Stohlman VW and Nova Dub Member in Need - Stay Strong Harry Vannie

(Stohlman VW's Harry Vannie and his wife, Kris)

We have sad news this week from Stohlman VW. One of our Certified VW Sales Consultants, Harry Vannie has fallen ill and is currently in critical condition at Georgetown University Medical Center. After what was thought to be just symptoms of a cold that was going around, Harry sought out treatment at Inova Loudoun Hospital early last week after encouragement from his wife, Kris. Unfortunately, his diagnosis turned out to be more serious than a little cold. He was helicoptered to Geogetown University Medical Center’s Critical Care Center, where his family was informed that Harry had developed a severe infection that led to Sepsis. Sepsis is a potential life threatening complication from an infection. Sepsis occurs when chemicals released into the bloodstream to fight the infection causes inflammation throughout the system. In Harry’s case, his sepsis led to septic shock, triggering multiple organ failure. He is currently fighting for his life in a medically induced coma and life support. 

(Harry's family with his 2013 Golf R - Photo by Alles Gute)

Harry was born in Liberia, a country in West Africa. At home, Harry and his wife Kris, have two beautiful daughters. Before joining Stohlman, he had over 14 years of experience in the automotive industry. A very knowledgable VW Product Specialist and true enthusiast, Stohlman was thrilled when Harry decided to join the the VW team in Tyson’s this year. Harry and his wife are also active members of the Nova Dubs community. He currently drives a beautiful 2013 Tornado Red Golf R. Red was a very limited color produced for the MK6 R, so if you ever saw a red R around Northern Virginia, you could bet it was Harry cruising. Before falling ill, Harry was looking forward to attending H20i with his wife in Ocean City, Maryland, which took place this past weekend. His wife Kris, drives a CC R-Line.

(Harry's 2013 Golf R - Photo by Alles Gute)

With Harry being in a coma, the bills at the hospital and at home are stacking up. In the car business, paid sick days don’t really exist. Ryan Berg, a member of the Nova Dubs community, was generous enough to set up a GoFundMe for Harry and his family. All donations go straight to his wife Kris, to help pay for living expenses and hospital care. Kris has been spending day and night next to Harry, praying for a speedy recovery. Please help us show support for Harry and his family. Because of his current condition, he cannot receive fresh flowers or fruit, so please consider donating to Harry’s GoFundMe instead. Every dollar counts and is appreciated. We’re praying for you Harry, and cannot wait for you to return to Stohlman VW, healthy and happy. 

To Donate for Harry and his family - http://www.gofundme.com/harryvannie

Follow us @stohlmanauto. Until next time.

Esther Cho

VW Product Specialist

@esther_ch5

What The Stohlman Boys Do On Their Snow Days - 4MOTION AWD!

During my Midseason Update, I talked about the upcoming 7th generation Golf R and how it will equipped with the newest version of VW's 4MOTION All Wheel Drive. I'm sure that the newest 4MOTION with its 5th generation Haldex coupling will be absolutely fantastic, however for those of us who already have it.. We seem to be enjoying it as is. This is definitely the case for some of the Stohlman VW sales guys, especially when the weather becomes inclement. 

Before we get ahead of ourselves, let's start with the basics. What is 4MOTION? 4MOTION is Volkswagen's registered trademark for their 4 wheel drive systems. Throughout the years, 4MOTION has been used on a number of our models, from the extinct Passat GLX to our current day flagship model, the Touareg. 4MOTION is generally equipped in two ways, based on how the engine is mounted, Haldex and Torsen systems. 

(2004 R32 photo taken by Christopher Drinkuth, @PrimoLifestyle )

Haldex is used for vehicles with transverse engine mounting (East to West), and is an automatic "on-demand" all wheel drive system. In normal driving conditions, the power distribution when using Haldex is 90% to the front, and 10% to the back, almost mimicking a Front Wheel Drive system, primarily powering only one axle. Now when the system feels a wheel slipping, it engages the other axle, transferring torque to that axle. When the system feels that the differences between the axles have been eliminated, the system returns to it's 90/10% split. Vehicles that come equipped with our Haldex system include the CC, Tiguan, and R models.

Torsen is used for vehicles with longitudinal engine mounting (North to South). Torsen is a permanently engaged all wheel drive system where all the wheels are powered at all times. Full time all wheel drive systems have a center differential. This lets each wheel travel different distances while turning. The center differential can also be locked in more slippery situations either manually or automatically. With a Torsen differential, it's a mechanical self-locking center differential, regulating power between the axles as needed. This system is found in our Touareg, and some of our Audi Quattro family members.

