The television spot featured a young boy, dressed in a Darth Vader costume, who believes he has special powers after starting the engine to a Volkswagen Passat. Viewers later fell in love with the little boy after revealing himself on a talk show and the fact that he has had heart issues since birth.

Needless to say, Volkswagen has a tough act to follow.

Volkswagen began preparing for the 2012 Superbowl last summer by discussing the creative ideas for the new commercial with their hired ad agency, Deutsch L.A..

“[In] the end, given the momentum and interest, it made the most sense to tap into the equity of last year,” Mr. Mahoney, chief product and marketing officer at Volkswagen, said. He later explains that while they’ll be tapping into the “Star Wars” equity, they have no intentions of making a sequel to last year’s successful spot – nor will the little boy be returning in this one.

In order to generate buzz, Volkswagen recently released a teaser entitled, “The Bark Side.” This YouTube sensation features a choir of dogs who bark “The Imperial March.” This video has already gotten the web anticipating what Volkswagen will bring to the table February 5, 2012.

Are you excited to see what VW will roll out this Superbowl?

Visit Volkswagen SouthTowne to check out the 2012 Passat and take it for a test drive.

For a limited time, all of Volkswagen SouthTowne’s used Beetles are on sale starting as low as $7999. There are currently thirteen Volkswagen Beetles in stock at VW SouthTowne ranging from 2002-2010 all at rock-bottom prices. PLUS when you purchase any of them you will get an additional $500 off their price tag!

Here is a few of the Beetles that are on sale:

This 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle has a peppy 2.5 cyl. 5L engine with only 87K miles on it and is currently listed at a low $11,000.

This silver 2007 New Beetle is fun, sporty, and has under 32k miles. This baby also has four-wheel drive and is equipped with traction control, passenger airbags, mirror turn signals, and stability control.

There are more like this at Volkswagen SouthTowne. Come visit us and test drive one of these classic Volkswagen Beetles. If you mention that you saw this blog post or our Facebook status, you will receive an extra $500 off! No joke! Hurry in before this offer expires.

For a quick, easy way to view all Volkswagen used Beetles that are in stock, visit us at volkswagensouthtowne.com. Here are a list of the stock numbers of the Beetle’s on sale:

5903
5919
5933
66555A
5950
5956
5972
5974
67030A
66598AA
66712A
66828A
66761AA

Bigger doesn’t always mean better – but in the 2012 Volkswagen CC‘s case, it just might. Edmunds.com, a trusted source for consumer reviews about vehicles, had very little to complain about regarding VW’s 2012 CC. Their biggest concern was that the CC offered only two seats in the back passenger area; however, starting in March the 2012 Volkswagen CC will be showcasing an optional fifth seat!

Volkswagen has always been a car maker that listens to its customers and due to high customer demand, an optional fifth seat will soon be available in March of this year. Volkswagen feels that by adding this fifth seat, they are increasing the functionality and utility of the CC while still maintaing the sporty-feel of the vehicle. That will be perfect for our customers at Volkswagen SouthTowne who need the extra space!

The 2012 Volkswagen CC is a great alternative to other midsize sedans because it offers a fuel-effecient and energetic turbo four-cylindar engine and because it is loaded with high-tech features. The exterior is fully loaded with laser seam welding, Bi-Xenon headlights with AFS, a rearview camera, and brake disc wiping. On the inside, the VW CC offers a multi-functioning steering wheel, a self-dimming rearview mirror, Climatronic climate control, and heated front seats.

Not only does the 2012 CC offer the European luxuries you crave, it also boasts the title of a 2012 Top Safety Pick. This sleek car has electronic stability control, an intelligent crash response system, an electric parking brake, and a crash-optimized front end.

While you may not have needed another reason to buy the 2012 Volkwswagen CC, that extra fifth seat will be available at Volkswagen SouthTowne in March 2012. Come test drive this sporty sedan and see why experts are in love with this attractive car.

The verdict is in: Motor Trend has named the Volkswagen Passat the 2012 Motor Trend Car of The Year. And with good reason too. The 2012 Passat is not only stylish and sophisticated, it is powerful and commands the attention of the public.

