Car Blog

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. announced it would initiate a new customer service program to address concerns raised by its customers with certain Direct Shift Gearboxes (DSG ) in Volkswagen and Audi models, and to affirm its confidence in the sophisticated technology represented by those components.

“Safety, customer satisfaction, quality and long-term reliability are top priorities at Volkswagen and Audi. We have been studying the symptoms customers have reported, and are working closely with the NHTSA,” said Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO, VWGoA. “We listened to our customers’ concerns, and are taking action to address them. We are focused on taking all the appropriate actions to ensure the complete satisfaction of our existing customers.”

This new comprehensive service program affects a limited number of model years 2007-2009 Volkswagens and Audis. Covered models are the Volkswagen R32, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GTI, Eos, as well as Audi A3 and TT.

Some customers have reported transmission performance issues under certain driving conditions. This was due to a faulty component inside the Mechatronic unit within a limited production range. VWGoA will repair or replace the components in the transmissions of approximately 43,000 Volkswagens and 10,300 Audis at no charge to the vehicles’ owners. Additionally, VWGoA will reimburse customers who have had this repaired at their own expense.

The company has begun increasing the parts supply to expedite this customer service program. As the parts become available, owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted to schedule an appointment at their dealer. The company will make loaner vehicles available at no charge.

In the meantime, owners who may have experienced problems with their transmissions are requested to contact their dealers or the Audi/Volkswagen toll-free customer service numbers (see below).

This new customer service program is unrelated to a voluntary safety recall that VWGoA announced August 20. Under that recall, VWGoA is replacing a faulty temperature sensor in a separate and smaller group of vehicles. (The earlier action addresses a potential for a faulty temperature sensor to cause the transmission to shift into neutral while the vehicle is being driven.)

The company will extend its New Vehicle Limited Warranty to cover the DSG transmissions affected by the customer service program and the voluntary safety recall. This extended warranty is for 10-years/100,000-miles, transferrable to subsequent owners.

VWGoA is confident these actions will address issues noted by owners of the affected Volkswagen and Audi models. The DSG gearbox is an industry leading technology that combines the fuel economy of a manual gearshift with the automatic shifting capacity of an automatic transmission.

Customers who have questions or concerns should call the Volkswagen Loyalty Center at 1-800-444-8982 or the Audi Customer Relations Campaign Help Line at 1-800-253-AUDI (2834).

Unfortunately, many of United States residents have been impacted negatively by the downturn of the economy often leading to the unwise decision of either lowering or cancelling automobile insurance coverage to save money.

The serious risks and consequences of such decisions are often not realized, turning out to be more costly in the long run.

Failure to Maintain Mandatory Insurance Coverage

All but two states make having some kind of protection mandatory in order to operate vehicles legally. Driving without proof of financial responsibility may result in citations and even the impounding of vehicles. Some states may even suspend driving privileges and vehicle registrations and the penalties and fines incurred will most likely turn out to be far more costly than having maintained coverage in effect.

Furthermore, a person financing a vehicle is usually required by their lien holder to have “Comprehensive and Collision” coverage in order to protect their automobile for physical damage and theft. Failure to maintain such coverage may lead to the forced placement of a policy by the financing institution where the premium is usually much higher than what an individual would normally pay, resulting in an increased financial burden.

The Dangers of Uninsured or Underinsured Driving

Various types of coverage are designed to protect an insured’s investment in their vehicle, pay medical damages and cover legal liability to other’s injury or damages as a result of an accident. Without a policy in force or without the proper coverage, a person would have to bear the entire cost in the event of an accident, leading to a crippling financial loss.

It’s far too expensive and dangerous to cancel or lower coverage. Take the smart alternative is to find cheap auto insurance rates by instantly comparing quotes online from a variety of companies. As advised by most government-issued consumer guides, comparison shopping for the right insurer increases the chances of finding affordable premiums without having to compromise the desired protection.

For more information on maintaining coverage through tough economic times, visit http://www.insurance.oregon.gov/FAQs/maintaining-insurance-faqs.html – provided by the Department of Consumer and Business Services.

Introduction of new 360 Value Package on S models

Nissan North America, Inc. announced pricing for the 2010 Nissan Rogue crossover SUV, which is on sale now at Nissan retailers nationwide. The 2010 Nissan Rogue is offered in four high mileage models, each equipped with a standard 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and six air bags.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) are:

Rogue S FWD $20,340 USD
Rogue SL FWD $21,930 USD
Rogue S AWD $21,540 USD
Rogue SL AWD $23,130 USD

For 2010, Rogue S models are available with a new 360 Value Package, which includes 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, privacy glass, integrated rearview mirror rearview monitor, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear spoiler and chrome grille. The 360 Value Package is priced at $1,040, a $1,000 savings compared to purchasing items separately.

2010 Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue crossover SUV continues to satisfy both the functional needs of the buyers and their emotional needs – including the versatility provided by a large 58 cubic feet of cargo space. Again in 2010, Rogue is available in Rogue S and Rogue SL trim levels and with an intuitive All-Wheel Drive system. Rogue SL models include standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Rogue’s interior includes a driver-oriented cockpit with available leather-appointed seating surfaces, heated seats and 6-way power driver’s seat. Utility is enhanced by numerous convenient storage and ultra-functionality features, including an oversized glove compartment, a large center console and an innovative available rear cargo organizer.

Available technology features include Nissan Intelligent Key, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately) and a powerful Bose -developed audio system with Nd Richbass woofer and MP3 playback.

Rogue also offers a long list of standard safety features, including front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for improved front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

Rogue fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg City/27 mpg Highway for 2-wheel drive models and 21 mpg City/26 mpg Highway for all-wheel drive models.