Whether you’re a parent, student, or teacher, going back to school is bound to be different this year. Social distancing, masks, online learning options, sanitation stations—the education landscape has changed dramatically in the last six months.

Thankfully, some things, like the need for reliable transportation, never change.

If you’re a parent with carpooling responsibilities, a new college student about to commute for the first time, or a teacher needing to get yourself to work reliably, a new car might be just what you need, and right now is the best time to take the wheel.

Here are five things to consider when you shop for a new car this school year.

Carpooling kids

Despite social distancing guidelines, carpools are still going to happen, and kids will be piling in your car at some point. Whether it’s a few neighborhood kids or just your own, you need to be able to get to school safely and reliably, with space to spare.

There are a lot of options that can master the carpooling gig, but the Volkswagen Atlasat Volkswagen SouthTowne checks all the boxes. With more passenger and cargo space, standard features, a longer warranty, and lower price than its competitors, the award-winning Atlas should be at the top of your list for safely, reliably, and comfortably hauling kids and their gear around.

Current deals

If you are feeling the need for a new car, there has never been a better time than right now. With many manufacturers offering aggressive incentives and financing options, buying new might make more sense than buying used.

VW, for example, is offering 0% financing through the end of August on most remaining 2020 VWs, with no payments due until 2021.

Free money always sounds too good to be true, but right now, it’s a reality—and a bargain— considering you get a brand new, loaded VW without paying a dime in interest.

Commuting to college

For many new college students, especially those attending commuter colleges, a commute is going to be a new, but necessary part of their daily life. The average commute for a college student is over 26 miles, one way, according to a study published in the Journal of International Education Research.

College isn’t cheap, and missing class because your car broke down isn’t going to do your wallet—or your grades—any favors.

New, inexpensive vehicles like the VW Jetta are perfect for college students. Spacious, reliable, economical, and loaded with standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dealers like VW SouthTowne are offering excellent pricing incentives on new Jettas, in addition to their 0% financing offers.

4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive for Utah winters

While the old Utah license plate slogan, “the greatest snow on earth” might summon images of fresh powder falling on your favorite ski run, it also might conjure nightmares of having to drive on a slippery I-15. If you’ve lived through at least one Utah winter, you know that weather can be anything but predictable, and snow always seems to start falling just as you need to go somewhere.

If you want to be prepared for treacherous Utah weather, and you’re willing to get outfitted with winter tires, then a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle, like the VW Tiguan, Atlas, and Atlas Cross Sport is precisely what you need to get to and from school safely.

Versatility needs

Suppose you’re not just a college student, or a teacher, or a parent, or a grandparent, but fill many roles, and have multiple responsibilities for your kids and education. Which car do you buy? One of the great things about modern cars is their ability to do many things well, and VW’s lineup does it better than any competitor.

The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are perfect for larger families, carpool duties, and hauling loads of soccer gear. The Tiguan and Passat are excellent for smaller families and grandparents running grandkids around. The Jetta is an excellent commuter and perfect for people starting in their academic or professional careers.

With special financing options and pricing offers, there has never been a better time to buy a new car, especially a Volkswagen that can do it all. Check out Volkswagen SouthTowne for all the best deals on the perfect car for you and the new school year.

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With the rise of coronavirus cases in Utah, it is more important than ever that the people in our community do what they can to support and protect each other. Over the past several months, Volkswagen SouthTowne has continued to adapt and follow CDC, state and county guidelines, adjusting when needed, in regards to social distancing, stay-at-home directives, and heightened cleaning requirements so customers can feel comfortable buying or leasing a car they need.

With interest rates at an all-time low, and many helpful programs for customers, more customers are purchasing their vehicles from Volkswagen SouthTowne than ever before!* Here are 5 ways Volkswagen SouthTowne has successfully adapted to meet customer needs in an ever-changing year like 2020. 

Offering Payment Relief to Customers in Need 

One of the most helpful ways Volkswagen SouthTowne has helped customers throughout the Coronavirus pandemic has been offering trade-in opportunities and zero payments. “Many of our customers have felt really uncertain about their job security, financial situation, and the economy over the last five months,” says Josh Osborne, General Manager at Volkswagen SouthTowne. “So we have been able to help a lot of people trade out of their current vehicle — with our MSRP Vehicle Exchange program — and helping them upgrade to a newer car with no payments right away.”

Volkswagen SouthTowne is currently offering as low as 0% APR for up to 6 years for qualified buyers on remaining 2020 Volkswagen models, or customers can choose to have ZERO payments for 4 months. 

Making Virtual Car Buying a Reality 

Another reason for Volkswagen SouthTowne’s success in 2020 – despite the Coronavirus pandemic, stay-at-home recommendations, social distancing, and other huge industry changes – is their willingness to adapt and change with the times.

“We offer online trade offers, virtual walk-arounds, penny-perfect online payment quotes, and online secure financing approval on our website,” says Osborne. “Our goals is to help limit the amount of time a customer has to spend at the dealership.”

Volkswagen SouthTowne makes it easy for customers to get the vehicle they need safely and efficiently.

Prioritizing Humility, Kindness, and Community 

Volkswagen SouthTowne implemented rigorous sanitization practices in early March and started mandating the use of face masks by its employees in May and of its customers in June.

