Volkswagen of Athens Shares Some Tips for Keeping Your Car in Top Shape for a Summer Vacation

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Summer means barbecues, sunshine and vacations. For many families, in the greater Athens area of Georgia, summer also means multiple or extended car trips that could take a toll on the family vehicle.

A few simple maintenance and driving tips before could save you a trip to the mechanic and several hundred dollars with extensive car repairs later. Before you hit the road, spend some time getting your vehicle ready for those blissful summer trips.

1. Check those fluids. Change or check your oil, coolant, brake fluid, clutch fluid and even your windshield washing fluid. A fresh supply of fluids can have a huge impact on your gas mileage and help prevent engine damage.

2. Keep an eye on your tires. Use a gauge to check the tire pressure; you car’s manual should provide specification for ideal PSI for your tires. Check the tread on your tire to be sure you have adequate grip in slick conditions.  Make sure your spare is accessible and you have a jack and extra bolts in your car.

3. Have a mechanic inspect your car to make sure all of your systems are functioning properly, especially your cooling and air conditioning systems. Overheating can be a big problem, especially in hot summer traffic. Ask the mechanic to check your fans and oxygen sensors to avoid overheating.

4. Pack lightly. An overloaded car can decrease gas mileage and make a car run less efficiently. Over packing can also create dangerous road conditions if bag obstruct your mirrors and decrease your visibility.

5. Keep you emergency kit well stocked. A small kit in your glove box or trunk should contain bandages, jumper cables, a flashlight with batteries, water and nonperishable food items.

6. Increase the lifespan and efficiency of you engine with conscious driving. Avoid stop and go driving; if you drive a manual, use shifting to your advantage by maintaining consistent speeds. Utilize your cruise control to increase your fuel economy. Not only will you improve your gas mileage but you’ll also lengthen the life of your engine and brakes.

About Volkswagen of Athens

Volkswagen of Athens, located in beautiful Bogart, Georgia, is your leading new and used Volkswagen dealer serving Northeast Georgia including all of Bogart, Athens, Atlanta, Winder, Monroe, Loganville, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Gainesville, Buford, Sugar Hill, Covington, Suwanee, Conyers, Lilburn, Duluth Redan and Norcross. We are a locally owned and operated company, and as such, recognize the unique qualities of Northeast Georgia and its residents. We try to tailor our products and services to the needs of our area customers and welcome your comments and suggestions. We have served the Athens and surrounding areas for over seventeen years and appreciate you the trust and loyalty our customers have placed in us.

We’re a small town dealer that knows a thing or two, particularly the importance of one on one customer care. Here at VW of Athens, the customer is a big fish in a small pond, and we treat you just like that. Feel free to browse our new and pre-owned inventory online at www.volkswagenofathens.com to request more information about vehicles, set up a test drive or inquire about financing!

Our company philosophy is based upon two very traditional fundamental values: common sense and the golden rule. We highly value our customers and our employees. We strive to achieve the highest levels of honesty, integrity and fairness in all our dealings with both.

We’re here to make sure you have a good time purchasing and owning your Volkswagen, which is why you can count on service in a timely fashion. Our VW Certified Service Technicians are very knowledgeable who offer great customer service with competitive pricing. Schedule a service appointment online, order real VW parts, or just learn a little more about our service department here.

Contact Information

Volkswagen of Athens

www.volkswagenofathens.com

4735 Atlanta Highway

Bogart, GA 30622

Sales: 1-866-308-2723

Service: 1-866-617-9921

Sales Hours:

Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 9:00AM – 8:00PM

Saturday – 9:00AM – 6:00PM

Service Hours:

Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 6:00PM

Saturday – 8:00AM – 4:00PM

Parts Hours:

Sunday & Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 6:00PM

Volkswagen of Athens Reports The new Golf is ‘World Car of the Year 2013’

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The new Golf, available at Volkswagen of Athens located in the Greater Nashville Area of Georgia,, just keeps on winning! An International expert jury today named the bestseller from Wolfsburg ‘World Car of the Year 2013’.

The globally sought-after prize was awarded at the New York International Auto Show. The ‘World Car of the Year’ title is a further milestone in the growing list of awards for the Golf.

Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, explained: “We at Volkswagen are all delighted that the Golf has been named ‘World Car of the Year’. To win this award again shows that the Golf is and remains in a class of its own all around the world. This car sets new benchmarks again and again, not least in terms of efficiency and environmental credentials. Soon, for instance, the Golf will also be launched as a plug-in hybrid and as a 100% electric car.”

For over 30 years, the Golf has been an established feature of the motoring scene around the globe. For the seventh generation of the bestseller today’s prize represented its 17th award since being launched in November 2012. In giving their reasons for the award, the jury said: “The Golf is just the right size   – it’s spacious, practical and comfortable. It has got a fresh, progressive design, a new range of engines, plus an impressive list of equipment and safety systems. If there is a car for everyone, the Golf is it.”

