswagen will invest $1 billion in the local economy for the Chattanooga plant and create more than 2,000 direct jobs in the region. According to independent studies, the new Volkswagen plant is expected to generate $12 billion in income growth and an additional 9,500 jobs related to the project. The Chattanooga manufacturing facility builds the all-new 2012 Passat sedan, specially designed for the North American market and winner of the Motor Trend magazine 2012 Car of the Year award.

The Beetle R is a dream come true

Posted on 17 November 2011 by Volkswagen McKinney

Good things come to those who wait. Apparently, so do fast things. In September, we reported on the Volkswagen Beetle R concept car’s debut at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt. It’s holding a stateside coming-out party at the 2011 LA Auto Show.

Like its cousin, the high-performance Golf R, the racing-inspired features on the Beetle R are obvious. The 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels feature five triple spokes and R-design blue brake calipers, and the front bumper consists of three intakes, each highlighted in contrasting “Black High Gloss.” The outer intakes cool the brakes, while the middle intake supplies the engine with air. The Beetle R also has a spoiler up front, inspired by flat splitters found on racecars. Two sets of dual pipes make the Beetle R look like it’s going fast even when it’s standing still, and when it’s not standing still, add a sporty exhaust note. A wider stance gives the Beetle R a more aggressive look; the front and rear bumpers have been reworked and widened by 1.2 inches, while the fenders are 0.6 inches wider on either side. And we hate to see the Beetle R leave, but we love to watch it go, thanks in part to the newly redesigned aerodynamic rear bumper with air exhaust vents that are integrated with a diffuser in the lower bumper area to improve downforce. In other words, it will help keep the Beetle R grounded at high speeds, and please believe that the Beetle R loves high speeds.

Sure, the Beetle R looks great from the outside, but it’s once you get inside it that the real fun starts. All seats are embossed with the R logo, and the dual motorsport bucket seats up front have gray nubuck leather inserts, while the back seats are upholstered in black Nappa leather. The entire instrument panel has been redesigned and boasts a central tachometer and auxiliary gauges, while the real party-starter—the gas pedal—is covered in brushed aluminum. (Editor’s note: the brake pedal, while not nearly as fun, is covered in the same material.)

See the Beetle R for yourself at the LA Auto Show. If you can’t make it to LA, don’t worry—this won’t be the last time the Beetle R makes it way to the US.

Passat’s proudest moment: Volkswagen Passat named Motor Trend 2012 Car of the Year

Posted on 16 November 2011 by Volkswagen McKinney

They grow up so fast. It seems like just yesterday that the first Volkswagen Passat rolled off the production line at our state-of-the art factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We’ve always thought highly of the Passat, and as it turns out, we’re not alone: no less an automotive authority than Motor Trend named the Passat the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year. In a field of 35 vehicles, the American-made midsize sedan took top honors. The award was presented to Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen of America, by Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief Angus Mackenzie during a press conference at the 2011 LA Auto Show. Needless to say, we’re thrilled.

Not only did Motor Trend designate the Passat as the best new car for 2012, but they also said think that it outclasses the current segment leaders: The Passat SE, TDI SE and VR6 SEL each came out on top in comparisons against comparable models of the 2011 and 2012 Hyundai Sonata and 2012 Toyota Camry.

The German-engineered and designed Passat delivers the complete Volkswagen driving experience. Make that experience last as long as possible in the Passat TDI Clean Diesel model, which gets an estimated 43 MPG* and can go up to 795 miles before refueling. Tell your passengers to feel free to stretch out in its tastefully designed interior and get comfy for that long drive, because the Passat also offers class-leading rear-seat legroom, automatic dual-zone climate control and standard Bluetooth®. Even when you reach your destination, you and your passengers may not want to get out of the car, thanks to the crisp, booming sound provided by the optional Fender Premium Audio System, designed exclusively for Volkswagen.

No matter where the Passat (and the music) take you, everyone inside can rest easy knowing that the Passat is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick award winner. The Passat features six airbags, tire pressure monitoring, ABS, and electronic stability control to help drivers avoid many dangerous situations before they happen. It’s also built with high-strength steel and constructed using advanced techniques like laser seam welding.

All that cool lasering and construction takes place at our LEED-aggressive manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, one of the world’s most advanced and energy-efficient assembly plants. The plant uses recycled rainwater to supply water for daily operations at the factory, helping to save 350,000 gallons of fresh water every month, and its paint shop’s Eco Dry Scrubber System reduces water consumption by 50,000 gallons a day. The plant also uses energy efficient technologies that will save the annual energy use of 1,880 households. In addition to creating the Passat, the plant has also created more than 12,000 new jobs for American workers and invested $1 billion dollars in economic development in Tennessee that will create $12 billion in economic growth for the region.

The 2012 Passat arrived in showrooms in September and is available now. And best of all, Passat models start at only $19,995*.

The Volkswagen Passat: German engineered. American made. Universally loved.

Tell us: what do you like most about the Car of the Year?

Love at first Passat: The first 2012 Passat is sold in San Jose, California

From the man who knows everything: An insider’s view of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat

*43 highway mpg EPA estimates for 2012 Passat TDI® Clean Diesel equipped with manual transmission. Your mileage will vary.

Range based on 43 highway mpg EPA estimate and an 18.5-gallon tank in the 2012 Passat with optional TDI® Clean Diesel engine and manual transmission. Your mileage will vary.

Estimated selling price is the base MSRP for the model and trim selected. Final payment will be based on the transaction negotiated with your Volkswagen dealer. Estimated selling price does not include dealer charges, destination charge, taxes, title and registration or optional equipment.