Volkswagen Mountain Move 2012

Volkswagen and the legend of the thousand miles

Impressive appearance by Volkswagen Group at Mille Miglia 2012

Wolfsburg, 20 May 2012 - Fascinating historic motorsport cars, a splendid route and over one million passionate fans: The Mille Miglia once again lived up to its reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful and famous car races. The Volkswagen Group and Porsche made an impressive appearance at the Mille Miglia: a total of 17 legendary vehicles of the Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti and Porsche brands generated enthusiasm among the spectators.

The Mille Miglia is not one of the run-of-the-mill, comfortable old-timer excursions; it is a tough test of endurance that is driven fast and without compromises. This event has a long history: the Mille Miglia was first organised in the year 1927, and it was one of the longest and toughest races in the world until its temporary end in 1957. In 1977, new life was breathed into the classic Italian motorsport event as a conformity and motorsport tour. But anyone who has experienced the race as a driver knows this: nothing can be taken for granted here. The passion with which the Mille Miglia is celebrated in Italy is incomparable. Over the three race days this year, hundreds of thousands of fans once again made their annual pilgrimage to the route between Brescia and Rome and cheered the teams on.

The Volkswagen Group was well represented by many different automotive legends at the Mille Miglia 2012. This year, the Volkswagen Classic team drove with focused Beetle dynamics. No less than three Beetle, which were modified to reflect historic models, reinvigorated tradition and they shook up the field repeatedly with their power-enhanced rear engines – just as their predecessors did in the 1950s. They impressively showed their much higher-powered competitors at the Mille Miglia that one should never underestimate a Beetle. The race Beetle models with their strong engines and unmistakable sound were fan favourites. They were driven by Volkswagen board members and managers as well as editors-in-chief of some of the largest German automotive magazines.

Three DKW from the collection of Audi Tradition were also driving at full force, including two rare DKW 3=6 Monza cars. Bentley impressed fans with two legendary “Blowers” from the 1930s, while Bugatti entered the Type 40 and Type 35 B, one of the most successful motorsport cars in the world. Porsche sent two 550 Spyder, a 356 Coupé and three 356 Speedster to race. They set the pace on the narrow mountain roads of the second stage. These cars were capably driven by the Chairman of the Board of Porsche, Matthias Müller, and Stephan Grühsem, Head of Volkswagen Group Communications.

For the drivers, the Mille Miglia was once again a genuine challenge. The 1,600 km route took them through fascinating landscapes and medieval cities over three race days under mostly sunny skies. Naturally, the stresses of racing did not leave the vehicles unscathed – the mechanics of the teams had some serious work to do at night, and they worked tirelessly to return the precious cars to top form. They hardly had a moment’s rest. The dedicated work of all participants paid off: every vehicle made it to the finish line.

Great history and a great present: at the Mille Miglia the Volkswagen Group displayed some of its latest vehicles as well, which spectators gathered around at the Piazza Paolo VI in Brescia and the Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome. They showed great interest in the new Golf GTI Cabriolet and the new CC.

A total of 380 teams from around the world drove the tradition-rich route from Brescia to Rome and back again. The victors of the Mille Miglia 2012 were Claudio Scalise and Daniel Claramunt in an Alfa Romeo 6C/1500 from the year 1928. Taking second place were Giuliano Cané and Lucia Galliani in a BMW 328 from 1939.

VOLKSWAGEN JOINS DAVE MATTHEWS BAND ON 2012 SUMMER TOUR

Herndon, VA -  Volkswagen of America is proud to announce its partnership with Dave Matthews Band for its 2012 summer tour. The band will be stopping in 40 cities nationwide and the Volkswagen brand will ride alongside with them.

Throughout the tour, Volkswagen will give fans the opportunity to win tickets and on-site upgrades at every tour stop, providing attendees with the ultimate fan experience.

“Volkswagen fans are an important audience as they tend to be our biggest advocates,” said Tim Mahoney, Chief Product and Marketing Officer, Volkswagen of America. “The partnership with Dave Matthews Band allows us to engage with our fans while bringing together shared passions of great music and environmental responsibility.”

Fans of Volkswagen and Dave Matthews Band share one very important quality: passion.
This passion extends far beyond cars and music into economic, social, and environmental causes. Widely respected as one of the leaders in environmental touring practices, the Dave Matthews Band shares Volkswagen’s Think Blue® commitment to sustainability.

Think Blue is Volkswagen’s global approach to encouraging eco-conscious mobility and progressive ideas for responsible action in everyday life. With Think Blue, Volkswagen is driving progress by creating more fuel efficient products and solutions, encouraging more environmentally centric behavior and getting involved in environmental initiatives and partnerships around the world.