It was only three weeks ago that the compact car from Wolfsburg was crowned   European Car of the Year. Further accolades from home and abroad, such as ‘The Best Cars of 2013’, ‘Auto Trophy 2012’ and the ‘Top Gear – All the car you’ll ever need’ award, round off the list of successes.

The ‘World Car of the Year’ jury consists of 66 motoring journalists from 23 countries, who rate new cars appearing on the world market not only for the  award, but also in their daily reporting work for millions of drivers and car enthusiasts. Volkswagen has for a long time been a firm fixture in the ‘World Car of the Year’ awards: the model before the current Golf for instance, won the renowned prize back in 2009. In 2012, the cherished international trophy went to the company’s smallest car, the up! And 2010 was also dominated by Volkswagen: the Polo was crowned overall winner and the BlueMotion models of the Polo, Golf and Passat took the title ‘World Green Car of the Year.’

About Volkswagen of Athens

Volkswagen of Athens, located in beautiful Bogart, Georgia, is your leading new and used Volkswagen dealer serving Northeast Georgia including all of Bogart, Athens, Atlanta, Winder, Monroe, Loganville, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Gainesville, Buford, Sugar Hill, Covington, Suwanee, Conyers, Lilburn, Duluth Redan and Norcross. We are a locally owned and operated company, and as such, recognize the unique qualities of Northeast Georgia and its residents. We try to tailor our products and services to the needs of our area customers and welcome your comments and suggestions. We have served the Athens and surrounding areas for over seventeen years and appreciate you the trust and loyalty our customers have placed in us.

We’re a small town dealer that knows a thing or two, particularly the importance of one on one customer care. Here at VW of Athens, the customer is a big fish in a small pond, and we treat you just like that. Feel free to browse our new and pre-owned inventory online at www.volkswagenofathens.com to request more information about vehicles, set up a test drive or inquire about financing!

Our company philosophy is based upon two very traditional fundamental values: common sense and the golden rule. We highly value our customers and our employees. We strive to achieve the highest levels of honesty, integrity and fairness in all our dealings with both.

We’re here to make sure you have a good time purchasing and owning your Volkswagen, which is why you can count on service in a timely fashion. Our VW Certified Service Technicians are very knowledgeable who offer great customer service with competitive pricing. Schedule a service appointment online, order real VW parts, or just learn a little more about our service department here.

Contact Information

Volkswagen of Athens

www.volkswagenofathens.com

4735 Atlanta Highway

Bogart, GA 30622

Sales: 1-866-308-2723

Service: 1-866-617-9921

Sales Hours:

Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 9:00AM – 8:00PM

Saturday – 9:00AM – 6:00PM

Service Hours:

Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 6:00PM

Saturday – 8:00AM – 4:00PM

Parts Hours:

Sunday & Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 6:00PM

Volkswagen of Athens Reports new Social Media App from Volkswagen aims to maximize fun on every drive!

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Volkswagen Smileage allows Georgia drivers to record and share their journeys, adding a little bit of fun to every trip, from daily commutes to holiday expeditions.

Volkswagen of America and Google announced their partnership on “Volkswagen Smileage,” a new social media application built using a suite of Google products and platforms. The app launches later this year and will allow people to record and share how much fun they’re having while on the road, through a new metric called “Smileage.” Users can share their road trip experiences dynamically through photos, videos, and social commentary via interactive maps. In addition, Smileage users are rewarded for connecting with others that they encounter along the way, through a re-imagination of the classic “Punch Dub” game.

“Volkswagen owners have demonstrated to us again and again that they are a very active community of fans that love to talk about their cars and the roads they travel,” said Kevin Mayer, Vice President of Marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Now, thanks to our partnership with Google on building this new social media application, we have a way for them to do so while doing exactly what they enjoy: Being in their cars. Whether they’re taking the kids to soccer camp or setting off with friends on a weekend camping trip, Volkswagen Smileage gives them a way to connect and share their experiences with their friends, family, and others. What’s more, this app will be available to everyone and work with all cars, so everybody can have a little bit of VW in their life, regardless of what car they drive.”

How Volkswagen Smileage Works
Smileage is a simple-to-use, smart phone-based application and web service, and will be made available first on Android phones. To start using Smileage, a driver simply needs to sign in with their Google account and ensure that their smart phone is synced with their car. If the driver chooses, the app can automatically connect each time the car is started.

Drivers can choose from “passive” or “active” modes in the app. Neither mode allows any driver interaction while on the road, but instead works seamlessly in the background. The app measures the fun factor of each trip using a metric called Smileage, based on signals such as weather, traffic, location, time, and social interactions; so, for example, a long drive on a sunny Saturday afternoon might accumulate more Smileage than a morning commute in the snow. You can use it with any car, not just Volkswagen vehicles.

