Dakar: The Volkswagen Race Touareg 3 adventure in detail

Dakar: The Volkswagen Race Touareg 3 adventure in detail

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Dakar: The Volkswagen Race Touareg 3 adventure in detail

Posted: 16 Dec 2010 08:00 AM PST

The Volkswagen Race Touareg 3 adventure in detail

Extreme desert passages, dizzying heights in the Andes, fast gravel sections – the Dakar Rally remains the longest and toughest test in motorsport: Volkswagen is determined to bring the title home to Wolfsburg for the third consecutive time.

This is the aim for which the new Race Touareg 3 and the four proven driver pairings have been carefully prepared. Volkswagen is the only manufacturer so far to have decided the automobile classification of the desert classic in its favor with diesel technology. From 01 to 16 January 2011, which marks the third edition of the “Dakar” through Argentina and Chile, the historic 2009 and 2010 exploits are to be succeeded by another triumph with TDI power. The challenge remains an immense one: in addition to battling very powerful rally rivals, the Volkswagen squad first has to successfully master the grueling special stages, which means beating the “Dakar” itself. But what does the 33rd edition of the Dakar Rally mean for the four driver/co-driver duos in terms of the sport? What challenges are posed to the technology? And how will the complex logistics be organized? Answers to these and other questions are provided in several press kits addressing various topics. The press kits containing information, brief interviews and facts sheets are provided by Volkswagen for downloading as part of the media countdown for the 2011 “Dakar”.

The Grueling Atacama – the Race Touareg 3′s “playground”

Weather stations that have not recorded a single drop of rain for as long as they have been in existence, rare natural phenomena that make up the austere beauty of this area which is special in every respect. The Atacama desert is the centerpiece of the Dakar Rally, and it is the “playground” of the new Volkswagen Race Touareg 3. The 310-hp “Dakar” prototype has been designed to cross this inhospitable part of the world at racing speed. The challenges of the Atacama are wide and varied. The stone and scree desert is situated in close proximity to the Pacific coast, yet it has been the most arid area on the globe for 15 million years. It is not exactly the hottest desert in the world, but its climatic contrasts are extreme. While it appears very infertile, it is rich in natural resources, which brought great wealth to Chile in the past centuries.

- Volkswagen Motorsport

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Audi breaks U.S. sales record

Posted: 16 Dec 2010 07:21 AM PST

Audi broke its annual vehicle sales record in the U.S. Monday evening when it recorded its 93,507th transaction of 2010. The sale eclipsed the old U.S. record of 93,506 vehicles sold in 2007. This sets the pace to exceed 100,000 vehicles sold in America for the first time.

  • Audi sold its 93,507th vehicle of 2010 Monday evening
  • The old record of 93,506 models sold was set in 2007
  • Audi sales executives confident of surpassing noteworthy 100,000 mark

“This is truly an historic moment for Audi as the brand continues on its established course to become the most successful premium brand in the U.S. and globally,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “Setting a new sales record reflects on the exceptional work done by the Audi team and our dealer partners. But credit for this achievement also belongs to the American premium car consumer who is choosing the advantages of Audi engineering innovations.”

Mark Del Rosso, Chief Operating Officer, Audi of America said there is no question that the brand will exceed 100,000 2010 vehicle sales by the end of December and that it will aim for another record-breaking year in 2011.

“We are on target to surpass the 100,000 mark,” Del Rosso said. “And, with an energized dealer body and exciting new products still to come, we believe that topping the new record is our next objective.”

The U.S. will be the fourth market for Audi globally with sales exceeding 100,000 vehicles, joining China, Germany and the United Kingdom.

- Audi of America

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Volkswagen and Fender put the concert in the car

Posted: 16 Dec 2010 06:55 AM PST

Volkswagen and Fender Put the Concert in the Car - Announce Exclusive Partnership to bring Premium Audio System to Select 2012 Volkswagen Models

Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today it has joined forces with Fender Musical Instruments Corp. to bring the raw emotion of a live music performance to the driving experience. The company’s partnership with Fender will equip select 2012 models with the all-new Fender Premium Audio System.

“The best seat in the house is now behind the wheel of a Volkswagen,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “Our two iconic companies — one with a passion for driving, one with a passion for music — are joining forces to bring the raw emotion of live music to the driving experience.”

“By partnering with Volkswagen on the Fender Premium Audio System, we are creating a unique partnership with a truly innovative company allowing us to deliver a product that is as unique, expressive and dynamic as the customers who use it,” said Mark Van Vleet, Senior Vice President, Business Affairs for Fender.

The new Jetta GLI will be the first Volkswagen model in dealerships this spring featuring the all-new Fender Premium Audio System, developed exclusively for the Volkswagen brand. It will be available in all other Jettas later, and will be available in the new 2012 midsize sedan and 2012 Beetle in the fall. Now drivers can have Volkswagen’s superior German engineering matched with the highest quality sound.

