New 2011 Volkswagen Jetta blasts its rivals off the road

SAN FRANCISCO — It's hard to overstate the importance of the new Jetta to Volkswagen in the U.S.

Jetta generates about half of VW's U.S. sales, and the redesigned 2011 Jetta must take the lead if VW is to hit its mark of trebling sales the next few years.

So, VW has made the 2011 Jetta, on sale this October, bigger, much roomier, more refined and less-expensive than the model it replaces to lure new customers. So far, so good.

But VW also has made some changes that could rile its core cadre of loyalists who've been buying its cars all along.

Among changes to keep costs down, items likely to be vilified as evidence Jetta has been "dumbed down" to get more mainstream buyers:

• Rear suspension is a so-called "semi-independent torsion beam" instead of true "multi-link" independent rear suspension on the previous version. The latter is valued because, when properly executed, it improves ride, handling and steering. A GLI sport version due next spring will have independent rear suspension.
• Rear brakes are old-style drums on most models, not the discs of the 2010. (VW insists third-party tests show its drums stop as well as, or better than, rivals' discs.)
• Trip computer, the device that tells you miles per gallon, miles to empty and so on, isn't offered on the lower models, though is standard on the top version.
• Far fewer combinations of equipment and trim are available — 18 vs. 148 previously, not including color choices. Such simplification is cheaper for VW. It also makes it more likely a dealer will have one you want in stock — if your wants are defined by the 18 choices.
• No leather upholstery is available, even though rivals such as Civic offer it. VW insists that its "leatherette" (textured vinyl), perforated to let your backside breathe, is just as handsome and comfortable. It did seem more than OK in our drives.

The base Jetta, at about $17,000, is $1,700 cheaper than the 2010 base model, thanks to such cost-cutting.

It could be that most people won't care about Jetta's apparent technical backsliding.

Evidence: The test cars drove great. Smooth, nimble, quick, comfortable, assured, refined. Everything you want in a vehicle with sporting pedigree and premium image.

No low-level models were on hand, however, to see just how de-contented the new base Jetta feels. We tested SEL sedans with six-speed automatic transmissions, one level above the SE model that VW expects most people to choose. The SEL testers had trip computers and disc brakes on all wheels.

Judged by time in the testers, and from a general perspective rather than a VW partisan's view, the new car kicks the old one — and many rivals — right off the road.

In fact, the 2011 was so roomy and pleasant and premium (in the SEL) that you could reasonably consider it a lower-price, higher-mileage alternative to bigger cars such as Honda Accord or Ford Fusion.

Special treats:

• The five-cylinder, 2.5-liter engine that'll be in most versions has been transformed from a cranky workhorse to a smooth, gutty performer with a you-betcha personality. Teamed with the crisp-shifting, six-speed automatic transmission, it delivered a very satisfying drive, both in San Francisco traffic and out on Highway 1 along the twisting Pacific coast.
• Honestly roomy back seat provided more knee and leg room than most midsize and even large cars. More than some big SUVs, in fact. That's courtesy of a 3-inch stretch of the car vs. its predecessor.
• Driving feel appeared not to have suffered from the rear-suspension change. In fact, the Jetta testers steered, stopped and cornered with the convincing aplomb of higher-price machines.
  
  Bigger cars aren't as nimble as smaller ones, and the driver's mind quickly adjusts expectations accordingly. Thus, it's likely that the mental recalibration because of the 2011 Jetta's larger size camouflages any compromises you might otherwise feel from rear suspension changes.
• Power windows are one-touch up/down on all four windows. That's a high-end feature you seldom get outside the true luxury segment. Not only convenient, it minimizes the chances that you accidentally will leave a window down and wind up with a sodden interior from an unexpected rain.
• Sweet, sleek, stylish appearance; a grown-up persona. Not stodgy, but mature, as if the car's now suitable for a refined, somewhat older driver who has learned to appreciate a car more as an overall package than as a tally of its individual parts.