For people who enjoy a more visual and real-time approach to documenting their travels on the road, the “Trip Mode” of Smileage can be used. This allows for a more customizable experience: A drive can be named, passengers can be tagged, and any photos and videos taken by passengers on the road can be automatically added to an interactive map. Users can chose to share this map with friends and family, allowing them to see the trip as it unfolds. Once the trip is over, Smileage will create a summary that a driver can share with whomever they choose, or keep entirely to themselves.

Volkswagen Smileage will be launched in beta in the coming months. Those interested in gaining early access can sign up at vw.com/smileage.

About Volkswagen of Athens

Volkswagen of Athens, located in beautiful Bogart, Georgia, is your leading new and used Volkswagen dealer serving Northeast Georgia including all of Bogart, Athens, Atlanta, Winder, Monroe, Loganville, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Gainesville, Buford, Sugar Hill, Covington, Suwanee, Conyers, Lilburn, Duluth Redan and Norcross. We are a locally owned and operated company, and as such, recognize the unique qualities of Northeast Georgia and its residents. We try to tailor our products and services to the needs of our area customers and welcome your comments and suggestions. We have served the Athens and surrounding areas for over seventeen years and appreciate you the trust and loyalty our customers have placed in us.

We’re a small town dealer that knows a thing or two, particularly the importance of one on one customer care. Here at VW of Athens, the customer is a big fish in a small pond, and we treat you just like that. Feel free to browse our new and pre-owned inventory online at www.volkswagenofathens.com to request more information about vehicles, set up a test drive or inquire about financing!

Our company philosophy is based upon two very traditional fundamental values: common sense and the golden rule. We highly value our customers and our employees. We strive to achieve the highest levels of honesty, integrity and fairness in all our dealings with both.

We’re here to make sure you have a good time purchasing and owning your Volkswagen, which is why you can count on service in a timely fashion. Our VW Certified Service Technicians are very knowledgeable who offer great customer service with competitive pricing. Schedule a service appointment online, order real VW parts, or just learn a little more about our service department here.

Contact Information

Volkswagen of Athens

www.volkswagenofathens.com

4735 Atlanta Highway

Bogart, GA 30622

Sales: 1-866-308-2723

Service: 1-866-617-9921

Sales Hours:

Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 9:00AM – 8:00PM

Saturday – 9:00AM – 6:00PM

Service Hours:

Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 6:00PM

Saturday – 8:00AM – 4:00PM

Parts Hours:

Sunday & Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 6:00PM

Volkswagen of Athens answers all of your trade-in FAQ’s.

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Why trade-in?

Trading in your current vehicle towards another can partially offset the cost of the new vehicle. The trade-in’s net value goes towards the purchase or lease of a new car. Conditions of a trade-in vary depending on who owns the vehicle.

If you own the vehicle, trading-in means that you’re selling the car to the dealer for some determined price. As a result, the price of the new car goes down, only.

If you are leasing a vehicle and do not own it, trading-in means that the seller of the new car agrees to pay the outstanding costs associated with the lease. Depending on the financing of the new vehicle and the outstanding balance on the old one, trading-in can either raise or lower the new car’s price.

Why is it beneficial to trade-in?

When you trade-in you don’t have to worry about selling the vehicle yourself or any of the associated costs (advertising, showing the car, etc). A dealer may offer a price you could not get yourself as an incentive to purchase a new vehicle. If the trade-in has known problems that could plague you later (when the buyer returns complaining), selling the car to the dealer eliminates the bother. Trading-in a lease car may relieve you of, in the long run, monthly costs you cannot afford. Sometimes people trade in lease vehicles because of poor gas mileage or lack of practicality.

Why decide against trading-in?

If you think you can get a better price selling privately, and it’s worth the time, money and effort, do not sell to the dealer. Some cars are of special interest and dealers will not always recognize those interests.

What happens to a trade-in?

Some are kept by the dealer and resold as used cars. Many are sent to auction and purchased by other dealers for resale. Dealers know that auction prices often will not match the sum credited toward a new vehicle, but they absorb the losses as sales incentives.

How much can I expect to get?

Check used car values in guides issued by organizations such as Edmunds.com or the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). Often both trade-in and private sale values are listed. Factors such as mileage, overall condition, damage and known mechanical problems heavily influence the trade-in value.

What is my vehicle worth?

About Volkswagen of Athens

Volkswagen of Athens, located in beautiful Bogart, Georgia, is your leading new and used Volkswagen dealer serving Northeast Georgia including all of Bogart, Athens, Atlanta, Winder, Monroe, Loganville, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Gainesville, Buford, Sugar Hill, Covington, Suwanee, Conyers, Lilburn, Duluth Redan and Norcross. We are a locally owned and operated company, and as such, recognize the unique qualities of Northeast Georgia and its residents. We try to tailor our products and services to the needs of our area customers and welcome your comments and suggestions. We have served the Athens and surrounding areas for over seventeen years and appreciate you the trust and loyalty our customers have placed in us.

We’re a small town dealer that knows a thing or two, particularly the importance of one on one customer care. Here at VW of Athens, the customer is a big fish in a small pond, and we treat you just like that. Feel free to browse our new and pre-owned inventory online at www.volkswagenofathens.com to request more information about vehicles, set up a test drive or inquire about financing!

