Prof. Dr. Jürgen Leohold: “An important milestone on the path towards fully automatic and accident-free driving.”

Wolfsburg/Borås, 23 June 2011 – At the final presentation of the EU research project HAVEit (Highly Automated Vehicles for Intelligent Transport), Prof. Dr. Jürgen Leohold, Executive Director Volkswagen Group Research, has presented the “Temporary Auto Pilot” by Volkswagen: Monitored by the driver, the car can drive semi-automatically up to a speed of 80 miles per hour on motorways. It represents a link between today’s assistance systems and the vision of fully automatic driving.

“Above all, what we have achieved today is an important milestone on the path towards accident-free car driving,” emphasises Leohold at today’s final presentation of the EU research project HAVEit in the Swedish city of Borås. The Temporary Auto Pilot (TAP) bundles semi-automatic functions, i.e. functions monitored by the driver, with other driver assistance systems, such as ACC adaptive cruise control and the Lane Assist lane-keeping system into one comprehensive function. “Nonetheless, the driver always retains driving responsibility and is always in control,” continues Leohold. “The driver can override or deactivate the system at any time and must continually monitor it.”

TAP always offers the driver an optimal degree of automation as a function of the driving situation, acquisition of the surroundings and driver and system states. It is intended to prevent accidents due to driving errors by an inattentive, distracted driver. In the semi- automatic driving mode – referred to as Pilot Mode, for short – TAP maintains a safe distance to the vehicle ahead, drives at a speed selected by the driver, reduces this speed as necessary before a bend, and maintains the vehicle’s central position with respect to lane markers. The system also observes overtaking rules and speed limits. Stop and start driving manoeuvres in traffic jams are also automated. With TAP, it is possible to drive at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour on motorways or similar roads. Drivers must still continually focus their attention on the road, so that they can intervene in safety-critical situations at any time.

In contrast to previous research vehicles such as “Junior” and “Stanley”, TAP is based on a relatively production-like sensor platform, consisting of production-level radar-, camera-, and ultrasonic-based sensors supplemented by a laser scanner and an electronic horizon. “One conceivable scenario for its initial use might be in monotonous driving situations, e.g. in traffic jams or over sections of a driving route that are exceedingly speed-limited,” comments Leohold.

“Loved our salesperson Jill.”

“Would like to thank Dan Welch for exceptional professionalism and patience. This is the first time that I purchased independently so I was very apprehensive with many questions. Dan answered each one thoroughly, ensuring that I understood his response. Gave an accurate description of each vehicle and after much conservation directed me toward the VW Jetta.I have had my car almost a month and every morning it is like Christmas when I climb into my new car!!! It is a great vehicle and I am truly enjoying driving it. Thank you very much Dan. Have reccommended you to several of my friends who are car shopping and to those who are not!!! Hope you get some business. Many thanks,” Glenda Hastings

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“I went into Dorschel about two weeks prior to picking up my car with the intention of leasing a Volkswagen CC and left yesterday having done just that (after they got one in stock in the color/model that I was looking for). I initially chose the company because I’d stopped in before and was impressed with the professional atmosphere, low pressure sales men and women and overall excellent prices, presentation and employee demeanors. After dealing directly with them, my impression of Dorschel is definitely better than before.I originally spoke to Dan Welch who let me test drive the car in the one color they had on site (6-speeds were few and far between in the colors I was looking for) and let him know that I liked the car. Dorschel contacted me about a week later to let me know that they had more manual CC’s coming in. I went back in to see Dan the following Saturday and did the initial paperwork for the car.

“This is the third car buying/leasing experience we have had with Dorschel VW and specifically Dan Welch and he and his support staff have always been nothing but helpful and friendly! I would absolutely recommend Dorschel to my friends and family.”

Top Selling U.S. Sedan Offers German Engineering at an Accessible Price

Herndon, VA – The 2011 VW Jetta was chosen today by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com as one of the 2011 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000. Editors at kbb.com searched for the most enjoyable vehicles that get you from point A to point B without breaking the bank.

With ‘fun-to-drive’ and ‘fun-to-own’ as Kelley Blue Book’s focal criteria, the 2011 Jetta continues the model’s legacy of delivering an exceptional driving experience. According to kbb.com, “the Jetta continues to deliver superior ride and handling, but it’s now roomier and priced more competitively” within the compact sedan segment.

“Volkswagen is excited that the Jetta has been recognized by Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com as one of the 2011 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000,” said Tim Mahoney, Chief Product and Marketing Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “The Jetta is one of the most recognized Volkswagen nameplates and with the 2011 pricing strategy we have made the model line accessible to more consumers,” added Mahoney.

With Jetta sales up more than 70 percent compared to last year, consumers are seizing the opportunity to buy a German engineered sedan with sophisticated style at an accessible price. New Jetta purchases have contributed to Volkswagen’s 27.9 percent increase in year over year sales, making May 2011 the company’s best sales month since August 2003.

The new Jetta comes standard with the Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS), which is unique in its class. ICRS turns off the fuel pump, activates the hazard lights and unlocks the doors in the case of an airbag deployment. The 2011 Jetta is also covered under the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. All scheduled maintenance is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Warranty – three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

From Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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HERNDON, Va., June 16, 2011 — The stylish CC 2.0L TSI® has earned the coveted Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK rating for 2011, the highest possible from the non-profit safety research organization. The annual rating recognizes those vehicles that perform best in protecting passengers in the Institute’s front, side, and rear crash test evaluations, and the newly required roof-strength test evaluations. The Institute only awards TOP SAFETY PICK ratings to vehicles that are fitted with electronic stability control and head protection airbags.

Volkswagen now has no fewer than seven 2011 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICKS. The other 2011 Volkswagen models to receive the rating are: Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Tiguan, Touareg, and 4-door Golf and GTI models.

“The performance of the CC is another example of Volkswagen’s enduring commitment to engineer vehicles that earn the highest IIHS ratings,” said Institute president Adrian Lund. “Volkswagen now has seven models on the list of vehicles that afford buyers state-of-the-art crash protection.”

“Volkswagen is passionate about safety,” said Tim Mahoney, Chief Product and Marketing Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “To have IIHS recognize a total of seven Volkswagen models with this significant award is a great statement for the brand. It’s a testament to our commitment to make safety such a high priority in vehicle development, using advanced techniques such as laser seam welding and the extensive use of high-strength steel to build exceptionally strong structures.”

From Volkswagen America Inc