What we hated: automatic door locks that didn't automatically unlock. And VW folks on hand said they can't be reprogrammed to work otherwise.

You come to a stop, hop out of the driver's seat and yank the back door handle to retrieve your briefcase, gym bag, whatever and the door won't open. You have to reach back in at the driver's door and hit the unlock button to get the three other doors to unlatch.

Otherwise, judging the overall package based on the test cars, we'd have to say that the 2011 Jetta will be VW's best car.

If it's reliable, it could slam into the compact sedan market like an angry rhino.

ABOUT THE 2011 VOLSKWAGEN JETTA

What? Full remake of the most popular VW. A front-drive, four-door, five-passenger compact sedan. Gasoline-engine models available with five-speed manual (5MT) or six-speed automatic (6AT) transmission. TDI diesel: six-speed manual (6MT) or six-speed DSG automatically shifted manual.

When? Gasoline models on sale in October. Diesel later this year. GLI sport model late spring 2011. Gas-electric hybrid in 2012.

Where? Made in Mexico.

How much? Base S with manual transmission starts at $16,765 including $770 shipping. Typically equipped: $19,000 to $20,000.

How potent? Base 2-liter four-cylinder rated 115 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, 125 pounds-feet of torque at 4,000.

• 2.5-liter five-cylinder: 170 hp at 5,700, 177 lbs.-ft. at 4,250.
• 2-liter TDI diesel coming later this year: 140 hp at 4,000, 236 lbs.-ft. at 1,750.
• 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder GLI coming next spring: 200 hp, 207 lbs.-ft.

How big? A big compact: 5 inches longer, an inch wider than Honda Civic. Jetta is 182.2 inches long, 70 inches wide, 57.2 in. tall on a 104.4-in. wheelbase.

• Gas models weigh 2,804 to 3,082 lbs. TDI diesel: 3,161 (6MT) or 3,210 (DSG) lbs.
• Trunk: 15.5 cubic feet.

How thirsty? VW forecasts government mpg ratings of (city/highway/combined driving):

• 2.0: 23/32/26, 6AT, 24/34/28 5MT
• 2.5: 24/31/27, 6AT, 23/33/26 5MT
• Diesel: 30/42/34 6MT and DSG
• Trip computers in 2.5-liter, automatic-transmission test models showed 20.3 and 22.2 mpg in separate legs mixing San Francisco traffic and rural two-lane roads.
• All models hold 14.5 gallons.

Overall: Terrific.

WEST CHICAGO - Libertyville resident Donna Riemer was recently declared a love bug by Fox Valley Volkswagen West Chicago.

Riemer was entered into the car dealerships "Love Bug Contest" by longtime friend Suzanne Slade.

"It was nice to see someone who has given so much to so many people receive something," Slade said of her friend's win.

Sharing love
Slade entered Riemer in the contest after seeing a billboard advertising it on the highway. She was required to write a 1,000-character essay on why Riemer deserved to win.

Slade titled the essay "Lots of Love to Share," which read: "Donna Riemer has faced many difficult situations, but every time she has shared her extraordinary love for others. This November she has been married to her high school sweetheart, Kerry, for 25 years. Kerry had a diving accident before they were married which left him confined to a wheelchair with minimum use of his arms. She has cared for his needs and their love has grown.

"They adopted two children, Faith, now 22, and Billy, now 17. Both had a recent desire to find their birth mothers, so Donna helped them make those contacts. Billy's birthmother, only 51, was living in a cramped nursing home with no family support. With the help of friends and her church's women's ministry, they set Billy's birthmother up in her own apartment and supplied her with her every need. There are many more stories of Donna's love, but not enough words left to share them all! (But it would be incredible for Donna to get her first new car. Her husband bought her a 1969 VW bug many years ago.)"

