Back To School Shopping? Put the Golf On Your List

It's that time of the year again. The kids are back in school and Fall semester has officially begun. Unless you live on campus or attend boarding school, driving is probably inevitable. Whether you're one of the thousands that commuters at George Mason University, a new high school driver, or you venture to Target and Ikea on the weekends from University of Maryland, new wheels could be on your back to school supply list this year. Here are a few selections from our line up that I believe are straight A's.

A Golf For Your After School Activities

(Pure White 2015 Golf TSI SE at Stohlman)

The redesigned 2015 Golf is everything we've been hyping it up to be. Bigger, sleeker, faster, and more efficient. Perfect for any star student. With the new 1.8L TSI as the standard base engine, fuel efficiency has increased almost 15% from last year, with an estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg city/ 36 mpg highway. Not to mention, premium is not required for the new 1.8L T. That's right, Volkswagen actually recommends 87 octane rating for this new turbo charged engine, so don't feel shy about filling her up! And for those long commuters who'd prefer to go the clean diesel route with our 2.0L TDI engine, you can accelerate faster past fuel stations with the 236 lb ft/tq it's equipped with and the estimated fuel economy of 31 mpg city/ 42 mpg highway. 

(Photo courtesy of VWoA)

The redesigned Golf has definitely grown as well. It's gotten a little bit longer, a tad wider, giving the Golf a bit more room for you and your passengers to get comfortable. But the cargo room is where it's at. Increasing from 15.2 to 22.8 cu/ft, and up to 52.7 cu/ft with the seats down, you shouldn't have too many issues hauling your cello, hockey equipment, or that volcano science project after class.

(IIHS Results for 2015 Golf courtesy of iihs.org)

The 2015 Golf is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. The IIHS is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an independent nonprofit scientific and educational organization. Based in Arlington, VA, the IIHS can only test 50-70 vehicles a year, selections being based on various factors including model year redesigns/refreshing. Manufacturers have the right to request crash tests (at the manufacturer's expense) as well. Since the Golf was redesigned this year, it was selected to be tested for 2014, and passed with flying colors. The 2015 Golf and GTI were both selected as a Top Safety Pick+ for 2014. With its good looks, smart features, and a base price of $17,995 (Price excludes transportation, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges), I'd say the Golf is a safe bet for Class President.

For When Your Children Can't Drive Themselves

(Photo courtesy of VWoA)

If the kids haven't left the nest yet, pick up and drop offs are probably a big part of your weekly schedule. From packing lunches to making costumes for the drama club's production of Grease, you do a lot for your children. Why not do something for yourself, and get a car you'll enjoy for when you pick them up from their Model UN meeting. Enter the Volkswagen Passat. It has timeless lines, curb appeal, and a comfortable interior. Options like a Fender Premium Audio System, a wood inlay, and dual leather/suede combination seats, the Passat can offer those little luxuries you long for. The Passat has several engine options including the 2.0L TDI clean diesel engine, 1.8L TSI gas engine, or the naturally aspirated V6. The Passat also offers one of the biggest rear leg rooms in its class, and an astonishing trunk size of 15.9 sq/ft for all their soccer balls, trumpets, and textbooks. The Passat is also a IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2014, and has won countless accolades since its redesign debut for 2012. If the critics love it, why shouldn't we? 

(So much room for activities - Photo courtesy of VWoA)

Honorable Mentions

The Jetta and Tiguan receive an honorable mention since they are both very great options for back to school. Several factors preventing me from selecting them as the #1 & 2 pick include the inevitable 2015 Jetta refresh that's due to hit the market any day now. The Jetta has been a top seller for the Volkswagen brand in the US market since its debut, and we don't imagine that it'll slow down any time soon. A popular choice amongst folks in all age groups, the Jetta is always a reliable choice for a great commuter car, and has been a Top Safety Pick since 2009. The Jetta's 2.5L naturally aspirated engine has already been replaced with the new 1.8L TSI. This improvement makes the Jetta feel zippier while it sips on the gas tank. Once the refresh hits dealerships, I have a strong feeling that the Jetta will rise to become a top pick.

The Tiguan has been a Top Safety Pick since its debut in 2009. This compact crossover SUV brings a little bit of everything to the table. Size, style, luxury, performance, safety, and comfort. The only one on my list with its final assembly point being in Germany, the starting price of the Tiguan is a tad higher than the rest of group, with a MSRP starting price at $23,305 (Price excludes transportation, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges). That being said, the Tiguan is a genuinely fun, yet safe vehicle. The IIHS conducts a roof strength test for instances of rollovers, and the Tiguan was one of the top performers in this test from the beginning. The following video showcases the roof strength test, and solidifies why I drive Volkswagens now, and will for life.

