BRAINTREE, MASS. (08/24/2011)(readMedia)– it takes a whole lot of spending to create new, technologically advanced cars and, according to a new report, no other automaker spends more than Volkswagen. That willingness to spend on innovation has allowed Volkswagen to spread fuel-efficient technology across its lineup and develop the completely redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Passat and 2012 VW Beetle.
Volkswagen spent $9.2 billion dollars last year in research and development, according to Autoline Detroit. in comparison, Honda spent almost $5.7 billion last year and General Motors had a research and development budget just south of $7 billion. The results of those billions of dollars in spending can be seen at Volkswagen dealerships, where the vehicles, many of which feature Volkswagen’s innovative TDI clean Diesel engines, are the direct result of years of research and development.
“Volkswagen doesn’t design their vehicles on a budget,” said Jason Thompson, general manager of Quirk Volkswagen, a Greater Boston Volkswagen dealership. “Every system, every part, they each get as much attention as is needed to make it right. That’s what gives Volkswagens their reputation for quality and engineering excellence.”
The development of advanced technology has paid big dividends for Volkswagen this year, as sales in the United States have risen 22.2 percent year-over-year through July. Those numbers should continue to rise as the 2012 Passat, which debuted in July, picks up sales momentum. this fall, Volkswagen’s sales should be bolstered further by the arrival of the 21st Century Beetle.
Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com put the VW Golf TDI on its 2011 top 10 Green Cars list, noting the vehicle’s impressive mix of fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive handling. The Golf TDI makes use of Volkswagen’s 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine, which produces 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers allow the vehicle to accelerate like a performance hatchback while returning up to 42 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg in the city. That fuel efficiency, combined with the Golf TDI’s 14.5-gallon fuel tank, provide a highway cruising range of more than 600 miles, which means more time driving and less time pumping fuel.
“If you spend more, you get more, and Volkswagen customers are getting a lot, whether it is a roomier, feature-filled Passat or TDI engines that allow for fun, fuel-efficient driving,” Thompson noted. “In this case though, Volkswagen is the one doing the spending, while the consumer is the one benefiting from their hard work. No matter how you cut it, that’s good news for Volkswagen buyers.”
About Quirk Volkswagen:
Quirk Volkswagen is the premier Greater Boston Volkswagen dealer. Boston VW customers choose Quirk for great service and pricing on new and used VW cars. A dedicated and knowledgeable staff is on hand to show you their extensive selection, with Volkswagen models ranging from the Jetta to the Touareg. You can preview their inventory online at www.quirkvw.com, Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkVolkswagenMA, reach them by phone at (877) 624-0143 or visit their dealership showroom at 20 Granite Street in Braintree, Massachusetts.