The "Love Bug Contest" began in June and received 130 entries and more than 45,000 votes. Each month three winners were selected to receive a prize and entered to win the grand prize, a new red Volkswagen Beetle. Riemer and Madison Hanna of Geneva were the top-two vote getters. On Dec. 19, Riemer was handed the keys to the brand new vehicle.

Riemer, who has never had a new car in her life, was humbled by the whole experience.

"I think I was more excited by the excitement of other people," Riemer said, adding her friends and family launched a word-of-mouth campaign to help her win the car.

Having a new vehicle is a blessing, especially since it will allow the Riemers to keep their handicapped van in the garage and only use it when they really need it. Riemer has been driving it as her daily car and as a pastor at Alpine Chapel in Libertyville, has put a lot of miles on it.

"I want to use this vehicle to glorify God," Riemer said, adding she already had plans to use to transport stockings filled with gifts from Alpine Chapel to Sheltering Oak, a nursing home in Wauconda.

"Having a nice vehicle is a real blessing," she said, adding she plans to get a book to keep track of the Love Bug Adventures, writing about where the car goes in the name of God.

Slade said it was a nice Christmas present for her to see Riemer win the vehicle.

"If ever there is a need (Riemer) will do whatever she can to help them out," Slade said.

Kane County Chronicle: Geneva teen takes second place in Love Bug Internet contest

WEST CHICAGO - DePaul University communications major Madison Hanna saw her freedom and transportation to school taken away last summer after a family car was totaled in an accident.

Hanna now has new wheels, at least temporarily. On Saturday, the 19-year-old Geneva resident won the right to drive a Volkswagen Beetle for a year at no charge.

She received the second place prize in Fox Valley Volkswagen's Love Bug Contest, which asked people to nominate someone whose good deeds have inspired them.

Chicago residents voted on each story submitted to the Love Bug Contest Web page and Hanna received more than 10,000 votes and was less than 260 votes shy of winning the top prize - a 2009 Love Bug Beetle valued at more than $19,000.

The second place prize was a last-minute decision by Fox Valley Volkswagen owner Emir Abinion.

"That was such a nice surprise," Hanna said. "They didn't have to do that."

The grand prize went to Donna Riemer of Libertyville. She was nominated by a friend, Sue Slade of Libertyville.

"Donna Riemer has faced many difficult situations, but every time she has shared her extraordinary love for others," stated Slade's nomination letter. "This November she has been married to her high school sweetheart, Kerry, for 25 years. Kerry had a diving accident before they were married which left him confined to a wheelchair with minimal use of his arms. They adopted two children, Faith, now 22, and Billy, now 17."

Hanna's cousin, Patrick Crooks, who lives in Pennsylvania, nominated her.

"Madison has a lively spirit and sense of adventure, and nothing would make me happier than giving her the gift of a car, the ultimate symbol of freedom, independence and adventure," Crooks said in the nomination letter. "In a fiery red VW bug, the journey's bound to be unforgettable, wherever the path may lead."

Hanna would like to go into television production someday, and used her marketing and communication skills in making her appeal about why she needed a new set of wheels, including making a video that appeared on YouTube.

"All You Need Is Love - Bug," Hanna sang in the video, in a twist on The Beatles' song.

It amazed her that her story received more than 10,000 votes.

"I've been receiving so much support and love," Hanna said.

Daily Herald: Car crash might have a great upside

Madison Hanna is getting a crash course in marketing because of her family's car crash. If that sounds crazy, Madison is hoping it is crazy enough to win her a 2009 Volkswagen Beetle.

She can thank her cousin Patrick Crooks, a student at Penn State, for getting her name in the forefront of a monthly contest being held by Fox Valley Volkswagen, which has been encouraging people to submit a short story about why their loved one deserves a new car.

Crooks' story told of his long friendship with his cousin, but also the tough luck that Madison, a 2007 Geneva High graduate and a communications major at DePaul University, was facing when one of the family cars was totaled in a crash. The family has three kids in college at the same time, so sharing one car became the norm.

