Volkswagen is the premier automotive brand started during 1930s in Germany. Volkswagen forms the core of the Volkswagen Group, which is the world's fourth largest car producer after GM, Toyota and Ford, respectively. The name "Volkswagen" means "people's car" in German, where it is pronounced as "folksvagen". In 1933, Austrian automotive designer Ferdinand Porsche was requested by the country's leader to make changes to his original 1931 design to make it more suited for the working man. Porsche agreed to the proposal and designed the car for better fuel efficiency, reliability, ease-of-use, and economically-efficient repairs and parts. The intention was that ordinary Germans would buy the car by means of a savings scheme.

Volkswagens were first exhibited and sold in the United States in 1949, but only sold two units in America in the first year. On its entry to the US market, the VW was briefly sold as a "Victory Wagon". Volkswagen of America was formed in April 1955 to standardize sales and service in the US Production of the Type 1 Volkswagen Beetle increased dramatically over the years, the total reaching one million in 1955.

The recent lineup of Volkswagen vehicles in USA includes sedans, compacts, CUVs, SUVs Convertibles, and Wagons: Jetta, Passat, New Beetle, Rabbit, Eos, New Beetle Convertible, GLI, GTI Mk V, R32, Jetta Sportwagen, Passat Wagon, Tiguan and Touareg 2. The Volkswagen GTI is named among Car and Driver's 10 best cars for 2008.


2008 Volkswagen Jetta
The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (MSRP starting at $16,990) is a solid sedan with European flair. The four-door Jetta is available in S, SE and SEL trim levels distinguished by engine size, transmission and standard features. The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is practical and well-appointed sedan delivering smooth and quiet ride.

2008 Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen launched the Passat in 1973. The 2008 Volkswagen Passat (MSRP starting at $23,990) is a sophisticated, roomy and comfortable midsize car. The 2008 Volkswagen Passat is available as a four-door sedan in four trims: Turbo, Komfort, Lux and VR6. It is available with a choice of two engines. The base Passat Turbo trim features 16-inch alloy wheels; leatherette upholstery; power driver seat; a telescoping steering wheel; air conditioning; CD stereo with auxiliary audio jack cruise control; full power accessories; heated exterior mirrors; a trip computer; and rear-seat sunshades.

2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
The 2008 New Beetle (MSRP starting at $17,475) is a front-wheel-drive based on the VW Golf platform. It has seating facilities for four passengers, and is now available as a Coupe and Convertible in two trim levels: S and SE. The 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is stylish and refined and represents good value, combining German engineering and performance with exceptional fit and finish.

2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
The 2008 Rabbit (MSRP starting at $15,600) is a two-door or four-door, five-passenger family coupe or family sedan, available in a single trim. It is one of the top picks in the economy hatchback class, with impressive interiors, comfortable ride and solid German engineering.

2008 Volkswagen Eos
The 2008 Volkswagen Eos (MSRP starting at $28,990) is a four-seat, two-door convertible. Introduced for 2007, the 2008 Volkswagen Eos is an affordable convertible available in four trims - Turbo, Komfort, Lux and VR6.

2008 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible
The 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible (MSRP starts at $23,240) is a stylish two-door convertible with well-equipped, plush interiors and the latest safety features. It is available in S and SE trims powered by a 2.5-liter, in-line, five-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower.

2008 Volkswagen GLI
The 2008 GLI (MSRP starts at $24,300) is the Autobahn-tested sedan featuring a 200 horsepower intercooled turbocharged engine with direct injection for more performance.

2008 Volkswagen GTI Mk V
GTI Mk V (MSRP starting at $22,800) has upscale exteriors like honeycomb grille, exterior signal mirrors, power windows, heated washer nozzles and dual exhaust tips. It is available as two-door and four-door models.

2008 Volkswagen R32
Volkswagen R32 (MSRP starting at $32,990) is a compact sports hatchback. It features a muscular 250-horsepower V6 engine, all-wheel drive and abundance of luxury features. It's worth consideration for those who want something different that's fast, comfortable and affordable. It offers a comfortable and quiet cabin along with excellent steering feel.

2008 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen
Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen (price yet to be announced) will be offered this summer 2008. It is powered by 2.5L, 177 lb-ft of torque, 20 valve DOHC, in-line 5 cylinder engine. The 60/40 back seats can be folded to 60, 40 or 100 percent flat to give more cargo space. Available 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic and Sport Mode Sport help to increase the RPM range and throw more torque to the wheels.

2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon
The Passat Wagon (MSRP starting at $25,200) is an expansive but not expensive wagon. The 2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon's powerful engines, excellent fuel efficiency, and great handling top the rest of the full-size wagon class. It brings out the best in aesthetic appeal and engineering.

2008 Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan (price yet to be announced) will be offered this spring of 2008. It is a micro SUV with macro space, macro torque, macro intelligence and macro flexibility.

2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2
The 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2 (MSRP starting at $39,300) is a masterpiece of German engineering for adventure lovers seeking the most capable on or off-road vehicle built with the driving dynamics. Its anti-intrusion side-door beams use steel reinforcements in the doors, which are designed to help absorb and redirect impact energy upon a side impact, basically creating a steel cage to protect passengers.