Bill Hader vs. the “dangerously roomy” all-new 2011 Volkswagen Jetta

Posted on 05 January 2011 by

VW webisodes starring Saturday Night Live comedian Bill Hader and the 2011 Jetta are headed to a small screen near you. Paired with VW product specialist Danielle Gumro and SNL writer John Mulaney, Bill (weʼre on a first name basis now) brings his comedic style to the new series “Inside the VW Academy.”

The series weaves together useful and hard-hitting product features while managing to be at least a bajillion times more entertaining than the ownerʼs manual. The first round of videos feature the Jetta, Touareg and Tiguan models and will be featured on the official Volkswagen YouTube channel and on the completely redesigned VW website.

“There was a real collaboration between Volkswagen and Bill Hader on the set of ʻInside the VW Academy,ʼ and the unscripted comedy resulted in a unique and interesting format to engage consumers,” said Tim Ellis, Vice President of Marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “This high quality online entertainment highlights our superior German engineering in a new way and underscores all the value you get when buying a Volkswagen.”

“I was excited to get to work with the elusive Danielle Gumro. But I was bummed I couldn’t keep my wardrobe from the shoot,” added actor Bill Hader.

The Jetta, Touareg and Tiguan will each be featured in three videos that highlight key features, safety, performance and technology, and each video shows a competitive comparison. The content will provide factual details interspersed with funny dialogue and comedic improv. Consumers will also be able to post the videos via YouTube and Facebook.

Volkswagen Leads Industry with Six TOP SAFETY PICK Awards from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Posted on 21 December 2010 by


We are extremely proud to announce that six of our models have earned the prestigious Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award for 2011. In fact, VW has more 2011 IIHS Top Safety Picks than any other brand, so it’s not just another lovely notch in our safety belt, it’s also bragging rights. But that’s neither here nor there.

So, what does this mean, for us, and for you? Well, for us, it means that we’re doing something right, and we’re doing it better than ever, as all IIHS Top Safety Picks must earn the highest rating of good in all four Institute tests (front, side, rear, roof-strength test evaluations). It also means that we’re never fully satisfied with the bar we’ve set for the vehicles we make, and that we can promise to keep pushing for even better and safer ones in the future.

And for you, it means that you and your family can rest even easier in your Volkswagen Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Golf (4-door model), GTI (4-door model), Tiguan, and Touareg, fully cognizant of the fact that what you’re driving has passed, and with flying colors, testing even more rigorous than that administered by the federal government. And we should mention that it’s not even a given to qualify for testing with the IIHS; all tested vehicles must possess both electronic stability control (ESC) as well as head protection airbags.

Needless to say, these Top Safety Picks have put a big smile on our faces here at Volkswagen going into the New Year. It’s been a groundbreaking 2010 for us, and 2011 looks to be even brighter.

So, from our family to yours, have a fun, healthy, and SAFE holidays.

Check out the press release for more info: http://vwoa.us/e0HaWk

Volkswagen Leads Industry with Six TOP SAFETY PICK Awards from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Posted on 21 December 2010 by

We are extremely proud to announce that six of our models have earned the prestigious Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award for 2011. In fact, VW has more 2011 IIHS Top Safety Picks than any other brand, so it’s not just another lovely notch in our safety belt, it’s also bragging rights. But that’s neither here nor there.

So, what does this mean, for us, and for you? Well, for us, it means that we’re doing something right, and we’re doing it better than ever, as all IIHS Top Safety Picks must earn the highest rating of good in all four Institute tests (front, side, rear, roof-strength test evaluations). It also means that we’re never fully satisfied with the bar we’ve set for the vehicles we make, and that we can promise to keep pushing for even better and safer ones in the future.

And for you, it means that you and your family can rest even easier in your Volkswagen Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Golf (4-door model), GTI (4-door model), Tiguan, and Touareg, fully cognizant of the fact that what you’re driving has passed, and with flying colors, testing even more rigorous than that administered by the federal government. And we should mention that it’s not even a given to qualify for testing with the IIHS; all tested vehicles must possess both electronic stability control (ESC) as well as head protection airbags.

Needless to say, these Top Safety Picks have put a big smile on our faces here at Volkswagen going into the New Year. It’s been a groundbreaking 2010 for us, and 2011 looks to be even brighter. Do you agree? Leave us a comment and let us know what you think!

So, from our family to yours, have a fun, healthy, and SAFE holiday.

Check out the press release for more info: http://vwoa.us/e0HaWk

The All-New 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is Great for the Price of Crazy on Gilt Groupe This Week

Posted on 16 December 2010 by

You might’ve heard that VW partnered up with Gilt Groupe to sell a Jetta a day, starting Wednesday and running until Friday, for the ridiculous price of $5,995. That’s a full $10,000 off the base Jetta S trim price, which was already so good our accountants briefly passed out when they heard about it.

