Volkswagen and Sport

Every major brand nowadays sponsors sports teams, whether it is soccer, basketball, or racing teams. While common practice today, it was once a revolutionary idea made popular in Germany by Volkswagen, which its no coincidence why they are the most sponsored brand in Germany.

The Bundesliga, Germany's top soccer division which features the European giants Bayern Munich, is rampant with Volkswagen sponsorships, with ten squads out of eighteen being sponsored by VW, as well as six squads in the second division. The main beneficiary of the Volkswagen sponsorship is club VFL Wolfsburg, who most recently won Germany's top division in 2008 and beat European giant Real Madrid in the Champions League this past year 2-0. Why would VW pick one club over the others to sponsor? Well, the answer is actually simple. Volkswagen owns Wolfsburg, investing over $100 million dollars in the club annually.

VFL Wolfsburg's team photo prior to a match, proudly donning the VW logo as their sponsor.

"The reason behind the sponsorship was VW’s plan to make the city of Wolfsburg -- site of VW’s HQ -- more attractive for the recruitment of engineers by the means of a successful Bundesliga team," Christoph Breuer, a sports economics expert said. 

VfL Wolfsburg Sports Dir Klaus Allofs told German media, "We have not discussed the effects on VfL. I believe that's not necessary. The VfL commitment has a great meaning. And it will not be automatically questioned by a crisis. We know the value VfL has for Volkswagen."

The stadium that Wolfsburg plays in? Volkswagen Arena, featured below:

Among other German clubs sponsored by Volkswagen are Hannover 96, Werder Bremen and Schalke 04, all of which have seen massive success over the years.

In the United States, popular Major League Soccer club D.C. United was previously sponsored by Volkswagen.

Volkswagen Motorsport is another division of VW that they are extremely proud to sponsor. Having over 50 years of success, they just celebrated their golden anniversary by winning the most victories in a season the past three seasons, winning 12 each year. No other brand even came close.

To be part of the global brand linked with greatness, shop with us or chat with one of our sales representatives at Volkswagen of Quad Cities.

Time for Golf? e-Golf Named 2016 Best Compact Car.

Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced last week that the 2016 e-Golf was named Best Compact in the 2016 AAA Green Car Guide, which is a report published annually by the AAA federation--the Automobile Club of Southern California and its Automotive Research Center.

Joerg Sommer, Vice President of Product Marketing for Volkswagen said, "Our team is very proud to be named to the top of AAA’s list. This award is a testament to the many strengths of the e-Golf—cutting-edge technology, versatility, efficiency and value along with the fun to drive element that is so characteristic of the Volkswagen brand.”

Megan McKernan, manager of the Automotive Research Center, called the VW e-Golf SEL Premium "well equipped and fun to drive, and the best part about is that it's a green version of a traditional Golf."

In order to win this award, the e-Golf was tested in the following 13 categories: emissions, fuel economy, crashworthiness, braking, acceleration, handling, cargo-carrying capacity, ride quality, interior noise, ease of entry and exit, maneuverability, roominess, and visibility.

What makes the e-Golf so special? Its estimated range is 83 miles, which ranks it among the higher end of electric vehicles. This can vary depending on how well you take care of your vehicle and the weather. What we find so awesome about it is that it can charge up to 80% in just thirty minutes at select DC fast charging stations. At home? It still only takes 4 hours. It is the perfect vehicle for someone to go to and from work, run some errands, and have some fun. Time for bed? Perfect. Plug in the e-Golf, and you can do this all again in the morning.

To inquire more about the e-Golf, be sure to visit our website and chat with one of our sales representatives.

SOURCE: VOLKSWAGEN E-GOLF NAMED BEST COMPACT IN 2016 AAA GREEN CAR GUIDE

VW Introduces Golf Sportwagen Limited Edition

 

Arriving in our showroom is the 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen Limited Edition.  The limited edition of the popular Sportwagen is designed to slot price-wise in between the S and SE Sportwagen, and provides outstanding value with a package of standard features. 

