Meet Max, Das Auto

VW is rolling out a new advertising campaign. And this one is right up our alley. Rather than the Drivers Wanted and all those "Sign THEN Drive" ads we're used to seeing from VW. This one takes us on a surprising trip down memory lane. Looking to a vintage 1964 Beetle, and using some of the magic created with Herbie the Love Bug. We get Max, part of VWs new "Das Auto" campaign. Max assures us that he knows what the people want. Well I know that I want more vintage Volkswagens, so I'm already hooked. People want German Engineering. And in this country, nothing symbolizes that more so than a Volkswagen Beetle. For the last 50+ years, when you ask a person on the street, What is German? A VW is pretty likely to be near the top of that list. And just about everyone in the U.S. has a story to go along with a VW. Everyone can relate to the Beetle. In upcoming print and television ads, Max will be tooting his own horn so to speak about the exciting new products from VW. Cars like the Tiguan, Routan and the all new diesels.

"We're reintroducing Volkswagen to the world by using a lovable icon that everyone will know and relate to," says Tim Ellis, VW's vice president of marketing. "Max will be integrated into everything we do and will be the connective tissue as we launch new vehicles."

The first spots will feature celebrities on Max's talk show. Bobby Knight, Leonard Nimoy and Heidi Klum will be among the celebs featured. The ads will then eventually work into the new vehicles that VW will be releasing over the next few months.

This to me seems like a brilliant way to advertise. You capture the buying public's imagination and play off of emotion. Here's to VW!

Source: USA Today.

Introducing Max the Love Bug

Volkswagen of America changes name

In order to go with their new appearance and surroundings. Volkswagen of America has announced that they have changed their name to Volkswagen Group of America.

Executives feel that this name better suits the fact that there are five automotive brands under the umbrella of Volkswagen in the United States.

Seems to be more fitting. It's just going to take some time to get used to VGoA from now on. And historically speaking, VWoA will continue to exist.

Press Release:
AUBURN HILLS, MICH. (Dec. 12, 2007) — Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that it has changed its name to Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. The change will be fully effective January 1.

The new name better reflects the fact that the Volkswagen Group of America includes five distinct brands: Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and Volkswagen, as well as the related financial services functions of Audi Financial Services, Bentley Financial Services and Volkswagen Credit.

“Our company, like the entire Volkswagen Group, has grown dramatically since our formation in the United States in 1955. Our new corporate name allows our individual brands to flourish, while recognizing that we have a common support structure that gives us great strength as we face our competitors,” said Stefan Jacoby, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The new name Volkswagen Group of America reflects the much wider array of goods and services we now offer, and prepares us for even more activities in the future.”

Operating under the umbrella of Volkswagen Group of America, the Volkswagen and Audi brands will continue to provide sales and service under their names, Volkswagen of America and Audi of America.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. remains a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, which together with its subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide is now the fourth largest automobile company in the world.

The 2010 VW Beetle?

VW has been pretty tight lipped about the fate of the VW Beetle come 2010 when the New Beetle is due for a major overhaul. We do know that the powers that be in Wolfsburg have said there will be a replacement car to carry on the legacy and name of the Beetle. These pictures come to us from German rag AutoZeitung.


There's not much supporting info, but judging bye these artist renderings, it looks very similar in size to the up! concept car. There are hints of a rear engine when you look at the air inlets on the front of the rear fenders. And you can't deny the Beetle looks in the styling. Especially when compared to the current New Beetle.







Source: AutoZeitung.de