With some help from her mother, Nancy Hanna, and her production company forword.tv, Madison is using Facebook to market her cause and garner votes on the lovebugcontest.com Web site. Votes are being taken for the top stories in contention for the new car. The top vote-getter will be driving the new beetle by mid-December.

Fox Valley Villages Sun: For her love of the bug

Gevena girl puts marketing skills to test for first set of wheels

Madison Hanna needs wheels.

We know this because she says as much in the second video she made to promote her chance to win a brand-new, apple-red 2009 Volkswagen Beetle.

"I consider myself a friend of the Earth, I really do," she says in her video appeal, now being shown on YouTube. “"I walk everywhere. But it's come to the point where I need some wheels -- desperately." Madison, a 2007 graduate of Geneva High School, is a communications major at DePaul University in Chicago.

She now has a 1 in 15 chance of winning the new Beetle, thanks to Fox Valley Volkswagen, which is giving away the car, and Madison's cousin, Patrick Crooks, a Penn State University student who nominated her. The company has been promoting the contest at events and festivals by showcasing the car, which has a big heart on the side.

The company will give the car to the winner of an Internet poll, which started Tuesday and will run through Dec. 14, at lovebugcontest.com. People can go there, look up Madison's story and vote once a day for her until the end of the contest.

Madison is testing the communication and marketing skills she's learning at DePaul by releasing a video every week on YouTube, establishing a Facebook page dedicated to her campaign and even enlisting the help of her mother, Nancy Hanna, who owns her own video production company.

In her first video, she explains that she has shared cars with family members since becoming a driver and has never driven a brand-new car.

"My mind cannot even grasp what that would be like," she says.

Oh, and like any good campaigner, she's making some promises.

"If you ever need a ride," she says, looking into the camera. "I mean it."

Daily Herald: Flyers rolling out promotions for the fans

May 19, 2009

SCHAUMBUG, Il. — Strapping a fan onto a wall above right field to try to catch a fly ball and win a new car might notmakea baseball purist happy.

But the Schaumburg Flyers hope that and other new promotions will draw fans new and old this year. Armed with a new team logo, they’ll host their home opener against the Joliet Jackhammers at 6:45 p.m. today at Alexian Field.

Team owner Rich Ehrenreich said tickets sales are about 50,000 ahead of 2008’s pace. He hopes the team actually benefits from the sagging economy, as families opt to attend minor league games instead of spending more at Wrigley or U.S. Cellular fields.

For corporate clients, Ehrenreich says, high-priced suites at a Major League stadium don’t make sense from a financial or public relations standpoint.He points to the pricey seats at the new Yankee Stadium.

“People don’t want to be seen behind home plate at a Yankees game,” he said. “It just doesn’t look good because it’s so expensive.”

The Flyers will continue their tradition of creative — some would say gimmicky —promotions, like the wall.

In the bottom of the sixth inning of each home game, a fan will don a garment made of a Velcro-like fabric and slip into a harness. A pulley system will hoist the fanofftheground, and he or she will be fastened to a panel on a wooden platform above right field.

If a Flyer hitter slams a homer over the fence and the fan manages to catch the ball while stuck to the wall, the fan will win a $25,000 car from Fox Valley Volkswagen, which has showrooms in Schaumburg and West Chicago.

It’s not exactly comfortable, as the harness tends to squeeze tight against the lower torso.

Catching a homer won’t be easy, either. Cubs Hall of Fame second basemen Ryne Sandberg would have been lucky to win a Gold Glove with the reduced mobility the harness affords. Mathematically, the chances a ball lands in the fan’s vicinity are also small.

“But would you do it for a shot at a car?” said Flyers Assistant General Manager Aaron Studebaker.

The wall does provide a unique vantage point for seeing the game, though rainy days could be problematic.

Fans must sign up either at the stadium or at the dealership. And yes, spokeswoman Sarah Eichenberger said, the team is insured in case of a wall emergency.