Let us know what what vehicle you think deserves to be on our honor roll this semester by tweeting us @stohlmanauto. Until next time!

Esther Cho

VW Product Specialist

@esther_ch5

The TDI Clean Diesel Event.... Has Been Extended!

Great news! Our first ever TDI Clean Diesel Event has been extended till April 30th!

What is the TDI Clean Diesel Event? In case you haven’t caught any VW ads recently, they’re all about our first ever TDI event’s awesome incentives. With the purchase or lease of any new 2013 or 2014 VW TDI model, customers can receive a $1000* Fuel Reward Card plus 0.9% APR** for 60 months. And for those traditional gasoline lovers, 0% APR* for 72 months for the Jetta and Passat, plus a $500 VCI Contract Bonus** for the Jetta, and a $750 VCI Contract Bonus** for the Passat. If these great incentives aren’t enough for you to pull the trigger, take a moment to explore some reasons on why people don’t become just drivers, but Volkswagen lovers.

German Engineering

We hear it all the time… How superior German made automobiles are. But what does that even mean? Does it mean that our vehicles are literally crafted by the hands of gods? That might be a stretch, but what isn’t far fetched is the performance that is commonly associated with the phrase “German Engineering”. The Germans may sacrifice things like number of cup holders, but they won’t sacrifice on how the vehicle will perform. Volkswagen is a German brand, with vehicles that are built to be driven on the Autobahn. In specific areas during clear weather conditions, the Autobahn literally can have no speed limit. So if you’re wondering if you can pass someone on the highway, or quickly get off the on ramp on 495 in a Volkswagen…… You definitely can. 

German Engineering… Continued.

(@spinnawitz's 2011 Audi S4, Veronica)

Speed isn’t the only thing Volkswagen has to offer in terms of your driving experience. The Volkswagen brand has some of the best performance vehicles under one portfolio. The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport still holds the Guinness World Record for being the fastest road legal production car. Even former Professional Driver and now Director of Driver Management at Spire Sports + Entertainment, Joey Dennewitz exclusively drives vehicles in the Volkswagen family. His current daily driver is a gorgeous Audi S4, his 4th from the Volkswagen Group. What keeps Joey from straying to others? Simple. He expresses, “it straddles the line of performance versus luxury better than any of the others.. Has the right elements of performance without sacrificing the comfort of a daily driver.” The handling “makes any driver feel like a hero.” Isn’t that all we want in life? To have some resemblance of Ricky Bobby? Well for those of us who aren’t blessed with Will Ferrall’s fictitious character’s driving skills, a Volkswagen could very well be the most reasonably priced compromise to enabling that dream.

Do You Think I’m Pretty?

(@alexandriaschub's 2010 VW CC R-Line, C-Bisquit)

Did you know that curb appeal isn’t just a factor for new car sales, but for used as well? Volkswagens tend to hold their value very well, and it’s not just because of what they’ve got going on underneath the hood. Volkswagens maintain their identity, even through redesigns, and stay esthetically pleasing over time. The designs are never too bold or too trendy, so that even after 20 years, our vehicles still look good. Clean and classic designs that are ageless is just another reason why our Passat was ranked Most Appealing Midsize Car by J.D. Power in their Power 2013 Apeal Study. I must agree, the Passat is quite appealing, and definitely very pretty. 

Every Time A VW Hits 100,000 miles, a German Engineer Gets Their Wings

In my previous post, the last ad that was featured was our Super Bowl ad from this past year. It stated that every time a VW hits 100k on the odometer, a German Engineer gets their wings. I wish I could say I’ve seen the wings, but I’ve only been to our American facilities, and I’m assuming the international based engineers must be getting priority for receiving their wings as of right now. But nevertheless, it still doesn’t change the facts. Volkswagen has the most vehicles out on the road with over 100,000 miles on the odometer. That includes TDI’s, 2.5’s, even Mark Zuckerburg has a GTI. (Read this last sentence out loud, it rhymes.. Kind of.) The truth is in the masses, which are out on the road. And we’re not shy at all about it.

