THE 2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI IS NAMED YAHOO AUTOS CAR OF THE YEAR

The 2015 Golf GTI was named the “Yahoo Autos Car of the Year.” The seventh-generation GTI beat 16 other contenders, from economy hatchbacks to luxury sedans to track-ready sports cars in five categories—performance, value, efficiency, design and engineering.

“Earning Yahoo Autos Car of the Year is further testament that the 2015 GTI is a highly competitive offering—within its segment and beyond,” said Michael Horn, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “We are honored that the experts at Yahoo Autos have recognized the GTI as a no-compromise, quality vehicle that remains true to its enthusiast roots.”

Editors at Yahoo Autos scrutinized dozens of new 2015 model year vehicles for the third annual Yahoo Autos Car of Year award, eventually narrowing down to 17 contenders. Judges selected the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI after a week-long test by eight experts that included hundreds of miles in driving loops through cities and mountain routes, along with a thorough autocross day.

The 2015 Golf GTI is bigger, lighter, faster, and more fuel-efficient than the previous generation. It redefines the hatchback category with enough space for five adults and more trunk space than any mid-size sedan. It also features Volkswagen’s EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine, providing 210 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which is 10 hp and 51 lb-ft higher than in the previous generation. The optional Performance Package, available later in the model year, adds another 10 hp for a total of 220 hp, larger brakes, and an electronically-controlled torque-sensing limited-slip differential.

The Golf GTI provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems, and has been engineered to meet or exceed all current crash regulations. All Golf GTI models are available with the Driver Assistance Package, which adds a Forward Collision Warning system and front and rear Park Distance Control systems. When equipped with the package, the 2015 Golf GTI 4-door is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+.

Standard equipment of the all-new GTI also includes a new Driving Mode Selection feature, VW Car-Net® connected services, a touchscreen infotainment system, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, ambient and footwell lighting with LED reading lights, and LED foglights. Pricing for the all-new Golf GTI starts car starts at $24,395.

2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA EARNS TOP SAFETY PICK+ RATING FROM THE INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY

2015 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

The redesigned 2015 Jetta, when equipped with the optional Forward  Collision Warning system, has been named a 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2015 Jetta offers a combination of both passive and active systems and has been engineered to meet or exceed current crash regulations. The Jetta features a number of available driver assistance systems, including Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert and Forward Collision Warning.

Blind Spot Monitor. This system utilizes a flashing symbol in the outer area of the side mirrors to help alert the driver to vehicles that are in the vehicle’s blind spot or approaching from the rear. This is intended to help improve driver awareness when changing lanes. The system uses radar sensors to "monitor" a space around the vehicle with a range of approximately 65 feet. Customers who choose the Blind Spot Monitor option automatically get the Rear Traffic Alert assistance system as well.

Rear Traffic Alert. The new driver assistance system is offered in tandem with Blind Spot Monitor. The system not only helps alert the driver to stationary and moving vehicles directly behind the vehicle; it also detects vehicles approaching from the side which may be difficult for the driver to see. The radar-based sensor module can even detect objects up to 65 feet away. In case of an impending collision, the system gives an acoustic warning.

Forward Collision Warning. This system uses radar sensors to monitor the distance from traffic ahead of the vehicle. The Forward Collision Warning system helps alert the driver of critical front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually by a clear warning symbol in the instrument cluster. The radar sensor acquires both the position of stationary cars and motorcycles and those moving in the same direction as the vehicle. The sensor is hidden behind the VW logo on the radiator grille.

All Jetta models are equipped with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), six airbags, Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA).

“The redesigned 2015 Volkswagen Jetta not only brings a sleek new design but also offers customers state-of-the-art technology, creating the ideal combination of Volkswagen design, performance, and world-class engineering,” said Mark McNabb, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “To have IIHS recognize the vehicle as a Top Safety Pick + confirms that our commitment to safety and engineering pays off in delivering a standout compact vehicle.”

The 2015 Jetta is already on sale in U.S. dealerships. The lineup will offer three gasoline engines, a TDI Clean Diesel, and a hybrid powertrain, as well as four trim levels—Base, S, SE, and SEL.

The Driver Assistance Package is available on select Jetta models, and includes the Forward Collision Warning system. "Top Safety Pick+" is based on good ratings in the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, head restraint tests; no less than an acceptable rating in the small overlap front test; and at least a basic rating for front crash prevention. For details, visit www.iihs.org.

Volkswagen of Bismarck Officially Open

Volkswagen of Bismarck's first new Volkswagen sold, a 2014 Volkswagen 

Beetle GSR, left the dealership's lot last Friday. Photo by Blake Malo.

Jan. 29, 2014 – Bismarck Motor Company announced today, the much anticipated new Volkswagen franchise in Western N.D. is officially open for business.

“We’re excited to officially open Volkswagen of Bismarck and bring affordable German engineering to Western N.D.” said Chris Schneider, General Manager. “Our goal is to be an industry leader in providing unmatched quality automotive products and services. Volkswagen is one of the fastest growing auto companies in the U.S. and aims to be the world’s leading auto manufacturer by 2018, which makes it a perfect fit for Bismarck Motor Company and Kupper Automotive.”

Volkswagen of Bismarck is currently located at Bismarck Motor Company at 1025 E Bismarck Expressway. Future plans are to include a new facility located in north Bismarck in 2014. Volkswagen joins three other franchises currently offered at the dealership including Honda, Nissan and Hyundai, as well as a large selection of certified pre-owned and pre-owned vehicles.