Our company philosophy is based upon two very traditional fundamental values: common sense and the golden rule. We highly value our customers and our employees. We strive to achieve the highest levels of honesty, integrity and fairness in all our dealings with both.

We’re here to make sure you have a good time purchasing and owning your Volkswagen, which is why you can count on service in a timely fashion. Our VW Certified Service Technicians are very knowledgeable who offer great customer service with competitive pricing. Schedule a service appointment online, order real VW parts, or just learn a little more about our service department here.

Contact Information

Volkswagen of Athens

www.volkswagenofathens.com

4735 Atlanta Highway

Bogart, GA 30622

Sales: 1-866-308-2723

Service: 1-866-617-9921

Sales Hours:

Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 9:00AM – 8:00PM

Saturday – 9:00AM – 6:00PM

Service Hours:

Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 6:00PM

Saturday – 8:00AM – 4:00PM

Parts Hours:

Sunday & Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 6:00PM

 

 

Volkswagen of Athens Reports 35.1 Percent Increase in 2012 U.S. Sales

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Volkswagen of America, Inc. reported 438,133 units delivered in 2012, a 35.1 percent increase over prior year sales. December deliveries totaled 44,005, up 35.4 percent over 2011, marking the best December since 1970.

• Brand achieves a 35.1 percent increase with 438,133 units delivered and 28 consecutive months of growth
• Chattanooga-built Passat, sold 117,023 units, its best year ever and a 413.7 percent increase versus 2011; 14,462 units in December
• Jetta Sedan sales total 13,102 units in December and 146,478 year-to-date
• 2012 Beetle achieved 3,182 units in December
• Golf up 15.9 percent, Tiguan up 22.1 percent and Touareg up 40.1 percent versus 2011.
• High-mileage, clean diesel TDI models account for 20.6 percent of sales in 2012 and 16.7 percent in December

“2012 marked another successful year of growth for Volkswagen of America,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “The Volkswagen brand delivered another important step in our long-term growth plan. 2012 marked the third consecutive year of significant double-digit growth rates and we more than doubled our volume of 2009. With the addition of the all-new Jetta Turbo Hybrid, Beetle Convertible and our strong dealer network, we expect to continue to outpace the industry in 2013.”

The Chattanooga-built Volkswagen Passat, continues to demonstrate its strong appeal in the market with 14,462 units sold in December and 117,023 for the year, marking its best sales ever.

Jetta sedan sales totaled in 13,102 in December and 146,478 for the year, demonstrating that affordable German Engineering is a key selling point for the brand. The Jetta Turbo Hybrid, which received EPA ratings of 42 mpg city, 48 mpg highway for a combined mileage of 45 mpg, was added to the Jetta line-up in December.

The Beetle sold 29,174 units for the year and 3,182 for the month of December. Golf sales increased 15.9 percent for the year and 4.7 percent increase in December sales. The Tiguan sold 3,310 units in December and 31,731 units for the year marking its best December and year ever. The Touareg saw an increase in sales of 40.1 percent for the year and 26.1 percent for December. The only affordable four-door coupe, the Volkswagen CC, sold 2,196 units in December.

Volkswagen’s high-mileage, TDI® Clean Diesel models account for 20.6 percent of sales in 2012 and 16.7 percent in December.

About Volkswagen of Athens

Volkswagen of Athens, located in beautiful Bogart, Georgia, is your leading new and used Volkswagen dealer serving Northeast Georgia including all of Bogart, Athens, Atlanta, Winder, Monroe, Loganville, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Gainesville, Buford, Sugar Hill, Covington, Suwanee, Conyers, Lilburn, Duluth Redan and Norcross. We are a locally owned and operated company, and as such, recognize the unique qualities of Northeast Georgia and its residents. We try to tailor our products and services to the needs of our area customers and welcome your comments and suggestions. We have served the Athens and surrounding areas for over seventeen years and appreciate you the trust and loyalty our customers have placed in us.

We’re a small town dealer that knows a thing or two, particularly the importance of one on one customer care. Here at VW of Athens, the customer is a big fish in a small pond, and we treat you just like that. Feel free to browse our new and pre-owned inventory online at www.volkswagenofathens.com to request more information about vehicles, set up a test drive or inquire about financing!

Our company philosophy is based upon two very traditional fundamental values: common sense and the golden rule. We highly value our customers and our employees. We strive to achieve the highest levels of honesty, integrity and fairness in all our dealings with both.

We’re here to make sure you have a good time purchasing and owning your Volkswagen, which is why you can count on service in a timely fashion. Our VW Certified Service Technicians are very knowledgeable who offer great customer service with competitive pricing. Schedule a service appointment online, order real VW parts, or just learn a little more about our service department here.

