From “Beetle”mania to VW going electric: a brief history of VW in America

The Beatles arrived in the US on February 7th, 1964. It was a big deal. Beatlemania took over the country. Women screamed and cried tears of joy. Yes, Jon, Paul, George and Ringo were the first Beatles to arrive in the US. But they were not the first Beetles to arrive in the US.

In 1949 two Beetles arrived in New York accompanied by Dutch businessman Ben Pon. Officially named the Volkswagen Type 1, Mr. Pon struggled to sell the cars affectionately called The Beetle. Just a few years later in 1955 VW of America was formed to help sell the Beetles, and when the iconic “Think Small” ad ran in 1959, sales really took off. I guess you could say “Think Small” was the Beetle's first single.

Once “Beetle”mania took hold in America it was time for the Bus and models like the Karmann Ghia to join the band in the 60’s. Followed soon by the likes of the Dasher and Squareback. More fuel-efficient models like the Scirocco joined the lineup, followed by the Golf with its American name—the Rabbit.

Then in 1978, the people's demand for “the people’s car” (Volkswagen) grew so great in the US that the first plant in America was built in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania. The plant would go on to create 1.1 million Rabbits (I guess Rabbits really can reproduce).

In the 1980’s and 90’s Volkswagen introduced the wildly popular Jetta and Passat to the US market. Then production at VW came full circle when they unveiled the Concept 1, the new Beetle. The demand was so great, that “Beetle”mania was reborn in 1998 when the reimagined Beetle hit showroom floors (on a personal note my Mom still drives her 1998 Beetle and it even has a flower on the dash, true story).

Fast forward to 2008 when the people building “the people's car” built “the people’s plant” (a phrase I just made up) in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Since then, VW has pumped more than 4 billion dollars into its flagship US plant creating 125,000 jobs.

In July 2022, VW took its first step into the future when the Chattanooga plant “the people’s plant” (I think it’s catching on) began production of its all-electric ID.4 compact SUV. The first electric VW vehicle assembled in the United States. The plant also churns out the award-winning Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs.

And, at last, in 2024 VW plans its most ambitious and awe-inspiring vehicle yet when they once again reimagine one of their greatest hits. Later this year, Volkswagen will introduce the all-electric ID. Buzz - also known as “the electric bus.”

Today there are over 600 Volkswagen dealerships in the US and in 2023 over 300,000 VW’s were sold here. We’ve come a long way from the two Beetles Mr. Pon was trying to sell in 1949.

So there you have it. A brief history of Volkswagen, “The people's car.” Happy 75th Anniversary, Volkswagen. Here’s to another 75 years of success and innovation in the United States.

1. Turn off the air conditioner.

A new study from everybody’s friend Switzerland shows that driving your car in hot weather can greatly reduce your fuel economy. The study says that during hot temperatures, running the AC in your vehicle can account for up to 30% of fuel usage. In mild weather or in a temperate climate like Switzerland, the use of air conditioning systems is still accountable for eating up about 5% of your fuel. This number doubles to 10% when driving with the AC on in the city. This is shown by a new study on behalf of the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN). It goes on to say that two-thirds of the fuel consumption could be saved if the air conditioning system’s not used when the temperature falls below 64 degrees Fahrenheit. And since we know you live in South Florida, there are only a couple of months when that’s the case. But if you’re low on gas? Turn it off! Your car’s AC can have an even bigger effect on the battery life of electric vehicles.

2. Slow down.

Speeding to the gas station when you’re low on fuel is a really good way to make sure you don’t make it to the gas station. Drive slow, steady, and straight if you want to make it to the pump.

Speeding increases the amount of fuel your car uses and drastically decreases your fuel economy. This is based on the impact of friction from your tires and air resistance. Your car's gas mileage will start to drop at speeds above 50 miles per hour. For example, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, for most vehicles, every five miles driven over 50 MPH equates to an additional $0.24 paid in gas.Reducing your speed will improve fuel economy by 7%–14%. All cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, RVs ATVs, and even EVs use the most energy when accelerating. Follow the speed limit and accelerate and brake gently. This can help improve MPG by 10%–40% in the city and 15%–30% on the highway. 