Are we closer to getting into that new Volkswagen? Then head out to Stohlman VW in Tyson’s by April 30th to test drive and take advantage of this once in a Jetta’s lifetime event. Until next time, tweet us @stohlmanauto!

Esther Cho

VW Product Specialist

@esther_ch5

*Fuel reward card offer good on purchase or lease of new, unused 2013 and 2014 TDI® Clean Diesel models. This Prepaid MasterCard® fuel reward card is issued by The Bancorp Bank pursuant to license by MasterCard International Incorporated. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. The Bancorp Bank; Member FDIC. This Prepaid MasterCard® fuel reward card may be used everywhere Debit MasterCard is accepted. Cannot be redeemed for cash. **APR offer good on new, unused 2013 and 2014 TDI® Clean Diesel models purchased through 4/30/2014. Example: At 0.9% APR, cost of financing for 60 months is $17.05 a month for every $1,000 financed. Available through Volkswagen Credit on approved credit. Down payment may be required. Offers end 4/30/2014. Offers valid in US only. See dealer for details or, for vehicle information, contact 1-800-DriveVW. ©2014 Volkswagen of America, Inc.

*APR offer good on new 2014 Volkswagen Jetta models. Excludes TDI® Clean Diesel models. Example: For 0.0% APR, monthly payment for every $1,000 you finance for 72 months is $13.89. APR offered to highly qualified customers on approved credit by Volkswagen Credit through participating dealers. No down payment required with approved credit. Not all customers will qualify for lowest rate. APR offer ends April 30, 2014. **Volkswagen Credit will give you a $500 Contract Bonus when you purchase a new, unused 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan through participating dealers and finance the purchase through Volkswagen Credit from April 1, 2014 to April 30, 2014. Offer available for retail customers only. Subject to credit approval. Bonus paid towards MSRP and is not available for cash. See your local Volkswagen dealer for financing details or, for general product information, call 1-800-Drive-VW. ©2014 Volkswagen of America, Inc.

*APR offer good on new 2014 Volkswagen Passat models. Excludes TDI® Clean Diesel models. Example: For 0% APR, monthly payment for every $1,000 you finance for 72 months is $13.89. APR offered to highly qualified customers on approved credit by Volkswagen Credit through participating dealers. No down payment required with approved credit. Not all customers will qualify for lowest rate. APR offer ends April 30, 2014. **Volkswagen Credit will give you a $750 Contract Bonus when you purchase a new, unused 2014 Volkswagen Passat through participating dealers and finance the purchase through Volkswagen Credit from April 1, 2014 to April 30, 2014. Offer available for retail customers only. Subject to credit approval. Bonus paid towards MSRP and is not available for cash. See your local Volkswagen dealer for financing details or, for general product information, call 1-800-Drive-VW.©2014 Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Farfegnugen! - Some of My Favorite VW Ads of All Time

Volkswagen Group is one of the biggest automotive manufacturers in world, with brands like Audi, Porsche, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and Bentley under our portfolio. We’re known for having fun and efficient vehicles, but did you know that Volkswagen is also a cultural phenomenon? The Beetle for instance is an icon that is easily recognized by most of the world. How did Volkswagen become such a well recognized brand that even non owners can distinguish them? The cars I personally believe sell themselves, but advertising definitely played a key factor in helping Volkswagen become one of the most recognized brands, ever. To pay homage to the great advertising minds that helped put Volkswagen on the map for over 50 years, here’s some of my favorite VW ads of all time. 

1960’s Print Campaign

The very first Beetle was imported in 1949, with the first showroom being established in the mid 1950’s. The Beetle was deemed as a car that was compact, easy to work on, and practical with a low price point. The little German vehicle was definitely different than anything the American consumer had seen before, so to show that we embraced our differences, a somewhat self deprecating, but humorous ad campaign was released. The risk definitely would pay off, considering the Beetle is today still a cultural icon. I mean, who hasn’t heard of Herbie?

Millennium Strikes - New Beetle 

The Beetle took a brief hiatus in the US market with the last Type 1 Beetle Convertible rolling out in 1979. Fast forward to the 1990’s - with Y2K approaching, Volkswagen took this opportunity to redesign and revamp a brand new Beetle, that had the power and features that the average consumer wanted in a new car. What they came up with was the New Beetle, a Beetle for the new Millennium, that hit showrooms in the late 90’s. The TV commercial that really highlighted its reintroduction was the commercial featuring Frank Sinatra’s song, “My Way”. It gave a sense of nostalgia while creating buzz for the redesign.