“I have required all of our team members to wear masks inside the dealership for three reasons,” said Jeff Davis, Director of Operations for Volkswagen SouthTowne. “First, Humility. We wear masks because we don’t know if we have COVID-19 as its clear that asymptomatic people can be contagious. Second, Kindness. I don’t know the underlying health problems of the person next to me or of their children or parents. So I wear a mask out of kindness to them. Third, Community: we wear masks because we want our community to thrive, want business to stay open, and want our community to stay healthy.” 

Relentless Dedication and Team Focus 

“We have a formula for success that started as a motivating advertising slogan but quickly turned into our path to success,” says Davis, the Director of Operations for Volkswagen SouthTowne. “‘Where Good Things Happen’ to me means that we envision a force field around our store that blocks out negativity; then inside that force field we build a culture of positivity, hard-work, and focus. We expect our service and parts departments, as well as our sales, finance, and accounting departments to be optimistic, driven, and dialed-in every single day.”

“The passion of our team is definitely one of the top reasons for our success,” says Osborne. “We have been so fortunate to have such hard-working, dedicated, loyal employees who all contribute to our culture of success and optimism.” 

Keeping the Message Positive and Encouraging 

Despite the fear an anxiety of the coronavirus pandemic, Volkswagen SouthTowne did not cut off all advertising. “We have a lot of people who rely on us,” said Davis. “Not just our employees and partners, but our digital and broadcast media partners as well. If we had turned off our advertising, it would have hurt our employees, partners, the economy, and our customers.”

“We love this business,” says Osborne. “No matter what the rest of 2020 brings, we have the confidence and flexibility to adapt and change to meet our customers needs. We don’t want to just be a one-time dealer, we want to be their dealership for life.

Customers can shop at VWSouthTowne.com. The dealership not only has Volkswagen models, but many others as well in their used car inventory. You can narrow your search based on the make, model and price point you want to see. If you find a vehicle you want, you can chat, text or call to learn more about the car and schedule a test drive. Volkswagen SouthTowne’s Zero Zone program is about making it as easy and safe as possible to get into a vehicle during these uncertain times. Learn more about these and other specials on their website. 

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Summer is warming up the Utah desert and adventure is calling. Whether you’re heading up the mountains for a cool retreat or driving south for spectacular national parks views, you need a ride that can keep up.

Finding the perfect adventure vehicle requires finding something that has everything. Copious amounts of space for all passengers, comfortable seats, technologically up-to-date features, smooth ride quality, modern safety features, reliability, and excellent gas mileage are all factors to consider in choosing your adventure vehicle.

That’s a lot to ask for in a car, and in a sea of dozens of SUVs to choose from, one SUV stands out in its ability to hit all the marks of the perfect adventure vehicle—the brand new 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

The 2020 Atlas Cross Sport, derived from the award-winning Atlas, is everything the Atlas is, wrapped in a more stylish package with nearly five inches lopped off the rear. The Atlas Cross Sport is so stylish, it competes with luxury cars three times its price. The Atlas Cross Sport is perfect for small families and empty-nesters.

Here are five reasons why your summer adventures will be better in the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport.

Spaciousness

One of the biggest differences between the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport is the absence of the third row. Volkswagen needed a vehicle for small families and empty- nesters who wanted the power and comfort of the award-winning Atlas, without the size. With two rows and seating for five, the Atlas Cross Sport has more backseat space for passengers than its competitors: Ford Edge, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Nissan Murano. Spaciousness is vital for summer road trips, and with ample legroom behind the front captain’s chairs, the backseat of the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport is as comfortable for three as the passenger and driver are up front. So if you’re heading out on a road trip across the state—or even state lines—your kids, pets, and friends should be comfy and cozy in the back.

Despite the Atlas Cross Sport’s stylishly raked roofline, there is still more than enough cargo space behind the rear seats for all your adventure gear. In fact, Cars.com points out that the Atlas Cross Sport has more cubic feet of space behind its backseat than the Ford Edge, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Passport, or Nissan Murano, making it the top choice with plenty of cargo room for all their stuff (or a trip to Costco).

Options for power/towing

If you’re looking for more hauling power, the 6-cylinder 2020 Atlas Cross Sport has a 5,000 pound towing capacity! This 276-horsepower 3.6-liter six-cylinder version only gets 1 mile per gallon less than the four-cylinder when outfitted with all-wheel drive. The 2020 Atlas Cross Sport is perfect for trips out to Lake Powell or Bear Lake this summer.

A smooth drive

When going on a summer road trip, comfort is king—and if your car isn’t, your passengers will let you know it. Especially if those passengers are kids.

The Atlas Sport boasts a smooth, uninterrupted drive. Car and Driver describes the Atlas Cross Sport’s ride as a “smooth-riding, easy-going mid-size SUV that average drivers will find perfectly agreeable.”

Cars.com goes on to describe the driving experience as “the Atlas is one of the most athletic-driving SUVs in its class, with quick steering reflexes and an eagerness to turn that defies its size.”

Across the board, the Atlas Cross Sport is hailed as spacious and comfortable to ride and drive in, making it the obvious choice for your travels.

Features to keep you safe and comfortable

When you’re heading up into the mountains or across some muddy desert, you’ll be thanking yourself for opting for all-wheel drive. After all, off-roading is half of the adventure fun.

Volkswagen’s 4Motion system works by giving you the efficiency of two wheels engaged, and then pro-actively engaging the other two wheels before wheelspin occurs. This process takes only a fraction of a second and will ensure you experience no loss of traction, even in icy conditions.

