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	<title>Volkswagen of Downtown Los Angeles News, Events and Discussions</title>
	<updated>2012-02-11T18:56:17Z</updated>
	<id>http://vwofdowntownlablog.com/atom.aspx</id>
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	<generator uri="http://app.onlinequickblog.com/" version="2.6.6">Quick Blogcast</generator>
	<entry>
		<title>THE ALL-NEW 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE ARRIVES AT VW OF DOWNTOWN LA</title>
		<link rel="alternate" href="http://vwofdowntownlablog.com/2011/11/04/the-all-new-2012-volkswagen-beetle-arrives-at-vw-of-downtown-la.aspx?ref=rss" />
		<id>tag:www.vwofdowntownlablog.com,2011-11-04:12413d8c-7cbe-47de-8272-543db06ed354</id>
		<author>
			<name>DTLA Internet Manager</name>
		</author>
		<category term="Beetle" />
		<category term="2012" />
		<category term="Downtown LA" />
		<category term="Volkswagen" />
		<category term="LA" />
		<category term="Los Angeles" />
		<category term="VW" />
		<updated>2011-11-04T19:15:30Z</updated>
		<published>2011-11-04T19:15:30Z</published>
		<content type="html">&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="border: 0px solid; float: right; margin: 4px;" src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/11411beetle1.jpg?a=71"&gt;Volkswagen of America (VWoA) and a number of its dealerships nationwide today welcomed the official arrival of the all-new 2012 Beetle for 276 enthusiastic recipients. Some of the first to own the completely redesigned vehicles will be the lucky fans of "The Oprah Winfrey Show,” who have been anticipating this day since "The Oprah Winfrey Show” gifted her audience with, among other fabulous items, free 2012 Beetle vehicles during one of the show’s two "Ultimate Favorite Things” giveaways last year.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Jonathan Browning, president and CEO, Volkswagen of America, Inc., personally handed keys to the 2012 Beetle to 21 "Ultimate Favorite Things” recipients at the Volkswagen of Orland Park dealership in Orland Park, Ill., this morning. Additional giveaway recipients were met with the sportier Beetle in 125 other Volkswagen dealerships throughout the nation.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The excited recipients brought home the all-new 2.5L 6-speed automatic Beetle. They chose the color of the vehicles from the following options: Denim Blue, Reflex Silver Metallic, Saturn Yellow and Tornado Red.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
"The 2012 Beetle is an American icon that has been redesigned to fulfill the needs of the modern driver, while remaining true to its vintage characteristics. It is fully-customizable and is our sportiest, most fuel-efficient Beetle yet,” said Browning. "We are very proud to present a new generation of Beetle owners with a vehicle that is built with no-compromise German engineering, is fun to drive, and will no doubt spark a sense of nostalgia and community that only the Beetle can evoke.”&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The new owners learned they were receiving cars on November 22, 2010, when Winfrey revealed the design silhouette of the all-new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle and announced, "This is one powerful, sophisticated, sexy Beetle... All of you in this audience will be [among] the first people in the world to own one when it makes its debut next year!”&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Redesigned for just the second time in history, the all-new Beetle features a lower, more aggressive stance; is wider for even better handling; and longer for increased interior space. The second skin program allows customers to design a 2012 Beetle with an array of accessories for interior and exterior personalization. Additionally, the all-new Beetle presents consumers with a range of standard and optional technology features, including Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity and the Fender® Premium Audio System.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The 2012 Beetle vehicles are available now with the 2.5L five cylinder engine, which has a starting MSRP of $18,995, and the 2.0L TSI® Turbo engine with a starting MSRP of $23,395.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Contact &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/index.htm" target="_blank"&gt;VW of Downtown LA&lt;/a&gt; today for more information. &lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Call&lt;/b&gt;: 1-888-647-7576&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Click&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/"&gt;www.dtlamotorsvw.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Visit&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/dealership/directions.htm"&gt;1900 S.    Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;</content>
		<summary>&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="border: 0px solid; float: right; margin: 4px;" src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/11411beetle1.jpg?a=71" /&gt;Volkswagen of America (VWoA) and a number of its dealerships nationwide today welcomed the official arrival of the all-new 2012 Beetle for 276 enthusiastic recipients. Some of the first to own the completely redesigned vehicles will be the lucky fans of "The Oprah Winfrey Show,” who have been anticipating this day since "The Oprah Winfrey Show” gifted her audience with, among other fabulous items, free 2012 Beetle vehicles during one of the show’s two "Ultimate Favorite Things” giveaways last year.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jonathan Browning, president and CEO, Volkswagen of America, Inc., personally handed keys to the 2012 Beetle to 21 "Ultimate Favorite Things” recipients at the Volkswagen of Orland Park dealership in Orland Park, Ill., this morning. Additional giveaway recipients were met with the sportier Beetle in 125 other Volkswagen dealerships throughout the nation.&lt;br /&gt;</summary>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>VW's 2012 Beetle is the Latest Installment in a Classic line of Automobile History…It's Just Less Bubbly</title>
		<link rel="alternate" href="http://vwofdowntownlablog.com/2011/11/02/vws-2012-beetle-is-the-latest-installment-in-a-classic-line-of-automobile-historyits-just-less-bubbly.aspx?ref=rss" />
		<id>tag:www.vwofdowntownlablog.com,2011-11-02:4f8c87d3-2b0f-4149-b980-2e70937af0ea</id>
		<author>
			<name>DTLA Internet Manager</name>
		</author>
		<category term="LA" />
		<category term="2014" />
		<category term="Los Angeles" />
		<category term="Volkswagen" />
		<category term="Downtown LA" />
		<category term="Specials" />
		<category term="Beetle" />
		<category term="VW" />
		<updated>2011-11-02T21:59:27Z</updated>
		<published>2011-11-02T21:59:27Z</published>
		<content type="html">&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;img src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/11211beetle.jpg?a=8" style="border: 0px solid; width: 324px; height: 216px; float: right; margin: 4px;"&gt;Volkswagen's newest revival of the Beetle is gaining praise from Beetle fan clubs and the everyday shopper alike-including men. Unlike the 1998 New Beetle, this newer installment resembles the classic a bit more. Okay, it's not an exact replica, but it is a pretty fine looking sequel. The 21st Century Beetle adds a sleeker body that is lower, wider and longer than the classical beetle and New Beetle. If you're interested in reviving history, the 2012 Beetle is just for you. Come to the dealership and gee some more info about this blast from the past.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2011/10/30/a-more-manly-volkswagen-beetle-review/" target="_blank" class=""&gt;Click here to view the entire article.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Contact &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/index.htm"&gt;VW of Downtown LA&lt;/a&gt; today for more information. &lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Call&lt;/b&gt;: 1-888-647-7576&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Click&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/" target="_blank"&gt;www.dtlamotorsvw.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Visit&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/dealership/directions.htm" target="_blank"&gt;1900 S.    Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</content>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>VW of Downtown LA Oil Change Special. Only $64.95</title>
		<link rel="alternate" href="http://vwofdowntownlablog.com/2011/10/27/vw-of-downtown-la-oil-change-special-only-6495.aspx?ref=rss" />
		<id>tag:www.vwofdowntownlablog.com,2011-10-27:3f2f77f0-ccb3-478c-a94d-794321cad828</id>
		<author>
			<name>DTLA Internet Manager</name>
		</author>
		<category term="LA" />
		<category term="2011" />
		<category term="Los Angeles" />
		<category term="Volkswagen" />
		<category term="Oil Change" />
		<category term="Downtown LA" />
		<category term="Specials" />
		<category term="winter maintenance" />
		<category term="maintenance" />
		<category term="VW" />
		<updated>2011-10-27T21:44:01Z</updated>
		<published>2011-10-27T21:44:01Z</published>
		<content type="html">&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;img src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/102711vwoilcoupM.jpg?a=65" style="border: 0px solid;"&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Contact &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/index.htm"&gt;VW of Downtown LA&lt;/a&gt; today for more information. &lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Call&lt;/b&gt;: 1-888-647-7576&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Click&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/" target="_blank"&gt;www.dtlamotorsvw.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Visit&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/dealership/directions.htm" target="_blank"&gt;1900 S.    Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</content>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>2012 Golf R Speeds into America</title>
		<link rel="alternate" href="http://vwofdowntownlablog.com/2011/10/25/2012-golf-r-speeds-into-america.aspx?ref=rss" />
		<id>tag:www.vwofdowntownlablog.com,2011-10-25:52eea943-ade5-46bc-8fe7-2ffd25f7cff6</id>
		<author>
			<name>DTLA Internet Manager</name>
		</author>
		<category term="Golf R" />
		<category term="2012" />
		<category term="Volkswagen" />
		<category term="LA" />
		<category term="Los Angeles" />
		<category term="Golf" />
		<category term="VW" />
		<updated>2011-10-25T17:57:20Z</updated>
		<published>2011-10-25T17:57:20Z</published>
		<content type="html">&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;img src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/102511vwr.jpg?a=60" style="border: 0px solid; float: right; margin: 4px;"&gt;The 2012 Volkswagen Golf R will make its long awaited debut in the United States, and it will start at an MSRP of $33,990. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The most powerful Golf model to hit U.S. markets will feature a 2.o-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that produces horsepower and torque that rivals the GTI.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;If you're a fan of joyrides and speed (0-60 in six seconds) this is the car for you. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="http://blogs.vw.com/conceptcars/2011/10/05/money-buy-happiness-all-new-2012-golf-starting-34000/" target="_blank" class=""&gt;Click here to view the entire article about the 2012 Golf R.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Contact &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/index.htm"&gt;VW of Downtown LA&lt;/a&gt; today for more information. &lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Call&lt;/b&gt;: 1-888-647-7576&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Click&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/" target="_blank"&gt;www.dtlamotorsvw.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Visit&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/dealership/directions.htm" target="_blank"&gt;1900 S.    Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</content>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>VW Classic Displayed on New Timeline</title>
		<link rel="alternate" href="http://vwofdowntownlablog.com/2011/10/14/vw-classic-displayed-on-new-timeline.aspx?ref=rss" />
		<id>tag:www.vwofdowntownlablog.com,2011-10-14:a50274a4-85be-4ae2-9c46-95052dc8d787</id>
		<author>
			<name>DTLA Internet Manager</name>
		</author>
		<category term="Technology" />
		<category term="Downtown LA" />
		<category term="Volkswagen" />
		<category term="LA" />
		<category term="Los Angeles" />
		<category term="VW" />
		<updated>2011-10-14T16:30:57Z</updated>
		<published>2011-10-14T16:30:57Z</published>