Now that we understand how 4MOTION works, see below how some of the Stohlman VW Sales guys spent their snow days while the entire DC/Northern Virginia area shut down over a couple of inches. As a Midwest native, I have no sympathy for those of you who now have cabinets overflowing with non perishable food items that you impulsively bought in anticipation of the East Coast "Blizzard".

Looks fun, right? So next time you have a work snow day (In my day, I walked to school in SIX inches), don't stock up on bottled water and canned beans. Take out your AWD vehicle, and meet up with our Stohlman folks to do some donuts in empty parking lots - just not the dealership's.

Side note - Doing donuts in parking lots is probably not condoned behavior by Volkswagen AG or Stohlman Automotive Family, so neither party is liable for any ridiculous limits you decide to surpass after reading this post.

(2012 Golf R photo taken by Christopher Drinkuth, @PrimoLifestyle )

Tweet us @StohlmanAuto your snow day fun with your VW. Until next time!

Esther Cho

VW Product Specialist

@esther_ch5

Midseason Update - NAIAS 2014 and 7th Generation Golf R

Lots of updates were made last week during NAIAS Press Week by Volkswagen AG CEO, Martin Winterkorn. Winterkorn reaffirmed its commitment to the US market and shared its steady progress towards it's goal to be the #1 manufacturer by 2018 (Mach 18). Volkswagen is currently the 3rd largest manufacturer in the world, right behind Toyota and General Motors. 

Vehicles like the Passat and redesigned Beetle have created a spike in US sales over the past couple of years, but the Jetta is still an American favorite, being the most well sold Volkswagen in America. Although the Golf is the most sold VW in the world, it's not quite as popular in the US market. With production of the 7th generation Golf and GTI being relocated to Puebla, Mexico, hopes are this gap will be narrowed in the American market, further helping our Mach 18 goal. 

The Golf R is however confirmed to remain in Wolfsburg for production. It will sit on the new and lighter MQB platform and equipped with the updated 3rd generation 2.0L turbo engine, with an estimated 290 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. A massive update from the previous generation. It will also be equipped with the newest version of the 4Motion All Wheel Drive system with the 5th generation Haldex coupling. The R also will receive the "progressive" variable-ratio steering system and updated EDX+ system to create a better and more agile driving experience. For those who like to be more aggressive with their driving, the ESC Sport stability control system will now have the capability of being deactivated for track driving and parking lot donuts. An optional DCC dynamic chassis control system will also be available.

As expected, appearance wise the R will have distinctive badging, specially designed bumpers, side skirts, and 18 on alloy wheels. The R will have standard Bi-Xenon headlights with a newly designed LED daytime running lights, similarly seen in the eGolf. It will also have a two branch exhaust system with four chrome tips. With an expected US arrival in 2015 as a 2016 year model, the R is estimated to have a highway fuel economy rating of 31 mpg. That's a jump from the 27 mpg that the previous generation had. The Golf R is expected to be the best yet, combining both high performance and fuel economy.

Winterkorn has also promised a mid-sized 7 passenger SUV by 2016. We've seen teasers of what this could potentially be with the CrossBlue Concept that was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in 2013. It's unsure exactly what it will be equipped with, and whether the design will be what has been previewed. What we do know is that it will be another American market specific vehicle. 35% of Passats sold have been TDI models so far, with that market share only expected to grow. I anticipate that this future 7 passenger SUV will come with a diesel option, possibly even on the new hybrid powertrain that has been in development, shown recently at the LA Auto Show in the CrossBlue Coupe Concept. 

With sales steadily increasing in the North American market, Volkswagen AG plans to invest $7 Billion (insert Dr. Evil laugh here) to this side of the Atlantic. This is a major sign of commitment Winterkorn has made to our market. Volkswagen currently has the most cars out on the road than any other brand with over 100,000 miles on their odometers. Winterkorn even name dropped Mark Zuckerburg, stating that the creator of Facebook even drives a VW. With the major strides that VW is making, in my mind there's no doubt that Volkswagen AG will achieve its Mach 18 goal to be #1. I'm very excited to see the changes and developments that are to come in the next few years, and hope the anticipation doesn't kill me in the meantime.

Tweet us @StohlmanAuto with questions and comments. Until next time!



Esther Cho
Volkswagen Product Specialist
@esther_ch5