Marty Padgett's Inside Scoop on Auto News and Routan

Volkswagen Routan Gets Its Big O Moment

By Richard ReadRichard Read, July 14th, 2009

Remember how interest in the Pontiac G6 shot through the roof after Oprah Winfrey gave away a fleet of 'em to unsuspecting audience members? (Which subsequently caused a lot of bad press because recipients still had to pay tax on the freebies? Anyway.) That was awfully neat, but the floundering Volkswagen Routan probably won't be so lucky. Yes, Oprah's handing out some keys, but giving away two cars rather than 276 isn't quite the same, is it? [WardsAuto via Autoblog]

Remember how interest in the Pontiac G6 shot through the roof after Oprah Winfrey gave away a fleet of 'em to unsuspecting audience members? (Which subsequently caused a lot of bad press because recipients still had to pay tax on the freebies? Anyway.) That was awfully neat, but the floundering Volkswagen Routan probably won't be so lucky. Yes, Oprah's handing out some keys, but giving away two cars rather than 276 isn't quite the same, is it? [WardsAuto via Autoblog] Read More

Tags: Marketing, Miscellaneous

Posted in: Volkswagen, Routan

2009 Volkswagen Routan Goes High-Speed With Autonet Mobile

By Bengt HalvorsonBengt Halvorson, June 11th, 2009

Volkswagen has now joined the growing list of automakers to offer the Autonet Mobile in-vehicle internet service. Well, sort of: Beginning this month, the automaker is only offering the service in its Routan minivan, which is actually built by Chrysler, and it's a dealer-installed option.

Just as the similar system that Chrysler introduced for its Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep-branded vehicles last year, and that GM now offers in its Cadillac CTS, the VW-offered service doesn't allow actual in-dash browsing. It includes Autonet Mobile's router system, which effectively turns the vehicle into a mobile wi-fi hotspot, working with any...

Volkswagen has now joined the growing list of automakers to offer the Autonet Mobile in-vehicle internet service. Well, sort of: Beginning this month, the automaker is only offering the service in its Routan minivan, which is actually built by Chrysler, and it's a dealer-installed option. Just as the similar system that Chrysler introduced for its Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep-branded vehicles last year, and that GM now offers in its Cadillac CTS, the VW-offered service doesn't allow actual in-dash browsing. It includes Autonet Mobile's router system, which effectively turns the vehicle into a mobile wi-fi hotspot, working with any... Read More

Tags: mobile wi-fi, Autonet Mobile

Posted in: 2009, Volkswagen, Routan

VW Routan Comes with College Credit

By Marty PadgettMarty Padgett, August 22nd, 2008

That 2009 Volkswagen Routan minivan you've had your eye one comes with a new standard feature as VW launches the minivan in the U.S. market: some college credit. The Wall Street Journal reports VW will enter the shrinking U.S. minivan market with the Routan and with a $1,500 deposit into a uPromise account for new owners. UPromise is a college-savings Web site that allows users to deposit money, which can then be moved into a tax-advantaged 529 college savings account. VW says more than 6,000 customers have signed up for the spiff. The German automaker hasn't sold a minivan in the States since it orphaned the Eurovan here back in 2004. The ... That 2009 Volkswagen Routan minivan you've had your eye one comes with a new standard feature as VW launches the minivan in the U.S. market: some college credit. The Wall Street Journal reports VW will enter the shrinking U.S. minivan market with the Routan and with a $1,500 deposit into a uPromise account for new owners. UPromise is a college-savings Web site that allows users to deposit money, which can then be moved into a tax-advantaged 529 college savings account. VW says more than 6,000 customers have signed up for the spiff. The German automaker hasn't sold a minivan in the States since it orphaned the Eurovan here back in 2004. The ... Read More

Posted in: 2009, Volkswagen, Routan