		<content type="html">&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;img src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/101411vwfb.jpg?a=1" style="border: 0px solid;"&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Volkswagen has already taken its brand to the new Facebook Timeline profile. VW encourages its fans to upload the image of its reinvented Beetle gliding across the salt flats of Utah. If you're a big enough fan of this classic, why not display it as your introduction to your timeline? &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="http://mashable.com/2011/10/07/vw-releases-inventive-facebook-timeline-cover-for-fans/" target="_blank" class=""&gt;Click here to view the entire article on the VW facebook timeline.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Contact &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/index.htm"&gt;VW of Downtown LA&lt;/a&gt; today for more information. &lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Call&lt;/b&gt;: 1-888-647-7576&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Click&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/" target="_blank"&gt;www.dtlamotorsvw.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Visit&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/dealership/directions.htm" target="_blank"&gt;1900 S.    Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</content>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>VW's newest announcement: the California Beach Van.</title>
		<link rel="alternate" href="http://vwofdowntownlablog.com/2011/10/11/vws-newest-announcement-the-california-beach-van-3.aspx?ref=rss" />
		<id>tag:www.vwofdowntownlablog.com,2011-10-11:d04a2bf7-0955-4978-99da-fcc32cdb5cba</id>
		<author>
			<name>DTLA Internet Manager</name>
		</author>
		<category term="2012" />
		<category term="Downtown LA" />
		<updated>2011-10-11T17:25:21Z</updated>
		<published>2011-10-11T17:25:21Z</published>
		<content type="html">&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;img src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/101111vwbeachvan.jpg?a=94" style="border: 0px solid; float: right; margin: 4px;"&gt;Surfers and campers alike will enjoy Volkswagen's newest announcement: the California Beach Van. This van combines the best of the outdoors with VW's past quality van lineup. Just as its ancestor, the VW Bus, this eco-friendly van will be the envy of surfers up and down the coasts. There's just one problem, it's only going on sale in the United Kingdom for now. Think there is a market for the California Beach in the U.S.? Let VW know and maybe we can bring them across the pond. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="http://wot.motortrend.com/california-dreaming-get-ready-for-the-volkswagen-california-beach-van-england-124069.html" target="_blank" class=""&gt;Click here to view the entire article on the California Beach Van.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Contact &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/index.htm"&gt;VW of Downtown LA&lt;/a&gt; today for more information. &lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Call&lt;/b&gt;: 1-888-647-7576&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Click&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/" target="_blank"&gt;www.dtlamotorsvw.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Visit&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/dealership/directions.htm" target="_blank"&gt;1900 S.    Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</content>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>The New overhauled 2012 Beetle will start at $18.995.</title>
		<link rel="alternate" href="http://vwofdowntownlablog.com/2011/10/07/the-new-overhauled-2012-beetle-will-start-at-18995.aspx?ref=rss" />
		<id>tag:www.vwofdowntownlablog.com,2011-10-07:1693c8a5-6356-425e-8dc1-3692ce45dade</id>
		<author>
			<name>DTLA Internet Manager</name>
		</author>
		<category term="Beetle" />
		<category term="2012" />
		<category term="Downtown LA" />
		<category term="Volkswagen" />
		<category term="LA" />
		<category term="Los Angeles" />
		<category term="VW" />
		<updated>2011-10-07T15:55:40Z</updated>
		<published>2011-10-07T15:55:40Z</published>
		<content type="html">&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;img src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/10711.jpg?a=5" style="border: 0px solid; float: right; margin: 4px;"&gt;The New overhauled 2012 Beetle will start at $18.995. Building on a classic look, VW's latest installment of the Beetle offers an ideal mix of German craftsmanship, European sophistication and all-American motoring excitement, in three bold new flavors. The car is fuel-efficient with EPA ratings of 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway. What kind of Beetle would it be if it wasn't highly customizable? Get ready to design your own today!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.vwinthenews.com/2012-vw-beetle-pricing/" target="_blank" class=""&gt;Click here to view the entire article featuring the all new VW Beetle.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Contact &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/index.htm"&gt;VW of Downtown LA&lt;/a&gt; today for more information. &lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Call&lt;/b&gt;: 1-888-647-7576&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Click&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/" target="_blank"&gt;www.dtlamotorsvw.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Visit&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/dealership/directions.htm" target="_blank"&gt;1900 S.    Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</content>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>Volkswagen has announced 2 more versions of their model UP!</title>
		<link rel="alternate" href="http://vwofdowntownlablog.com/2011/10/04/volkswagen-has-announced-2-more-versions-of.aspx?ref=rss" />
		<id>tag:www.vwofdowntownlablog.com,2011-10-04:f2dfabc8-1507-405e-b39f-0edd2d74b932</id>
		<author>
			<name>DTLA Internet Manager</name>
		</author>
		<category term="Downtown LA" />
		<category term="Volkswagen" />
		<category term="LA" />
		<category term="Los Angeles" />
		<category term="VW" />
		<updated>2011-10-04T17:08:43Z</updated>
		<published>2011-10-04T17:08:43Z</published>
		<content type="html">&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;img src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/10311VWmii.jpg?a=24" style="border: 0px solid; width: 324px; height: 203px; float: right; margin: 4px;"&gt;With the recent influx of extremely compact cars flowing into the US, it's hard not to think the newly announced Volkswagen Up! could be rolling down your neighborhood in the near future. VW is planning to launch the Up! at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Europe will get the first shipments in 2012. The Up! reaches a maximum speed of 99-106 mph and will have a fuel economy of around 52 mpg. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The Smart Car made it to America, who says the more attractive VW Up! won't be crossing the Atlantic in the future?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="http://wot.motortrend.com/volkswagen-announces-five-door-up-seat-version-called-mii-122625.html" target="_blank" class=""&gt;Click here to view the entire article on the VW UP!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Contact &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/index.htm"&gt;VW of Downtown LA&lt;/a&gt; today for more information. &lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Call&lt;/b&gt;: 1-888-647-7576&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Click&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/" target="_blank"&gt;www.dtlamotorsvw.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Visit&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/dealership/directions.htm" target="_blank"&gt;1900 S.    Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</content>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>Sixties Surf Style, 21st-Century Green: VW Buggy Up Concept</title>
		<link rel="alternate" href="http://vwofdowntownlablog.com/2011/09/29/sixties-surf-style-21st-century-green-vw-buggy-up-concept.aspx?ref=rss" />
		<id>tag:www.vwofdowntownlablog.com,2011-09-29:2ea96d3e-4784-487d-8ef0-ae8d63d2e13d</id>
		<author>
			<name>DTLA Internet Manager</name>
		</author>
		<category term="Beetle" />
		<category term="Downtown LA" />
		<category term="Volkswagen" />
		<category term="LA" />
		<category term="Los Angeles" />
		<category term="VW" />
		<updated>2011-09-29T17:28:41Z</updated>
		<published>2011-09-29T17:28:41Z</published>
		<content type="html">&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="border: 0px solid; float: right; margin: 4px;" src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/92911vwbuggy.jpg?a=26"&gt;Back in in the Swinging Sixties, a small, light, fiberglass car was making a big splash up and down the West coast.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
That car was the Meyers Manx buggy, a Volkswagen Beetle-based buggy with very little in the way of bodywork but a heck of a lot of style, the brainchild of Californian Bruce Meyers.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The world might now be a different place but people still love the feeling of freedom the buggy brought, so it's no surprise that Volkswagen has brought out the Buggy Up concept, a sixties throwback with all the economy and low emissions of the 21st-Century Up minicar.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The Buggy Up went on display at the recent 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, alongside several other unique Up-based concepts.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
With its bright orange bodywork and lack of doors, the Buggy Up certainly has strong echoes of Bruce Meyers' sixties classic, while displaying a strong family resemblance to the car its based on - something that couldn't be said about the original.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Also unlike the original are the dimensions. Most Manx buggies were based on a shortened Beetle floorpan, but the Buggy Up is a few inches longer than the 11.6-foot Up and just over an inch wider. It's also lower which gives it a squat, dynamic stance on its large 18-inch alloy wheels.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
With only a bikini-style roof, no doors and less trunk space than the regular Up it's not what you might call a practical machine, but a split tailgate and luggage rack would make it perfect for a day at the beach.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Underneath the wild body all the regular Up's mechanical components are present and correct, which means a 3-cylinder, 1.0-liter gasoline engine powering the front wheels. As a concept, Volkswagen doesn't provide many details, but the regular Up will have 59- and 74-horsepower engine options.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
With open-top aerodynamics we couldn't see it matching the standard Up's 56 MPG economy, but even so it should comfortably beat the 30 MPG 1960s and 1970s Beetles managed, while producing vastly lower emissions and more performance.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Unfortunately - but not unexpectedly - there are no production plans, and North America probably won't even get the regular Up making it another "forbidden fruit", but we love the Buggy Up's simple sense of fun.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;div style="" align="right"&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 8px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1066698_sixties-surf-style-21st-century-green-vw-buggy-up-concept"&gt;Via: Green Car Reports&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;br&gt;
Contact &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/index.htm"&gt;VW of Downtown LA&lt;/a&gt; today for more information. &lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Call&lt;/b&gt;: 1-888-647-7576&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Click&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/" target="_blank"&gt;www.dtlamotorsvw.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Visit&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/dealership/directions.htm" target="_blank"&gt;1900 S.    Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;</content>
		<summary>&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="border: 0px solid; float: right; margin: 4px;" src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/92911vwbuggy.jpg?a=26" /&gt;Back in in the Swinging Sixties, a small, light, fiberglass car was making a big splash up and down the West coast.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
That car was the Meyers Manx buggy, a Volkswagen Beetle-based buggy with very little in the way of bodywork but a heck of a lot of style, the brainchild of Californian Bruce Meyers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The world might now be a different place but people still love the feeling of freedom the buggy brought, so it's no surprise that Volkswagen has brought out the Buggy Up concept, a sixties throwback with all the economy and low emissions of the 21st-Century Up minicar.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;</summary>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>The VW Phaeton will be available by 2015!</title>
		<link rel="alternate" href="http://vwofdowntownlablog.com/2011/09/28/the-vw-phaeton-is-back.aspx?ref=rss" />
		<id>tag:www.vwofdowntownlablog.com,2011-09-28:c02fc812-7694-433c-96dc-dd4635e55546</id>
		<author>
			<name>DTLA Internet Manager</name>
		</author>
		<category term="Downtown LA" />
		<category term="Volkswagen" />
		<category term="LA" />
		<category term="Los Angeles" />
		<category term="VW" />
		<updated>2011-09-28T17:33:06Z</updated>