The Rabbit is Back!

The first generation of the Golf was sold in America as the Rabbit in the early 1970’s. This new little hatch was rolled out to be a modern replacement for the Beetle. With the second generation rolling out in 1983, the Rabbit was renamed the Golf and continued to live with that name for over 20 years. In 2006 when the Golf was getting a facelift, Volkswagen wanted to revamp Golf sales, so with the refresh, the Rabbit name was back. VW did a 15 city preview campaign where they had outdoor ads of a few “local” animals and then the Rabbit emblem below with a slogan that said, “Hey insert city name here, the Rabbit is back.” A TV commercial was released with the new Rabbits playing around in a city, mimicking real rabbits. It also featured a modern limited edition version of the Harlequin Rabbit, which paid homage to the mk1 Harlequin Rabbits. The September issue of Playboy also featured the Rabbit, where Playboy model Holly Madison sported a tattoo of the Rabbit emblem on her rear.

The Fast

With the introduction of the new Rabbit also came the introduction of the mk5 GTI. Before the release of the newest GTI generation, VW sent out a survey to a few thousand select VW enthusiasts across America calling it “Project Fast”. The survey was claimed as a “scientific study” about what they believed a Fast was, including the color, size, and shape of the Fast. At the conclusion of the study, a message was sent out associating the Fast with the new mk5 GTI, featuring an aggressive, black, Rabbit like figure. Project Fast created much internet buzz all over the enthusiast world, beginning the mk5’s marketing campaign. For the 2006 Torino Olympics, the Fast figurine was placed all over the Olympic Village for athletes and supporters to rub the Fast to get a little extra fast. With the major sponsorship VW had with the Olympics, TV spots during the game had a slogan of, “Make Friends With Your Fast”. This was a segway to VW’s newest commercials featuring the Fast, the driver’s alter ego, prioritizing the driving experience over absolutely anything and anyone. The buzz to get a Fast was high, and the first 17,000 GTI’s sold came with the little figurine. Since they were becoming so popular and a must have icon, people began selling them on ebay for hundreds of dollars. The Fast is still associated with the GTI, currently even featured in my personal Twitter profile photo. Truly a modern phenomenon, that was created for and by VW enthusiasts. 

Unpimp Your Ride

The mk5 GTI had another amazing ad campaign featuring tuner culture. The GTI was released in 1984 as the original “hot hatch”, but over the years, consumers would take their own economy cars, and apply crazy body kits and tune them into ostentatious vehicles. VW released an ad campaign where German engineers would take a tuner’s car, and “umpimp” their ride. The umpimping process would be some form of destruction of their vehicle, to be replaced by a “pre-tuned” VW GTI. The commercial also would feature a hand sign that was shaped as a V and a W, which would later turn into a well known hand sign throughout the VW world, even to this day. 

Use The Force

The redesigned Passat was released in the Fall of 2011. This new Passat was to be geared for the American market - now built in America (Chattanooga, TN) and having a starting price around $20k. A new and big commercial had to be released to catch the attention of Americans for the new Passat, and what better way to feature it, than during VW’s Super Bowl commercial that year. The commercial of a little kid trying to use “the Force” around the house, and finally believing he had done it when his father uses the remote start for the Passat is heartwarming, and would make any Star Wars fan flip. The Passat was here - and ready to strike back. 

VW Engineers Get Their Wings

VW has always done a great job on Super Bowl ads, but this past year’s ad was probably one of my favorites. The ad featured a new Passat that had reached 100,000 miles, being driven by a father and daughter. The daughter didn’t believe this was a milestone, so the father tells her about how a VW engineer gets their wings every time a VW hits 100,000 miles. The results were hysterical, and it would feature the fact that our brand had the most vehicles out on the road with over 100,000 miles. This would launch a marketing campaign, featuring ads of VW’s hitting over 100k, and the joy it brought consumers. Also, it meant there were a whole lot of German engineers out there with “wingy thingies”. 

So those were a few of my favorite VW ad campaigns. What are yours? Share with us @stohlmanauto. Until next time!

Esther Cho

VW Product Specialist

@esther_ch5

March Madness at Stohlman VW!

March just happens to be my favorite month. Sports fans get to relish in March Madness, St. Patrick’s Day is on the 17th for those with Irish descent (and those who pretend to be Irish for one day), and of course the most important being my birthday on the 5th. All these events help make the month of March memorable, but Volkswagen’s decided to make March this year the most most memorable with all the crazy incentives and promotions being offered! Some of these deals are too good not to share, so here’s a few that I believe everyone should take advantage of to make this March the best yet.