Contact Information

Volkswagen of Athens

www.volkswagenofathens.com

4735 Atlanta Highway

Bogart, GA 30622

Sales: 1-866-308-2723

Service: 1-866-617-9921

Sales Hours:

Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 9:00AM – 8:00PM

Saturday – 9:00AM – 6:00PM

Service Hours:

Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 6:00PM

Saturday – 8:00AM – 4:00PM

Parts Hours:

Sunday & Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 6:00PM

 

Volkswagen of Athens Announces the Autobytel Convertible of the Year Winner: 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible

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It’s not the fastest, the priciest, or even the most exclusive candidate on their list, but the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible’s x-factor played a significant role in it capturing the 2013 Autobytel Convertible of the Year award. 

The all-new Volkswagen Beetle Convertible takes the more aggressive lines of the recently-redesigned Beetle coupe and lops off the top, creating a handsome open air car that is more classic than retro.  Even more impressive is Volkswagen’s decision to include the 140 horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine on the Beetle Convertible’s options list alongside the base five-cylinder mill and the turbocharged gas engine shared with the VW GTI.  This makes the drop-top Beetle the only diesel-powered ‘vet on the market, and gives it exceptional fuel mileage of 41-mpg on the highway.

The Autobytel 2013 Convertible of the Year is a category that ranges far and wide in terms of the candidates that were presented for their consideration.  Not only did the short list feature include affordable Japanese roadsters and top-tier British drop-tops but it also covered the performance gamut from fun-in-the-sun daily drivers to white-knuckle tire shredders.  Convertible buyers are facing strong choices for 2013, and it was a struggle to pare down the crop of contenders to just the cream of the crop, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible.

About Volkswagen of Athens

Volkswagen of Athens, located in beautiful Bogart, Georgia, is your leading new and used Volkswagen dealer serving Northeast Georgia including all of Bogart, Athens, Atlanta, Winder, Monroe, Loganville, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Gainesville, Buford, Sugar Hill, Covington, Suwanee, Conyers, Lilburn, Duluth Redan and Norcross. We are a locally owned and operated company, and as such, recognize the unique qualities of Northeast Georgia and its residents. We try to tailor our products and services to the needs of our area customers and welcome your comments and suggestions. We have served the Athens and surrounding areas for over seventeen years and appreciate you the trust and loyalty our customers have placed in us.

We’re a small town dealer that knows a thing or two, particularly the importance of one on one customer care. Here at VW of Athens, the customer is a big fish in a small pond, and we treat you just like that. Feel free to browse our new and pre-owned inventory online at www.volkswagenofathens.com to request more information about vehicles, set up a test drive or inquire about financing!

Our company philosophy is based upon two very traditional fundamental values: common sense and the golden rule. We highly value our customers and our employees. We strive to achieve the highest levels of honesty, integrity and fairness in all our dealings with both.

We’re here to make sure you have a good time purchasing and owning your Volkswagen, which is why you can count on service in a timely fashion. Our VW Certified Service Technicians are very knowledgeable who offer great customer service with competitive pricing. Schedule a service appointment online, order real VW parts, or just learn a little more about our service department here.

Contact Information

Volkswagen of Athens

www.volkswagenofathens.com

4735 Atlanta Highway

Bogart, GA 30622

Sales: 1-866-308-2723

Service: 1-866-617-9921

Sales Hours:

Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 9:00AM – 8:00PM

Saturday – 9:00AM – 6:00PM

Service Hours:

Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 6:00PM

Saturday – 8:00AM – 4:00PM

Parts Hours:

Sunday & Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 6:00PM

Top Four Reasons Now is the Time to Buy a New Car

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New tech, easier credit, safety and fuel economy are drawing in lots of new buyers to Volkswagen of Athens

Remember when auto sales cratered in late 2008 when the rest of the financial markets tanked? Things were so desperate going into 2009 that the government stepped in with the Cash for Clunkers programs to pay people to buy new wheels.

Today, the picture is a lot different. The haze has cleared from consumers’ eyes, wallets are opening, credit is easier to get and there are just a lot of good reasons to sell your clunker and buy a shiny new vehicle. There must be something to it.

Fuel Economy

Sales of hybrids and clean-diesel vehicles were up more than 35% in the first quarter. But you don’t necessarily have to buy one of those vehicles to gain a lot of fuel economy and savings. The internal combustion engine has improved so much in the last ten years that even non hybrids will save you big money the longer you hold on to your new vehicle…if you choose well.

That ten-year old car or truck you are driving may have just 3 or 4 gears in the automatic transmission. Today, it is now common to see cars and trucks with 6 gears that boost fuel economy. And if you are driving an 8-cylinder or even 6-cylinder engine on your old car, you will realize a lot of fuel savings with today’s peppy, fuel efficient 4-cylinder engines, many of which have turbo chargers or direct injection technology that will keep you from pining for the bigger more gas thirsty engines. It’s big money.

While new engines and transmissions help deliver better fuel economy, newer vehicles also tend to be more powerful. In many cases, changes to engines that improve fuel economy also increase horsepower. During the past decade, engineers have:

• Reduced internal friction so that engine components can move more freely.