3. Use cruise control.

Using cruise control on the highway will help you maintain a constant speed and it can increase gas mileage by 7%. Cruise control can help you save an average of 7-14% on gas because it helps you maintain a consistent rate of speed. Don't use cruise control in the city or on uneven roads; that will make the fuel savings less efficient.

Hope these tips help you make it to the pump in time! But if, for some reason, you do find yourself on the side of the road, remember, Volkswagen has 24-hour roadside assistance providing unparalleled support whenever and wherever you need it.

Shop VW at one of our convenient South Florida locations.

SiriusXM and Pandora to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with special El Pulso event featuring Ozuna in Miami on October 10

Press Released Issued by Sirius XM
New York, NY — September 20, 2023 — SiriusXM and Pandora today announced that Latin GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Ozuna will perform for SiriusXM and Pandora’s El Pulso event at Ice Palace Film Studios in Miami on Tuesday, October 10.

“SiriusXM y Pandora Presentan El Pulso con Ozuna” will feature the reggaeton star performing fan favorites. The exclusive performance will air on SiriusXM’s Hits Uno and Caliente channels. Listeners can RSVP for the free event HERE.

Ozuna has 4.8 billion lifetime streams on Pandora, many from Pandora’s #1 Latin station, El Pulso, which is celebrating its 5th anniversary this year.

Sponsors of this celebratory concert include citizenM hotels, Corona Extra, Emergen-C Crystals, Verizon, Volkswagen and Wendy’s.

While both SiriusXM and Pandora amplify Latin music legends and rising stars of the genre year-round, SiriusXM is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with newly curated programming and exclusive content that honors and spotlights the influence of Hispanic artists. SiriusXM’s campaign, “Sin Limites, Feel La Cultura,” will feature the new MexYZ channel, along with programming specials with leading Latin artists and music producers who will give listeners an unparalleled perspective on the evolution and influence of Latin music and share the stories behind many of today’s hits. As part of this celebration, SiriusXM honors the centennial of the King of Timbales, Tito Puente, with a special Artist Confidential performance and conversation with his son, Tito Puente Jr, that spans 100 years of music and legacy of the most influential Latin artist in music history.

Inspired by the rich musical culture and roots of the city, SiriusXM’s newly opened Miami studios is at the center of their commitment to elevate Hispanic culture. As the home to the dynamic Hits Uno and Caliente channels, SiriusXM continues to showcase some of the biggest names in today’s Latin pop, reggaeton, dance and viral LatinX music.

Long considered the leader in Latin digital music in the US, Pandora amplifies the genre’s music and culture daily through its various stations, including its #1 Latin station, El Pulso. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Pandora celebrates with its campaign “Rompemos El Momento Never Stops” and gives listeners the chance to hear top artists and songs of the genre on the newly launched Top Thumb Hundred: Latin station.

The dealerships of VW South Florida are proud sponsors of the event! Go check it out!

The brand new 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is arriving at dealerships near you. Since its debut, the 3-row Atlas earned accolades across the board, winning Family Car of the Year via Cars.com twice, Ward’s Best User Experience, Best 3-Row SUV, Parents Best Family Car - the list goes on. And now, Volkswagen’s award-winning SUV is even better. The 7-passenger Volkswagen Atlas has been completely refreshed for 2024.

According to Volkswagen, “The Atlas will offer six trim levels for the 2024 model year—SE, SE w/ Technology, Peak Edition SE w/ Technology, SEL, Peak Edition SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line. The refreshed Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport feature an elegant new interior and a refined turbocharged engine that improves both performance and driving experience.”

