GUINNESS WORLD RECORD UPDATE

Day Twenty
FINAL STATISTICS:
IT’S A NEW GUINNESS WORLD RECORD!!
Overall 58.82 US MPG
70.64 Imperial MPG
3.99 L/100 KM
11.04 Tanks of Shell Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel
Costing $US 653.06
Average 853 Miles per Tank (1,373 Km’s per Tank)
$US 00.069 cents per mile
9,419 Miles driven

Geography
We left Bluefield Virginia traveling north to arrive in the last State, destination being Beaver West Virginia.

Our last fill was at Shell Beaver West Virginia, using Shell Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel, for the VW Jetta TDI Clean Diesel. Thank you to Marilyn Allen for being our last scrutinizer, on this Guinness World Record Journey.

48 USA States driven through to date:

1.Virginia 2.Maryland 3.Delaware 4.Pennsylvania 5.New Jersey 6.New York 7.Connecticut 8.Rhode Island 9.Massachusetts 10.New Hampshire 11.Maine 12.Vermont 13.Ohio 14.Michigan 15.Indiana 16.Illinois 17.Wisconsin 18.Minnesota 19.Iowa 20.Nebraska 21.South Dakota 22.Wyoming 23.North Dakota 24. Montana 25. Idaho 26. Washington 27. Oregon 28. Nevada 29. California 30. Arizona 31. Utah 32. Colorado 33. New Mexico 34.Texas 35. Oklahoma City 36. Kansas 37. Missouri 38. Kentucky 39. Tennessee 40. Arkansas 41. Mississippi 42. Louisiana 43. Alabama 44. Florida 45. Georgia 46. South Carolina 47. North Carolina 48. West Virginia

New VW Jetta Diesel Tops Prius in Fuel-Economy Marathon Test

It's this year's ultimate MPG comparison test: the just-released 2009 Volskwagen Jetta TDi diesel against the uber-popular 2008 Toyota Prius hybrid. And PopularMechanics.com has it first, with nearly 500 miles of city and highway driving—and some very surprising results.
By Ben Stewart

LOS ANGELES — As oil prices spiked over the summer, consumers had exactly one choice if they wanted to buy themselves a supercar in terms of fuel economy: the Toyota Prius. There were so few options in the marketplace that Ebay saw record numbers of used economy cars and hybrids flood its auction pages. But what about a brand-new clean diesel ride? We drove the Volkswagen Jetta TDi in Europe right after VW introduced it here last fall—at which point many expected this would-be Prius-beater to arrive stateside in June. It didn't. Well after a long season at the pump, VW unleashed the 2009 Jetta TDi on the United States last week. So we picked up our new diesel ride and decided to take it right into battle against its natural hybrid foe (before Toyota's 2009 model gives way to the 2010 plug-in hybrid Prius), to the tune of a two-day, 474-mile efficiency showdown. Our $24,190 Jetta TDi Loyal Edition DSG came fairly well equipped but did lack a navigation system, while at $28,254 our 2008 Prius came with a luxurious $5925 Touring package that included navigation and leather. Nonetheless, we devised a two-day, two-tank regimen to give the fuel economy on both vehicles as thorough a run as humanly possible. Day One crammed in an approximation of a full week's worth of pure city commuting. The second day estimated a typical highway road trip locked on cruise control at a constant speed. Since fuel economy is so dependent on driving style, we accelerated as smoothly and consistently as possible in both tests. Our general rule was to accelerate from each stop with just enough throttle to be as quick as the slowest car leaving the light. This, we believe, best approximates the driving style that an average consumer would adopt with fuel economy as a main priority. So who took the mileage prize? The newfangled diesel or the reigning champ? Here's the bottom line from PM's exclusive test. Warning: The numbers aren't what you might expect.

The CityOur route was a brutal test of both the vehicles' capabilities—and our drivers' patience. It took us 11 hours to travel 238 city miles covering four counties in southern California, under conditions varying from rush hour in downtown L.A. to wide-open, 40-mph country lanes. At no point on this route did we enter a freeway—or even hit a road with a speed limit higher than 45 mph. The Prius gets its power from a 75-hp 1.5-liter four cylinder with 82 lb.-ft. of torque hooked to a continuously variable planetary gearset. It's boosted by two electric motors for a grand total of 110 hp. As you pull away from a stop under light throttle, the electric motors do most of the work—until about 10 to 15 mph, that is, when the gasoline engine kicks in. The experience, as many a Prius driver has learned, is incredibly smooth and silent. And as plenty of new buyers will soon discover, under half-throttle or less the Jetta TDi moves with ease that speaks to its impressive torque figure—236 lb.-ft. of torque generated from a 140-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel paired to VW's six-speed DSG transmission. The new clean Jetta can loaf along, shifting at around 1500 rpm while still providing enough acceleration to keep up with the flow of traffic. The Prius, on the other hand, needs more throttle to accomplish the same speeds. And the few times we did flat-out acceleration runs to 50 mph or so, it was clear that the Jetta is much quicker. The TDI will even chirp the tires, under the right circumstances. So where was the more pleasurable place to spend those 11 hours around La La Land? Inside the Jetta—its more traditional cockpit and far more luxurious materials make the new car as cozy as the Prius is cold. The driving position of the Prius makes you feel like you're sitting on the car instead of in it. And since the steering wheel is only adjustable for tilt and not telescope, larger drivers must move the seat a bit too far forward. Yet the Prius, with its funky shifter and digital dash, still conveys that future-car vibe better than anything on the market. As you hustle and joust with traffic, the Prius's quick steering makes it the more nimble of the two. And at just under 3000 pounds, the Prius carries about 200 pounds less weight. But in terms of ride quality and refinement, the edge swings back to the Jetta.