Allen Kudla, SVP Sales & Marketing, Panasonic; Fender musician Gavin Rossdale; Mark Van Vleet, SVP Business Affairs, Fender; Volkswagen CEO Jonathan Browning

The Fender Premium Audio System in Volkswagen was born of collaboration between two brands known for precision in engineering and passion for innovation. To develop the best possible audio system for Volkswagen, Fender formed a partnership with Panasonic that combined Fender’s 64 years of expertise in sound and sound amplification with Panasonic’s 68 years of experience with mobile audio systems.

The Fender Premium Audio System in 2012 Volkswagen models is embedded in the vehicle design. Three years of research, development and tuning in a new, state-of-the-art sound lab, resulted in a nine-speaker system that delivers uncompromised clarity, regardless of volume, with a unique sound that Americans will love.

The system features proprietary Panasonic speaker technology. The system covers the cabin with directional sound from front door speakers that generate imaging beyond the capabilities of traditional speaker designs. It cuts through the noise and other distractions with front dual voice coil speakers, with extended range for all musical genres.

The design features lower inter-modulation distortion and smooth mid-range response to eliminate harshness. It is harmonically complex, with extended range tweeters and properly voiced 16cm speakers revealing original instrumentation timbre and harmonic richness.

Speaking at the International Motor Press Association meeting in New York, Browning was joined in making the announcement by Van Vleet and Allen Kudla, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Panasonic.

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Volkswagen Golf trophy list continues to amaze

Posted: 16 Dec 2010 06:05 AM PST

Golf BlueMotion TDI

Far from resting on its laurels after being named the 2010 “World Car of the Year,” the Volkswagen Golf continues to garner accolades from a variety of industry groups. The Golf has recently been named Urban Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year. The Golf TDI rounds out the accolades with two awards, the Best Alternative Fuel Vehicle Residual Award from Automotive Lease Guide and the distinction of winning the 2011 Best Resale Value Award for the Hybrid/Alternative Energy Vehicle category by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.

2011 Best Resale Value: Hybrid/Alternative Energy Vehicle (Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com)

The Best Resale Value Awards, which recognize current and forthcoming vehicles for their projected retained value five years from now, are designed to help consumers make more informed car-buying decisions. With winners determined by Kelley Blue Book’s expert staff of automotive analysts, these prestigious awards honor vehicles expected to maintain the greatest proportion of their original list price after five years of ownership.

“Consumers should take a good look at the projected resale value of a car when choosing their next new-vehicle purchase, and they would be wise to carefully consider the 2011 Best Resale Value Award winning vehicles and brands on this year’s list,” said James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.

Best Alternative Fuel Vehicle Residual Award (Automotive Lease Guide)

The ALG Residual Value Awards recognize the vehicle in each industry segment that is predicted to retain the highest percentage of original price after a conventional three-year period. Awards are made in 19 vehicle categories and also for the two brands with the highest overall predicted residual values among all mainstream and all luxury vehicles. Award winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends.

“The Golf TDI packs fuel efficiency and fun into the fit and finish for which Volkswagen is known,” said Raj Sundaram, SVP, Automotive Lease Guide. “A proven reputation for durability and minimal incentives keep residuals high and earn it the top spot in the hybrid/alternative powertrain category.”

Urban Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year (ALV Awards)

Whether transporting bicycles, kayaks, skis, or other athletic gear over varying terrain, athletes need vehicles that accommodate their lifestyle. To help those people identify the cars, trucks, utility vehicles and crossovers that are as fit as themselves, the Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year Awards provide a unique perspective. Judging of this year’s entrants — more than 50 vehicles in seven categories — was equally weighted between a panel of automotive journalists and a group of athletes.

”We started the ALV awards in 2004 as a way to encourage automakers to live up to their promise of building cars for people who live truly active lives,” said Nina Russin, journalist, marathon runner and co-founder of the ALV. “This year’s entrants, more than 50 vehicles in seven categories were the strongest yet.”

Prospects for the Golf in the New Year look just as bright. The 2011 model updated its technology offerings to stay ahead of the competitors. All Volkswagen Golf models now come with the option of voice controlled Bluetooth® technology. Additionally, the standard audio system on the new Golf is the RCD 310 stereo system, featuring a single disc CD player and radio.

The Volkswagen Golf will be available in both two and four-door models, carrying the Volkswagen brand heritage into overdrive with proven, German-engineered performance and refinement at affordable starting prices. The Golf starts at $17,965 for the two-door model with manual transmission, and $19,685 for the four-door automatic version. Several options are available to make the 2011 Golf a perfect choice for those consumers who demand a compact car that is equipped to not only be functional when called upon, but also looks, drives, and feels fun at the same time.

- Volkswagen of America

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