The interior of the new Atlas will remain spacious, with ample legroom even in the often-overlooked 3rd row. Premium materials have been used for all the trim, creating a more upscale cabin. Ambient lighting features are now available in 30 color choices, with an innovative backlit dash. The infotainment system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a wireless smartphone charging pad is now standard on every trim. Also standard are heated and ventilated front seats. Higher end trim levels feature quilted leather and 2nd row seats can be heated as well. A remote power rear liftgate is also available opening up to an industry leading 96.8 cubic feet of cargo area.

The exterior of the new Atlas has been updated as well with state-of-the art LED headlights with a light strip framing the top of the grille and an illuminated VW badge. The grille is wider with a new front fascia. There are new wheel designs across the entire lineup as well.

The all-new Atlas offers several remote and connected features. Keyless access and wireless charging are standard while remote engine start is available. VW Car-Net Safe & Secure is a free app that grants access to additional functions like service reminders, roadside assistance requests, vehicle alerts and last parked locations. “The innovative VW Digital Cockpit Pro, is loaded with state-of-the-art features, displays driving information in high resolution, and offers customizable features for an easy, intuitive user experience,” Volkswagen explains on their model page. SiriusXM satellite radio comes standard with a three-month Platinum Plan trial subscription. A head-up display is another newly available feature for the 2024 Atlas. It projects important information (speed limit, vehicle speed and driver assistance options; it can be customized) and warnings onto the windshield directly in the sight-line of the driver. Exciting new technology not only makes driving easier and more comfortable - but also safer.

Speaking of safety, Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE is a suite of driver assistance features available on most new Volkswagen models. The Atlas comes with features like Travel Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Front Assist, Emergency Assist and Lane Assist. Additionally, driver assistance can help reduce stress on the road with features like Area View, Park Distance Control, Park Assist, Light Assist, Dynamic Road Sign Display and an Exit Warning System.

Plus, if that wasn’t enough to get you excited about the new Atlas, let us remind you that Carefree Coverage also comes standard. That’s two years of complimentary maintenance and three years of roadside assistance.

Visit a nearby Volkswagen dealership to see the all-new 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport for yourself or call to schedule a priority test drive.

The Electrify Expo is coming to Miami October 14th & 15th at the Miami Dade Fairgrounds! The industry’s best and favorite electric cars and trucks will be in Miami and ready for inspections, reviews and test drives. From high performance demos to slow, comfortable cruises down the road, it’s the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with your favorite electric models.

Electrify Expo is North America's largest electric vehicle festival with over 1 million square feet of the world's top electric brands! It’s a weekend festival that brings together the world’s top EV manufacturers and features vehicles from cars and motorcycles to scooters and skateboards - even watercraft. In 2023, Electrify Expo is making seven stops through the United States: Long Beach, San Francisco, Washington DC, New York, Seattle, Miami and Austin. At every stop, visitors can enjoy food, music, a kids zone and opportunities to learn more about electric vehicles.

October 14th and 15th, fans and enthusiasts can enjoy Electrify Expo at the Miami Dade Fairgrounds at 10901 Coral Way, Miami. Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm visit interactive displays, talk with EV experts and maybe even take a test drive. General admission tickets cost $20 each day and $10 for parking. Children 5 and under are free. It’s an outdoor event, rain or shine.

In order to participate in demos and activities guests will have to sign a liability waiver. Demos vary by exhibitor. Some test drives can be scheduled in advance while others are first-come, first-served. Some exhibitors will require a valid driver’s license; safety gear, if necessary, will be provided.

Electrify Thrill Zone is a performance featuring a professional race driver drifting and sliding through a high-speed demo course. There’s also a high-speed E-Bike Course designed for e-bikes capable of speeds over 25MPH. Visitors are invited to gear up and participate on a closed course. E-Skateboards and Hoverboards, E-Scooters and E-Motorcycles are available for demo courses, too. And, of course, most of your favorite brands of electric vehicles will be available to test drive as well.

