The much awaited 3rd-row SUV from Volkswagen is now on the production line and will make its way to Volkswagen dealers towards the end of Spring. There is no release date yet, so stay tuned!

The Chattanooga-built Atlas arrives with a full slate of available driver assistance and technology features, a massive interior and a choice of two powertrains

• Largest Volkswagen ever assembled in America
• Five trim levels, priced for the heart of the competitive SUV market
• Available interior features include innovative Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation
• Two engine options: four-cylinder TSI® turbo or the available powerful VR6®, both with eightspeed automatic transmission
• Seating for two adults in the third row, with innovative access system
• Based on the award-winning Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture
• Optional 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system on VR6 models or standard front-wheel-drive

Santa Monica, Calif. – The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, unveiled tonight on the Santa Monica Pier at the end of historic Route 66, launches a new chapter in the company’s American history. Built in Tennessee, the seven-passenger Atlas offers class-competitive levels of technology and spaciousness combined with hallmark Volkswagen driving dynamics and attention to detail, all at a price designed to draw customers’ attention in the family SUV segment.

“This is the biggest and boldest Volkswagen we have ever built in the United States, delivering the distinctive design and craftsmanship we’re known for, now with room for seven, ” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, CEO of the North America Region, Volkswagen. “The Atlas marks a brand new journey for Volkswagen to enter into the heart of the American market.”

Engineered from Volkswagen’s award-winning Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB)architecture, the Atlas draws on the latest Volkswagen design DNA to create a bold new look in the SUV segment. At 198.3 inches long, 77.9 inches wide, and 69.6 inches high, Atlas is larger than any other Volkswagen on sale in the U.S., yet it retains classic proportions and clean lines that create a sense of timelessness and precision. Up front, standard LED headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights combine for a unique visual signature, with optional LED taillights to complete the look.

Inside, the Atlas makes maximum use of its dimensions to offer space for seven adults and their luggage. The third-row can be easily reached by an innovative folding seat solution, one that works even with child seats installed in the second row. Simple, driver-centric displays enhance the feeling behind the wheel rather than distracting from it; while the available Volkswagen Digital Cockpit allows drivers to reconfigure how they view vehicle information.

The available Volkswagen Car-Net® system provides a full suite of connected vehicle services, including standard App-Connect technology that offers integration with the three major smartphone platforms—Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®. The vehicle also features an available Fender® Premium Audio System that is the most sophisticated yet seen in a Volkswagen, with 12 channels, a 480-watt amplifier and 12 speakers.

The Atlas offers available driver assistance features that had been previously been reserved for premium SUVs, at an affordable level. These include: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert; Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), which actively helps the driver steer the car back into its lane; and Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist).

Also, the Atlas is the only vehicle in its class to offer the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact—the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System addresses this by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus helping reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage.

The Atlas arrives with a choice of two powertrains: the 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® four cylinder with 238 horsepower or the available 3.6-liter VR6 engine with 280 horsepower. Either engine routes power through an eight-speed transmission to help maximize engine efficiency, and the Atlas can be configured either as front-wheel-drive or with available 4Motion all-wheel-drive in VR6 trims. The 4Motion system has a Driving Mode Selection feature that allows the driver to select specific parameters based on driving conditions. EPA fuel economy estimates will be released ahead of the launch in the Spring of 2017.

The Atlas is built alongside the Passat at the Volkswagen Chattanooga assembly plant, the result of an additional $900 million investment by Volkswagen in the facility. The Chattanooga plant is the only automotive manufacturing facility in the world to receive Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) program.

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We at, VW Southtowne, are always so excited to host the pre-party for the Utah VW Classic and 2016 was no different! We hosted about 30-35 VW’s at VW Southtowne in front of our store and had Bumblebee Korean BBQ serve their amazing food. It was SO good, they even sold out!! (if you missed out you can visit their store on 7962 S State in Midvale)

We want to thank the Utah Transporter Association for allowing us to host here and for all the VW’s that show up each year!