TDI’s For All!

(Photo from vw.com)

We love diesel and truly believe in our products. And because we love our TDI’s so much, Volkswagen has decided to offer a huge offer special for those who want to be TDI lovers. Until March 31st, Volkswagen is offering a $1000 VW Fuel Reward Card* on 2013 and 2014 VW TDI models. Lets do some math to see how awesome this offer truly is. The average cost of diesel in the area right now is about $4 a gallon. The fuel tank for a Jetta TDI is 14.5 gallons. So hypothetically, lets say you drive every time to the point where your tank is practically empty, it would cost you $58 to fill up your tank. The EPA estimates that our Jetta TDI averages 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway. Most of our owners tend to do better than what the EPA estimates, especially using these tips - http://thinkblue.volkswagen.com/en_US/fuel_saving_tips), but if we use the EPA combined average of around 36 (half city and half highway driver), you would be averaging just below 530 miles per fill up. That means a driver could drive at least 9,000 miles with the $1000 fuel card we’re offering before having to pay for diesel at the pump. You’re almost at your first oil change! And if that wasn’t enough, Volkswagen Credit is also offering 0.9% APR for 60 months for qualified buyers. That’s 5 years! 

(Over 70% of SportWagens sold in US are TDI's - Photo by E. Grady)

If this hasn’t already blown your mind, for those of you who need to take a little more off the purchase price to make the deal right, instead of receiving a $1000 Fuel Reward Card, the great folks at Stohlman informed me customers can choose to not receive a Fuel Reward Card, but a $1000 manufacturer incentive instead for 2013 and 2014 VW TDI models. This incentive can be combined with any other VWoA National Incentive and financing programs, with an exception of Conquest, Loyalty, Employee lease, and Fleet programs. So if the advertised price tag is what’s holding you back, might be worth talking to one of the VW sales guys to work out some numbers. Either way, if you’re looking at buying a TDI this month, you’ll be able to save at the pump or at the time of purchase. 

TDI’s Great and All BUT…..

If a TDI model doesn’t fit your lifestyle, we understand. Not everyone may be a road warrior, or may keep their car for a extended period of time. Although the resale value of TDI’s are higher than gas models, for those who have a daily commute of maybe 20 minutes, or a DCity slicker who utilizes the metro and only drives when needed, our gasoline options may be more up your alley. Those interested in a 2014 Jetta or Passat can get 0% APR** for 72 months and a $500* bonus for Jettas or $750* for Passat when financed and qualified through Volkswagen Credit. That’s 6 YEARS of NO INTEREST. That’s just bonkers! 

Hello VW Service Advisor? It’s Me, VW Owner.

BeGoodtoyourVW.com has some awesome coupons available if you’re in need of service this month. Examples include a $20 Mail-In Rebate on a Castrol Synthetic Oil Change, $124.95 or less for Front Brake Pad Replacement, or a Complimentary Check Engine Light Code Reading. That’s quite some savings! Of course we offer a 2 year/24,000 carefree maintenance program, so make sure to consult with one of the Stohlman service advisors before you begin extreme coupon-ing to see if any of the coupons apply to services you may need.

(Available at VW DriverGear)

Fresh Threads

After you get a new VW or service your beloved German dream machine, who wouldn’t want to represent Deutschland with some awesome VW DriverGear? DriverGear is offering some heavy discounts on some awesome merchandise including VW Branded apparel and accessories. And those who’ve never shopped with DriverGear before, you can register and receive 20% off your first order! What can be better than styling up while saving?

The deals at Stohlman Volkswagen right now are so crazy, you’d be mad not to partake. So join the March Madness, because there’s no time like the present.. Especially with the our first ever TDI Clean Diesel Event going on right now!

Tweet us @stohlmanauto. Until next time!