Volkswagen has always been feature-rich in their models, and the Atlas Cross Sport is no different. Opt for some of the higher trim levels and you’ll be treated to touchscreen infotainment displays, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, digital and highly configurable gauge displays, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and VW’s slick Car-Net connectivity app, allowing remote starting and vehicle analytics.

Safety features are also robust, such as Dynamic Road Sign Display, Traffic Jam Assist, adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, autonomous emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring, and even a semi-autonomous driving mode is available on some of the upper-level trims.

0% APR for 6 years, plus zero payments and zero driving expenses until next year!

One of the best reasons to get the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport for your summer travels is that you can drive it all summer long, even through the winter and not make any payments until 2021 at Volkswagen SouthTowne. Plus enjoy 0% interest for qualified buyers for 6 years. Another incredible program Volkswagen SouthTowne is offering customers is zero driving expenses like gas, maintenance, and car insurance! (Gas and Insurance expenses based upon National Avg. from Independent Sources. Maintenance claim refers to Standard maintenance offered through VW Care. See Dealer for details). Volkswagen Southtowne knows 2020 has been a difficult year for many. “Buy Now, Pay Later” at Volkswagen SouthTowne.

Shop now at Volkswagen SouthTowne to see which Atlas Sport Cross will be right for your summer adventures.

https://youtu.be/J1CpzU7aPOE

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Routines are important. In Harvard Business Journal article shows that throughout history, the most successful people in their fields almost all had daily routines. An yet, throughout this COVID-19 epidemic, many people have put off their routines due to fear and uncertainty.

With stress at the helm, routine care is more important than ever. And yet more people than ever are putting off regular dental and medical checkups despite the importance of taking care of your health.

Routine vehicle maintenance, despite auto dealerships being considered “essential,” is likewise getting neglected. Here are 5 reasons not to put off your car maintenance – big or small – despite uncertainty.

Service is more convenient than ever

Smart businesses are using this time of change to become better, more customer-focused, and more convenient. Volkswagen SouthTowne, for example, not only heightened its cleaning of the dealership and has social distancing down pat for sales and service guests – but also provides Lyft for its service guests who don’t want to wait around for their car.
“We are thrilled to be able to provide a ride to all our service guests using on-demand rideshare with Lyft,” says Shane Botelho, service manager at Volkswagen SouthTowne. “Within 3 to 4 minutes we can have a Lyft driver come pick up our customers and take them back to home or work so they won’t miss a beat in their day. Then when their car is ready, we send a Lyft to go pick them back up.”

Routine car maintenance is vital for the health and well-being of your vehicle, and with Volkswagen SouthTowne’s Lyft service, getting back on track with your car maintenance is easier than ever.

Auto car repair service center Volkswagen SouthTowne

It will cost you more in the long-run

Putting off routine car maintenance is terribly costly. According to this article by Corsia, referring to the American Automobile Association (AAA), 35 percent of Americans “skipped or delayed service or repairs that were recommended by a mechanic or specified by the factory maintenance schedule,” consequently raising the number of roadside breakdowns that would have been easily prevented if everyone adhered to a vehicle maintenance guide and listened to their mechanic’s advice.

According to that same article, skipping $120 of oil changes in a year could cost $4000 of replacing an engine. $1000 regular maintenance in a year and prevent $8,000+ total cost of not maintaining the car. Tire rotations in a year cost $50, but the cost of replacing an entire tire due to misalignment is upwards of $700+.

“We see this all the time,” says Botelho. “People put off a $300 repair and it becomes $1000 in just a couple months. We care about our customers for the long-run so in every visit we take a video multipoint inspection that we send right to our customer’s phone that shows them everything about their car and any recommendations. If you stay on top of routine care, it doesn’t turn into an expensive emergency service.

Financing available

If paying for even a small service or check-up is not doable right now, financing is available for service repairs. Service financing through Volkswagen SouthTowne allows customers to get the routine maintenance they need and be able to pay over time rather than have to pay all at once.

Family in car – Keep it clean with DrivePur at Volkswagen SouthTowne

Auto treatment programs can help protect your health

Staying healthy is more important than ever. And vehicles are knowns for harboring bacteria and viruses. According to this article, a car owned by a dad-of-four found levels of bacteria that were 23 times higher than that found on a handrail on a public bus! In fat 40% of cars tested contained the same levels of bacterial infection as a toilet flush handle.

This COVID-19 crisis has made people are more aware than ever of the importance of hand-washing, sanitization, and cleanliness, but your car may be a repository for viruses and bacteria.

Volkswagen SouthTowne offers an antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial purification protection system called DrivePur that can protect the health of everyone who rides in your vehicle. This long-lasting (six months) program guards against bacteria, viruses, mold, germs and allergens, helping you stay well. Plus it is priced at under $100 at Volkswagen SouthTowne.

Safe service inspection

In addition to social distancing measures and heightened cleaning, Volkswagen SouthTowne offers no-contact service appointments. “From the moment you arrive, to the moment we are injecting your car we are following the CDC recommendations and will stay 6 feet away from you as we check your car in for service,” says Shannon Reynolds, Fixed Operations Director at Volkswagen SouthTowne.

“Further, our service advisors and technicians all wear gloves as they drive and work on your vehicle. Once your car is finished, we wipe down all areas touched, such as steering wheels, shifter knobs, door handles, and buttons. Plus we offer no-contact credit card processing and can even take payment over the phone,” says Reynolds.