		<published>2011-09-28T17:33:06Z</published>
		<content type="html">&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;img src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/92611phaeton.jpg?a=3" style="border: 0px solid; width: 324px; height: 224px; float: right; margin: 4px;"&gt;The Volkswagen Phaeton will make its way back here to the U.S. and rolling out in our dealership no later than 2015. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;This upcoming Phaeton, codenamed VW631, will be based on VW Groups' MLM Evo modular platformed engineered by Audi.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The Phaeton is expected to fall in a category between the Audi A6 and A8. We can't wait to debut this on our lot!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.nitrobahn.com/news/volkswagen-phaeton-to-be-available-by-2015/" target="_blank" class=""&gt;Click here for the full article on the VW Phaeton.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Contact &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/index.htm" target="_blank"&gt;VW of Downtown LA&lt;/a&gt; today for more information. &lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Call&lt;/b&gt;: 1-888-647-7576&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Click&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/"&gt;www.dtlamotorsvw.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Visit&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/dealership/directions.htm"&gt;1900 S.    Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</content>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>A wagon worth braggin’ about: Edmunds Inside Line prefers the Jetta SportWagen TDI to the Toyota Prius V</title>
		<link rel="alternate" href="http://vwofdowntownlablog.com/2011/09/22/a-wagon-worth-braggin-about-edmunds-inside-line-prefers-the-jetta-sportwagen-tdi-to-the-toyota-prius-v.aspx?ref=rss" />
		<id>tag:www.vwofdowntownlablog.com,2011-09-22:6dcafe3e-dde5-4f82-8aff-56feaa7d0e7f</id>
		<author>
			<name>DTLA Internet Manager</name>
		</author>
		<category term="TDI" />
		<category term="LA" />
		<category term="Los Angeles" />
		<category term="Jetta" />
		<category term="Volkswagen" />
		<category term="Downtown LA" />
		<category term="2012" />
		<category term="VW" />
		<updated>2011-09-22T16:54:30Z</updated>
		<published>2011-09-22T16:54:30Z</published>
		<content type="html">&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;img src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/92211vwwagen.jpg?a=60" style="border: 0px solid; float: right; margin: 4px;"&gt;We got excited when we heard that Edmunds Inside Line was going to compare the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI and the 2012 Toyota Prius V. After all, we love a little good-natured competition. We got even more excited when we read the article and saw that they described the Jetta SportWagen as “peppy.” (We love that word.)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The folks at Inside Line got big kick out of the Jetta’s big torque, provided courtesy of its 2.0-liter TDI engine that cranks out 236 pound-feet of torque at only 1,750 rpm. The article goes on to praise the Jetta’s six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), which features an automated double-clutch manual transmission for excellent responsiveness and a closer connection to the road. They were also a bit surprised that a car with such a sporty profile has such a roomy interior. In fact, they say lots of pretty things about us, but we don’t want to spoil the ending—read the entire article for yourself at InsideLine.com.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Tell us: what do you like best about the Jetta SportWagen?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Contact &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/index.htm" target="_blank"&gt;VW of Downtown LA&lt;/a&gt; today for more information. &lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Call&lt;/b&gt;: 1-888-647-7576&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Click&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/"&gt;www.dtlamotorsvw.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Visit&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/dealership/directions.htm"&gt;1900 S.    Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</content>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>Volkswagen Reveals Most Complete U.S. Product Line Ever For Model Year 2012</title>
		<link rel="alternate" href="http://vwofdowntownlablog.com/2011/09/21/volkswagen-reveals-most-complete-us-product-line-ever-for-model-year-2012.aspx?ref=rss" />
		<id>tag:www.vwofdowntownlablog.com,2011-09-21:b48dbe6a-192f-409e-8ea1-8ea79bdf824d</id>
		<author>
			<name>DTLA Internet Manager</name>
		</author>
		<category term="Los Angeles" />
		<category term="Golf" />
		<category term="Passat" />
		<category term="Technology" />
		<category term="Beetle" />
		<category term="Tiguan" />
		<category term="Routan" />
		<category term="LA" />
		<category term="VW" />
		<category term="TDI" />
		<category term="Downtown LA" />
		<category term="CC" />
		<category term="Volkswagen" />
		<category term="EOS" />
		<category term="Jetta" />
		<category term="2012" />
		<category term="Sedan" />
		<updated>2011-09-21T17:37:59Z</updated>
		<published>2011-09-21T17:37:59Z</published>
		<content type="html">&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="border: 0px solid; float: right; margin: 4px;" src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/92111vwall.jpg?a=35"&gt;The German-engineered 21st Century Beetle and New Passat spearhead VW’s 2012 product offensive. New GLI model will build on Jetta’s sales momentum.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;More muscular, sportier Beetle starts at $18,995, offered initially in 2.5L and 2.0L TSI forms.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;Passat is right sized and right priced for the mid-sized market, offering class-leading rear-seat legroom and a base MSRP of $19,995.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;New GLI rounds out Jetta range with sport-tuned suspension, interior enhancements, and the award-winning 2.0L TSI® engine.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;2012 Tiguan features freshened interior and exterior, available sport suspension, and improved gas mileage.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;2012 Eos features refreshed styling and standard DSG® dual-clutch transmission.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;Preview: In early 2012, VW will introduce its most powerful-ever Golf model, the Golf R.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;Volkswagen of America, Inc. announces its most comprehensive product portfolio ever. Leading the product offensive is the 2012 Beetle which will initially be offered in 2.5L and 2.0L forms, with a TDI® Clean Diesel becoming available in 2012. The 2012 Passat is a compelling mid-sized sedan that is pitched at the heart of this ultra-competitive market. It offers class-leading rear-seat legroom, German-engineered ride and handling, and the only available TDI® Clean Diesel in its class; when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, this offers an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 43 mpg on the highway and a range of 795 miles.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Building on the sales success of the Jetta line, VW rounds out the range with the sporty GLI model with a starting MSRP of $23,495. For 2012, the stylish Eos convertible and the Tiguan SUV benefit from comprehensive mid-cycle enhancements. In total, eight models in the 11 vehicle lineup are either new or have been refreshed in the 2011 and 2012 model years, reconfirming VW’s commitment to the U.S. marketplace and its importance in the company’s growth plans.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;i&gt;&lt;b&gt;CARS&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;BEETLE&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The 2012 Beetle is an automotive icon reinvented, with a bolder and sportier look for the 21st century. Initially, the car will be offered with 2.5-liter five-cylinder and 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines, with the availability of a TDI® Clean Diesel in 2012. Volkswagen will offer a panoramic roof, a range of audio options that include the Fender® Premium Audio System, and a customization program with a large number of personalization options.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The Beetle, which has a starting MSRP of $18,995, has a 170-horsepower in-line five-cylinder engine and offers fuel economy that is improved by up to 10 percent over past 2.5L models. When outfitted with the six-speed automatic transmission, the EPA estimated fuel economy rating is 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The Beetle comes standard with a split folding rear seat, aux-in for portable audio players, a leather steering wheel, unique and customizable17-inch alloy wheels, and an eight-speaker audio system. Desirable options include a “kaeferfach”additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity, heated front seats, three-color interior ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, the Fender® Premium Audio System, and leatherette seating surfaces.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The sportiest model—the 2.0L TSI®—will have a starting MSRP of $23,395 and uses Volkswagen’s critically acclaimed 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. As well as providing sparkling performance, the four-cylinder engine with automatic transmission offers an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 30 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg city.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The 2.0L has a standard six-speed manual transmission, with the option of Volkswagen’s DSG© dual-clutch automatic transmission. It takes the standard equipment found on the “base model Beetle” and adds: Bluetooth® technology; iPod® connectivity; three-color ambient lighting; larger brakes with red calipers; the “kaeferfach” additional glovebox; sport seating surfaces; 18-inch alloy wheels; a rear spoiler; foglights; three additional gauges on the dashboard; and alloy pedals.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
In 2012, a TDI® Clean Diesel model will become available, powered by Volkswagen’s highly efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. This will likely be the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever, with an expected highway estimate of 40 mpg.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The 2012 Beetle features sportier, more dynamic, and bolder styling than the previous model. It is also 3.3 inches wider, 6.0 inches longer, and 0.5 inches lower, giving the car a more muscular appearance that has a broad appeal. The Beetle will be available in three trim lines, some of which include the transparent, panoramic tilt/slide glass sunroof that is 80 percent longer than on the previous model.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The Beetle comes standard with the RCD 310 sound system with eight speakers; an optional Premium VIII audio system features a CD changer, interface for SD cards, a touchscreen, and a navigation system. The Beetle will also offer concert-quality sound with an available Fender® Premium Audio System, designed exclusively for Volkswagen.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The Beetle includes Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in some types of collisions. The Beetle is also covered under the no-charge, 3-year/36,000-mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance® Program.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;CC&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The stylish CC receives an interior freshening for the 2012 MY, which includes an analog clock and dark wood interior trim on the 2.0T Lux Plus and Lux Limited and the VR6 Executive editions. With a base price of $28,515 and an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 31mpg highway, it remains the smart choice among vehicles of its class.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;EOS&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The Eos is substantially updated for 2012, with a freshened exterior appearance and a refined interior. Externally, the grille now consists of three shiny black louvers, each trimmed with a narrow chrome strip. At the back, the Eos has reworked two-part LED rear lights with fiber-optic technology and a redesigned rear bumper with diffuser.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The interior showcases new trim on the instrument panel and doors with standard “Matte Chrome” detailing, as well as chrome-framed window buttons and light switches. On higher trim lines, genuine walnut wood adds elegance to the instrument and door panels, and is accompanied by supple “Vienna” leather seating. All Eos models are equipped with a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and shift knob.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The 2012 Eos features the acclaimed 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder gasoline engine. The direct-&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