Additionally, Volkswagen will be featuring its ID.4 SUV and will be previewing the all-new, all-electric ID.Buzz! “Old-school cool meets new-school fuel.” Three rows with six- and seven- seat configurations are available. Come check out the iconic two-tone painted bus and its roomy, modern interior. Don’t miss your chance to be among the first to see the ID.Buzz in person this October in Miami.

Tickets for the Electrify Expo are on sale now; Early Bird Pricing with 50% off is available through August 30th. It’s been called “the opportunity of a lifetime” and “a lot of fun” by visitors; get your tickets now. Or shop Volkswagen right now at one of your local dealerships.

The Miami International Auto Show is back, September 1st - 10th at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Ten days of automotive entertainment with over 20 of the world’s top automakers, more than 50 vendors and tons of test drive opportunities.

The Miami International Auto Show has been a South Florida favorite since 1971. Check out the latest models, take a test drive on a “thrill-ride” track, shop accessories, get a front row seat to dozens of exotics and enjoy exhibits like Memory Lane. Electric vehicles and new technologies will be featured. Whether you’re a fan of sleek sports cars, powerful supercars, technologically advanced EVs or luxurious exotics, the show has something for everyone.

Debra Koebel, President of the South Florida Automobile Dealers Association, says, “Our show provides an excellent opportunity for consumers to view the latest models and newest technologies within the auto industry. The focus for the show in 2023 will mirror that of the industry with a special emphasis on electric vehicles and sustainability.”

Take advantage of the plethora of photo ops and Instagram-worthy scenes, drive on the indoor track, or sit in a simulator. Explore the interiors of vehicles you haven’t yet seen in person, including the all-new 2024 Volkswagen Atlas. The refreshed 7-seater has a new 12-inch infotainment screen, heated/ventilated seats and extra soft-touch surfaces that were not available on the previous generation. Volkswagen will have a total of 12 vehicles at the show. Come see new Tiguan and Jetta models and the 40th Anniversary Edition GTI 2.0T! If you haven’t had the chance to experience the all-electric ID.4 Pro, you may be able to get in and take a test drive on the EV track. Or, if you’re interested in taking one home, you can visit one of our 11 Volkswagen dealerships right here in South Florida - from Miami-Dade up to Palm Beach County.

Come to the Miami Auto Show September 1st through the 10th at the Miami Beach Convention Center: 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach. The Miami Beach Convention Center has recently undergone a $620,000,000 state-of-the-art renovation and boasts 1.4 million total square feet of space. Admission to the Miami International Auto Show is $15 for adults (12 & up), $6 for children (6-11) and free for children 5 and under. Tickets are available online or via QR code at the venue. Discounts are available for first responders, senior citizens, Miami Beach residents and for group sales. Visit the web site to buy tickets or for more information: miamiautoshows.com

At the January 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Volkswagen debuted the all-new ID.7 sedan. This is its first fully electric sedan based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB). You might have seen pictures online already, with it’s bright orange digital “smart camouflage”.

“With the new ID.7, we are extending our electric model range into the upper segments. The sedan will offer top-class technology and quality. The ID.7 is one of 10 new electric models that we are planning to launch by 2026. Our goal? To deliver suitable products for our customers in every single segment,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.

Volkswagen took into account customer feedback to improve the user experience in this all-new model. Standard equipment in the ID.7 include an augmented reality head-up display, huge 15” screen, illuminated touch sliders and digitally controlled air vents. Speaking of the updated A/C, it’s pretty smart. It can detect when the driver is approaching the vehicle and automatically heat or cool the interior even before they unlock their door. The air vents are smart, too. They control the air flow dynamically to ensure the highest level of comfort. It can even be activated by voice commands like, “Hello Volkswagen, my hands are cold.” It will know to turn on the steering wheel heating function and direct warm air toward the driver’s hands.