Other new additions include a children’s playground, moonwalk and batting cages beyond left field, and a hot tub and tiki bar behind the first baseline seats. The stadium’s suites also have been upgraded.

The season also features the usual slew of pop cultural promotions, like a Star Warsthemed night with appearances from Darth Vader and Batman. But the classic fireworks night typically guarantees a sellout.

“Nothing works as well,” General Manager Ben Burke said.

The Flyers will also face Olympic softball star Jennie Finch and her Chicago Bandits on July 27. The fast-pitch battle of the sexes was Eichenberger’s idea. Past promotions have included adding Nigel Thatch, who played Leon in a series of Budweiser commercials, to the roster. A couple of years ago, fans had a chance to play a baseball video game to determine the outcome of an actual game. That promo was eventually nixed.

VW Touareg TDI Arrives With $1,150 Tax Credit

May 19, 2009

HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today the all-new Touareg TDI will be available in dealer showrooms in all 50 states this May. Purchasers of the 2009 Touareg TDI are eligible for a $1,150 Federal Income Tax Credit.* The Internal Revenue Service has issued a certification letter affirming that the Touareg TDI qualifies for the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle Federal Income Tax Credit.

"The $1,150 tax credit provides an even greater value to the upcoming Touareg TDI," said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "All of our clean diesel vehicles offer consumers power, utility, performance, and safety. The Touareg TDI is an excellent addition to our clean diesel model line."

The Touareg TDI showcases the best of both worlds, an alternative fuel Sport Utility Vehicle that provides fuel efficiency and go anywhere driving capability. Touareg TDI meets the stringent emissions standards of all 50 states.

Also standard for 2009 is Volkswagen's Carefree Maintenance Program. With this program there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance described in the vehicle's maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty — three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

EPA estimates the Touareg TDI's fuel economy at 17 city and 25 highway mpg (your mileage will vary).

* Tax credit submitted under Notice 2006-9 and Internal Revenue Code, Section 30B relative to the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 3.0L TDI. Available to taxpayers who purchase a qualified vehicle on or before December 31, 2010. Leased vehicles are not eligible for the tax credit. Only a limited number of full tax credits are available. Please consult a tax professional for more information or go to http://www.irs.gov.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle Convertible, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, CC, Tiguan, Touareg 2 and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2009 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.

Volkswagen Tiguan Wins AutoPacific's 2009 Vehicle Satisfaction Award

May 19, 2009

HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that owners of their Tiguan have given it strong ratings that place it at the top of the Mid-Size Crossover Sport Utility Vehicle category in AutoPacific's 2009 Vehicle Satisfaction Award research. AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) is an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new car or light truck, and reflects the opinions of consumers nationwide.

"Having our Tiguan recognized by AutoPacific and our customers for its vehicle satisfaction is a tremendous honor for us," said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "Owner based awards such as AutoPacific's VSA help consumers make educated decisions when purchasing a new vehicle. We believe in our products and we're glad to see that our customers believe in them as well," added Barnes.

The VSA Awards summarize the results of AutoPacific's 2009 model year vehicle satisfaction research. More than 25,000 consumers around the country participated in the survey. The VSA is derived entirely from owner satisfaction, which is measured across 48 specific areas related to a vehicle's operation, comfort, safety, and overall purchase/lease experience. The 2009 ratings reflect input from buyers and lessees of new vehicles acquired September through December 2008.

"AutoPacific has conducted this industry research since 1997. Vehicles that score highest in AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Awards have hit the mark delivering value and satisfaction with their buyers by performing well in 48 separate categories that measure the ownership experience," says AutoPacific president George Peterson.

Tiguan, the GTI of Compact Sport Utility Vehicles, features the "fun to drive" handling and performance owners have come to expect from Volkswagen. The Tiguan comes standard with Volkswagen's 2.0L TSI® engine that delivers turbo-charged acceleration while still delivering responsible fuel efficiency. This award winning turbo-charged four-cylinder power plant delivers 200 horsepower and 207 lbs. –ft. of torque. The combination of four valves per cylinder, direct fuel injection and turbo-charging delivers the optimum balance of power and economy. European tuned suspension enables connected handling, while also providing a smooth and compliant ride. Both front wheel drive and 4Motion® all-wheel-drive is available to suit any weather or road condition.