• Increased the computing power of engine powertrain control modules (the computers that control engines) to enable fuel-saving modes of operation such as cylinder deactivation. That means some vehicles that are V8 or V6 can operate 4 or 3 cylinders respectively at highway speeds where less acceleration power is needed.

Safety

Significant changes in technology make vehicle occupants safer than ever before. For instance, an anti-lock brake system (ABS) was standard on highly contented V-6 models, but traction control was optional across the board. Electronic stability control was still an exotic, not-available-on-affordable-car feature.

Today, most all-new cars offers standard airbags in from and back, as well as side airbags in front and back, driver’s knee airbag. Stability and traction control systems are standard, as are tire pressure monitors. Knowing when your tires are losing air can not only keep you out of a nasty accident, they can save you money since low air pressure costs you miles per gallon.

In addition to the basics, technologies such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and various traffic warning systems are migrating down from luxury cars to the mass market.

Tech

Not a single new 2001-model year vehicle sold in the US offered factory-installed iPod connectivity or the ability to play music off of a USB device. Are you trying to use your iPod or smart-phone while you drive? If so, you are likely braking the law.

Other technically advanced features you couldn’t find in 2001 include power ventilated front seats (that cool or heat one’s seat) Bluetooth wireless connections that enabled cell-phone integration into the vehicle’s audio system, and even Satellite TV.

Options including head-up display, voice-controlled navigation systems and rear-view cameras – some available in 2001 and some not – are becoming more widely available today. Once you live with a back-up camera in your car, you will never want to go back.

Easier Credit

Back in 2008, 2009 and even 2010, it was ridiculously hard for consumers with even solid credit to get favorable terms from banks and finance companies. Now that banks have burned off a lot of their bad loans, credit terms are easier today than a year or two ago for people with solid, and even decent, credit.

You still have to be a smart consumer, though, in negotiating finance terms. Never just take the rate a dealer may offer. Scout your local bank and credit union for their best rates on new-car financing. Know what the best rate is you can get outside the dealer before you go in to the showroom. Chances are that if he says he can finance you at 6.9% and you got a better rate at the local credit union, the dealer will match your best rate. The good news is that financing for buyers with good credit is pretty much back to normal at Volkswagen of Athens.

About Volkswagen of Athens

Volkswagen of Athens, located in beautiful Bogart, Georgia, is your leading new and used Volkswagen dealer serving Northeast Georgia including all of Bogart, Athens, Atlanta, Winder, Monroe, Loganville, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Gainesville, Buford, Sugar Hill, Covington, Suwanee, Conyers, Lilburn, Duluth Redan and Norcross. We are a locally owned and operated company, and as such, recognize the unique qualities of Northeast Georgia and its residents. We try to tailor our products and services to the needs of our area customers and welcome your comments and suggestions. We have served the Athens and surrounding areas for over seventeen years and appreciate you the trust and loyalty our customers have placed in us.

We’re a small town dealer that knows a thing or two, particularly the importance of one on one customer care. Here at VW of Athens, the customer is a big fish in a small pond, and we treat you just like that. Feel free to browse our new and pre-owned inventory online at www.volkswagenofathens.com to request more information about vehicles, set up a test drive or inquire about financing!

Our company philosophy is based upon two very traditional fundamental values: common sense and the golden rule. We highly value our customers and our employees. We strive to achieve the highest levels of honesty, integrity and fairness in all our dealings with both.

We’re here to make sure you have a good time purchasing and owning your Volkswagen, which is why you can count on service in a timely fashion. Our VW Certified Service Technicians are very knowledgeable who offer great customer service with competitive pricing. Schedule a service appointment online, order real VW parts, or just learn a little more about our service department here.

Contact Information

Volkswagen of Athens

www.volkswagenofathens.com

4735 Atlanta Highway

Bogart, GA 30622

Sales: 1-866-308-2723

Service: 1-866-617-9921

Sales Hours:

Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 9:00AM – 8:00PM

Saturday – 9:00AM – 6:00PM

Service Hours:

Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 6:00PM

Saturday – 8:00AM – 4:00PM

Parts Hours:

Sunday & Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 6:00PM

 

 

Safe & Sound: Volkswagen of Athens Announces Eight VW Models Named 2013 Top Safety Picks

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The Volkswagen models that received Top Safety Pick awards were the Golf 4-door, GTI 4-door, Jetta sedan (including the Jetta Hybrid), Jetta Sportwagen, CC 2.0T, Tiguan, and Touareg. The Passat received a special honor: Top Safety Pick.

Athens Georgia drivers share one theme over and over: it’s fun to drive a Volkswagen from Volkswagen of Athens. People tend to look at our cars as more than just a way to get from here to there. And while we definitely take fun seriously, safety is always of the utmost importance to us. That’s why we’re so happy to report that no less than eight Volkswagen models were named 2013 Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).* IIHS, a non-profit safety research organization, rewards vehicles that do the best job of helping protect passengers in front, side and rear crash tests, as well as in roof-strength evaluations.

