Controversial or not, Volkswagen of America has vowed its support for the “Cash for Clunkers” program of the government where each of their vehicles for their 2009 lineup qualifies for the said program. Under the “Cash for Clunkers” programs, potential new car buyers can get up to $4,500 off from the purchase price of new vehicles who trade-in their old cars.

In order to qualify, eligible new vehicles must achieve at least 22 miles-per-gallon for automobiles, and at least 18 mpg for small light-duty trucks and SUV’s, and trade-in vehicles must achieve 18 mpg or less.

“Volkswagen of America supports this historic decision of the United States Government to enact the Cash for Clunkers program.” said Stefan Jacoby, President/CEO, Volkswagen of America. “The fact that Volkswagen has long been known for producing fun-to-drive, fuel efficient vehicles, combined with our eight Top Safety Pick rated vehicles by the IIHS, should put Volkswagen on any new car buyers shopping list.” added Jacoby.

Among the new cars that Volkswagen has lined up include:

• 2009 Rabbit
• GTI
• Jetta
• Jetta SportWagen
• New Beetle
• New Beetle convertible
• Passat
• Passat Wagon
• Eos
• CC

(Source) Press

Tags: car buyers, fuel efficient vehicles, IIHS, Jetta, jetta sportwagen, light duty trucks, miles per gallon, new beetle, new car, new cars, new vehicles, old cars, president ceo, rabbit gti, shopping list, Stefan Jacoby, united states government, volkswagen, volkswagen of america

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In comments to the automotive and environmental press last week in Seattle, Volkswagen of America president and CEO Stefan Jacoby said that while VW is considering electric vehicles along with other alternatives, he does not see advanced plug-ins or EVs becoming a significant part of the market within the next decade. “We cannot expect in the next ten years a major change,” said Jacoby, who said that even if electric vehicles become a significant portion of the market, they “will not be affordable to the American middle class.” And that’s before considering the obstacles related to reliability, safety, and durability of battery packs.

“We have to be realistic,” he added. The automaker hasn’t totally shied away from hybrids and plug-ins as it is currently working on both. Last year it revealed a Golf Twin Drive Concept, a plug-in hybrid with a compact lithium-ion battery pack and a TDI diesel engine, and it is reportedly preparing to test the vehicles in a limited fleet.

Tags: ceo, Stefan Jacoby, volkswagen, VW

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Come April 9, one car will be named the World Car of the Year. And among the vehicles vying for the prestigious award is the Volkswagen Golf which was selected by a jury comprised of fifty-nine international automotive journalists from twenty-five countries around the world chose this year’s three finalists.

“It is a tremendous honor for Volkswagen to have its global best selling model, the Golf, nominated as a finalist for World Car of the Year,” said Stefan Jacoby, President/CEO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “This is a great way to kick-off the new Golf here in America. We’re excited for the arrival of the sixth generation Golf, which will be in Volkswagen showrooms later this year. Simply put, we believe this is the best Golf ever.”

The Golf, a perennial favorite in the Volkswagen line-up, has sold more than 26 million units in 120 countries, making it one of the top selling vehicles of all-time. The new sixth generation Golf first debuted at the Paris Motor show last fall, and will make its U.S. debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show. The Golf has been designed to be quieter, sportier, fuel efficient, present a clean, distinctive appearance, and — staying true to Volkswagen — fun-to-drive.

The new Golf embodies Volkswagen’s product strategy aimed to sharpen the brand design in all classes and apply greater global consistency among model names, steps intended to leverage the offerings of the world’s third largest automaker as it looks to increase sales and market share. The 2010 Golf will be available in dealer showrooms across the U.S. this fall in gasoline and TDI versions.

(Source) Press

Tags: Golf, Motor, sportier, Stefan Jacoby, TDI, volkswagen

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