Volkswagen Increases Diesel Presence with Best-Ever May TDI Sales

NORWOOD, Mass., June 13, 2013 — Volkswagen's TDI sales continue to rise as more drivers discover that fuel-sipping diesels can be both environmentally friendly and engaging on the road. Sales of the automaker's TDI Clean Diesel models set a May record last month, representing 22.3 percent of all Volkswagen sales and bringing the year-to-date TDI share to 21.7 percent. The increased popularity of diesel models helped boost overall sales of the Volkswagen Passat and Jetta to record May figures, while the Passat TDI sedan also saw its best-ever tally for the month, making up more than 31 percent of all Passat sales.

The Jetta and Passat sedans are Volkswagen's best-selling models overall, leading a lineup equipped with TDI Clean Diesel engines as part of the company's sustainability-focused Think Blue initiative. Now on sale for the 2013 model year, the Volkswagen Beetle Convertible TDI is a pioneering addition to the family as the first and only diesel drop-top on the American market. The rest of the Volkswagen TDI Clean Diesel lineup includes the Golf TDI, Jetta SportWagen TDI, Beetle TDI and Touareg TDI.

"Volkswagen's TDI powerplants not only offer impressive fuel economy but also plenty of performance for when drivers need an extra burst of acceleration in the passing lane," said Kevin Misanko, Director of Operations of the Gallery Automotive Group, which features a Volkswagen dealership near Boston. "Diesel engines offer great low-end torque to deliver power promptly, and the latest TDI Clean Diesel technology has very low emissions levels, making them greener than ever."

The 2013 VW Beetle Convertible TDI is the most fuel-efficient convertible on the U.S. market, returning 41 mpg on the highway and allowing drivers to go for up to 594 miles between fill-ups. Despite that efficiency, there is no shortage of performance, as the 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injected diesel engine generates 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Inside the cabin, the standard Premium VIII touch screen, Bluetooth connectivity and Media Device Interface allow drivers to synchronize and control audio from a variety of sources so that music can be fully enjoyed, even with the top down.

Like the latest Beetle Coupe, all 2013 Beetle Convertible models incorporate a sportier design than past generations. Their tracks are wider and wheelbases are longer, resulting in a bolder stance, while body stiffness has increased by 20 percent over the previous New Beetle Convertible for improved ride quality and handling. When drivers are ready for the open air, the Beetle Convertible's soft-top can be opened automatically with the touch of a button at speeds of up to 31 mph.

"The Volkswagen Beetle Convertible TDI lets its owners soak up the sun and make the most of the great weather without punishing the environment or their wallets on the way to the beach," added Misanko. "Massachusetts has seen some of the highest diesel sales growth in the country, and the Beetle Convertible TDI is a very attractive option for those summer trips to the Cape, so we expect to see an increased interest in the model over the next few months."

About Volkswagen Gallery:
As part of the Gallery Automotive Group, Volkswagen Gallery seeks to provide high-quality Volkswagen sales and service to Massachusetts customers. Their dealership is focused on professionalism and customer satisfaction, whether drivers are searching for a new VW Jetta sedan, a used VW Touareg SUV or OEM parts and collision repair for their existing Volkswagen models. Visit Volkswagen Gallery at 1280 Providence Highway in Norwood, Mass., reach them by phone at 866-570-7228, or browse their entire inventory online at www.vwgallery.com. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VolkswagenGallery.