VW Sportwagen Meets Customer Demands

Volkswagen has been seeing success lately in the midst of the worst downturn for the auto industry since the early 1980s. Having a good product mix certainly helps with its Jetta Sportwagen being one model that seems to be selling quite well.

Lots Of Diesels Sold

In fact, for the June 2009 selling period, Volkswagen says that 26% of its vehicles sold in the US were of the clean diesel variety, which means that VW has most certainly found its niche. No other manufacturer in the US is selling as many diesel powered cars as VW, suggesting that the American car buying consumer is receiving Volkswagen’s diesel marketing campaign quite well.

Introduced for the 2009 model year the Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen has been a hit right from the start. Thanks to its fifty state compliant 2.0L clean diesel engine, the Sportwagen delivers EPA fuel economy of 30 mpg city/41 mpg highway. And with a starting price of $23,590 the roomy Sportwagen is priced under what many hybrid models cost.

Every Jetta model offers four-wheel independent suspension and electromechanical steering with variable assist. This ensures a stable ride as well as responsive handling. All season performance tires are standard on all rims while 16-inch steel or alloy wheels are found on S, SE and TDI and 17-inch wheels are standard on all SEL models and optional on the SportWagen SE and TDI offerings.

Every Jetta model (Sportwagen included) comes with a long list of standard features including air-conditioning, cruise control, CD player, 8-way adjustable front seats with height, angle and lumbar support adjustments & what VW calls a tilt & telescoping steering wheel. Various trim packages allow for leather seating, premium audio, satellite radio, sunroof system and more. The Sportwagen offers 32.8 of standard cargo room, expandable to 66.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

Volkswagen says that clean diesel TDI’s accounted for 81 percent of SportWagen sales, 40 percent of Jetta sedan sales, and 29 percent of Touareg sales.

“Volkswagen of America is encouraged by the momentum of our clean diesel TDI sales,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “It appears that U.S. consumers are starting to realize the many benefits of today’s clean diesels–vehicles that attain more than 30 percent better fuel economy while emitting 25 percent less greenhouse gas emission, all without sacrificing driving dynamics,” Barnes added.

Clearly, Volkswagen’s diesel quest is paying off, one that could help the German automaker increase market share in the months and years to come.

Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

See Also — German Auto Subsidy Program Sparks Sales