Yesterday’s sale was only for Gilt mobile app users, which, as you would imagine, diminished the number of potential buyers. Did that hurt us? You be the judge. The first 2011 Jetta on Gilt.com was in the customer’s cart in one second and went from zero to SOLD in under five minutes. Not bad, huh? We thought so.

The speedy buyer didn’t just save $10,000 on a 2011 Jetta S trim; they (and whomever scores the next two) got a loaded 2011 Jetta SEL with a base price of $21,395*. That’s a price difference of $15,400 which to us isn’t simply “Great. For the Price of Good.” It’s more like, “Great. For the Price of Ridiculously Awesome.”

Also, since we’ve been overtaken by holiday spirit, we’re giving all the money we make on these three cars to a great charity called Dress for Success.

Today and Friday’s sales start at noon eastern and are available to both web and mobile app users. If you want an amazing car for the price of a nicely equipped scooter, we suggest you set a few alarms and tell your boss you might be a little late to that 12pm meeting. They’ll understand once you pull up next to them in your new beauty. We make no promises of your continued employment in the event of jealousy, however.

Visit www.gilt.com/vw to register and get your shot to buy the all-new 2011 Volkswagen Jetta for under $6,000. And don’t forget to tell us what you think about this amazing deal by leaving a comment!

Want to know more about the Jetta? Here’s our vehicle page:

http://www.vw.com/en/models/jetta.html

*All prices shown are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Base MSRP for 2011 Jetta S is $15,995 with manual transmission. Base MSRP for Jetta SEL is $21,395. All prices exclude taxes.

A “Dream Team’s” life work in 60 seconds

Posted on 27 October 2010 by

The world’s best automotive designers work ’round the clock and through the seasons to create the perfect Jetta.

That’s the premise of the second of four Volkswagen Jetta television commercials rolling out over the next couple of months. Developed by Volkswagen and its agency of record, Deutsch LA, the “Dream Team” chronicles an elite group of designers as they collaborate on the design of the new Jetta. When the vehicle is finally revealed, they beam with pride—until, at the end, the price is displayed. Here’s a tip: Be sure to catch the subtle (and not so subtle) changes to the designers as time ticks away and their work continues.

2011 VW Touareg To Debut at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show

Posted on 16 October 2010 by

Far from being a simple update of the first-generation model, the new VW Touareg has been thoroughly re-engineered. Among the more significant changes is a decision to dump the Touareg’s complex dual-range transfer case as standard equipment (instead it will be optional), a move that reduces the weight of this sport-utility by about 400 pounds.

Much like other recently introduced Volkswagen models, the Touareg’s steel body adopts an edgier look with tauter surfacing, more defined feature lines and squared-off wheel arches. The front is characterized by VW’s latest corporate grille, while the rear updates the look of the old model with a large single-piece tailgate carrying distinctive LED-enhanced taillights.

At 189.0 inches long, 76.0 inches wide and 67.3 inches high, the Touareg has grown in length by 1.7 inches while retaining the same width and height. It rides on a 114.2-inch wheelbase (1.7 inches longer) and sits 0.7 inch lower.

The increased exterior dimensions have improved the first-generation’s Touareg’s poor interior packaging and limited versatility. While seating remains restricted to five, Volkswagen says accommodation has been improved both up front and at the rear.

Four engine choices are available, though not all of them will make it to the U.S. The direct-injection 3.0-liter V6 makes 280 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.0-liter turbodiesel makes 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. A new 4.2-liter V8 turbodiesel replaces the former 5.0-liter V10 turbodiesel and makes 340 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, but unfortunately it’s not coming to America. In its place, Volkswagen is expected to offer U.S. buyers a revised version of the direct-injection 4.2-liter V8 with 366 hp and 328 lb-ft of torque.

The big news, however, centers on a new gasoline-electric drivetrain that Volkswagen has developed in cooperation with Porsche. The German carmaker’s first ever production hybrid uses an Audi-built supercharged 3.0-liter V6 supplemented by a battery-powered electric motor mounted within the transmission to provide a combined 380 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. (It uses a nickel-metal hydride battery.) VW claims the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid will accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 149 mph.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment in place of the former six-speed, and it sends power to all four wheels via a Torsen-type drive system similar to that featured by the Audi Q7. As part of Volkswagen’s efforts to reduce the weight of its new SUV, the more complex Haldex-built center differential with its fast-acting multiplate clutch, dual-range transfer case and electronic locking differentials now will only be offered as part of an optional 4XMotion off-road package on selected models.