As part of this summer’s partnership, Volkswagen will support the tour’s fan experience by sponsoring the Dave Matthews Band’s Eco-Village, an area where fans participate in fun, educational activities, and provide exposure to local and national non-profits such as the Bama Green Project, an environmental philanthropy between Reverb, Dave Matthews Band, and non-profit IZStyle.

At the Eco-Village, fans have the opportunity to learn about technology offering environmental benefits, sample new products, and play carnival contests to win prizes. Volkswagen will bring educational, interactive activations that make fans rethink energy and transportation.

The tour kicks off on May 18th at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, Texas.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Beetle, Eos, Golf, Golf R, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.

Funny Car Facts

1. The Early Days

   • The first speeding tickets were given out in 1902, when the top speed of most cars was around 45 miles per hour.

     Some of the first cars ever made used a pair of levers to steer. Steering wheels weren't introduced for several years.

     Even before the Model T, the first popular American car was the Curved Dash Oldsmobile, which sold new for $650.

     The first car ever produced in America for sale was known as the Duryea. Only one model is known to still exist.

     Before the 1920s, cars didn't have gas gauges. Drivers had to estimate how much fuel was left, or risk running out.

   For Drivers

   • Cleveland was the first city in the United States to get a traffic light in 1914.

     In 1972 the average speed of cars on Los Angeles freeways was 60 miles per hour. Ten years later, the growing traffic problem dropped that number to 17 miles per hour.

     The average American will spend two weeks of her life stopped at red lights.

     To drive on all of the paved roads in the United States, you would have to drive nonstop at 100 miles per hour for over four years.

     The first car insurance policy was issued in Westfield, Massachusetts, in 1897.

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   Unusual Models

   • Before becoming one of the best-selling cars of all time, the Volkswagen Beetle only sold about 300 models during its first year in the United States.

     Hong Kong has the most Rolls Royce cars per person.

     The 1948 Tucker Torpedo was designed with three headlights, including one in the center of the grill.

     The world's smallest car is the Peel P50, built in 1963. It seats one, does over 35 miles per hour and weighs only 130 lbs.

     The first car to be recognized as setting a land speed record used an electric motor. Today the fastest cars in the world use turbojets or rockets and drive 20 times as fast.

   Miscellaneous

   • Despite the harm some cars do to the environment, the automobile is actually the most recycled product in the world.

     The first Grand Prix race took place in 1901. Drivers averaged less than 50 miles per hour.

     One out of every seven cars sold in the United States is sold in Southern California.

     The average car contains over 3,000 feet of electrical wires.

     Most car horns have perfect pitch, playing in the note of F.

     Cell phone maker Motorola got its start producing record players for cars. The company's name comes from a combination of "motor" and "Victrola."

   Driving into the Future

   • Like those early cars that used levers to steer, some designs for future cars do away with the steering wheel, using a joystick instead.

     In 1939 the San Antonio Light wrote about future cars that could be folded into a neat and tidy suitcase-sized package.

     In the 1950s, most Americans believed that by the year 2000 people would drive flying cars that flew at more than 100 miles per hour.

     In 1959 the Chicago Tribune published an article about the coming of drive-in supermarkets where housewives used their cars instead of shopping carts.

     In the 1960s, rumors circulated that the government was working on something called the Magic Beam Highway: an electrified roadway that powered and controlled cars through a system of advanced computers.

Read more: Funny Facts About Cars | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5280598_funny-cars.html#ixzz1vpuVl0uX

Volkswagen Jetta : Fast

After years of searching for the fastest ride, a new dad is happy to learn the Jetta is a 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick.

Monday Maintenance : Tire Pressure

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Tire Inflation and Safety

Checking tires is quick and easy - and vital to safety

Tires are one of the most important -- and oft-overlooked -- components of our cars. Tires are the only thing that attach our cars to the road, and tire problems affect your car's ride comfort, handling and safety. Here are some simple tire safety tips to help keep you and your car's occupants safe.

Check your tire pressure regularly.

Tires tend to lose air over time. Buy a digital tire gauge and check your tires once a month and before a long trip. Proper inflation pressures can be found in your owner's manual or on a sticker on the car (usually on the driver's doorjamb or fuel-filler lid -- see photo.) Remember to check tire pressure only after the car has been sitting for several hours in order to ensure that the tires are cold -- the friction of driving heats the tires and increases pressure, which can hide an under-inflated tire.

Address under-inflated tires immediately.

An under-inflated tire has more rolling resistance, which increases fuel consumption. It also creates more heat, which can lead to tire failure.

Don't forget the spare.