As far as range, Volkswagen estimates that the ID.7 will be able to travel 700km (that’s approximately 435 miles) on a single charge for European versions on the WLTP cycle. This makes the VW ID.7 among the longest range EV vehicles with the Mercedes-Benz EQS coming in at 350 miles, the Tesla Model 3 coming in at 358 miles and the Model S at 405 miles. At the time of this writing, most all-electric U.S. models have a range in the mid-200 to the low 300-mile range. There’s no telling what the real-world range for the ID.7 will be in the U.S. with our more rigorous test cycle.

The ID.7 will likely inherit the same warranty as the Volkswagen ID.4. That is 8 years/100,000 miles of electric component coverage and 4 years/50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper limited warranty coverage. It will also likely have complimentary maintenance for 2 years / 20,000 miles.

According to Volkswagen, “Since the first ID.3 models were handed over to customers in September 2020, Volkswagen has delivered more than 500,000 MEB vehicles worldwide through its subsidiaries—around a year earlier than planned and despite the ongoing difficulties in the supply chain.” Volkswagen plans to launch the ID.7 in China, Europe and North America. It is estimated that the ID.7 will most likely be available for sale in 2024 with estimated pricing between $40,000-$50,000.

If you’re desperate for an all-electric model, but can’t wait until 2024, consider the ID.4 SUV. Check it out here or visit a local dealership for more information or to take a test drive.

VW South Florida is back with fun, family-friendly, Halloween events near you.

Billed as South Florida’s #1 Halloween Event & Fall Festival, The Haunt is a themed walk-through at Tree Tops Park in Davie. Beginning October 8th, it will be open Friday and Saturday nights throughout the month of October. There will be multiple themed trails throughout 500,000 square feet of the park. Each trail is different and takes about 15-20 minutes to walk through. The walks just after dusk are fit for families (even kids under 13), while the later times are scarier. There’s also food (by way of food trucks), beer, wine and live entertainment. The Fall Festival portion will be open Oct. 22nd and 29th at 3pm with additional vendors, games, photo ops and activities suitable for entire families. Learn more at FloridaHaunt.com.

Boo Bash at the Pompano Community Park is FREE fun for the whole family. It features a haunted maze, costume contest, carnival rides, a photo booth, characters for photo ops, games, a fortune teller and trick-or-treat opportunities. No tickets required; just be there on October 28th from 5pm-10pm.

In West Palm Beach, families can enjoy Spookyville in Yesteryear Village. This is touted as “an old-fashioned Halloween for families and children 10 and under, offers a full array of safe trick or treats, kiddie train, costume contests, games, and more!” Spookyville takes place October 21-23 & October 29-31 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. It’s a safe place for young children to trick-or-treat and enjoy a family-friendly Halloween.

At Animal Edventure in Boynton Beach, it’s their 3rd annual Spooky Safari and Pumpkin Patch September 17-October 31. There’s an hour and a half walking tour / safari and a huge covered pumpkin patch. There will be a petting zoo and a chance to feed some of their amazing animals including: sloths, kangaroos, lemurs, skunks and more! Enjoy food, drinks, a hay maze and photo ops with animals.

An “immersive Autumn pop-up” in Miami is Hay Maze Miami. Navigate a 6000 sq. ft. hay maze in Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami. Perfect family fun with spooky surprises sprinkled with Instagram-worthy photo ops. A beer garden tempts the adults while a leaf pit at the center of the maze is a fun experience for the kids. A variety of treat stations will be available including cupcakes, snow cones and pumpkin-themed snacks. Visit Hay Maze Miami for more information and to buy tickets.

The Miami Children’s Museum is featuring its 12th Annual Not So Scary Family Halloween Bash on Sunday, October 16th. It’s an opportunity to trick-or-treat through 17 galleries at Miami’s Children’s Museum. There will be Halloween-themed arts and crafts, lunch, a haunted house and character meet & greets. Buy tickets here.