injected powerplant produces 200 horsepower and develops 207 lb-ft of torque—it also delivers an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 31 mpg highway with the DSG® dual-clutch transmission that is now standard equipment.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
With a robust five-part roof unit, the fully opening hardtop converts the Eos from coupe to convertible (and vice versa) in just 25 seconds with the touch of a button. Unlike any other convertible, the Eos features a fully-functional sunroof with shade, allowing an open-air experience when the convertible top is up. A wind deflector has been cleverly integrated into the roof bow above the sun visors that effectively reduces wind noise when the top is stowed. And as temperatures rise and fall, the Eos is ready to respond with its dual-mode automatic climate control system that adjusts temperature based on the position of the convertible top.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Also new on the Eos is the Keyless Entry and Start System that is standard on the 2.0T Lux edition and the 2.0T Executive model. The Executive model also features a sport suspension and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Both the Lux and Executive models have standard navigation systems.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The Eos includes several features designed to enhance driver and passenger safety, including roll bars that are integrated into the seats and sensor-deployed in the event of a roll-over. Standard foglamps now feature integrated cornering lights to heighten safety on all models.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;GOLF&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
For MY 2012, packages and stand-alone options have been simplified. The 2.5L and TDI models are available in three trim levels: well-equipped 2.5L Golf, 2.5L Golf with Convenience, and 2.5L Golf with Convenience and Sunroof; Golf TDI, Golf TDI with Sunroof and Navigation, and Golf TDI with Tech Package. The base TDI models have new 17-inch Salamanca aluminum wheels.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;GTI&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The award-winning GTI adds a new model for 2012: the GTI with Convenience and Sunroof. This adds the following features to the GTI: a power tilt/slide sunroof, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, and the Premium VIII touchscreen stereo with in-dash CD changer. The GTI with Sunroof and Navigation adds LED daytime running lights. The GTI Autobahn adds LED Daytime Running Lights and unique 18-inch Serron aluminum wheels.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;PREVIEW: GOLF R&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The Golf R is the most powerful Volkswagen sports performance vehicle ever sold in the U.S. It will go on sale in early 2012, and features a high-output version of Volkswagen's 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder FSI® engine, making more than 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. There will be just one transmission option: a six-speed manual. Drive is taken to all four wheels through a fourth-generation Haldex system.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
In keeping with the R's mission as a performance flagship for the VW brand, the vehicle is equipped with a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and unique 18-inch wheels. Even the Electronic Stability Control system has been re-tuned for a sportier driving experience.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The Golf R will be available in both two- and four-door forms. The car signals its sporting intent with a number of interior and exterior enhancements. The interior gains a unique steering wheel, shifter knob, door sill plates and trim that differentiate it from the GTI, while the exterior has more aggressive front and rear fascias with a dual center-exit exhaust. Subtle badging changes also signal the car’s status.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;JETTA&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Introduced as an all-new model in 2011, the Jetta was an instant hit with consumers. For 2012, there is a new version of the S—the S with Sunroof—and a new TDI model, the TDI with Premium. SEL models get Fender® Premium Audio; TDI base models no longer have a sunroof; and TDI models with Premium and Navigation add Fender® Premium Audio. The S with Sunroof adds a sunroof, front center console, and cruise control to the S standard equipment. The TDI with Premium package has a sunroof and Fender® Premium Audio and HD radio.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;New Model: GLI&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The all-new Jetta GLI rounds out the Jetta family, offering the sportiest package in the range. With a rich heritage that dates back to 1984, the new Jetta GLI is sure to appeal to both automotive enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The Jetta GLI offers exceptional features and options, at an equally impressive price. Available in three trim levels, the Jetta GLI has a starting MSRP of $23,495. The GLI Autobahn, with an MSRP of $25,545, adds 18-inch alloy wheels, sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated V-Tex Leatherette seats, and the Fender® Premium Audio System. The top of the line Jetta GLI Autobahn with Navigation adds the RNS-315 navigation system and keyless access with push-button-start technology for an MSRP of $26,445.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The Jetta GLI boasts the award-winning 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, generating 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, giving great drivability and performance. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment; the DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission that offers steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and super-quick shifts is optional.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
This new model is lighter than the previous Jetta GLI, giving performance and mileage benefits: The Jetta GLI delivers an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 33 mpg highway with the manual and 32 mpg highway with the DSG® transmission. The Jetta GLI also has a track-tuned Independent Performance Suspension that endows the car with superb handling and the XDS® cross differential system that debuted on the Volkswagen GTI: this feature helps to prevent wheelspin during cornering.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
To make life on the road a little easier, the Jetta GLI offers sophisticated, German-engineered premium appointments. Features include: standard touchscreen premium VIII radio with Bluetooth® and iPod® connectivity; standard one-touch up/down power windows; standard multifunction display (for vehicle status, trip, radio and navigation information when equipped); available dual-zone climate control; available RNS-315 navigation system; and available keyless entry with pushbutton start. The 2012 Jetta GLI Autobahn and Autobahn with Navigation models also come standard with the Fender® Premium Audio System.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The Jetta GLI combines performance, space, and comfort in one sleek package. At 182.2 inches long, 57.2 inches tall and 70 inches wide, it is more than 2.9 inches longer than previous Jetta models. The GLI is given a more masculine look than the regular Jetta thanks to a honeycomb grille, a cool-air intake in the front bumper, GTI-style foglights, and a tray-shaped front spoiler, as well as dramatic 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels. At the back, there are smoked taillights and dual exhaust tips.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Like the exterior, the interior of the Jetta GLI stays true to its sport and performance roots. The interior styling consistently follows the clean, sporty lines of the car and features bucket seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel with red stitching, the GLI logo, and aluminum accents. The Jetta GLI also benefits from a unique gauge cluster that caters to sporting drivers.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;JETTA SPORTWAGEN&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
There are a number of trim and packaging changes for the popular SportWagen for 2012 MY. The 2.5L SE models and the base 2.0L TDI® Clean Diesel add HD radio and iPod® connectivity. There are also three new models: the 2.5L SE with Sunroof; the TDI with Sunroof; and the TDI with Sunroof and Navigation.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;PASSAT&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The new Passat is the only midsize sedan that offers German engineering at an accessible price—just $19,995, plus destination. The Passat TDI®—the only clean diesel option in the segment—offers an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 43 mpg highway with the manual transmission, along with a class-leading range of 795 miles. The new Passat also offers best-in-class rear-seat legroom.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The 2.5L model with manual transmission has a starting MSRP of $19,995. The 2.5L five-cylinder engine (170 hp/177 lb-ft) is being offered in the Passat for the first time. This car, available in eight equipment levels, comes standard with automatic dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth® connectivity, steering-wheel audio controls, and Volkswagen’s no-charge three-year/36,000 mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance® Program. A six-speed automatic transmission is optional.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The up-level SE model starts at $23,725 and includes additional equipment such as 17-inch alloy wheels, eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats, touchscreen Premium VIII radio, and a multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The 2.0L TDI® Clean Diesel model offers three trim levels and starts at $25,995. The quiet four-cylinder 2.0L turbo-diesel engine (140 hp/236 lb-ft) has the torque of a six-cylinder gasoline engine and the fuel economy of a mid-size hybrid sedan. The TDI base trim package, the SE, comes standard with features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, Volkswagen’s touchscreen Premium VIII radio, and a six-speed manual transmission. Volkswagen’s innovative six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission is optional.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The 3.6-liter V6 (280 hp/258 lb-ft) makes the new Passat a top-flight sport sedan. It offers power and luxury-class driving comfort, with European-type restraint in its fuel consumption—estimated at 28 mpg on the highway. Gearshifting on the new Passat V6 is handled by a standard six-speed DSG® automatic transmission with paddle shifters. This model is offered in three trim levels and has a starting MSRP of $28,995. Additional standard premium features in the V6 model include 18-inch alloy wheels, comfort sport seats, a sunroof, and a class exclusive Fender® Premium Audio System.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The new Passat, designed specifically for the North American market, provides premium features uniquely offered in the U.S., yet maintains the dynamic character that is expected of a Volkswagen. For instance, the new Passat sets new standards for comfort, with best-in-class rear-seat legroom. The all-new midsize sedan is 191.7 inches long and has a 110.4 inch wheelbase.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Premium options include leather seating surfaces, a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, wood decor, ambiance lighting, memory driver’s seat, power passenger seat, a choice of Volkswagen’s RNS 315 or RNS 510 navigation systems, front foglights with static cornering lights, and keyless access with push-button start.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;i&gt;&lt;b&gt;MINIVANS, SUVs&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;ROUTAN&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The Routan was extensively upgraded for the 2011 MY, including a new 3.6-liter V6 engine that makes 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet. For 2012, distinctive new 17-inch alloy wheel designs are added for SE and SEL models. An enhanced multi-function display is added to SE and SEL trim lines. Rain-sensing wipers and keyless access with push-button start are added for all SEL trims while SEL Premium receives a blind-spot monitoring system.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;TIGUAN&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The Tiguan is substantially updated for MY 2012. The design has been refreshed, incorporating the horizontal Volkswagen brand face to give the Tiguan a modern and sleek look. A redesigned grille featuring two horizontal chrome strips runs between the updated headlights to form a single unit. Striking LED daytime running lights will be available in combination with Bi-Xenon headlights with AFS (advanced headlight system) on SEL models. A chrome accent along the lower body of the Tiguan will be added to SE and SEL trims, for a sleek and polished look. The taillights for the Tiguan have been redesigned as well.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The 2012 Tiguan will offer a factory-installed 19-inch wheel option, for the first time. The R GmbH[k1] -developed “Savannah” alloy wheel and a sport-tuned suspension will be standard on the SEL trim level, for a sportier and more dynamic driving experience.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