Shop Service Specials at Volkswagen SouthTowne

To get your car ready for summer, Volkswagen SouthTowne is offering a $99 Summer Service package that includes the DrivePur system and a video multi-point inspection where they will check tires, belts, cooling system and air filters to make sure your car is ready for summer!

Or if you need a new car, check out Volkswagen SouthTowne’s Payment Relief Program:

Tags: 5 reasons not to put off your car maintenance, routine maintenance, routines are important, service, the importance of servicing your vehicle, volkswagen service, volkswagen southtowne service
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As Utahns hunker down in an effort to flatten the curve of the pandemic COVID-19, there are many programs and relief efforts in place to help people get through this unnerving and difficult time. From curbside delivery at restaurants to small business loans, Americans have pulled together.

Automotive manufacturers have also taken a huge step in this endeavor. In Utah, dealerships are considered essential services because people, especially those first responders such as grocers, pharmacists, doctors, and other public service workers, still need to go out and get supplies and go to their job — safely and reliably.

Wanting to be in compliance with health restrictions, dealerships are offering personalized service and sales appointments to comply with social distancing and keep Utahns healthy. Volkswagen SouthTowne, for example, offers virtual walkarounds of vehicles you are interested in and home visits where a client advisor will bring a sanitized vehicle to your residence for a test drive. If you have to visit the dealership, you can rest assured they are not taking shortcuts with their sanitization efforts.

Even with health precautions, dealerships recognize the extreme financial burden many Utahns might be facing right now. In just three weeks, over 22 million U.S workers have filed for unemployment insurance — nearly 13% of Americans — making this period the worst economic situation since the Great Depression, claims the Washington Post. Fortunately, Volkswagen SouthTowne has a relieving financial special for those who need a new or used car right now.

For all new car purchases, as part of their payment relief sale, Volkswagen SouthTowne is offering zero dollars down, zero percent interest for 72 months, and no payments required for six months, on approved credit. They also have amazing deals on used cars right now, including 0% interest for 60 months, and no payments required for four months, on approved credit. So if you need to upgrade your car, even during a pandemic, now is the time to do so.

“We know our community is being impacted,” said Jeff Davis, director of operations for Volkswagen SouthTowne, “We want to help them in a meaningful way during this time of need.”

If you purchase a vehicle between April 15th – June 15th 2020 at Volkswagen SouthTowne through VCI,  Volkswagen will provide up to six payments who get involuntarily unemployed due to economic reasons, including, but not limited to, lockouts, individual and mass layoffs, business failure or bankruptcy, or COVID-19.

“No other manufacturer is doing anything close to this,” says Davis. “The Volkswagen Pledge is something I am extremely proud of and so happy that we can help our customers during these uncertain times.”

For details on the Volkswagen Pledge visit VWSouthTowne.com or get details today from one of our friendly client advisors.

While right now might not seem like the time to buy a new or used car, it actually might be the best time to make such a purchase. Not only can you take advantage of such great financing deals, but you can do most of it right from the couch in your living room. You can browse their inventory of new and used cars online, so you and your family can decide on a vehicle that’s right for you — on your own time. They not only have Volkswagen cars (in their used inventory), but many others as well. You can narrow your search based on the make, model and price point you want to see.

If you find a vehicle you want, you can chat, text or call and learn more about the car and how you can safely test drive it.

With great financing options for new and used cars, and a catered car-buying experienced, like virtual walkarounds, home visits, online payment calculators, online finance applications, online trade offers, and a sanitized service department experience, Volkswagen SouthTowne has your back. They have made it their mission to offer payment relief and make it as easy and safe as possible to get into a vehicle during these uncertain times. Learn more about their financing specials on their website.

View original KSL story here:

Tags: coronavirus, How Volkswagen SouthTowne is helping customers, VW Pledge
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First, we hope that this email finds you doing well. Nothing is more important than the health and safety of you and your family — and that has always been the case. COVID-19 has simply made it more apparent.

Without a doubt, these are challenging times. However, that doesn’t mean that life and business don’t continue — it only means they continue in a different way. With that in mind, Volkswagen SouthTowne would like to share the following with our clients and friends:

• Virtual Walk-Arounds for the car you are interested in. Our client advisors are now providing digital walk-arounds they can send to you via email or social media. Just ask for this and we’ll send you a video of the car you’re interested in.

• Home visits. If requested, we have instructed our client advisors that they can bring a vehicle to you, which we will wipe down before and after, for a demonstration and test drive at your residence.

• NEW Payment calculator. You can now calculate lease payments on the new car you want as well as cash price and purchase payments.

• Apply for financing online – while we have provided this for a while, we encourage our customers to fill this out online, limiting the time you spend in the dealership. The more accurate information we have, the easier it is to speed up your in-store visit.

• Online Trade Offer. Do you have a current vehicle you’d like to trade in? You can now receive a trade-in value for your vehicle via email or text.

• Our client advisors can now work the majority of your car deal over the phone. Again, the more accurate information we have regarding your trade and credit situation, the easier it will be to to help you limit time at the dealership, so taking advantage of our finance and trade forms online will help this process out immensely.

• Our service department is taking extra measures to wipe down each car after inspection, in addition to cleaning the vehicle’s exterior. Our service advisors have been instructed maintain social distance with other employees and customers.

• Our parts department is sanitizing and cleaning desks and shelves throughout the day. Further our parts department staff has been asked to maintain social distance with other employees, as much as possible, and customers.

We are asking our employees and our customers to please stay home if they are experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms.