Next year we will have a new parking lot, which means more space! (that is the idea anyway)

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We are just two days from the annual VW Classic Car Show presented by the Utah Transporters Association! Join VW Southtowne on the 16th from 6-9pm where we will be hosting many of these VW’s at the dealership 11000 S Frontage Road in South Jordan, Utah. Food will be available for purchase from the Bumblebee’s KBBQ & Grill truck!

If you haven’t been it is such a fun sight to see. Over 200 VW’s from around the western U.S. drive into Riverton City Park on September 17th. From 9-2pm over 200 VW’s will grace the lawn at the park for a good cause!

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You’ve spent all day at the dealership, you’ve picked out the perfect car, and now you are sitting in the finance office of the dealership getting ready to sign for the car of your dreams. Your finance manager will go through options that may or may not be required to carry on your new loan (generally if it is a lease or a high risk loan it is required); an extended warranty and gap. *gasp* Don’t worry, they really aren’t as scary as they sound and actually can be beneficial to your loan and vehicle purchase in the long run.

The first question you should ask yourself as a buyer is, “what is important if my car breaks down,” and “do I have cash readily available if my car does break down or need repairs?” Each dealership has their own programs and will offer different levels of coverage as far as an extended warranty is concerned.

Warranty prices depend on many different factors including but not limited to, the loan type and terms, the vehicle, and the miles on the vehicle. Here are some examples of the break downs on some warranties that can be offered (each may have a different name depending on dealership):

• Key replacement warranty. This gives a key replacement for up to a year at most dealerships. Dealership keys are very specific and can only be replaced by the dealer because of programming.
• Complete care can provide repairs for cosmetic damages such as dents, scratches, headlight reconditioning, etc. As with any plan, double check with the carrier and dealer on exactly what is covered because these vary depending on plan.
• Wheel and tire package is generally a no out of pocket expense for repair or replacement of tires from road hazard damages. Again, double check with carrier on what is covered, generally full tire replacement isn’t included unless it is completely unrepairable.
• Glass package covers windshield replacement/repair. Double check what coverage is and if there are stipulations as with any plan.
• Carefree maintenance is a plan that many dealerships offer that will cover a certain amount of oil changes, tire rotations, car washes, and multi-point inspections.
• Gap waiver. Drivers who have never had to use gap don’t always understand the purpose that it serves. Gap is generally an average of $12 a month during the term of your loan depending on the loan terms, etc. In the case that you total your car, it covers the difference between the current value of the car and the loan balance. Your car is constantly losing value (sorry) and the Gap insurance, is basically that, an insurance policy that will cover the amount between your vehicles value and what an insurance company will pay you if you total your car. Of course you don’t WANT to total your car but you can’t control other drivers either.

There are plenty of other options just depending on the dealer. Some of the other options a dealer may offer include Term care and Complete care which may also be referred to as Interior/Exterior protection. The term care may provide coverage for mechanical breakdown, brake pads, belts and hoses, fluids, diagnostics, and wheel alignment.

Most car buyers don’t understand the cost that each of these items may add up to. When considering these packages and adding them to your loan, ask yourself, if your car needed new belts and hoses right now would you have the $150-$200? What about brakes? That can be $200-$400 depending on how much needs to be replaced. If your actual headlights break? Did you know generally you have to replace the whole casing, that can be upwards of $300 minimum just to replace that. That extended warranty is looking pretty swell… Think of the warranty and GAP as peace of mind.

