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.

Want To Know Your VW?

Sometimes when in the process of buying a new car, we get so wrapped up in the excitement that we forget to ask general questions. Although our sales staff at Stohlman make sure to do a thorough delivery and explain how your new Volkswagen works, we don't always remember every detail they may have shared during delivery. Even one of my best friends who leases a Jetta will occasionally call me up to ask, "when am I supposed to get an oil change again?" It happens. We understand. Of course you can always reach out to the lovely Stohlman VW folks, but there's now a very convenient alternative provided to us by Volkswagen - knowyourvw.com.

Know Your VW is a great website and/or app that you can use to fully understand your Volkswagen model. It's a great resource that can answer questions and provide information about your vehicle for 2013 and 2014 models.

The screenshot above shows specific videos for technology that you would find in a 2014 Passat including Car-Net and Bluetooth pairing. There's even a tab that will tell you if your device is compatible to connect to your VW using bluetooth.

First time Volkswagen owner? Confused about when you should do your services? Know Your VW can provide the information you need to make sure to keep your Volkswagen in tip top shape. It also explains the difference between scheduling VW Service Xpress appointments, and normal service appointments.

Are you unlucky like me and have unfortunate collisions happen to you? A few years ago, I had 2 accidents in a matter of a 2 month period where a deer ran into ME, and another car accidentally side swiped me. Extremely unlucky. Not all repair shops are Volkswagen Certified, so if your insurance company allows you to pick your body shop, you can opt to pick a Volkswagen Certified Collision Repair Facility, using Know Your VW.

And of course, Know Your VW offers Driving Tips so that you can avoid having to go to a Collision Repair Facility. This is a fantastic resource for those unexperienced drivers. And for those of you who don't have over 5 years of Ohio winter driving experience under your belt like I do, the Driving Tips can help you learn to be an expert snowy day driver. This could come in handy considering the pleasant surprises Mother Nature has been bestowing us this winter. (I recommend investing in snow tires before next winter.) 

Lastly, Know Your VW also offers your owner's manual online! So for those of you who haven't opened a physical book in years, you can maintain that by just entering your VIN number, and it will provide you a digital version of the owner's guide specific for your vehicle. Talk about convenience!

Know Your VW is a great resource that can make you an expert VW owner. So before you schedule your next service, take some time to navigate through, and really get to KNOW your Volkswagen. For questions and comments, tweet us @stohlmanauto. Until next time!


Esther Cho
Volkwagen Product Specialist
@esther_ch5

Move Over Herbie, There's a New Beetle Racer in Town!

(Photo from VWoA Media)

Yesterday at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show, Volkswagen announced that they will be teaming up with Andretti Sports Marketing to enter the Red Bull Global Rallycross Series. The Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team will initially begin the season with European rallycross-prepared Polos, then switch to a 560+ horsepower, All Wheel Drive GRC Beetle. Joining the team will be 2011 and 2012 GRC winner Tanner Foust, and former F1 and NASCAR star Scott Speed.

“Red Bull Global Rallycross is the perfect form of motor sports for a youthful, exuberant, and growing brand in the U.S. market,” stated Michael Horn, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “We’re excited to partner with Andretti Autosport, one of the great names in American motor sports, and delighted that we will be running the iconic Beetle in the series.”

What is Rallycross? 

Rallycross is a form of racing that's done on a mixed surface, closed circuit. The automobiles typically driven on this circuit are heavily modified production or specially built road cars. Rallycross has been a part of European and Australian motor sports since the late 1960's and reached our side of the pond in 2010, debuting at the X Games 16, under the name of SuperRally. 

Volkswagen Motorsports

(Rally Sweden 2014 - Photo from VW Motorsports)

Volkswagen started competing in the World Rallycross Series in 1978. After years of competing with variations of the Golf, VW left the series in 1990. After a quiet decade, Volkswagen Motorsports returned to the sport at the 2011 Rally Finland with two Skoda Fabia S2000's (Skoda is a Volkswagen Group automotive company from of the Czech Republic). They then later debuted their Volkswagen Polo R WRC at the beginning of the 2013 World Rallycross season, eventually winning the series that season with French rally drivers, Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia. The Polo R WRC has a straight-four engine with turbocharger and intercooling, transversally mounted in front of the front axle, with a 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Truly a monster. The 2014 season began at Rally Monte Carlo, where Volkswagen Motorsports started off strong with a win by Ogier and Ingrassia in the Polo R WRC car #1. Rally Sweden began a few days ago, and will have live coverage until the 8th. The Finnish driver, Jari-Matti Latvala is currently in the lead in the Polo R WRC car #2 after day 2. 