Getting a flat tire and discovering that your spare is also flat is a miserable experience. Inspect your spare as you would your other tires. If you have a compact spare, the inflation pressure will usually be written on the tire. If your car comes with a compressor and/or flat repair kit in lieu of a spare, check their operation regularly.

Check for tread depth.

Check tread depth by placing the edge of a penny upside-down into the grooves of the tire's tread. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time for a new set of tires. Never buy a single tire -- it's best to replace all four tires at once, but at the very least they should be bought as axle pairs (both fronts or both rears). Rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles will help ensure that all four tires wear at the same rate.

Check for even wear.

When you check tread depth, check both the inside and outside edge of the tires. Uneven tire wear is usually a sign that your car is out of alignment. Proper alignment optimizes handling and helps prevent premature tire wear.

Look for tire damage.

When you check pressure, inspect the sides of the tires for nicks, bulges, cracks and cuts. Such damage often cannot be repaired and will require replacement of the tire.

Stay balanced.

If your car develops a shimmy (a back-and-forth vibration, usually felt through the steering wheel) at a certain speed, it's possible that one of your tires has lost its balance weight. Having your tires re-balanced is a fairly inexpensive job.

Buy the right tire for the job.

Most cars come with all-season tires, the tire equivalent of a jack-of-all-trades. If you live in the rust belt, consider a set of dedicated snow tires for the winter; they do wonders for safety. If you live where it's always warm and dry, "summer" performance tires can vastly improve your car's handling.

And most importantly:

Never hesitate to replace a worn or damaged tire.

Tires are not cheap, but they are vital to the safety of you and your car's occupants. Remember, the tires are the only things that connect your car to the road. Advanced safety features such as antilock brakes and electronic stability control can't do their life-saving jobs without four good tires. Take care of your tires -- because whether you know it or not, you're counting on them to take care of you.

Courtesy of About.com Cars

50 great road-trip songs

Here is a list of some of our favorite road-trip tunes. Did we forget any? Would you move any up or down? With summer coming be sure to upload some of these classics onto your iPod.

50. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers (3:37)
49. Blitzkrieg Bop – The Ramones (2:14)
48. California – Phantom Planet (3:14)
47. Take It Easy – Eagles (3:30)
46. Cruisin’ – Smokey Robinson (4:27)
45. Hotel California – Eagles (6:30)
44. Around the World – Daft Punk (7:07)
43. Running On Empty – Jackson Browne (4:55)
42. The Waiting – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (3:58)
41. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd (4:45)
40. Life In the Fast Lane – Eagles (4:45)
39. Free Fallin’ – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (4:15)
38. Low Rider – War (3:11)
37. Ramblin’ Man – Allman Brothers (4:58)
36. Panama – Van Halen (3:31)
35. Mr. Blue Sky – Electric Light Orchestra (5:06)
34. Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car – Billy Ocean (4:44)
33. Walking On Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves (4:00)
32. Electric Avenue – Eddy Grant (3:44)
31. Road Trippin’ – Red Hot Chili Peppers (3:24)
30. (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66 – Nat King Cole (3:00)
29. Paradise City – Guns N’ Roses (6:46)
28. No Particular Place to Go – Chuck Berry (2:41)
27. Beautiful Day – U2 (4:08)
26. Slow Ride – Foghat (8:14)
25. Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi (4:11)
24. Runnin’ Down a Dream – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (4:23)
23. Already Gone – Eagles (4:18)
22. Drive My Car – Drive My Car (2:25)
21. Free Ride – Edgar Winter Group (3:17)
20. Magic Carpet Ride – Steppenwolf (4:27)
19. Here I Go Again – Whitesnake (4:36)
18. Holiday Road – Lindsey Buckingham (3:11)
17. Hit the Road Jack – Ray Charles (1:57)
16. Up Around the Bend – Creedence Clearwater Revival (2:41)
15. Start Me Up – The Rolling Stones (3:33)
14. Everyday Is a Winding Road – Sheryl Crow (4:16)
13. I Can’t Drive 55 – Sammy Hagar (4:12)
12. Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen (4:29)
11. Take the Long Way Home – Supertramp (5:08)
10. Roam – The B-52′s (4:57)
9.  Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac (3:38)
8.  Baba O’Riley – The Who (5:08)
7.  Free Bird – Lynyrd Skynyrd (9:09)
6.   Highway to Hell – AC/DC (3:28)
5.  I’ve Been Everywhere – Johnny Cash (3:19)
4.   On the Road Again – Willie Nelson (2:32)
3.   Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf (3:30)
2.  I Get Around – The Beach Boys (2:14)
1.   Life Is a Highway – Rascal Flatts (4:37)