A little more on the purpose of GAP coverage. When customers are told they need to carry GAP they get concerned and sometimes frustrated. That it is generally because they are mis-informed along the way or there is a lack of communication about the benefit. Here at VW Southtowne, there are different types of GAP policies that are offered, some policies that other companies offer may only cover up to 150% of the wholesale book, where as the company that VW Southtowne uses will cover the whole amount. Besides totalling your car, if you do trade in your car and have GAP coverage on your loan, that amount is generally pro-ratable and you will receive a portion back. Many of our customer on a retail purchase, because like all installment loans you pay primarily interest, will keep an eye on the book value and will keep gap only during the first half of the loan. Although taking it off isn’t a big difference in your payment. Keep in mind, this is a protection for you as a driver. As mentioned above you may be a good driver, but there are still thousands on the road around you. This is just an extra insurance policy as your car is losing value, you are protected. Remember, peace of mind.

As with any paper work you sign, ask questions. It never hurts to take an extra couple of minutes to make sure as a consumer you fully understand the contract you are entering into. We cannot speak for every dealer, but the high majority are really not trying to pull wool over your eyes. They legitimately want to make sure you and your car protected properly for the life of ownership.

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VW Southtowne MSRP Buy Back on 2006 and NEWER vehicles. Deductions made for milage (up to max of the 2015 milage allowance), manufacturer incentives, and any vehicle damage. Not valid on high line vehicles. Lease requires $3999 down plus tax, title, license, state registration, and dealer fees. Financing through VCI on approved credit. Cannot be combined with any other offer. See Dealer for more details.

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We are aware that two major news stories broke this afternoon. We are aware that Utah AG Sim Gill has filed a civil suit suing Volkswagen for air quality. We are also aware that Volkswagen may have come to an agreement with the US Regulators regarding the diesel fix before their deadline of April 21st (that is tomorrow). Please keep in mind while reading news stories that a VW spokeswoman, the EPA, and the Justice Department declined to comment Wednesday.

We don’t want to be sending out mis-information to our customers and will make sure to keep you updated as we are.

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Every year Volkswagen awards a handful of dealerships the Wolfsburg Crest Club Award. Volkswagen Southtowne in South Jordan, Utah is a proud recipient for the 2015 calendar year. The award was presented today, April 20th, and accompanied by a beautiful luncheon provided by Cafe Bon Appetit from Westminster College.

Here is how a Volkswagen Dealership is award the Wolfsburg Crest Club Award; some determining factors are through new vehicle sales (which VW Southtowne has been #1 in our region for 5 quarters running), pre-owned car sales, customer service excellence, parts sales, and operating excellence just to name a few of the categories.

We are always honored to receive this award. Here are some fun pictures from our presentation!

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Just an update to our story from last month!!

We were able to fill almost all of the tent during the month of December for the Kids Eat Utah Organization. The food that we took in on collection from our employees, our vendors, and our customers will go to fill backpacks so kids that participate in local Boys and Girls club program won’t go hungry on the weekends.

Did you know 1 in 5 kids doesn’t know where their meal is coming from on the weekend??

We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve our community.

VW Southtowne is proud to partner with the Kids Eat Utah Organization for the month of December. We are going to fill the tent on our showroom floor to provide weekend meals for kids that participate in the Boys and Girls club program in the Salt Lake Valley.  We look forward to supporting this great organization and thank you for your support!

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VW Southtowne is proud to partner with the Kids Eat Utah Organization for the month of December. We are going to fill the tent on our showroom floor to provide weekend meals for kids that participate in the Boys and Girls club program in the Salt Lake Valley.  We look forward to supporting this great organization and thank you for your support!

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We thank the crew at Driving Sales for this insighful article to how business is running around VW Southtowne, Utah’s #1 Volume dealer, during the VW emissions scandal.

These are some words from our GM, Josh Osborne regarding the uncertainty. “There was a lot of unsurety about the brand, a lot of people unsure about whether or not they wanted to stick. Before Volkswagen stated whether or not they were going to be giving out assistance, cash, whether or not they’d be helping out in any way with the guests, we wanted to get that message out loud and clear and hear it first from VW SouthTowne rather that VW corporate.”

To read the article and check out a video click HERE.

Josh Osborne GM and Bryan Armstrong E-Commerce Director for VW Southtowne

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