We will keep you updated on any changes in the information regarding COVID-19. We are continually monitoring the latest reports from the Center of Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and local news organizations to keep our customers and employees safe. The healthy and safety offer customers and employees is our priority.

Sincerely,

Jeff Davis
Director of Operations

Tags: coronavirus, coronavirus measures at volkswagen southtowne, coronavirusmeasures
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Residents along the Wasatch Front can expect six months of snowfall, according to Current Results. Most years average more than 6 inches in March and 4 inches in April. That means Utah drivers still face weeks of wet, slick and dangerous road conditions.

While Utah’s fickle weather might be beyond control, there are many things you can do to get around town safely.

One of the most important things you can do is to know the condition of your vehicle — from tires to brake pads. At Volkswagen SouthTowne, certified technicians make it easy to see exactly what’s going on with your car with their QuikVideo, which is sent directly from their technician to the customer via email or text. Check out an example of one of these videos here.

Here are six services that your car needs in order to survive and thrive in the winter.

Tire balance and alignment

When it comes to safe winter driving, your vehicle’s ability to grip the road, especially in adverse or cold weather conditions, is key to safe driving. Over time, your tires can gradually go out of balance and alignment, making for less than ideal traction and handling.

Volkswagen Atlas in Snowy Conditions

If your tires are out of balance you will probably experience some steering wheel shake and vibration at certain speeds, and/or uneven treadwear on your tires. Because of this, your ability to safely handle potentially dangerous driving scenarios can decrease.

Shane Botelho, service manager for Volkswagen SouthTowne, recommends checking and balancing your tires every 3,000 – 6,000 miles to ensure proper tread wear, a sentiment shared by many major tire companies. Additionally, if you’ve hit a curb this winter, have recently put on new tires, or have had any other suspension work completed, an alignment is also a great idea.

If you’re looking for a great deal on this kind of service, Volkswagen SouthTowne is offering $25 off a four-wheel balance and alignment through the end of February.

Lube, oil and filter change

Perhaps the most familiar maintenance item for car owners is the oil change. And for good reason! The importance of getting your vehicle’s oil, fluids, and oil filter changed, especially in the colder months, cannot be overstated.

“For Utah drivers – especially skiers, snowboarders, and anyone traveling up to the mountains or commuters — it is vital to make sure your car’s fluids are in good shape and that you get those fluids from trusted sources,” says Botelho. “Volkswagen models require specific oil and filters from Volkswagen. Using OEM (manufacture) compliant parts and fluids is really important to the efficiency and safety of your vehicle.”

Engines have to work extra hard in the cold to start, and too often drivers don’t give their vehicle adequate time to warm up before hitting the road. These bad habits, coupled with the weather, can contribute to added strain and wear on the engine.

Right now, Volkswagen SouthTowne is offering $10 off a lube, oil, and filter change through the end of February.

Winter tires

For some drivers, dedicated winter tires might seem like an unnecessary, added expense — especially if you have an all-wheel-drive vehicle. However, all-wheel-drive is not effective alone in snowy or winter conditions.

All-wheel-drive can increase acceleration capabilities but doesn’t do anything for turning and braking in the cold, or worse, snowy and icy conditions. Road and Track explains winter tires are essential for areas like Utah, where the temperature frequently drops below 45 degrees. Because typical all-season tires’ rubber does not have the flexibility required to be effective in stopping and turning on the cold pavement, getting winter tires is essential.

If you happen to own a Volkswagen Golf or Jetta, Volkswagen SouthTowne has an incredible deal for you. Right now through the end of February, they are offering a full set of wheels and winter tires for only $600. Considering that a set of winter tires alone could set you back for that price, getting them mounted on wheels for $600 is a deal too good to pass up for Golf and Jetta owners.

Brake pads

In the winter especially, the ability to brake quickly and safely is critical. Brake pads are an essential part of your vehicle’s braking system and your safety. Essentially, they are the first contact when it comes to slowing down and coming to a stop. Without them, other major and more costly components of your vehicle will rapidly start to wear away, leaving you with a dangerous vehicle and a hefty repair bill.

According to Bridgestone Tire, most brake bads will start to squeal, or worse, make a grinding noise when they are getting precariously low on pad depth. Most pads last 30,000 miles or so.

“When you visit Volkswagen SouthTowne, you’ll get what we call a “QuikVideo” from one of our factory-certified technicians detailing what they found and checked in your vehicle, and showing you anything that needs attention,” says Jeff Davis, director of operations for Volkswagen SouthTowne. Check out an example of one of these videos here.

Volkswagen owners can get a discount on brake pad services at Volkswagen SouthTowne this month. You can get $25 off genuine VW pad replacement, per axle, from now through the end of February.

Wiper blades

Lastly, a yearly maintenance item often neglected is that of replacing wiper blades. Cars.com explains that “wiper blades are exposed to dust, dirt, and debris, all of which contribute to their wear and tear. Driving with worn wipers can be dangerous, and you should replace them as soon as you notice impeded visibility from streaking or an inability to clear the windshield.”

Given the near-constant use of wiper blades in Utah during the winter, it’s a good idea to annually replace wiper blades. And if you’ve ever tried to replace wiper blades by yourself, you know it can be a tedious and frustrating process.

Should you need wiper blades for your VW, Volkswagen SouthTowne will give you $5 off genuine VW front wiper blade replacement and will install them for you for free, from now through mid-March. See their website for more details.