All three Tiguan trims feature interior enhancements. The Tiguan S offers new high-quality cloth seating surfaces in black. The Tiguan SE features Volkswagen’s V-Tex leatherette, available in black or beige. Tiguan SEL customers will be able to choose from leather seating surfaces in either black or beige.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The fun-to-drive Tiguan comes with the award-winning 2.0-liter TSI® engine that delivers turbocharged acceleration and responsible fuel efficiency. The 2012 Tiguan delivers a noteworthy improvement in its EPA estimated fuel economy rating, from 25 mpg to 27 mpg on the highway for front- and all-wheel-drive models fitted with the six-speed automatic transmission.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
All 2012 Tiguan models feature standard Bluetooth® connectivity, aux-in for portable audio players, power-adjustable heated side-view mirrors and six airbags—helping keep drivers safe while also connected on the road. The 2012 Tiguan comes standard with an eight-speaker radio system, and Volkswagen’s touchscreen Premium VIII radio will be available on the SE trim level. Also available are two color touchscreen navigation systems, the RNS 315 or the RNS 510. The top trim levels will feature a Dynaudio® 300-watt sound system.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;TOUAREG&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The Touareg was extensively updated for the 2011 Model Year, including the introduction of the innovative Hybrid model. For 2012, the VR6 and TDI® Clean Diesel Sport have a touchscreen radio with in-dash six-CD changer. The VR6 and TDI lines gain a new Sport with Navigation model.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Fender® Premium Audio&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Bringing the concert stage to the car&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Designed exclusively for Volkswagen, the Fender® Premium Audio System is embedded in the vehicle design and 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.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The sound system features lower inter-modulation distortion and smooth mid-range response to eliminate harshness. It is harmonically complex, with extended range tweeters and properly voiced speakers revealing original instrumentation timbre and harmonic richness, bringing the raw emotion of live music to the driving experience.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Carefree Maintenance® Program&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
All Volkswagen models are covered by the no-charge Carefree Maintenance® Program. Under this program, all of the scheduled maintenance, as described in the maintenance booklet, is covered for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Contact &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/index.htm" target="_blank"&gt;VW of Downtown LA&lt;/a&gt; today for more information. &lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Call&lt;/b&gt;: 1-888-647-7576&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Click&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/"&gt;www.dtlamotorsvw.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Visit&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/dealership/directions.htm"&gt;1900 S.    Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;</content>
		<summary>&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="border: 0px solid; float: right; margin: 4px;" src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/92111vwall.jpg?a=35" /&gt;The German-engineered 21st Century Beetle and New Passat spearhead VW’s 2012 product offensive. New GLI model will build on Jetta’s sales momentum.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;More muscular, sportier Beetle starts at $18,995, offered initially in 2.5L and 2.0L TSI forms.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;Passat is right sized and right priced for the mid-sized market, offering class-leading rear-seat legroom and a base MSRP of $19,995.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;New GLI rounds out Jetta range with sport-tuned suspension, interior enhancements, and the award-winning 2.0L TSI® engine.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;2012 Tiguan features freshened interior and exterior, available sport suspension, and improved gas mileage.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;2012 Eos features refreshed styling and standard DSG® dual-clutch transmission.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;Preview: In early 2012, VW will introduce its most powerful-ever Golf model, the Golf R.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;</summary>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>Volkswagen’s all-electric NILS concept seats one, stylishly</title>
		<link rel="alternate" href="http://vwofdowntownlablog.com/2011/09/15/volkswagens-all-electric-nils-concept-seats-one-stylishly.aspx?ref=rss" />
		<id>tag:www.vwofdowntownlablog.com,2011-09-15:79257da0-a42d-4c85-b172-ce3b2e78d259</id>
		<author>
			<name>DTLA Internet Manager</name>
		</author>
		<category term="2012" />
		<category term="electric" />
		<category term="Volkswagen" />
		<category term="LA" />
		<category term="Los Angeles" />
		<category term="VW" />
		<category term="Downtown LA" />
		<updated>2011-09-15T17:59:36Z</updated>
		<published>2011-09-15T17:59:36Z</published>
		<content type="html">&lt;img alt="" style="border: 0px solid; float: right; margin: 4px;" src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/91511concecpt.jpg?a=32"&gt;The Frankfurt Motor Show — happening this week in Germany — is a showcase of the auto industry's future, and after looking at Volkswagen's 2012 NILS concept, the future looks stylish and somewhat minimalist. The NILS seats just one, but its modest passenger load is matched by an equally small footprint, and a curb weight of under 1,000lbs. The all-electric concept is designed for city use, and its lightweight aluminum frame and 34 horsepower electric motor give it a 40-mile driving range on a single charge.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The NILS features large, gull-wing doors that allow it to park in tight spaces while still providing ample room for its driver to exit. The vehicle's tiny dashboard includes a 7" LCD touchscreen which provides vehicle information, as well as access to the built-in navigation system and radio. An always-on laser sensor hidden in the VW badge on the front of the vehicle monitors braking distance and can prevent a crash if it notices the driver is quickly approaching a collision.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The German auto maker is looking far into the future with the NILS project, and Volkswagen's Head of Development, Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg says of the vehicle, "NILS is a vehicle that anticipates the future. It looks as though someone had projected it back from 2030 to the world of today." The NILS definitely looks like something we imagined we'd be driving by 2030, but the future may be closer than we think. The company hasn't commented on whether the NILS project will indeed yield a commercial vehicle, but we can't help but be optimistic.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;div style="" align="right"&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 8px;"&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/technology-blog/volkswagen-electric-nils-concept-seats-one-stylishly-012111345.html;_ylc=X3oDMTNqMzY5bGdvBF9TAzIwMjM3Mjk5ODUEYWN0A21haWxfY2IEY3QDYQRpbnRsA3VzBGxhbmcDZW4tVVMEcGtnA2IzZTNiYzcyLWE3ZmItM2ZlNS1iNTM3LWJiM2IxM2ZlYWU1ZgRzZWMDbWl0X3NoYXJlBHNsawMEdGVzdAM-;_ylv=3"&gt;Via: Yahoo News&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Contact &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/index.htm"&gt;VW of Downtown LA&lt;/a&gt; today for more information. &lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Call&lt;/b&gt;: 1-888-647-7576&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Click&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/" target="_blank"&gt;www.dtlamotorsvw.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Visit&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/dealership/directions.htm" target="_blank"&gt;1900 S.    Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;</content>
		<summary>&lt;img alt="" style="border: 0px solid; float: right; margin: 4px;" src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/91511concecpt.jpg?a=32" /&gt;The Frankfurt Motor Show — happening this week in Germany — is a showcase of the auto industry's future, and after looking at Volkswagen's 2012 NILS concept, the future looks stylish and somewhat minimalist. The NILS seats just one, but its modest passenger load is matched by an equally small footprint, and a curb weight of under 1,000lbs. The all-electric concept is designed for city use, and its lightweight aluminum frame and 34 horsepower electric motor give it a 40-mile driving range on a single charge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;</summary>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>VOLKSWAGEN DELIVERS ALL-NEW 2012 PASSAT TO FIRST U.S. CUSTOMER</title>
		<link rel="alternate" href="http://vwofdowntownlablog.com/2011/09/13/volkswagen-delivers-all-new-2012-passat-to-first-us-customer.aspx?ref=rss" />
		<id>tag:www.vwofdowntownlablog.com,2011-09-13:726f49a3-d0bc-492e-b39a-983d091ae77c</id>
		<author>
			<name>DTLA Internet Manager</name>
		</author>
		<category term="LA" />
		<category term="Los Angeles" />
		<category term="Volkswagen" />
		<category term="Downtown LA" />
		<category term="2012" />
		<category term="Tennessee" />
		<category term="Passat" />
		<category term="VW" />
		<updated>2011-09-13T17:00:44Z</updated>
		<published>2011-09-13T17:00:44Z</published>
		<content type="html">&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="border: 0px solid; float: right; margin: 4px;" src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/91311passat3.jpg?a=19" /&gt;Volkswagen of America, Inc. today delivered the first, customer-purchased 2012 Passat TDI® Clean Diesel to Matt Duchesne of San Jose, CA. The 2012 Passat met its first owner after months of anticipation, beginning with the widely popular “The Force” ad that aired earlier this year and culminating today with this special delivery.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Designed specifically for the North American market, the 2012 Passat is the only midsize sedan that offers German engineering at an accessible price. Duchesne’s 2012 Passat was built at the all-new Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, TN, one of the newest, most advanced, and environmentally responsible auto assembly plants in the world.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The 2012 Passat provides a long list of premium features uniquely offered in the U.S., while maintaining the dynamic character expected of a Volkswagen.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
“We are very excited to share this seminal moment for Volkswagen in America with Mr. Duchesne. It is the fulfillment of our promise to the U.S. market that we can deliver a German-engineered car with American sensibilities at an affordable price,” said Marc Trahan, Executive Vice President of Group Quality at Volkswagen of America. “This 2012 Passat comes equipped with our TDI Clean Diesel engine of which we’re so proud.”&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In honor of the first 2012 Passat delivery, Volkswagen will send Mr. Duchesne and a guest to Chattanooga, Tennessee for a VIP tour of the all-new facility that is the birthplace of not only his new car but every all-new Passat sold in America. The plant visit, scheduled for early November, is part of a celebration for the Chattanooga plant, which rolled out its 10,000th all-new Passat last Thursday, September 8th.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After the tour, Mr. Duchesne won’t head home with an empty trunk. Volkswagen is giving him a fully stocked gift bag of VW gear and Shell will also be providing the lucky recipient $500 in Shell Gift Cards to fill up with high quality Shell diesel and enhance his 2012 Passat TDI Clean Diesel journey. For more than 100 years, Shell has been providing motorists with quality fuels to meet the needs of their vehicles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With three models to choose from, Duchesne ordered the all-new 2012 Passat TDI SEL model. The 2012 Passat TDI is the only clean diesel option in the segment, delivering an estimated 43 miles per gallon on the highway with the manual transmission, and a range of almost 800 miles. After adding best-in-class rear seat legroom and the new Fender® Premium Audio System, it is easy to see why the 2012 Passat TDI Clean Diesel has raised the bar in the midsize sedan segment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The all-new Passat has further proven Volkswagen’s commitment to safety by earning the coveted Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK rating for 2011, the highest possible rating from the non-profit safety research organization. The 2012 Passat is the eighth Volkswagen model to receive a 2011 IIHS Top Safety Pick, making Volkswagen one of the recognized safety leaders in the industry.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Contact &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/index.htm" target="_blank"&gt;VW of Downtown LA&lt;/a&gt; today for more information. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Call&lt;/strong&gt;: 1-888-647-7576&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Click&lt;/strong&gt;:    &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/"&gt;www.dtlamotorsvw.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Visit&lt;/strong&gt;:    &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/dealership/directions.htm"&gt;1900 S.    Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;</content>