That little makes a big difference—we’ll explain. In 2012, IIHS introduced the small overlap test, which replicates what happens when a vehicle’s front corner collides with another car or a stationary object like a telephone pole. Small overlap crashes account for nearly one in four frontal accidents resulting in serious or fatal injury to front seat occupants. In light of this new test, IIHS has created the Top Safety Pick award. This award goes to 2013 models that earn good or acceptable in the small overlap test, good ratings in at least four of five evaluations and no less than acceptable in any test. We’re proud to report that the Passat is one of the award’s first recipients.

At Volkswagen of Athens, it feels good to be recognized, but it feels even better knowing the cars we are selling are built to help keep you safe.

About Volkswagen of Athens

Volkswagen of Athens, located in beautiful Bogart, Georgia, is your leading new and used Volkswagen dealer serving Northeast Georgia including all of Bogart, Athens, Atlanta, Winder, Monroe, Loganville, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Gainesville, Buford, Sugar Hill, Covington, Suwanee, Conyers, Lilburn, Duluth Redan and Norcross. We are a locally owned and operated company, and as such, recognize the unique qualities of Northeast Georgia and its residents. We try to tailor our products and services to the needs of our area customers and welcome your comments and suggestions. We have served the Athens and surrounding areas for over seventeen years and appreciate you the trust and loyalty our customers have placed in us.

We’re a small town dealer that knows a thing or two, particularly the importance of one on one customer care. Here at VW of Athens, the customer is a big fish in a small pond, and we treat you just like that. Feel free to browse our new and pre-owned inventory online at www.volkswagenofathens.com to request more information about vehicles, set up a test drive or inquire about financing!

Our company philosophy is based upon two very traditional fundamental values: common sense and the golden rule. We highly value our customers and our employees. We strive to achieve the highest levels of honesty, integrity and fairness in all our dealings with both.

We’re here to make sure you have a good time purchasing and owning your Volkswagen, which is why you can count on service in a timely fashion. Our VW Certified Service Technicians are very knowledgeable who offer great customer service with competitive pricing. Schedule a service appointment online, order real VW parts, or just learn a little more about our service department here.

Contact Information

Volkswagen of Athens

www.volkswagenofathens.com

4735 Atlanta Highway

Bogart, GA 30622

Sales: 1-866-308-2723

Service: 1-866-617-9921

Sales Hours:

Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 9:00AM – 8:00PM

Saturday – 9:00AM – 6:00PM

Service Hours:

Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 6:00PM

Saturday – 8:00AM – 4:00PM

Parts Hours:

Sunday & Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 6:00PM

Volkswagen of Athens Reports Volkswagen Enhances the Features in the 2013 Golf

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Georgia drivers can get excited about the new hatchback model that everyone’s talking about. Here are some of the enhancements to look forward to with the forthcoming 2013 VW Golf:

  • Large range of engines: natural gas, electric and a plug-in hybrid variant (243-hp, 50+ mpg)
  • Range of engines: 1.4 liter turbo (138-hp), 1.8- or 2.0-liter petrol, 2.0-liter diesel (181-hp, 280 lb.-ft. of torque), twin-turbo diesel (220-hp), 2.0-liter turbo (260-hp, available in the Golf GTI)
  • VAQ electrically controlled front differential: agile steering behavior available in the GTI to handle its newfound power
  • MQB platform to radically improve the Golf’s internal structure (accompanied by a versatile active damping system)
  • Lighter-weight alloy-steel hybrid structure: aluminum floor pressings and windscreen base that contribute to higher standards in safety
  • 8-inch infotainment surface: driver fatigue detection, adaptive cruise control, 360 parking sensors with semi-autonomous capability (features previously reserved only for luxury vehicles)

These fantastic features are in addition to the Golf’s already impressive list of stats, such as the Intelligent Crash Response System, electronic stability control and more storage space than you’d expect from a two-door hatchback.

About Volkswagen of Athens

Volkswagen of Athens, located in beautiful Bogart, Georgia, is your leading new and used Volkswagen dealer serving Northeast Georgia including all of Bogart, Athens, Atlanta, Winder, Monroe, Loganville, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Gainesville, Buford, Sugar Hill, Covington, Suwanee, Conyers, Lilburn, Duluth Redan and Norcross. We are a locally owned and operated company, and as such, recognize the unique qualities of Northeast Georgia and its residents. We try to tailor our products and services to the needs of our area customers and welcome your comments and suggestions. We have served the Athens and surrounding areas for over seventeen years and appreciate you the trust and loyalty our customers have placed in us.

We’re a small town dealer that knows a thing or two, particularly the importance of one on one customer care. Here at VW of Athens, the customer is a big fish in a small pond, and we treat you just like that. Feel free to browse our new and pre-owned inventory online at www.volkswagenofathens.com to request more information about vehicles, set up a test drive or inquire about financing!