One thing that sets the Passat apart from the crowd is its advancement in design. Motor Trend expert, Tom Gale, said this: “The package provides good accommodation, and like the Audi [A6], what is remarkable is the restraint shown with the handling of the design. Clean, beautiful surfaces have been refined for an engaging result. The upper character line, with its subtle undercut, is an example of the care taken with the stampings throughout.” While the interior isn’t ground-breaking, its choice in grain, gloss levels, and high-quality material choices are tasteful and sophisticated.

Experts were also impressed with the 2012 Passat’s fuel economy – which happen to be the highest of this year’s finalists at 34.3 mpg when tested. While the car is environmentally friendly, the engine provides a fun, exciting, and powerful ride. One expert said you’ve got a green car ”without the compromises the mainstream green vehicles impose — a true technological achievement.”

Safety is an important feature to consider as well. The Passat has all of the bells and whistles you would expect in a Volkswagen car: six airbags, stability control, tire-pressure monitoring system, brake-assist, and many other electronic aids that prevent things from going wrong in the first place.

Thanks to loyal customers, great cars, and a solid reputation, Volkswagen maybe well on its way to becoming 2011′s Biggest Carmaker of the Year by surpassing Toyota and GMC in sales in emerging markets.

Last year, Volkswagen was the third largest carmaker, but experts estimate that the German company will see a 13 percent rise to 8.1 million vehicles this year. Experts also estimate that GMC will only gain 8% to 7.55 million, while Toyota will drop a whopping 9% down to 7.27 million.

The reason VW is seeing so much growth is due to their presence in other countries outside of the United States. Volkswagen sales in China are estimated to rise to almost 20% in 2011 and sales in India are estimated to double.

Toyota has taken a big hit since the earthquake that devastated Japan not too long ago. Toyota has had to shut down the Southeast Asian plants that have been destroyed due to floods in Thailand – an aftereffect from the earthquake. While this has taken a toll on Toyota, it has lead to the success of VW.

‘‘Growth in China, Europe and the U.S. are major contributors to VW’s expansion but they obviously also benefit from Toyota’s own misfortunes,” said Daniel Schwarz, a Frankfurt-based analyst at Commerzbank AG who recommends buying VW stock.

When Toyota recovers from their losses, it could be possible that Toyota jumps back up to the #1 spot. But with great cars like the 2012 Volkswagen Passat, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, and the classic 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, Toyota has some major competition.

Come to Volkswagen SouthTowne test drive the all-new Volkswagen Touareg or the practical Volkwagen Routan.

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is something to behold. With its top-of-the-line features and distinctive design, this is an SUV that turns heads.

The stylish SUV features everything you want in a new car: a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry with a push-button start, and a remote rear liftgate. This Touareg gets great fuel economy thanks to Volkswagen’s “Think Blue” strategy. They were able to reduce the weight of the SUV some 350lbs! This saves the planet, while saving you money on gas.

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg has some stiff competition. The 2012 Acura MDX, 2012 BMW X5, and the 2012 GMC Acadia all have great features and specs, but the Touareg comes out on top on certain categories. The Volkswagen Touareg has a whopping 32.1 cu. ft. of cargo space which is 8 more cu. ft. than the next top competitor. While they all share similar fuel economy, the Touareg is the only one that is a IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2011.

You can lease the Volkswagen Touareg right now for $0 down, $0 first month payment, and $0 due at signing. If you would rather purchase than lease, VW Southtowne is offering 0% APR for 60 months. So what are you waiting for? Head over to Volkswagen Southtowne and test drive the 2012 Touareg. You won’t be disappointed.

When I think of car safety, Volvo immediately comes to mind. Volvo has been known to be a car brand concerned with safety and always makes top marks in annual safety rating tests. This year, however, it seems like things have changed.

Volkswagen is currently leading the industry with nine 2011 IIHS Top Safety Pick awards. This is more picks than any other brand in the marketplace. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick” award, is the highest rating a car can get from the non-profit safety research organization.

This award, given out annually, recognizes the vehicles that perform the best is protecting passengers in front, side, and rear crash test evaluations. Volkswagen’s models have have won the award this year include the Volkswagen  2011-12 Volkswagen Jetta, 2011-12 Volkswagen Golf, 2011-12 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen, 2011-12 Volkswagen GTI, 2011-12 Volkswagen Tiguan, 2012 Volkswagen Routan, 2011-12 Volkswagen CC, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, and 2011-12 Volkswagen Toureg. Talk about an impressive lineup!

“Volkswagen has shown an enduring commitment to engineer vehicles with safety performance that goes beyond basic government standards,” says Institute president Adrian Lund. “The 2005 Jetta was the first car to ace the Institute’s tough side impact crash test, and Volkswagens like the new 2011 Jetta continue to set the standard with the highest safety ratings.”

Come and visit Volkswagen SouthTowne in South Jordan and test drive these IIH Top Safety Picks. Right now, Volkswagen is currently offering to Pay Your Mortgage with any new or used purchase. We’re all about your safekeeping! Hurry! This offer ends November 30th 2011!

In the past few years Volkswagen has created some great advertising that has won awards, increased sales, and gotten the public to interact with their brand. Last year alone we experienced not one, but two great ads from Volkswagen during the Superbowl introducing the 2012 Beetle and the 2012 Passat.

While we have seen some ground-breaking advertising by Volkswagen as of late, they have had a long history of capturing the people’s attention.

The very first VW Beetle ads in the U.S. came out in the 60′s to help promote the German car to American’s for the first time. Up until then, American’s were obsessed with muscle cars and their advertisements relied on persuasion and fantasy to get the sale. VW did something unique in order to sell their unique-looking car.

VW came out with print advertisements that had a lot of white space, a smaller image, and a uniquely short headline. Two of the most famous headlines are “Lemon.” and “Think Small”. They decided to focus on the VW Beetle’s form which brought a lot of attention from the public. It challenged the idea of what a car should represent and contradicted the traditional association of cars with luxury.

Experts say:

“The campaign has been considered so successful that it did much more than boost sales and build a lifetime of brand loyalty [...] The ad, and the work of the ad agency behind it, changed the very nature of advertising—from the way it’s created to what you see as a consumer today.”

Come be apart of a great history. Visit Volkswagen Southtowne and check out the new 2012 VW Beetle.

Great news, folks! Volkswagen SouthTowne, the #1 VW dealer in Salt Lake, is clearing out their 2011 inventory. This means that you will get that great deal on a purchase or lease you’ve been searching for. But you’ve got to hurry in for the best selection.

Here are the 2011 vehicles you can check out:

• 2011 Jetta SE: Bigger and more affordable than ever, the 2011 Jetta is well-equipped, smart, and fuel-effecient.
• 2011 Jetta TDI: Not only is the TDI a dependable car, it has everything you want in a luxury car: a navigation system, Bluetooth, an iPod input, and Satellite radio.

• 2011 Routan: This minivan will make you forget you’re driving a minivan. You can expect a powerful engine,               comfortable seating, and high-quality cabin materials.
• 2011 Routan SEL: This minivan has all the bells and whistles that you will ever need. This baby comes equipped with a navigation system, bluetooth, iPod input, Satellite radio, and a DVD player.

• 2011 Touareg VR6 Executive: This crossover has a high-class interior, confident handling, 4-wheel drive, and a navigation system.

• 2011 VW GTI 2.0T: This vehicle combines European luxury and hatchback versatility that makes this the perfect car for you. Come into Volkswagen SouthTowne today or contact us online.

What is even more exciting, is that the Golf R, with 256 horsepower, will be the most powerful VW sports performance car to have ever been sold in the U.S..

On the outside, you can see that VW has made some sweet changes. Every model is equipped with LED daytime running lights and a black radiator grille that sits in front of the car.

The interior has also been enhanced greatly. You can expect to be comfortable in deep bucket, leather seats while you enjoy the Golf’s Premium VIII audio with eight speakers, aux-in, a Media Device Interface with iPod® connectivity, and Bluetooth capability.

While you may have to wait until January of 2012 to take one of these babies out for a test drive, come visit VW South Towne and test drive the 2012 Passat or check out the new and improved 2012 Beetle.