		<summary>&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="border: 0px solid; float: right; margin: 4px;" src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/91311passat3.jpg?a=19" /&gt;Volkswagen of America, Inc. today delivered the first, customer-purchased 2012 Passat TDI® Clean Diesel to Matt Duchesne of San Jose, CA. The 2012 Passat met its first owner after months of anticipation, beginning with the widely popular “The Force” ad that aired earlier this year and culminating today with this special delivery.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Designed specifically for the North American market, the 2012 Passat is the only midsize sedan that offers German engineering at an accessible price. Duchesne’s 2012 Passat was built at the all-new Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, TN, one of the newest, most advanced, and environmentally responsible auto assembly plants in the world.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;</summary>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>2012 Passat Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick</title>
		<link rel="alternate" href="http://vwofdowntownlablog.com/2011/09/09/2012-passat-earns-iihs-top-safety-pick.aspx?ref=rss" />
		<id>tag:www.vwofdowntownlablog.com,2011-09-09:83ea8fa4-6e2e-4dfd-91f9-2170776ff25a</id>
		<author>
			<name>DTLA Internet Manager</name>
		</author>
		<category term="2012" />
		<category term="Downtown LA" />
		<category term="Volkswagen" />
		<category term="Passat" />
		<category term="VW" />
		<updated>2011-09-09T16:12:58Z</updated>
		<published>2011-09-09T16:12:58Z</published>
		<content type="html">&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;img src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/99112012_Passat.jpg?a=8" style="border: 0px solid; width: 324px; height: 201px; float: right; margin: 4px;"&gt;Today the all-new 2012 Passat was awarded the coveted Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) top safety pick, which is the highest rating possible from the non-profit safety research organization!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The annual rating recognizes those vehicles that perform best in protecting passengers in the Institute’s front, side, and rear crash test evaluations, and the newly required roof-strength test evaluations. The Institute only awards top safety pick ratings to vehicles that are fitted with electronic stability control and head protection airbags.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Volkswagen now has eight 2011 IIHS top safety picks. Other Volkswagen models to receive this rating are: CC 2.0T TSI, Jetta, SportWagen, Tiguan, Touareg and four-door Golf and GTI models.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;Contact &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/index.htm" target="_blank"&gt;VW of Downtown LA&lt;/a&gt; today for more information. &lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Call&lt;/b&gt;: 1-888-647-7576&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Click&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/"&gt;www.dtlamotorsvw.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Visit&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/dealership/directions.htm"&gt;1900 S.    Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</content>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>Volkswagen Stand at Frankfurt Motor Show Is Awesome!</title>
		<link rel="alternate" href="http://vwofdowntownlablog.com/2011/09/08/volkswagen-stand-at-frankfurt-motor-show-is-awesome.aspx?ref=rss" />
		<id>tag:www.vwofdowntownlablog.com,2011-09-08:cd3c5f65-302d-4bc8-8520-053f49fab1ef</id>
		<author>
			<name>DTLA Internet Manager</name>
		</author>
		<category term="Technology" />
		<category term="Downtown LA" />
		<category term="Volkswagen" />
		<category term="LA" />
		<category term="Los Angeles" />
		<category term="VW" />
		<updated>2011-09-08T17:06:08Z</updated>
		<published>2011-09-08T17:06:08Z</published>
		<content type="html">&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;img src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/9811vwstand.jpg?a=7" style="border: 0px solid;"&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;As the largest car maker in the world, Volkswagen wanted something to show off its capabilities at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;So they came up with this huge stand covering an area of 8,893 square metre and shaped like cloud. It will accommodate over 50 vehicles, but cars are not the only attraction here. It also features a 30 metre interactive wall which will give visitors a taste of mobility in the future, as well as presenting details on innovations and alternative technologies.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The stand is designed to showcase the new up! city car which is making its public debut along with the recently unveiled new generation Beetle, new Tiguan and Golf Cabriolet.&amp;nbsp; The NILS single-seat electric commuting vehicle concept will also be making its world premiere.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;As we speak over 1000 people are busy finishing the work, including installing 2,100 lamps and roughly 80 kilometres of cables, on the site, so when the doors of the show opened everything will be ready.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Volkswagen’s stand is located in Hall 3. Not that you can miss it!&lt;br&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;div align="right"&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 8px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.motorward.com/2011/09/volkswagen-stand-at-frankfurt-motor-show-is-sick/" target="_blank" class=""&gt;Via: MotorWard&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;br&gt;Contact &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/index.htm" target="_blank"&gt;VW of Downtown LA&lt;/a&gt; today for more information. &lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Call&lt;/b&gt;: 1-888-647-7576&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Click&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/"&gt;www.dtlamotorsvw.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Visit&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/dealership/directions.htm"&gt;1900 S.    Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</content>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>2012 ROUTAN: THE VOLKSWAGEN OF MINIVANS</title>
		<link rel="alternate" href="http://vwofdowntownlablog.com/2011/09/06/2012-routan-the-volkswagen-of-minivans.aspx?ref=rss" />
		<id>tag:www.vwofdowntownlablog.com,2011-09-06:89355288-4715-4286-8383-863f4bb7b03a</id>
		<author>
			<name>DTLA Internet Manager</name>
		</author>
		<category term="2012" />
		<category term="Downtown LA" />
		<category term="Volkswagen" />
		<category term="LA" />
		<category term="Los Angeles" />
		<category term="Routan" />
		<category term="VW" />
		<updated>2011-09-06T17:11:57Z</updated>
		<published>2011-09-06T17:11:57Z</published>
		<content type="html">&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;"&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="border: 0px solid; float: right; margin: 4px;" src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/9611routan.jpg?a=54" height="227" width="303"&gt;The repowered Routan continues to be the only minivan with the soul of a Volkswagen&lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;Volkswagen’s most family-friendly model&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;Flexible seating for seven in three rows and up to 144 cu ft of storage space&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;New 3.6-liter V6 with six-speed automatic delivers class-leading 283-hp and 25 mpg fuel economy&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;Volkswagen-tuned suspension and steering provides precise handling and heightened road feel&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;An impressive list of 40 active and passive safety features – from standard Electronic Stability Control, to Blind Spot Monitoring, and new Rear Cross Path Detection&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;Entertainment options run from touchscreen radio with hard drive, to nine-speaker, 506-watt audio system, to drop-down nine-inch LCD screens&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;Outstanding value with well-equipped Routan S priced from $27,020&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;Herndon, VA – The Routan is VW’s most family-friendly vehicle. If you want evidence, it’s not just the touchscreen multi-media entertainment system, or the integrated iPod® interface, or even the easy cleaning Vienna Leather and Leatherette seating surfaces that tell you—it’s the Getränkehalter. And this newest Routan boasts 13 of them.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
These are family-sized cup holders strategically positioned around the Routan’s cabin. Two in the center stack storage bin. One in each of the front and rear doors. Four in the sliding center console. And three more in the back.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
And with the Routan’s twin deep, under-floor storage bins, each designed to accommodate a six-pack of sodas, theoretically the tally of Getränkehalter is closer to 15.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The Routan continues as Volkswagen’s people hauling, cup holder-rich model. It appeals to buyers wanting seven-passenger minivan space and flexibility coupled with Volkswagen design and quality.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;New for 2012&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Having been extensively updated for the 2011 model year, with the introduction of an advanced new 3.6-liter V6 boasting a class-leading 283 horsepower, changes to 2012 Routan line-up include the addition of even more features and equipment.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The popular Routan SEL with Navigation model, for example, adds Keyless access with push-button start, along with rain-sensing wipers. The range-topping SEL Premium adds, as standard, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
What doesn’t change for 2012 is the Routan’s exceptional value. The well-equipped entry S model has a starting MSRP of $27,020, while the top-selling SE model line-up begins at $32,010.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;Exterior&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The 2012 Routan is instantly recognizable as a member of the Volkswagen family. Its front-end design hints at the horizontal elements that are part of the new Volkswagen design—twin chrome blades across the chrome-ringed grille, and matching twin horizontal blades across the lower intake.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The bold, aero-style front is dominated by swept-back quad halogen headlights that, seen front-on, take the eye to the Routan’s deep, sculpted front bumper with its projector-style fog lights. Seen in a rear-view mirror, it’s a dynamic, most un-minivan-like look.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
In profile, despite its 202.5-inch overall length and stretched, 121.2-inch wheelbase, Volkswagen designers have created a silhouette that is surprisingly sleek and visually ‘light’. The clamshell-like hood slims down the front fenders, while the swept-back windscreen, long roof rails, and body-color tailgate spoiler add to the streamlined look.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
At the rear, oversized taillights, slim roof pillars and a large, deep, curved rear window help visually reduce the Routan’s 68.9-inch height.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
But being a minivan, practicality is everything. So the Routan features large, wide-opening front doors and extra-large, optional power-sliding side doors, all designed to ensure easy access to the cabin. There’s also a full-width, high-lifting tailgate, with available remote power-opening.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The 2012 Routan models are offered in a range of seven colors, including Nocturne Black metallic and Deep Claret metallic. And, of course, the ‘famous’ Glacial Blue metallic that was the star of Volkswagen’s hugely-popular ‘Blue one’ TV commercial.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;Interior&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The heart of the Routan is its expansive, flexible, versatile interior. Volkswagen keeps it simple, and the height of comfort, by offering a seven-seat layout, with captain’s chairs for the two middle-row seats, plus a third-row, three-across bench.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
