“Introducing Lots of New” for the 2015 Jetta

The 2015 Jetta is about to make everything a little sweeter. The updates can be seen both inside and out, including new driver assistance technology and a curb appeal that is even more irresistible than before. This is the model from the mk6 generation that you've been waiting for, and we couldn't be happier that it's finally here.

Working our way inside out, we begin with our engines. The Jetta will have 5 different engine options for 2015, including the all new 1.8L TSI engine (170 hp/184 lb-ft of torque) and the new 2.0L TDI engine with 10 more horsepower and 10%-15% more fuel efficiency (150 hp/236 lb-ft of torque). The Jetta Hybrid is back with its 1.4L TSI/electric motor (combined 170 hp/ 184 lb-ft of torque) with a big update. Like its Touareg Hybrid counterpart, the Jetta Hybrid will only be available one way - FULLY LOADED. New features for the Jetta Hybrid SEL Premium trim will include:

- Auto headlights with Coming Home/Leaving Home feature

- Rain sensor

- Blind Spot Detection with Rear Traffic Alert

- HomeLink

- Park Distance Control

- Autodimming rearview camera

Man, those features sound fantastic, right? But is Hybrid not your thing? No need to fear, our gasoline and TDI fans now can get the lighting and driver assistance packages too! The 1.8L TSI, updated 2.0L TSI (210 hp/207 lb-ft of torque), and 2.0L TDI SEL trim models can get these awesome new features that weren’t available before.

The Optional Lighting Package will include:

- Interior ambient lighting

- Bi-Xenon headlights w/ AFS

- LED DRLs

- Upgraded multifunction display

- Front fog lamps with static cornering

The Optional Driver Assistance Package will include:

- Updated multifunction display

- Forward Collision Warning system

- Blind Spot Detection

- Rear Traffic Alert

The Blind Spot Detection and Rear Traffic Alert is a unique feature only available currently on the 2015 Jetta. The Rear Traffic Alert will warn you when it detects anything moving more than 3 mi/hr within the scanned radius when in reverse. No need to fear the grocery store parking lot again!

Our base Jetta S with its 2.0L (115 hp/125 lb-ft of torque) engine will also get some variety this model year. The Jetta S gets a new optional Technology Package for those who want to ball out on a smaller budget. The Technology Package for the Jetta S will include:

- Premium 8 touchscreen audio system with Sirius XM satellite radio

- KESSY “GO” featuring push-button Start/Stop only (no keyless entry system)

- Rearview camera (standard on all trim levels for 2015 Jetta except Jetta S)

And of course standard features for all trims for the 2015 Jetta now include Bluetooth, cruise control, and a multifunction steering wheel with audio and telephone controls. 

The exterior has also gotten some updates. Candy White and Tempest Blue are out. Pure White and Silk Blue Metallic are IN. These beautiful new colors are sure to catch anyone’s attention. Exterior design updates include front and rear bumpers, front and rear fascia, newly designed taillight, and new designs for wheels and wheel covers.

And because of all these new design and technology features, the 2015 Jetta has achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and a 5-Star Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

To quote the latest Jetta advertising campaign, VW is seriously “introducing a whole lot of new” for the 2015 year model. Head out to Tyson’s soon to check out the 2015 Jetta, and in the meantime tweet us @stohlmanauto. Until next time!

Esther Cho

VW Product Specialist

@esther_ch5

We're #2! And New SUV Coming To Chattanooga

Hip hip hoorah! We’re almost there! General Motors announced last Wednesday their car and truck sales world wide from January through June was 4.2 million cars. Which means, Volkswagen advanced to the second place position in global auto sales with 4.97 million YTD. Toyota has not released their numbers yet, but it is expected that they will remain in first place, with an expectation of 10.1 million vehicles by the end of the year. 

So why is this a big deal? Not only is this an awesome accomplishment for VW, but it’s just another step towards the ultimate goal of world domination.. I mean the biggest auto manufacturer in the world by 2018. 

(Photo provided by @VW media)

In addition to this exciting update, Volkswagen also revealed more fantastic news. For those of you familiar with the CrossBlue concept we unveiled at the 2013 North American Auto Show in Detroit, an SUV based on this design is finally planned for production to take place at VW’s Chattanooga plant. CEO of VW Dr. Martin Winterkorn stated, “This model will play a key role for Volkswagen’s presence in North America.” 

The CrossBlue concept showed as a 3 row SUV. It was also initially equipped with a plug-in diesel-electric hybrid powertrain that was under development. This new concept is estimated to average 89 mpg, which would seriously change the automotive game. Similar versions of the conceptual powertrain were unveiled at various auto shows, including a dual electric motor direct injection gas V6 hybrid, which initially showcased on the CrossBlue Coupe concept, estimated to achieve 79 mpg, with a 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds. Pretty fast for not only a hybrid, but an SUV.

(Photo provided by +Volkswagen USA  media)

Chattanooga currently builds the Passat, which has been a success in the U.S. market. The Chattanooga plant currently employs approximately 1,500 employees for production for the Passat. There was much debate on whether another vehicle would go into production in Chattanooga due to the union saga, creating a standstill for the future of Chattanooga and Volkswagen. Tennessee is a Right to Work state, which allows employees to choose whether or not to join/support unions. Chattanooga was the only factory in the Volkswagen Group worldwide to not have any representation, causing the factory to have no representation in Germany. 

(Photo provided by +Volkswagen USA media)

The workers voted no - 53% to 47% - on the existing United Auto Workers union based out of Detroit in entering Chattanooga back in February, but VW continued to encourage the workers to consider assembling some type of workers council, so that the group could move forward in expanding production in Tennessee. After many months of debate following the vote, the UAW created a local union to represent workers for Chattanooga, with Volkswagen Group’s approval. Volkswagen issued a statement that said, “Just like anywhere else in the world, the establishment of a local organization is a matter for the trade union concerned. There is no contract or other formal agreement with UAW on this matter.” The local chapter will be recognized when they can get a majority of the workers to join, but Volkswagen has already began its expansion process at the plant.

Approximately $900 million will be invested in the production of the new SUV, with around $600 million being invested in Tennessee. More money also means more jobs. Approximately 2,000 jobs will be created, in addition to an independent National Research & Planning Center of the Volkswagen Group of America. The R&D facility will identify consumers’ feedback for the U.S. market and expedit the integration for Volkswagen models. This will create opportunities for approximately 200 qualified engineers in Chattanooga. 

With the goal of delivering 800,000 Volkswagen Group vehicles in the US by 2018, production for the new SUV will begin in late 2016. A total of $7 billion is planned to be invested in North America to achieve this goal as well, to allow the brand to reach their Mach 18 sales goal. Not to make any promises, but I would estimate a mid-late arrival at dealerships in 2017 for the highly anticipated new SUV.

Will you be in the market for 3 rows in the future? Do you think Volkswagen will reach its Mach 18 goal? Share your thoughts with us on twitter @StohlmanAuto. Until next time!


Esther Cho
VW Product Specialist
@esther_ch5