Want to get your four-legged friends involved this Halloween? Consider Howl-o-ween at Pinecrest Gardens. Saturday, October 29th, this event features a costume contest for puppies and their humans, plus a Doggie Fun Zone agility course, a Kids’ Zone as well as food, drinks and live entertainment. The Pinecrest Gardens website has more information.

Additional local events include:
Spooky Wonderland in Tropical Park
Flippers Fall Festival at Miami Seaquarium
Horrorland Scream Park at Jungle Island
Haunted Hammock at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
Wicked Manors in Wilton Manors

And remember, you don’t have to be scared to get yourself a new Volkswagen! Trade up before Halloween for a spooktacular deal! Visit a VW South Florida dealership today!

It’s back-to-school time in South Florida. The first day of school for Miami-Dade County Public Schools is Wednesday, August 17th. In Broward, it’s Tuesday, August 16th and in Palm Beach County, it’s Wednesday, August 10th. School supply shopping is in full swing. Parents and kids are preparing for the return to the school year routine. Volkswagen South Florida put together some tips for parents to navigate the coming school year, from preparing for an open house to where to buy school supplies!

Ask questions at your child’s open house! When meeting with your child’s teacher, it’s a good idea to find out how your child will be assessed throughout the school year and if there are programs in place to respond to your child's specific needs. Are there standardized tests, in-class projects and discussion? How much homework will there be and how is homework scored? Is it simply a complete grade or will points be deducted for incorrect answers? What about bad handwriting? Or poor spelling? What are grades primarily based on? When it comes to the school’s culture, is there an anti-bullying policy? What is it? Are the arts part of the regular curriculum (art, music, dance, drama)? Is there a program for gifted students or special needs children? Is there support for children who require it? These are just some of the questions to help get conversations started with the faculty during an open house.

Start routines early. Instead of waiting until the day before school starts, consider getting into a normal “school” routine at least a week or so before the big day, especially the sleep routine. Get your child to start their nighttime routine earlier; read a book, get teeth brushed and get to bed earlier to prepare for those early mornings that are coming soon. You can even start creating a dedicated homework time - before or after dinner where you set up a quiet project to work on or simply read a book or color for a little while. Make sure the homework ‘environment’ is ready - clean, organized and quiet.

Preparation is key. Whether is preparing lunches in advance or scheduling after school activities, now is the time! Set up after care, hire a tutor now (if necessary), set up transportation and arrange play dates. It’s a good idea to do all your shopping (food, school, clothes) and set up your calendar early. Once school starts, you don’t want to stress or struggle with organizing your (or your child’s) time.

What about supplies? Most schools provide supply lists per grade (and sometimes even per classroom). Don’t wait ‘til the last minute to buy school supplies and try to take advantage of tax-free time in South Florida. This year, the Tax Holiday runs from July 25, 2022 through August 7, 2022. Some schools provide pre-packaged school supplies through their PTO or school store, but shopping with your child might be a better choice. This gives your child time to adjust to the idea of returning to school and picking out their own supplies gives them some control. Additionally, splurging on a cool notebook or specialty pen makes the idea of returning to school seem a little more fun and exciting.

Finally, you should realize that your attitude is contagious. If you’re stressed about back-to-school, your child will be too. But if you’re organized and excited, that’s infectious too. Try not to be cranky when you have to wake up early - and make sure to send them off with a smile! Remember to keep your communication lines open - to your child, their teachers and your neighbors. It’s a simple way to stay involved and informed. No matter how that first week goes, keep an open mind. Maybe it’ll be perfect and smooth - but more likely, you’ll probably have to solve some problems or alleviate some anxiety. Keep an open mind, strategize creatively and accept that not everything goes to plan. That’s okay, too. It’s all part of the experience and you, and your child, will be fine.

And if you’re looking for the perfect vehicle for the carpool lane, consider a Volkswagen. Our vehicles are comfortable, roomy and safe - and filled with advanced technology to make your trips easy and enjoyable. New 2022 Volkswagen models are in stock now - find a location near you.