Global RallyCross

(Photo from VWoA Media)

The Red Bull Global RallyCross Series is a rallycross series based in the United States, that began development in 2009. The first full season in 2011 was won by driver Tanner Foust, who as before mentioned will be joining the Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team. With the expansion of the X Games, GRC expanded globally also in 2013, featuring races in Brazil, Germany and Spain. The season will open in May at the Top Gear Festival in Barbados, with the GRC Beetle will debut at the X Games in June in Austin, TX. And for those who have a tight travel budget this year, the series will have a race in the Washington DC area, scheduled for June 22nd.

Share your excitement for this terrific motor sports news with us at @stolhmanauto. Until next time!

Esther Cho

Volkswagen 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

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

Rugged LuXury - Ten Years of the Touareg

In the market for a new SUV? In particular, a certain German SUV? If the Touareg has been on your short wish list, now might be the time to pull the trigger with the special edition Touareg X. 

The Touareg X has been released to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Touareg’s debut. The Touareg happens to be a former whip of mine, and one of my favorite vehicles in our line up. The Touareg has a perfect mix of luxury, performance, and practicality with it’s available super efficient clean diesel engine. When I was driving my TDI Touareg, I achieved in the low 30’s on the New Jersey Turnpike traveling back and forth from NYC to Philadelphia. That’s unbelievable fuel economy for a 5,000 lb vehicle. 

The name Touareg originates from the name of a North African tribe called the Tuareg. They are traditionally a nomadic group that moves throughout the Saharan parts of Niger, Mali, and Algeria. The Touareg has an elegant beauty about it, yet is as strong as the Tuareg people, coming equipped with 4 motion AWD and a towing capacity of over 7,000 lb. That’s tough.

The Touareg is a love child of a joint effort by Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche. They wanted to create off-road SUVs that would still perform like a sports car. The result was the Volkswagen Group PL71 platform, which is shared by the Touareg, Porsche Cayenne, and Audi Q7. These vehicles are all currently built in Bratislava, Slovakia.

The Touareg has had some awesome engines available in the U.S. throughout the years, including the petrol W12 engine and the V10 TDI engine. Although these powerhouse engines were beyond awesome for its performance, they weren’t the best on the pocketbook. To accommodate the best of both worlds, the Touareg now is equipped with 3 different efficient engines - A petrol 3.6L VR6, a 3.0L V6 TDI, and a supercharged 3.0L V6 gas engine and electric motor combined Hybrid engine. 

In my opinion, the Touareg TDI is the best option all around. This luxury vehicle’s EPA estimated fuel economy of 20 city/29 highway, it has a range of 765 miles on one tank. That makes trips from DC to Chicago possible without stopping for fuel. And unlike most SUVs, it picks up speed quickly with smooth transitions because of it’s DSG transmission and it’s 406 lb-ft of torque. For a moment you forget that you’re driving a mid-size SUV! The Touareg is also outfitted with premium features like 12-way power-adjustable, heated front seats with driver’s seat memory, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals and memory, and keyless access with remote start. 

Fortunately for you potential future Touareg owners, the special edition Touareg X will be equipped with a TDI engine, based on the Lux trim level. The Touareg X will be available only in a special Moonlight Blue exterior with a beautiful Truffle Brown leather interior. Special features also will include the following:

• 19-inch ‘Moab’ alloy wheels
• “Touareg X” badging and scuff plates
• Ambient lighting with illuminated doorsills
• LED taillights and LED license plate lightings
• Piano black interior trim inserts
• Ebony wood trim decor
• Alloy pedals

The Touareg X will be a limited production model with only 1000 units to be distributed. Luckily for you, there’s one available on Stohlman VW’s lot right now. Been itching to test drive a Touareg? I’d say there’s no better time than now. For more information about the Touareg X, tweet us @stohlmanauto. Until next time!

Esther Cho
Volkswagen Product Specialist
@esther_ch5