Results (238 City Miles)Prius: 44.7 mpg Jetta: 32 mpg - We expected the Prius to dominate our city test, and it did. After all, the hybrid powertrain meant that every time we hit a red light or traffic snarl, the Prius would sit silently—burning absolutely no fuel. But the Prius's overall 44.7-mpg count is still about 3 mpg less than the EPA city figure of 48. And, interestingly, the Jetta TDi's 32 mpg are exactly four mpg more than its EPA city rating. Still, it's clear that in city-only driving the Prius has no equal—except perhaps a motorcycle. On the open road? Well that's a very different story. - Popularmechanics.com

VOLKSWAGEN RECEIVES TOP SAFETY PICK AWARDS FROM THE INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY

HERNDON, Va. – A total of four Volkswagen models are the latest of the company’s offerings to earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK award for 2008, the highest rating possible from the non-profit research organization. IIHS recognized the 2009 Volkswagen Eos, Jetta, Passat, and Rabbit each as a TOP SAFETY PICK. Earlier this year Volkswagen’s all-new Sport Compact Utility Vehicle, Tiguan, was also named a TOP SAFETY PICK.
The ratings from IIHS also apply to the 2009 Jetta Sportwagen and the 2009 Passat Wagon.
“Safety is a top priority at Volkswagen and this recognition by the IIHS highlights that we are a market leader in offering some of the safest vehicles on the road today,” said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Our Prevent and Preserve Safety System, standard on Volkswagen vehicles, is an important factor in the high level of safety and protection in our vehicles.”
The TOP SAFETY PICK award recognizes vehicles that perform best in protecting passengers in the Institute’s front, side and rear crash test evaluations, and includes only vehicles with electronic stability control (branded Electronic Stabilization Program on Volkswagen vehicles) and head protection airbags.
Volkswagen seeks to provide a high level of occupant protection in all its vehicles through a comprehensive and evolving approach to vehicle safety. Volkswagen was the first non-luxury manufacturer to include an electronic stability control system at no additional cost on every 2009 vehicle it sells – ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) deadline requiring all 2012 model year vehicles to have such systems. Volkswagen’s electronic stability control technology works in conjunction with anti-lock brakes and helps reduce loss of control and rollovers to avoid crashes. NHTSA predicts nearly 10,000 lives could be saved each year if automakers included stability systems as standard equipment.
The Prevent and Preserve Safety System portfolio for MY2009 consists of important safety features, all of which contribute to protecting the driver and passengers as well as possible, helping avoid crashes and keeping the severity and consequences of possible crashes to a minimum.

VOLKSWAGEN GTI WINS MOTORIST CHOICE AWARD

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that its 2008 GTI was once again awarded a “Motorist Choice Award” from IntelliChoice.com and AutoPacific, Inc.
The Volkswagen GTI is the top choice for the Image Compact Car category. The award, which recognizes the most satisfying cars and trucks that are also the least expensive to own is based on a combination of IntelliChoice.com cost of ownership data and AutoPacific’s customer satisfaction survey data, creating a final score.
“The GTI demonstrates what this brand is all about—offering affordable German Engineered vehicles that are fun-to-drive,” said Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We’re extremely pleased that the enthusiasm of owners, combined with the low cost of ownership, has earned the GTI a Motorist Choice Award two years in a row.”
AutoPacific surveys 38 product-focused attributes, generating a score between five and 25, allowing for a maximum possible score of 950, which is then normalized to 1000. This score, merged with IntelliChoice.com’s seven scored attributes including depreciation, financing, fuel, insurance, maintenance, repairs and state fees, develops the final score and ranking of the Motorist Choice Awards.

Fall Car Care Tips

Along with the change of seasons from fall to winter comes the likelihood of poor road conditions and reduced visibility. Automotive breakdowns, never convenient, can be even more dangerous in cold weather. Preventive vehicle maintenance can help lessen the odds of mechanical failure.