Recently the Tiguan was rated one of the top small SUVs in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) new Roof Strength safety-test. Tiguan also received the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK award for 2008, and top ratings in the IIHS front and side crash testing making it one of the safest small SUVs available in the market today. The Tiguan also comes standard with electronic stability control, branded ESP on Volkswagen vehicles, and six airbags, with rear seat airbags as an option.

Tiguan is available in three trim levels, S, SE, and SEL. It is based priced at $23,200, reflecting the Volkswagen brand commitment of providing both tremendous value and affordable German engineering. Tiguan offers EPA fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Tiguan, like all current 2009 model year Volkswagen vehicles, is included in the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. Under this program all of Tiguan's scheduled maintenance, as described in its maintenance booklet, is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Warranty, three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

About AutoPacific
AutoPacific is a future-oriented automotive market research and product-consulting firm. Every year AutoPacific publishes a wide variety of syndicated studies on the automotive industry. The firm also conducts extensive proprietary research and consulting for auto manufacturers, distributors, marketers and suppliers worldwide. Company headquarters and its state-of-the-art automotive research facility are in Tustin, California, with an affiliate office in the Detroit area.

Additional information, including a listing of all 2009 VSA winners, can be found on AutoPacific's websites: www.autopacific.com, www.vehiclevoice.com.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle Convertible, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, CC, Tiguan, Touareg 2 and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2009 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.

Daily Herald: Volkswagen dealer sees silver lining

January 25, 2009

SCHAUMBUG, Il. — Don’t tell Emir Abinion that the automobile business in the United States is all gloom and doom. If you look hard enough, you can fi nd some bright spots.

In the midst of an economy where automobile sales have experienced a steady decline, Abinion has opened a new Volkswagen dealership in West Chicago and purchased an existing location in Schaumburg, achieving success with both. Particularly remarkable is that in December, while most dealerships braced themselves for abysmal sales, Fox Valley Volkswagen’s Schaumburg location (formerly Ed Murphy Volkswagen) experienced its highest sales volume in 18 months.

Born in the Philippines, Abinion emigrated to the United States when he was 6 years old. He grew up on Chicago’s west side and attended Lane Tech High School, then North Park College, majoring in business. An eff ort to earn money to pay for his college classes led him into the automobile business.

What was your first car?
“A 1974 Mazda RX4 with a rotary engine that I bought when I was in high school.”

How did you get started in the automobile business?
“After my sophomore year in college, I was looking for a way to earn more money to pay for school, so I answered an ad from Jerry Gleason Ford in Niles. I started there as a full-time sales associate in the summer, part-time in the winter while I was going to school. Th ree years later, I became general manager of the dealership. Jerry Gleason still remains a close friend and mentor today. He taught me the basics of the car business, but he taught me to do it exceptionally well. Jerry played a very big part in shaping my philosophy and the value of business integrity.”

What do you like about the automobile sales industry?
“In this country, we have always had a love aff air with cars. It’s not something we use to get from Point A to Point B. If you’re honest and upfront with someone, they’ll come back to you because people want a friend in the car business.”

How has the industry changed during the years you have been in business?
“The shift started about 20 years ago with a stronger emphasis on service. You need to have a strong basis in service these days.

“Also the Internet plays a bigger role in how people choose their cars. It used to be that people went from dealership to dealership to shop. Now they look on the Internet fi rst and narrow down where they go. We have also sold and shipped cars to people on both coasts, as well as Norway and Greenland, so it’s no longer just local.”