And flexibility is the word here. The rear bench can flip, fold and disappear into the floor to leave a completely flat load area. Flip it over and back, and it makes a perfect tailgate seat to watch the game.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The middle-row captain’s chairs can fold flat onto themselves, or be removed entirely to create a cavernous load area. With the two chairs removed and the rear bench folded into the floor, the Routan offers an astonishing 144.4 cu ft of load space, easily accessible through the side doors and tailgate.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
There are additional intelligent storage solutions everywhere, such as the dual glove boxes, or the over-sized storage bin between the front seats big enough to accommodate a large handbag or laptop. There’s available ceiling storage, and two deep, over-sized storage bins mounted in the floor. Plus, there’s an array of cargo nets, juice-box holders, trinket-stashers, cell-phone trays, not forgetting those 13 cup holders.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Up front, the driver is cosseted in a side-bolstered front seat with available eight-way power adjustment. Slim roof pillars, over-sized door mirrors and a high, command-driving position, help ensure impressive forward and side visibility—a key for safe driving.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Available power-adjustable accelerator and brake pedals, height-adjustable safety belts, and a steering wheel adjustable for height also help ensure a tailored driving position.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The Volkswagen-style steering wheel has standard leather covering, even in the entry S model. The white-faced instruments are, in true Volkswagen tradition, clear and unfussy, and easy to read at a glance.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Most models offer the choice of Volkswagen’s trademark perforated leatherette or ‘Vienna’ leather. The plastics have a soft-touch feel, while underfoot there’s high-quality, high-density carpeting.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Plenty of light and fresh air are key requirements with any minivan. This is why every Routan comes with power-opening windows in the sliding side doors, along with power-opening rear-quarter windows. A power tilt/slide glass sunroof is also on the options list and standard on SEL models.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Entertaining the kids—or adults—in the back is an essential minivan ingredient. And the 2012 Routan is loaded with more ways to play music, play games, watch DVDs, store photos, or talk on the phone.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
It all starts with an in-dash MP3-compatible CD player with AM/FM stereo, an auxiliary input for connecting other audio devices, and six speakers. That’s on the entry-level S model. Move up to the SE and standard features include a six-disc CD changer with MP3/DVD capability, and Bluetooth® connectivity.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
This can be complemented with a comprehensive package that includes a large touchscreen display, 30GB hard drive, USB and iPod® connectivity, SiriusXM® satellite radio, a second DVD player for the rear seating area, the all-row touchscreen DVD entertainment system with touchscreen radio auxiliary audio-visual inputs, wireless headphones, a pair of ceiling mounted nine-inch LCD screens, and a remote control. For the ultimate in rockin’ sound, the Routan SEL comes with a 506-watt, nine-speaker premium sound system.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;Engine and Transmission&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
All 2012 Routan models are powered by a new 3.6-liter 24-valve V6 engine mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
What sets the powertrain apart is its remarkable, class-leading power output of 283 horsepower, along with 260 lb-ft of torque, 90 per cent of which is available from just 1600 rpm. It’s an impressive unit that focuses on light weight, high efficiency and low emissions. It features a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block with forged connecting rods, lightweight aluminum cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder, and aluminum exhaust manifolds.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Its design incorporates double overhead camshafts and high-flow intake and exhaust ports. These, in combination with variable-valve timing through independent cam phasing, allow optimum volumetric and combustion efficiency over the full speed and load range.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The result is an exceptionally flat torque curve together with high specific power. For the driver, this translates into outstanding drivability and quick-response to the throttle for off-the-line acceleration and fast, safer passing.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The six-speed automatic was fine-tuned with the introduction of the new 3.6 V6 to optimize its gear ratios and electronics to take advantage of the engine’s impressive outputs.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;Suspension&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Volkswagen engineers had a single-minded goal when they were developing the suspension for the new Routan: It had to ‘drive like a Volkswagen’.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
So they focused on retuning the springs and dampers to help reduce body roll and improve steering response. They tightened the bushings throughout the entire suspension to give a sharper, more responsive feel to the cornering. And they increased the torsional stiffness of the steering column for more precise steering.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
While no minivan could ever be described as having ‘sporty’ handling, the Routan delivers that ‘Drives like a Volkswagen’ feel. It’s nimble and agile, and eager to change direction whether it’s negotiating a mall parking lot, or taking a road-trip with family along the Blue Ridge Parkway.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The basic layout of the Routan’s suspension includes a compact strut design at the front, coupled with coil springs and gas-charged dampers and an anti-roll bar. At the rear, there’s a space-saving twist beam rear axle, with coil springs and heavy-duty dampers..&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Because Volkswagen knows the Routan might be carrying some weight in its daily-driving—the driver, six passengers and all that gear can add-up—the rear suspension of the SEL Premium model is upgraded to a Nivomat® self-leveling air suspension system. This also raises the Routan's towing capacity with the available hitch package, to 3,500 pounds, making it perfect for hauling a jet ski, ATV, dirt bike or cruiser to the beach for the weekend.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
And to haul it to a halt, the 2012 Routan features four-wheel Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), and Engine Braking Control (EBC).&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The entry Routan S models comes with 16-inch steel wheels as standard, shod with all-season tires; the Routan SE features 17-inch 10-spoke Mervin alloys; while the SEL is equipped with 17-inch 10-spoke Rota alloy rims. The range-topping SEL Premium has five-spoke, broad-faced 17-inch Soho alloys.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;Safety and Security&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Safety is Job One with any people-carrying minivan. Which is why the 2012 Routan is equipped with a suite of the latest, most advanced safety features.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Safety for those inside starts with driver and front seat passenger front- and seat-mounted thorax side air bags. For the driver, there’s the additional protection of a standard knee airbag located below the instrument panel. There are also Side Curtain Protection® airbags that provide enhanced protection to all outboard occupants.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Active safety features that come standard with every 2012 Routan include Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This remarkable system helps gets the ’van back on track through braking and throttle, if it senses any slip or slide. Anti-lock braking (ABS) is also standard, as is Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) that warns the driver of a flat, or if the tire pressure needs checking.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Additional features for the Routan SEL Premium include Blind Spot Monitoring, and Cross Path Detection, which warns the driver when backing out of a restricted-view parking space, of another vehicle approaching.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;Model line-up&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The 2012 Routan model line-up features seven models, each with the 3.6-liter 283-hp V6 with six-speed automatic powertrain.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;S&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The well-equipped S is the first step on the Routan ladder with its starting MSRP of $27,020. Its standard features include three-zone manual air conditioning; second-row captain-style reclining, fold-flat and removable seats with in-floor storage tubs; heated exterior mirrors; cruise control; conversation mirror, 12-volt auxiliary outlet; manual tilt steering column, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and shift knob; dual glove boxes; four-way manually adjustable front seats; power-vented rear quarter windows, power windows with one-touch up/down for front and second row; third-row folding bench with foldable headrests; six-speaker sound system with single disc player, aux-in jack, and MP3 capability; remote locking power door locks, and multi-function steering wheel.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;SE&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The SE adds: power operated sliding side doors; eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar; heated front row; V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces; second and third row sun shades; Bluetooth® system; six-speaker sound system with six-disc CD player, aux-in jack, DVD/MP3 capability; 17-inch Mervin alloy wheels with all-season tires; adjustable floor pedals; and Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;SE with Rear Screen Entertainment&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Priced from $33,490, it adds a single 2nd-row 9-inch video screen with headphones and remote, power-lift tailgate with flood lamp, rearview camera system, touch-screen AM/FM with DVD player and hard drive, SiriusXM® satellite radio with 1-year complimentary service.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;SE with RSE and Navigation&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
This adds a DVD-Navigation system with SiriusXM® Traffic, and SiriusXM® Travel Link Services with one-year complimentary service.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;SEL with Navigation&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
In addition to the SE equipment, it adds a power tilt/sliding sunroof; three-zone automatic air conditioning; remote start; keyless access w/push-button start; rearview camera system; Vienna leather seating surfaces; heated second-row seats; power-folding third row; DVD-Navigation sound system with built-in satellite radio; SiriusXM® satellite radio and SiriusXM® Travel Link and SiriusXM® Traffic with one-year complimentary service; voice-activated play command, satellite playback, and integrated iPod® interface; automatic headlamps; and 17-inch Rota alloy wheels .&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;SEL with RSE and Navigation&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
This adds second- and third-row nine-inch video screens with additional DVD player for the rear-screen entertainment.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;SEL Premium&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The top-of-the-range model takes the SEL RSE with Nav features and adds Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection; chrome-finished door handles and exterior mirror caps; multifunction, heated, auto-dimming, fold-away, exterior mirrors with memory and integrated turn signals; bright finish roof rack; Nut-Burl trim; 115-volt power outlet; power adjustable floor pedals with memory; eight-way power driver with memory and eight-way power passenger seat; premium nine-speaker, 560-watt sound system; HID automatic headlamps; and 17-inch Soho alloy wheels.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Contact &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/index.htm" target="_blank"&gt;VW of Downtown LA&lt;/a&gt; today for more information. &lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Call&lt;/b&gt;: 1-888-647-7576&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Click&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/"&gt;www.dtlamotorsvw.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Visit&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/dealership/directions.htm"&gt;1900 S.    Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;</content>