Our company philosophy is based upon two very traditional fundamental values: common sense and the golden rule. We highly value our customers and our employees. We strive to achieve the highest levels of honesty, integrity and fairness in all our dealings with both.

We’re here to make sure you have a good time purchasing and owning your Volkswagen, which is why you can count on service in a timely fashion. Our VW Certified Service Technicians are very knowledgeable who offer great customer service with competitive pricing. Schedule a service appointment online, order real VW parts, or just learn a little more about our service department here.

Contact Information

Volkswagen of Athens

www.volkswagenofathens.com

4735 Atlanta Highway

Bogart, GA 30622

Sales: 1-866-308-2723

Service: 1-866-617-9921

Sales Hours:

Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 9:00AM – 8:00PM

Saturday – 9:00AM – 6:00PM

Service Hours:

Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 6:00PM

Saturday – 8:00AM – 4:00PM

Parts Hours:

Sunday & Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 6:00PM

 

Leading Athens Georgia Volkswagen Dealer Reports VW Up by 34.4% in September

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Volkswagen of Athens announces VW US reported a 34.4 percent increase over prior year sales, a 37.2 percent increase year-to-date and the best September since 1972.

  • 25 consecutive months of year-on-year growth
  • Best September ever for Passat and Tiguan with 9,500 and 2,202 units sold, respectively
  • Best September for Beetle since 2003
  • Best September for Golf since 2007
  • Jetta Sedan achieved sales of 12,584 units
  • High-mileage, clean diesel TDI models account for 23.9 percent of sales in September.

“Tracking over a 37 percent increase year-to-date is a strong proof point that our products are on more shopping lists and gaining acceptance in the market,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “As we enter the fourth quarter of the year, we expect to continue our pattern of outperforming the industry.”

As Volkswagen positions itself for continued growth, supporting the dealers and their infrastructure is essential. The company will announce the launch of a dealer career recruiting website, www.vwdealercareers.com, creating a portal linking jobseekers to the over 600 VW dealers across the country. Available positions range widely from sales and service consultants to finance managers, with technicians being the most sought after candidates by VW dealers nationwide.   The Volkswagen Passat, which recently came in first place in Motor Trend’s 2012-2013 Midsize Sedan Comparison test, continued its successful year with 9,500 units sold in September. Earlier this month the Passat topped its best sales year ever in just nine months of the year.

Jetta sedan, including the enthusiast GLI model, remains the volume leader for Volkswagen with sales totaling 12,584 while Jetta SportWagen totaled 2,166. The Jetta turbo hybrid, which will go on sale this month, recently achieved a Land Speed Record at Bonneville, posting 185 mph, a record speed for hybrid vehicles.   The Beetle continues to gain momentum with 2,622 units sold. The Beetle TDI, sold 167 units, further highlighting customer demand for Volkswagen’s Clean Diesel TDI technology.   The Golf had sales of 3,250 units. The Tiguan sold 2,202 units, the best September ever for the vehicle, while the Volkswagen Touareg sold 828 units, a 26.2 percent increase.

About Volkswagen of Athens

Volkswagen of Athens, located in beautiful Bogart, Georgia, is your leading new and used Volkswagen dealer serving Northeast Georgia including all of Bogart, Athens, Atlanta, Winder, Monroe, Loganville, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Gainesville, Buford, Sugar Hill, Covington, Suwanee, Conyers, Lilburn, Duluth Redan and Norcross. We are a locally owned and operated company, and as such, recognize the unique qualities of Northeast Georgia and its residents. We try to tailor our products and services to the needs of our area customers and welcome your comments and suggestions. We have served the Athens and surrounding areas for over seventeen years and appreciate you the trust and loyalty our customers have placed in us.

We’re a small town dealer that knows a thing or two, particularly the importance of one on one customer care. Here at VW of Athens, the customer is a big fish in a small pond, and we treat you just like that. Feel free to browse our new and pre-owned inventory online at www.volkswagenofathens.com to request more information about vehicles, set up a test drive or inquire about financing!

Our company philosophy is based upon two very traditional fundamental values: common sense and the golden rule. We highly value our customers and our employees. We strive to achieve the highest levels of honesty, integrity and fairness in all our dealings with both.

We’re here to make sure you have a good time purchasing and owning your Volkswagen, which is why you can count on service in a timely fashion. Our VW Certified Service Technicians are very knowledgeable who offer great customer service with competitive pricing. Schedule a service appointment online, order real VW parts, or just learn a little more about our service department here.

Contact Information

Volkswagen of Athens

www.volkswagenofathens.com

4735 Atlanta Highway

Bogart, GA 30622

Sales: 1-866-308-2723

Service: 1-866-617-9921

Sales Hours:

Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 9:00AM – 8:00PM

Saturday – 9:00AM – 6:00PM

Service Hours:

Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 6:00PM

Saturday – 8:00AM – 4:00PM

Parts Hours:

Sunday & Sunday – Closed

Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 6:00PM