What is your business philosophy?
“I like to think that in all of the stores that I’ve had, I’ve had the same values in my business life as I have in my personal life; I’m a Christian and that’s important to me. I have had people buy cars from me 20 years later, even though I am now selling a diff erent brand of cars. It’s not the vehicle, but the individual they come for because if you are comfortable, you want to stay with them.”

How did you turn around Landmark Ford?
When I purchased Landmark Ford in 1992, it was the highest complaint (Ford) store in the country. Within three years, we had turned it around. When you go into a situation like this, it’s easy to think that the people working there are at fault. But after being there a few months, it wasn’t the people but the values that were in place.

“We started some teambuilding to develop camaraderie, plus events like company picnics and trips to Great America. When people get to know one another in events outside of work, it breaks down barriers and becomes easier to solve problems together at work. We went from being the highest complaint store in the country to winning the Ford President’s Award for customer service in 2000, 2001, and 2002.”

How do you motivate your employees?
“We have a guiding principles statement that outlines how we treat our customers. It covers quality, integrity, continuous improvement, benefi cial relationships with suppliers and manufacturers and centers on how customers are the focus of everything we do. If everyone is working off the same song sheet, if you give employees a vision, they will want to follow.

“We have leadership meetings once a week where we take care of any issues that have come up. My job is to take all the red tape away from the leaders and managers so they can do their job. Plus, you give them some autonomy to solve problems. When you empower them in this way, they feel good about solving a problem.”

Why did you switch from selling Fords to selling Volkswagens?
“Ford had been losing market share for fi ve years. At the time, Ford wanted us to build a new showroom in Niles and that just wasn’t feasible.

“We started working with Volkswagen back in 2002. Th ey wanted someone to open a dealership in the St. Charles area. It’s diffi cult to get an open point, but Volkswagen took a look at us and what we had done and we were approved. So in July 2006, we opened up a brand new store in West Chicago and quickly became the No. 1 Volkswagen dealership in customer satisfaction for sales and service in the state of Illinois and 15th in volume out of 150 dealers in the central United States. We ended up selling Landmark back to Ford.”

What does Volkswagen have to offer to the American consumer?
“When I visited the Wolfsburg plant in Germany, I was pleasantly surprised by the attention to detail that they put into their cars. Domestic brands give you a lot of incentives and rebates to buy, but is the car really worth that much? Volkswagen doesn’t give price incentives. I would rather see manufacturers bring the price levels of cars down to what they’re worth. What this does is that in the used car market, the value of Volkswagens doesn’t drop as fast.

“It’s also a fun brand. Th ere’s some wonderful nostalgia with Volkswagen because everyone seems to have a story that they either learned to drive in a Beetle or rode in one as a kid.”

How does having your longtime friend Shakeel Omar as a partner help your business?
“Shakeel runs our used car operation and he’s the best person that I know of to run this part of the business. I’ve known him for 25 years, when we were both working at Jerry Gleason Ford. He goes to the used car auctions and buys cars off auctions on the Internet. This is an important part of our business as our ratio of new car sales to pre-driven is nearly one to one.”

How can an automobile dealership survive in this economy?
“There is no silver bullet answer to that question. A good dealer doesn’t necessarily mean having the best price. It means taking care of the customer. As an owner/dealer, you also need to spend time with your employees.

“Obviously, you have to control expenses. Having two locations in adjacent markets allows us to consolidate operations in the areas of purchasing, personnel and marketing and advertising.”

Is financing difficult to obtain?
“We haven’t seen any problems. Volkswagen Credit is our major partner, and unlike GMAC, Volkswagen Credit only fi nances vehicles purchased from Volkswagen stores. The strength of the brand is perfected by the strength of their fi nancial arm. We get wonderful support from them.”

How do you give back to the community?
“We have donated vans to the Riverwoods Christian Center in St. Charles, which helps underprivileged kids. We have also helped the Bartlett Learning Center and the Lazarus House homeless shelter. We also had a Christmas party this year where we gathered toys for the Salvation Army. Our employees also volunteer at many of these institutions we support.”