		<summary>&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;&lt;img alt="" width="303" height="227" style="border: 0px solid; float: right; margin: 4px;" src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/9611routan.jpg?a=54" /&gt;The repowered Routan continues to be the only minivan with the soul of a Volkswagen&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;Volkswagen’s most family-friendly model&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;Flexible seating for seven in three rows and up to 144 cu ft of storage space&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;New 3.6-liter V6 with six-speed automatic delivers class-leading 283-hp and 25 mpg fuel economy&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;Volkswagen-tuned suspension and steering provides precise handling and heightened road feel&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;An impressive list of 40 active and passive safety features – from standard Electronic Stability Control, to Blind Spot Monitoring, and new Rear Cross Path Detection&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;Entertainment options run from touchscreen radio with hard drive, to nine-speaker, 506-watt audio system, to drop-down nine-inch LCD screens&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;Outstanding value with well-equipped Routan S priced from $27,020&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;</summary>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>Bulli for us. VW Bulli named 2011 Concept Truck of the Year</title>
		<link rel="alternate" href="http://vwofdowntownlablog.com/2011/09/01/bulli-for-us-vw-bulli-named-2011-concept-truck-of-the-year.aspx?ref=rss" />
		<id>tag:www.vwofdowntownlablog.com,2011-09-01:08f9d337-9cee-4dae-bdd2-80bc1e7185d9</id>
		<author>
			<name>DTLA Internet Manager</name>
		</author>
		<category term="Volkswagen" />
		<category term="LA" />
		<category term="Los Angeles" />
		<category term="VW" />
		<updated>2011-09-01T17:38:50Z</updated>
		<published>2011-09-01T17:38:50Z</published>
		<content type="html">&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;img src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/9111vwtruck.jpg?a=8" style="border: 0px solid; float: right; margin: 4px;" height="264" width="197"&gt;Volkswagen isn’t afraid to dream big. In fact, one of our dreams just won an award. VW is proud to announce that the Bulli, an updated version of the world’s original van and our iconic Bus, was named 2011 Concept Truck of the Year at the tenth annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards. Check out the full story for more information on the award.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The Bulli caused quite a stir earlier this year at auto shows in Geneva and New York City, and it’s easy to see why. Powered by a silent electric motor that can drive up to 186.4 miles on a single battery charge—all with zero emissions— it can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in under 11.5 seconds. That’s cool, but when you climb into the Bulli’s roomy six-seat interior and realize that the infotainment system is controlled via iPad…well, that’s very cool.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Remember: the Bulli is just a concept vehicle, so for now, you’ll have to drive it in your dreams (where the skies are always blue and the lights are always green).&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Contact &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/index.htm"&gt;VW of Downtown LA&lt;/a&gt; today for more information. &lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Call&lt;/b&gt;: 1-888-647-7576&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Click&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/" target="_blank"&gt;www.dtlamotorsvw.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Visit&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/dealership/directions.htm" target="_blank"&gt;1900 S.    Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</content>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>Volkswagen 7-seat SUV on the way: report</title>
		<link rel="alternate" href="http://vwofdowntownlablog.com/2011/08/30/volkswagen-7-seat-suv-on-the-way-report.aspx?ref=rss" />
		<id>tag:www.vwofdowntownlablog.com,2011-08-30:165bb47b-e806-4b31-ac94-40c57a0b27a0</id>
		<author>
			<name>DTLA Internet Manager</name>
		</author>
		<category term="Downtown LA" />
		<category term="Volkswagen" />
		<category term="LA" />
		<category term="Los Angeles" />
		<category term="VW" />
		<updated>2011-08-30T17:11:48Z</updated>
		<published>2011-08-30T17:11:48Z</published>
		<content type="html">&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="border: 0px solid; float: right; margin: 4px;" src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/83011vw7.jpg?a=21"&gt;In a bid to provide more competition in the US market and to increase overall sales, Volkswagen is reportedly planning a new seven-seat SUV, said to be larger than the current Volkswagen Touareg.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Volkswagen is aiming to be the biggest global car manufacturer by 2018, and to help make that happen, Volkswagen is aiming to provide cars for each segment in the market, and particularly the US. At a recent press conference, Volkswagen US CEO Jonathon Browning said,&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
“The most important thing is to have the right vehicles, priced correctly. Our focus is to penetrate deeper into those segments.”&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
According to a report by The Detriot News, Browning said a new seven-seat Volkswagen SUV would be larger than the Volkswagen Touareg but it would enter the market at a cheaper price than the current flagship SUV.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Browning said the new seven-seater would be priced higher than the Volkswagen Tiguan though. Specific details on possible running gear and trim levels are yet to be discussed.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Volkswagen is very serious about providing for the US market, with other models in the lineup increasingly being adapted specifically to suit the US.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
The new Volkswagen Passat is one recent example. The previous model was only available in limited variants in the US, but now, the US-spec Passat – which is built in the US – caters for around 80 per cent of the mid-sized car market thanks to the addition of a number of turbo-diesel and turbo-petrol models.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Overall Volkswagen sales are up 22 per cent in the US this year, not including other Volkswagen Group brand sales such as Audi.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
Globally, Volkswagen is currently on track to sell 7.69 million vehicles this year, overtaking Toyota’s projected figure of 7.33 million. General Motors, on the other hand, is expected to top 8.65 million vehicle sales, placing it in top spot.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;
We’ll be sure to keep you updated on more concrete details of the new seven-seat Volkswagen SUV as soon as possible.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;div style="" align="right"&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 8px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.caradvice.com.au/134755/volkswagen-7-seat-suv-on-the-way-report/"&gt;Via: CarAdvice&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;br&gt;
Contact &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/index.htm"&gt;VW of Downtown LA&lt;/a&gt; today for more information. &lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Call&lt;/b&gt;: 1-888-647-7576&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Click&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/" target="_blank"&gt;www.dtlamotorsvw.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Visit&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/dealership/directions.htm" target="_blank"&gt;1900 S.    Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;</content>
		<summary>&lt;span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: arial;"&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="border: 0px solid; float: right; margin: 4px;" src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/83011vw7.jpg?a=21" /&gt;In a bid to provide more competition in the US market and to increase overall sales, Volkswagen is reportedly planning a new seven-seat SUV, said to be larger than the current Volkswagen Touareg.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Volkswagen is aiming to be the biggest global car manufacturer by 2018, and to help make that happen, Volkswagen is aiming to provide cars for each segment in the market, and particularly the US. At a recent press conference, Volkswagen US CEO Jonathon Browning said,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
“The most important thing is to have the right vehicles, priced correctly. Our focus is to penetrate deeper into those segments.”&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
According to a report by The Detriot News, Browning said a new seven-seat Volkswagen SUV would be larger than the Volkswagen Touareg but it would enter the market at a cheaper price than the current flagship SUV.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;</summary>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<title>Golf TDI, GTI Score Kudos As “Best Reviewed Economy Cars”</title>
		<link rel="alternate" href="http://vwofdowntownlablog.com/2011/08/25/golf-tdi-gti-score-kudos-as-best-reviewed-economy-cars.aspx?ref=rss" />
		<id>tag:www.vwofdowntownlablog.com,2011-08-25:8491865b-195b-484c-97d1-f42c93d7ebd2</id>
		<author>
			<name>DTLA Internet Manager</name>
		</author>
		<category term="VW" />
		<category term="LA" />
		<category term="2011" />
		<category term="Los Angeles" />
		<category term="Volkswagen" />
		<category term="Downtown LA" />
		<category term="Golf TDI" />
		<category term="TDI" />
		<category term="GTI" />
		<updated>2011-08-25T16:55:18Z</updated>
		<published>2011-08-25T16:55:18Z</published>
		<content type="html">&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;img src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/6/9/3/249243-239631/82511vw.jpg?a=73" style="border: 0px solid; float: right; margin: 4px;"&gt;With fuel costs likely to remain high, so is customer interest in today’s new generation of small cars, and that’s good news for Volkswagen customers. After all, it was the only automaker to have two of its vehicles—the VW Golf TDI and the VW GTI—rated among the “Best Reviewed Economy Cars” in a recent study by ConsumerSearch.com, one of the country’s leading resources for customer-oriented product-quality information.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The site takes a unique approach to consumer advocacy, gathering reviews from across the country, from both experts and buyers, and using that information to develop its own lists of the “Best Reviewed” products in a wide range of industries. For example, in the automotive sector, the Golf TDI garnered recognition among the “Best Reviewed Economy Cars” for having the best non-hybrid fuel economy—an impressively hybrid-like 30 mpg city/42 mpg highway. In addition, ConsumerSearch.com reported strong praise from reviewers for the car’s diesel-derived torque—some 236 lb.-ft. of which is on tap in the Golf TDI—as well as its solid, refined feel and ample cargo room.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The website also called out the GTI as its best-reviewed sporty compact car, acknowledging its status as the original “hot hatch” that continues its “tradition of delivering the most fun per dollar.” Boasting VW’s powerful and proven 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine, which “delivers a smooth 200 horsepower,” the GTI finished above its rivals because of “its sophisticated ride, impressive comfort and unmatched interior quality.”&lt;br&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;div align="right"&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 8px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.vwinthenews.com/golf-tdi-gti-score-kudos-as-best-reviewed-economy-cars/" target="_blank" class=""&gt;Via: VW in the news&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;br&gt;Contact &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/index.htm" target="_blank"&gt;VW of Downtown LA&lt;/a&gt; today for more information. Both the 2011 Volkswagen &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/showroom/2011/Volkswagen/Golf/Hatchback.htm" target="_blank" class=""&gt;Golf&lt;/a&gt; TDI and &lt;a href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/showroom/2012/Volkswagen/GTI/Hatchback.htm" target="_blank" class=""&gt;GTI &lt;/a&gt;are on sale at VW of Downtown L.A. now.&lt;br&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Call&lt;/b&gt;: 1-888-647-7576&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Click&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/"&gt;www.dtlamotorsvw.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;font style="font-size: 12px;" face="arial"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Visit&lt;/b&gt;:    &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.dtlamotorsvw.com/dealership/directions.htm"&gt;1900 S.    Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</content>
	</entry>
</feed>