Winter shouldn’t be a time of neglect for your vehicle, but a time of proactive maintenance — especially with the great discounts available at Volkswagen SouthTowne. Visit their service website for more great service deals and coupons.

Tags: 5 critical services your vehicle needs, service, utah weather, vehicle service, volkswagen service, volkswagen southtowne, winter driving tips
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By Volkswagen SouthTowne

Enjoying Wintertime in Utah for many means frequent trips up to the ski slopes, taking the family to Midway and Park City, traveling Downtown to see Jazz games and go shopping – and this is all on top of carpooling to school and the regular commute to work.

Having the right vehicle is vital to staying safe and confident on the roads this Winter. The Volkswagen Atlas has been named the Best Large Utility two years in a row by MotorWeek. Why not drive the best 7 Passenger vehicle out there?

Here are 5 reasons we believe the Atlas is the perfect vehicle for Winter-driving in Utah:

The Atlas was Made in America, for Americans

First, the Volkswagen Atlas is perfect for Utah Winters because it was designed and manufactured with them in mind. Many people may not realize this, but The Volkswagen Atlas (along with the Passat and soon-to-be-released Cross Sport) was designed and manufactured right here in America at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga, TN plant.

“The Atlas is an American-made vehicle,” said Jeff Davis, Operations Director at Volkswagen SouthTowne. “It was specifically designed by Volkswagen for American families. It is the size of vehicle our buyers want, the safety features and incredible tech they desire, plus it has All-Wheel Drive available, all-weather tires that can handle the snowy roads and mountain driving, and many other winter features that our buyers need!”

Remote Start in the Volkswagen Atlas at Volkswagen SouthTowne

The Atlas Offers Heated Seats, Heated Steering Wheel, and Remote Start

A very popular Winter-feature in the Volkswagen Atlas at Volkswagen SouthTowne is the Remote Start, which allows you to warm up your car without even going outside! Simply lock the car doors with your key fob and then double click a button and it will start your car, warming up the sears and engine while the doors are locked so you can stay warm while your car safely heats up.

Another feature perfect for Utah winter driving is the heated seats and steering wheel. Many trim levels of the Volkswagen Atlas has heated seats – you can choose from three levels of heat depending on the weather. For drivers with perpetually cold fingers, the higher trim levels of the Volkswagen Atlas offer a heated steering wheel as well!

Volkswagen Atlas in Snowy Conditions

The Atlas Offers a Specific Winter Driving Mode in its 4Motion Engine Technology

“One of the biggest differentiators about the Atlas from its competitors is the 4Motion technology in the All Wheel Drive trim levels,” says Josh Osborne, General Manager for Volkswagen SouthTowne.

The 4Motion All Wheel Drive system in the Volkswagen Atlas distributes engine power separately to all four wheels depending on road conditions. So if it’s snowy or wet, the Snow Mode 4Motion will allow the engine to shift into higher gears earlier, minimizing slipping and providing as much traction and stability as possible.

The Atlas offers four driving modes: Snow Mode, Off Road, On Road, and Custom. “In our opinion, these extra safety features make the Atlas superior to any other 4-wheel drive system and guarantee you not only the safest ride but the smoothest possible too,” says Osborne.

Brake Assist Image of the Volkswagen Atlas

Driver Assistance Technology to Keep You Safe in the Atlas

“The Atlas has become one of our best sellers in large part because of its safety features,” says Osborne. “Once you drive the Atlas and experience all the ways it can keep you safe and alert, it’s easy to see why the Atlas has become such a popular SUV in Utah and has won so many awards.”

The Volkswagen Atlas offers a myriad of driver assistance features to keep drivers safe on Winter roads in Utah. The SE models feature a blind-spot monitoring system that lets you know when someone is in your blind-spot! The SE with Technology trim features adaptive cruise control – slowing the car down when someone is too close to you, Lane Assist, which keeps you in your lane, and Front Assist, which offers automatic emergency braking in case of a hazard in the road or accident.

For drivers wanting even more safety technology, the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium comes equipped with Park Assist, a parking assistance system which parallel parks for you! It also features Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, a virtual gauge cluster display which provides light driver assistance, navigation and awareness features in place of the standard gauge cluster.

The Atlas Allows You To Stay Connected and Navigate Safely

Finally, another incredible feature that makes the Volkswagen Atlas the perfect car for Winter is the App-Connect. The Volkswagen Atlas at Volkswagen SouthTowne offers Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (depending on your phone type), allowing you to use your phone apps without ever taking your eyes off the road.

“Our customers love this feature,” says Davis. “With all of our Volkswagen vehicles, you can navigate using Waze, Google Maps or Maps, listen to your favorite Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or Music on your phone, plus voice TEXT and call without ever touching your phone. Our Volkswagen models make it easy to stay connected with both your hands still on the wheel at all times.”

In fact the Atlas was named one of Ward’s 10 Best User Experiences for Smart, Safe, Connected Vehicles. “Atlas was built specifically with the American consumer in mind,” said Hendrik Muth, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy. “It offers a host of available technology and driver assistance features designed to make people’s lives easier. We’re very encouraged to be recognized with the Wards 10 Best UX award—it means we’re getting it right.”

All Atlas models are equipped with the MIB II infotainment system, which not only creates the foundation for the next generation of Volkswagen’s Car-Net® connected vehicle services platform, but also offers one of the most comprehensive suites of connected vehicle services and features available in the automotive industry today. Capacitive touchscreens offer SD card and USB multimedia interfaces, as well as Bluetooth® technology for compatible devices. Atlas SEL Premium presents drivers with a 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster with the advanced Volkswagen Digital Cockpit system.