Esther Cho
VW Product Specialist
@esther_ch5


Disclaimers:

TDI offer: *This Prepaid MasterCard(r) Fuel Reward Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank pursuant to license by MasterCard International Incorporated. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. The Bancorp Bank; Member FDIC. This Prepaid MasterCard(r) Fuel Reward Card may be used everywhere Debit MasterCard is accepted. Cannot be redeemed for cash. Fuel Reward Card offer good on purchase of new, unused 2014 Jetta TDI(r) Clean Diesel models. **APR offer good on new, unused 2014 Jetta TDI(r) Clean Diesel models purchased through 3/31/2014. Customers may forego the fuel card for $1,000 rebate toward cost of new car. Cannot be redeemed for cash. Example: At 0.9% APR, cost of financing for 60 months is $17.05 a month for every $1,000 financed. Available through Volkswagen Credit on approved credit. Down payment may be required

Jetta 0% offer: *APR offer good on new 2014 Volkswagen Jetta models. Excludes TDI(r) Clean Diesel and Hybrid models. Example: For 0.0% APR, monthly payment for every $1,000 you finance for 72 months is $13.89. APR offered to highly qualified customers on approved credit by Volkswagen Credit through participating dealers. No down payment required with approved credit. Not all customers will qualify for lowest rate. APR offer ends March 31, 2014. **Volkswagen Credit will give you a $500 Contract Bonus when you purchase a new, unused 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan through participating dealers and finance the purchase through Volkswagen Credit by March 31, 2014. Offer available for retail customers only. Subject to credit approval. Not all customers will qualify for best rate.

Passat 0% offer: *APR offer good on new 2014 Volkswagen Passat models. Excludes TDI(r) Clean Diesel models. Example: For 0% APR, monthly payment for every $1,000 you finance for 72 months is $13.89. APR offered to highly qualified customers on approved credit by Volkswagen Credit through participating dealers. No down payment required with approved credit. Not all customers will qualify for lowest rate. APR offer ends March 31, 2014. **Volkswagen Credit will give you a $750 Customer Bonus when you purchase a new, unused 2014 Volkswagen Passat through participating dealers and finance the purchase through Volkswagen Credit from March 4, 2014 to March 31, 2014. Cannot be redeemed for cash. Offer available for retail customers only. Subject to credit approval. Not all customers will qualify for best rate.

NAIAS Coverage - Passat BlueMotion Concept

The North American International Auto Show opened this week in Detroit, MI. NAIAS is one of the biggest auto shows in North America, where manufacturers like to do their big unveilings of concepts and what’s to come. This is no different for Volkswagen, who unveiled 3 vehicles this week to North America. This included the mk7 Golf R, Beetle Dune Concept, and the Passat BlueMotion Concept. Although the Golf R is the only vehicle of the three that’s a production model, both concepts have potential, especially the technology for the Passat BlueMotion Concept. 

What is the Passat BlueMotion Concept? Is it a hybrid? A diesel? Neither! The concept is a purely gasoline engined mid-size sedan that achieves similar fuel economy as a Passat TDI. This makes makes us wonder, “How is this possible?”

The Passat BlueMotion Concept comes equipped with a 1.4L TSI engine with turbocharging and direct injection. The 1.4L TSI engine delivers 150 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Along with this, Volkswagen used a technology called Active Cylinder Management (ACT). Seen in certain VW European models like the Polo, ACT deactivates the valvetrain on cylinders two and three when drivers are using light throttle. This technology has also been seen in v8 engines, to make those bigger engines produce better fuel economy.

In addition to ACT, the Passat BlueMotion has a start/stop and coasting system, which can also be found in the Jetta Hybrid. With the start/stop system, when the vehicle comes to a temporary stop, the engine shuts off. The moment the driver releases the brake, the 1.4L engine starts back up again. When the driver releases the accelerator, the coasting system kicks in and decouples the engine, allowing the vehicle to roll with lowest possible drag. Combining all this technology results in a manufacturer estimated highway fuel economy rating of 42 mpg. The Passat TDI is estimated to achieve 40 mpg as a DSG, and 43 as a manual. Talk about incredible.

On the inside, the Passat BlueMotion has beautiful two toned seats. The darker and lighter leather are separated by a blue dividing line to distinguish itself as a member of the BlueMotion family. BlueMotion vehicles have been rolling off Volkswagen assembly lines since 2006. The vehicles that are included in this family are some of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in Volkswagen’s global market. 

We don’t know for sure whether this will become a production model, or when the ACT technology will be carried on into other models in the U.S. market. What we do know is that the Reef Blue Metallic color that the Passat BlueMotion Concept debuted in will become a color option for other Passat models in the near future. Woo hoo!

Stay tuned for more NAIAS coverage. In the meantime, tweet us @stohlmanauto with any questions and comments!


Esther Cho
Volkwagen Product Specialist
@esther_ch5