Inside Line says: Volkswagen finally realizes that Americans don’t need to drive across the red rocks of Moab, Utah, on the way to the grocery store. — Andreas Stahl, Correspondent

Inside Line, February 2, 2010

The 2011 VW Jetta hopes to drive off with the 2011 North American Car of the Year Award

Posted on 12 October 2010 by

The all-new 2011 Volkswagen Jetta has accepted its nomination for the 18th annual North American Car of the Year, along with fourteen of this year’s top vehicles, foreign and domestic, vying for the title.

We at Volkswagen are proud that our newest addition to the Jetta family is competing against the industry’s best vehicles. In fact, we’re honored. But we can’t say we’re surprised. We think we made a great car and this nomination proves it.

Up to 50 of the industry’s best journalists decide the winner, keeping value for the dollar, innovation, handling, performance, safety and driver satisfaction in mind as they cast their vote. Lucky for us, the new Jetta is luxurious, spacious, and truly affordable, starting at just $15,995*. Now there’s an award we’d be proud to place on our mantle.

Do you think the all-new 2011 VW Jetta has what it takes to win? Let us know by leaving a comment or posting to our Facebook or Twitter fan pages!

*All prices shown are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Base MSRP for 2011 Jetta is $15,995 with manual transmission. MSRP for model shown is $21,395, including manual transmission and options and accessories noted below. All prices exclude taxes and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

Model shown price includes:
2011 Jetta SE with Convenience and Sunroof: MSRP $20,795 ,24 city/34 highway mpg (2011 2.0L manual transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary. Limitations apply. See dealer for details.

http://twitter.com/#!/Volkswagen

“Moonlighting” spot debuts Jetta commercials

Posted on 08 October 2010 by

A hospital employee opens the blinds to a patient’s room to let in the early morning light. He sees a billboard on the building next door that announces the all-new 2011 Jetta with the caption “coming soon.”

These are not fragments of a disjointed dream, but descriptions of the first two of four new Volkswagen Jetta television commercials rolling out over the next couple months developed by Volkswagen and its agency of record, Deutsch LA, and each spot underscores different features of the all-new Jetta. In the hospital scenario, titled “Moonlighting,” there’s a captivated protagonist working extra jobs so that he can afford what he perceives to be a vehicle otherwise unaffordable. Having saved his money from working the oddest selection of jobs—including as rodeo clown—he discovers he can afford not one, but two new Jetta vehicles.

Fashion’s Night Out 2010 with the Volkswagen Style Express

Posted on 13 September 2010 by

In just its second year, Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) has become a global event, with New York City leading the international fashion charge. For those who don’t know, Fashion’s Night Out is simply that: an opportunity for retailers to stay open late, for designers to plan special events and appearances, and for the city to throw spontaneous block parties in the name of fashion and fun.

This year, FNO happened to land on a beautiful, late Summer night, making already rare cabs virtually impossible to find. That’s where Volkswagen came in. This year, Volkswagen of America, the official automotive sponsor of FNO 2010, saw an opportunity to introduce NYC to the all-new 2011 Jetta, and jumped at it. The brand converted a fleet of over 20 new Jetta models into a “Volkswagen Style Express” shuttle service, providing FNO attendees with free rides (as well as plenty of trunk space for bags and the roomiest back seat in its class!*) between Midtown Manhattan and Soho. Select fashion designers also received VIP VW treatment, and were chauffeured around in Touareg SUVs from appearance to appearance.

As is clear from the smiling faces in the photos, it was an exciting night for Volkswagen, New York City, and fashion, and we were thrilled to be a part of it.

Get a better look at the all-new 2011 Jetta, and see some of our favorite pictures from the evening on our Facebook page!

Were you one of the lucky few who got a ride in the “Volkswagen Style Express?” Tell us about your evening!

*Based on manufacturer’s published specifications comparing 2011 Jetta S to 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2010 Ford Focus, 2010 Honda Civic, 2010 Mazda 3i, 2010 Nissan Sentra and 2010 Toyota Corolla models.

In this Gallery: Katy Perry, the all-new 2011 Jetta’s unveiling, and a man with impeccable taste in phone cases.

Posted on 15 June 2010 by

The 2011 Jetta was center stage in Times Square as casual onlookers and die-hard enthusiasts alike made their way to New York to witness a rare event…the birth of the sixth-generation Jetta.

The Jalopnik crew was able to snap some incredible shots of the car live from the event.  While the interior was off limits, different Jetta models were rotating on display.  With a complete overhaul of the body design, newly contoured lines and stunning cargo space, the all-new Jetta was ready for the runway.

After a surprise performance by Katy Perry electrified the crowd, Mario Batali stopped by to show his Volkswagen love as well. Jalopnik was there from start to finish.  Jump to find hi-res photography of the event at the link below.

http://jalopnik.com/5564206/gallery-2011-volkswagen-jetta