Volkswagen is committed to driving the development of more connected and intelligent vehicles, and the VW Car-Net® connectivity system is a major element in achieving that goal. Features available through VW Car-Net are divided into three key areas: “App-Connect,” “Security & Service,” and “Guide & Inform.”

Get The Atlas at Utah’s #1 Volkswagen Dealer*

*Based on Volkswagen retail reports 2010-2017, 2019.

Volkswagen Southtowne has the largest selection of Atlas vehicles in Utah and is Utah’s #1 Volkswagen dealer for volume sales and customer satisfaction (Based on Volkswagen retail reports 2010-2017, 2019). Visit today just off the 106th South Exit on I-15. Or visit vwsouthtowne.com

Tags: atlas, suv, utah driving, utah new car dealership, utah weather, volkswagen, volkswagen atlas, volkswagen southtowne, volkswagen southtowne atlas, winter driving
Posted in Atlas, Auto Industry News, New Models, VW News and Updates, VW Southtowne in Store | No Comments »

Many people believe that the end of the year is the ideal time to buy a vehicle. But what many people do not realize that that the old adage of buying a car at the end of the year doesn’t take into consideration manufacture incentives, selection or dealership specials. In fact Volkswagen SouthTowne’s pricing on new cars in Utah just got BETTER in January than it was in December!

Here are four reasons January is the best time to buy or lease a Volkswagen at Volkswagen SouthTowne.

Better Discounts on the Cars You Love

While many other manufacturers have launched 2020’s and sometimes 2021 vehicles last year, Volkswagen has intentionally slowed it’s roll-out of new models to maximize the launch of several new vehicles and redesigned vehicles.

This means that while other New Car Dealerships in Utah can only offer brand new vehicles (2020 and 2021 models) with minimal incentives on 2020 models, Volkswagen SouthTowne still has plenty of 2019 new Volkswagen vehicles at incredible savings. In fact the discounts, leases and finance offers at Volkswagen SouthTowne are BETTER in January than they were in December. Take a look at these discounts on new 2019 cars and SUV’s Volkswagen SouthTowne is offering this month:

2019 Atlas SEL Premium is up to $6900 off MSRP*
2019 Golf GTI S – $5271 off MSRP* (our biggest discount we’ve ever had on this vehicle)
2019 Jetta S – $3500 off MSRP*
2019 Jetta R-Line – up to $3800 off MSRP*

Compare these discounts to other off-brand dealerships and you’ll see the difference.

Improved Trade Offers

Another great reason Utahan’s should buy or lease a new car from Volkswagen SouthTowne in January is the improved trade offer. Our dealership focuses on selling out of our used cars at the end of the year, so by the new year we are always low on inventory in our used car departments. January is a great time to buy a new car because we are eager to replenish our diminished supply of used cars. Right now Volkswagen SouthTowne will buy your car for its ORIGINAL BASE MSRP, deducting only for mileage, manufacturer incentives that were originally paid on the vehicle, thus lowering its value, and any damage. (2010 and newer, no high lines).

We are also offering high values for vehicles older than 2010’s to help grow our used car inventory and can offer Cash for Clunkers value for them. Find out what your car is worth here.

Higher Objectives = Better Deals For You

Another reason January is an ideal month for New Car Buyers in Utah is that Volkswagen SouthTowne has been given a VERY high objective from our manufacturer for January that we simply have to reach in order to keep operating at top standards. What does that mean to you? It means we are EXTREMELY motivated to sell 165 new cars this month.

In addition to dropping our pricing on vehicle purchases on our 2019 Volkswagen models, Volkswagen SouthTowne has extremely aggressive lease offers as well. Plus we’re doing a 2 for 1 LOGO sale this month which means you can lease 2 cars for the price of 1! Check out our New Specials page on our website to see a few ways you can mix and match your two favorite VW vehicles at Volkswagen SouthTowne. Or message us and we’ll work up a lease or purchase payment on your two favorite cars.

0% Financing Available

Finally, another great reason to buy a new car this month is that Volkswagen just released 0% financing OAC for 60 months on the 2019 Arteon luxury sedan! Or we have 0.9% OAC for 72 months through Volkswagen Credit Institution (VCI)! This is the lowest APR we have seen on this vehicle in all of last year!

January is the best month to get this luxurious, modern, stylish vehicle at the best price possible.

January is the idea time to buy your next car or SUV. Volkswagen SouthTowne has hundreds of new vehicles for our Utah New Car Shoppers at great discounts, lease offers and finance payments. Contact us today or just top to take advantage of our incredible January deals.

*Vin: Atlas Vin, 1V2NR2CA8KC621563. 2019 Jetta R-Line VIN: 3VWC57BU3KM200312, 2019 Golf GTI Vin 3VW6T7AU6KM037918, 2019 Jetta S Vin: 3VWN57BU3KM228183….all Based on purchase and cannot be combined with any other special rate or lease offer. See dealer for details. Requires dealer-arranged financing. Excludes TT&L, state and dealer fees.

Posted in Arteon, Atlas, New Models, SouthTowne Promo, VW Southtowne in Store | No Comments »

Read our original article on KSL.com here.

