Diesel fan? VW wants you (to promote its cars)
Click above for more shots of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
If you are a fan of the diesel engine - and Volkswagen's TDI engine series in particular - VW would love it if you'd go ahead and spread your love of the oil-burner with your family and friends. Of course, having the only 50-state legal diesel on the market, at least for a little while, the automaker stands to benefit from whatever pent-up demand there may be for efficient and clean diesels. Offering its Jetta in either sedan or
With consumer perception of diesel engines in America still mired in the '70s and 80s era of mediocrity, VW will need all the advocates it can get to help educate the masses on the benefits of the compression ignition engine. Based on our first impressions, at least the automaker is starting off with a good product. Based on the success of this model, VW will make decisions on what other models to bring across the pond.
[Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
MarkR 2:25PM (9/29/2008)
Tell them to kiss it.
Oh wait you were talking to Diesel fans not those who think diesel should only be used in large transport vehicles, and as a poison to help kill mesquite brush.
Never mind.
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Kevin 3:25PM (9/29/2008)
VW wants me to promote their diesels? Gladly.
What are they gonna' do for me though?
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BrianM 3:30PM (9/29/2008)
MarkR.. find me Cheaper way to get myself around.
$11k buy-in (coming up on 4 years ago I bought a 2001 Jetta for $11k w/ 80k miles)
over the last 84k miles, I've averaged 48mpg... for 2 of those years, diesel was cheaper than all forms of gasoline. I'm now seeing prices that are only about $0.10 apart on the 2 fuels.
I've spent about $400 on repair parts (I do my own maint. and would on any vehicle), and another $400 on tires that all vehicles would need.
Find me a cheaper way to get myself around for 22k miles a year, in Wyoming, where a 700 mile drive is considered a "day trip". No, I'm serious... find me a way to continue living in the same way, driving a different vehicle and paying less money.
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jason burroughs 7:00PM (9/29/2008)
I'm confused about the point of this post. Volkswagen wants us to promote their cars? Is there a news item there I'm not seeing? I'm sure every auto manufacturer wants us to promote their cars. I do see a link to a news site, but it is protected and requires a paid membership.
Please elaborate on the source of the information that made this post happen.
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Jeremy Korzeniewski 8:18PM (9/29/2008)
Jason, the gist is that a VW spokesperson stated that the company wants early TDI adopters to convince their friends that diesels have changed. To do so, it will create specific marketing to that effect and push it on the internet towards people like yourself and those reading this very site.
JK
as2k 10:51PM (9/29/2008)
Honestly, do VW diesel fans really need prompting from VW? Every one I've run into is always gushing about how they love their diesel VW. Not that there's anything wrong with that :)
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David Fox 11:44PM (9/29/2008)
They could start by discouraging their dealers from marking 'em up. Local dealer wants $3k over list for TDI wagen.
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BigWill 7:35AM (9/30/2008)
Bingo,
Mike 9:22AM (9/30/2008)
I agree with the VW markup problem!
Back in 2004 I bought a 2004 Nissan 350z Convertible.
But I went to a VW dealer who had a brand new R32 (my numbers may be a little off but pretty close).
I drove by that R32 for it had to be 2-3 months. When I was finally ready to purchase. I walked in there and they would NOT budge off the $2500 "dealer markup". They said it's a HOT Car. I said if it's so hot, how come there isn't a waiting list.
All I wanted was to pay MSRP. Well they called me about 3 weeks later and offered it to me at MSRP. Then when I said no, they offered a little over $1000 off MSRP. I told them I already purschased a car, the 350z roadster and they got really arrogant.
Fast forward about 2 years and my friend is looking at cars and we go to a VW dealer. They have an R32 with about 8000miles and they want $32000! Yes 3k OVER original window sticker.
They are rediculous. Have a more customer friendly network and fix the windows that fall into the doors, THEN come back and talk to me!
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David Fox 1:16AM (10/01/2008)
Funny! I got an 'end of month' call today offering me the car *today* at retail.
Woodenbee 4:05PM (9/30/2008)
I agree Mike, the problem in my town is they are the only VW dealer in the state pretty much, and they know it, but they seem nice and they would fix that window problem for you, or should, they did for my VW. I wouldn't blame VW, I'd blame the soulless hick who managed to land that VW dealership and all his hick friends who couldn't care less whether they were selling VW's or toaster ovens as long as they can mark em up nice and high so they can buy a bigger truck. Just boycott them and buy it elsewhere.
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Woodenbee 4:06PM (9/30/2008)
I agree Mike, the problem in my town is they are the only VW dealer in the state pretty much, and they know it, but they seem nice and they would fix that window problem for you, or should, they did for my VW. I wouldn't blame VW, I'd blame the soulless hick who managed to land that VW dealership and all his hick friends who couldn't care less whether they were selling VW's or toaster ovens as long as they can mark em up nice and high so they can buy a bigger truck. Just boycott them and buy it elsewhere.
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