 

 

 

 

The starting MSRP for the Limited Edition is $24,995.  Among the features are:

 

• A panoramic sunroom
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Forward Collision Warning
• Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Standard leatherette seating surfaces
• Keyless access with push-button start

 

The Golf Sportwagen limited Edition also features Volkswagen's new MIB II infotainment system, which contains a comprehensive array of connectivity features.  These include USB and VW-Car Net® App-Connect.  Drivers can connect via Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and MirrorLink®.  Volkswagen is the first auto manufacturer to offer connectivity through all three connected car systems. 

 

The Sportwagen Limited Edition is powered by the 1.8-liter turbocharged, direct-injection TSI® four-cylinder engine that pushes 170 horsepower and 199 ft-lbs of torque. 

 

 

 

Volkswagen of Quad Cities has received our first delivery of these great compact SUVs.  Please visit our website to view these and other new Volkswagen models. 



VW Debuts 2017 Alltrack at NY Auto Show

Volkswagen took advantage of the spotlight of the New York Auto Show to unveil their 2017 VW Alltrack.  The Alltrack is a bulked up Golf SportWagen, complete with all-wheel drive and more of an off-road feel.  Think in terms of a Subaru Outback that speaks German.  

The Alltrack is expected in the States later his year, with manufacturing to take place at Volkswagen's Puebla, Mexico plant.

Volkswagen has yet to announce what engines will be paired to the Alltrack, but Autotrader is guessing "VW's 170-horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, which is standard fare in the Golf SportWagen", and they even suggest a possible turbodiesel.

VW has spent a great deal of advertising dollars on their newly-developed safety features and tech gadgets, so it would be pretty safe to assume that the full array will be available, either as standard features or options. 

Starting price of the Alltrack is expected to be a bit of a jump from the Golf SportWagen, which comes in at $22,500. 

Volkswagen Teases Small SUV Concept Ahead of Geneva

Volkswagen has dropped some not-so-subtle hints about their newest concept vehicle leading up to the Geneva Motor Show.  While there admittedly isn't much information to go on at this point, signs point to a small-ish SUV (think a notch smaller than the current Tiguan), possibly as a bridge to the previous concept budd-E vehicle.

Given what VW has told us about the budd-E, namely that it envisions drive trains available in either hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric, it wouldn't be surprising if the concept debuting at Geneva is at least partially electric-powered.  

Inside the vehicle, the interior is expected to be equipped with a Beats by Dre sound system, something Volkswagen has begun producing in Europe.  From a marketing standpoint, this would hint at a push towards a younger demographic, as Beats is a dominant name in youth-oriented speakers and headphones, bearing the name of noted rapper and music mogul Dr. Dre.

The Geneva Motor Show takes place March 3-13 in Geneva Switzerland.  

2016 Jetta Gets Update Under the Hood

The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta received a number of updates, including exterior styling, and a host of driver-assist features, but the most important improvement comes under the hood. 

Gone is the 2.0 liter engine, and in it's place is an all-new 1.4 liter turbocharged TSI 4-cylinder.  This will be the base engine for the S and SE packages.  The small turbo from VW boasts higher torque at lower rpm, making it livelier and more responsive.  The premise of the TSI is to maximize power from a small displacement while limiting fuel consumption.  This, along with it being a lighter aluminum engine, make for better gas mileage.

The 1.4 liter engine produces 150 hp at 5,000 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque at just 1,400 rpm.  Those numbers are an increase of 35 hp and 59-lb-ft over the 2.0-liter unit. 

Volkswagen of Quad Cities has a great selection of 2016 Jetta models.  Give us a call today at 563-445-4305 to schedule a test drive.

2015 Best Year Yet for Tiguan

Volkswagen had an interesting 2015, to say the least, but the Tiguan, their crossover SUV, enjoyed unprecedented success, according to Volkswagen of America.  The Tiguan finished the year up 131% over 2014.

2015 VW Tiguan

 

Volkswagen touts the Tiguan as the "fun to drive SUV", with a 200hp turbo-charged engine and available "4Motion®" all-wheel drive.  The Tiguan features keyless access with push-button start, a touchscreen infotainment system with rearview camera system.  Also available is a panoramic sunroom, as pictured below. 

 

Tiguan Interior

You can see our selection of new Tiguan models at  VW of Quad Cities, as well as our complete new and used inventory.