Why Young Families Will Love the New 2020 Tiguan

When it comes to young families buying a vehicle that will fit their growing family comfortably, many are looking at the compact crossover segment for the right fit. The compact SUV segment rose by more than 12% in 2018, totaling more than 3.5 million vehicles sold for the year.

Crossovers are popular for a number of reasons. They are comfortable, safe, spacious, and versatile — in other words, the perfect vehicle for a young family.

One crossover checks all of the boxes for young and growing families: the new Volkswagen Tiguan. In 2018 and 2019 Cars.com named the Volkswagen Tiguan as its “Best Compact SUV of 2019”, beating out six other contenders on its way to clinching the coveted award.

“The Tiguan returns as champion of the challenge based on the strength of how it drives while giving up nothing in roominess, media, safety tech and cabin comfort for it,” said Cars.com Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Newman.

When they redesigned it in 2018, Volkswagen gave the Tiguan more room, power, and an optional third row, but kept the price very reasonable for such a versatile crossover. “The Tiguan has become one of our most popular vehicles at Volkswagen SouthTowne,” says Jeff Davis, operations manager for Volkswagen SouthTowne. “It’s a good size for a growing family, has plenty of horsepower and incredible tech — all at the right price.”

The new 2020 Tiguan will be available for purchase this month at Volkswagen SouthTowne.

Here are a few reasons Utah families will love the new Tiguan.

The 2020 Tiguan has Wi-Fi and upgraded safety features

What’s new for 2020? According to Volkswagen, all the 2020 Tiguan models will be equipped with Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. These features have become in very high-demand at Volkswagen SouthTowne.

“Have you ever been caught off guard while following behind another car and they stop suddenly?” Says Josh Osborne, general manager at Volkswagen SouthTowne. “The new 2020 Tiguan will automatically brake and give you a forward-collision alert now. We have this in our Atlas models and I have customers and friends tell me all the time how life-saving it is. Plus the 2020 Tiguan has blind-spot warning system like the new Atlas and Passat models. We’re really excited about these enhancements and know Utah families are going to appreciate them.”

Further, the new 2020 Tiguan models will be equipped with the next-generation Car-Net telematics system, as well as in-car Wi-Fi capability. Wireless charging is available, starting on the SE trim.

In addition to great safety technology, the Tiguan is also available with Volkswagen’s robust 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, making driving in the Utah winter weather not only easier but much safer.

These safety features coupled with four different drive modes (including one specifically for driving in snow), the Tiguan is one of the safest places a young family could be.

Tiguan offers excellent versatility

Young, Utah families will love the new Tiguan because it has been designed specifically for them.“We redesigned the Tiguan from the ground up last year to meet the needs of American drivers and their families,” said Scott Keogh, CEO, Volkswagen Group of America.

Being designed for young families makes the Tiguan stand out in the crowded field of the crossover segment, especially considering its available third row. Not many crossovers in the compact segment have a third-row option, making their versatility limited for prospective buyers.

However, with the optional fold-flat third row and flexible interior (three different folding options for the second row), the Tiguan offers interior space that the competition can’t.

Additionally, Cars.com ranks the Tiguan as one of the 13 best cars for child seats, noting ample space and ease of installation make the Tiguan an easy choice for families with small children.

2020 Tiguan re-launches complimentary maintenance and great warranty

New this year, Volkswagen is offering two years of complimentary maintenance on all 2020 models. “I have personally been part of many discussions with Volkswagen encouraging them to bring back the Carefree Maintenance program,” says Davis, “so I am very pleased they are bringing it back to our customers starting in 2020!”

New 2020 models, including the Tiguan, will come with the two year, 24,000-mile maintenance program which covers regularly scheduled service at no cost and a four year, 50,000-mile warranty.

2018 and 2019 models come with a 6 year, 72,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, transferable warranty but no maintenance program.

Tiguan offers comfort and convenience features galore

The Tiguan is perfect for Utah drivers and families because it comes in so many different trim packages, perfectly customizable to different situations and needs. The base “S” trim Tiguan starts at a very reasonable $25,500. Above that comes the SE, SE R-Line Black, SEL and SEL Premium R-Line.

According to Car and Driver, “Choosing a Tiguan trim is only about features and convenience equipment; they’re all powered by the same 184-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. We suggest stepping up to at least the SE model, which adds a larger 8.0-inch infotainment system, keyless access, and leatherette seats that are heated and powered.”

The jump from SE to SEL is a significant one, adding about $5,000, but all the extra features it adds, including adaptive cruise, a panoramic sunroof, remote start, power liftgate, and larger 18-inch wheels, may be worth it to you.

Adding all-wheel drive, which is available on any trim, adds roughly $1,500, but makes the third row optional. If you’re in the business of hauling kids, we’d spend the extra $600 to make the Tiguan a seven-seater. The Tiguan SEL model adds upscale features like a heated steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rain-sensing wipers. The SEL Premium R-Line adds a new heated wiper park, standard R-Line content, and 20-inch wheels.

In 2018 the Volkswagen Tiguan’s sales numbers experienced a staggering 326% growth rate, the best year ever for the car — and rightfully so. With the features, space, versatility, and warranty, the Tiguan is an exceptional value.

If you’re a young family looking for the perfect vehicle to get you started, then the Volkswagen Tiguan is the obvious choice, and Volkswagen SouthTowne is the place to make it happen. Check out the vast inventory of Tiguan’s at Volkswagen SouthTowne for the perfect fit for your family.

Posted in Auto Industry News, Community, VW News and Updates | No Comments »