Blades - Wiper blades that were installed new last spring may be ready for replacement this fall. Examine wiper blades for cracks, tears and windshield contact. In addition, wipers tend to build up a thin layer of grime during the summer that keeps the rubber blade from contacting the glass, which could result in smeared windshields and poor visibility. Owners who live in cold climates should consider switching to a winter wiper blade.

Batteries - Check battery cables and posts for corrosion and clean them as needed. Extreme temperatures, battery age and cranking power are determinants as to whether a vehicle will start. Have an ASE-certified technician use professional equipment to determine if the battery is weak, while also checking the condition of the starter and alternator.

Brakes - A thorough inspection at a service center should include a "wheels-on" inspection-to help identify wheel alignment problems, sticking calipers or warped rotors-as well as a "wheels-off" inspection of the various brake parts. Also check the brake fluid; low levels can cause a dangerous loss of braking performance. Make sure the reservoir is filled to the MAX line with new brake fluid from a sealed container.

Belts and Hoses - Don't wait until a belt or hose breaks and leaves you stranded alongside the road to replace it. Inspect engine belts for cracking and pliability. If they are rigid, they should be replaced. Hoses deteriorate from the inside out; test them for spongy, brittle or bulging areas.

Other maintenance checks may include: changing the oil; checking the radiator fluid levels; inspecting or replacing the oil filter and the air and cabin filters; inspecting the heating and exhaust systems; balancing and aligning the wheels; topping off all fluids; examining lights to make sure they work and that headlights are properly aimed; and rotating the tires, making sure to check the tire pressure and inspect the treads for wear.

- ACDelco.com

Meet Volkswagen's All New CC

This is the wide-track Passat, Volkswagen's Bonneville to its everyday Chevy Belair of a Passat sedan. If you're too young to know what that means, all you need to know is that the Passat CC that made its debut at the Detroit show is VW's latest move upmarket, a sporty four-door coupe that bridges the gap between the Passat and the Europe-only Phaeton sedan and takes on the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (which is V-8-only in the U.S.). It will come with all kinds of sport/luxury features, but not the Phaeton's V-8 or W-12. Standard engine for the U.S. will be the GTI's 197-horsepower, 2.0-liter TSI turbo four, with front drive and six-speed manual or automatic. The 3.6-liter FSI V-6, rated 295 horsepower and with 4Motion all-wheel drive only, will come with a six-speed Tiptronic automatic (a DSG is available with this engine in Europe). The TSI four will do 0-to-62 mph in 7.6 seconds; the V-6 will do it in 6.6, VW says.
Like the CLS, the Passat CC comes with frameless doors. It has a subtle, integrated rear spoiler and a claimed 0.29 coefficient of drag. Wheels are 17-inch standard, 18-inch optional. As for longer, lower, wider, the 188.8-inch-long CC has 1.2 inches on the Passat sedan, and it's two-inches lower, with a 0.4-inch-wider front- and 0.6-inch-wider rear track. We'd be tempted to call it a "poor man's CLS," except that its appointments seem to counter VW's latest move toward cheaper cars in the U.S. To wit:

New Dynamic Drive Control (DDC) with electrically adjustable suspension offers the driver three settings: normal, sport, and comfort.

Optional Lane Assist steering, which uses the electro-mechanical system to counter-steer your steering forces if it detects a lane-change without signaling. VW says the driver can "override" Lane Assist with "very little force."

ACC Automatic Distance Control, VW's version of Distronic cruise control.

Optional Panorama vent sunroof, covering the top back to the B-pillar.

2+2 seating, with ergonomically designed sport seats and optional heating and cooling front and rear, standard six-way power or optional 12-way power driver's seat, three different leather sport steering wheels available, a new-generation radio and navigation system with a hard drive, and rear-assist parking camera based in the VW emblem.

Standard air-conditioned center armrest compartment, rear seat pass-through from the trunk and electric rear window screen.
- MotorTrend.com

Active Safety Tip: Check Tire Tread

Inspect your tire - including your spare - periodically for proper inflation, adequate tread depth and overall condition. Uneven wear, bulges in the sidewall, or visible mesh are warning signs of an impending problem. Tires should be replaced when the tread wears to 3/16 deep. Try this: put a penny in the tread, upside down with the Lincoln Memorial facing you. If the top of the building is visible or even with the tread, you need new tires. Check in several places across the width of the tire. Remember: preventing tire problems now helps prevent headaches later!

BMW GINA Light Visionary Model: The BMW of the future?

By Rory Jurnecka

BMW's design department has been working overtime lately. Just last month, the German automaker unveiled its M1 Homage Concept at the Villa d'Este Concours on the shores of Lake Como, Italy. Now, Munich has officially taken the wraps off of a new design study called the GINA Light Visionary Model, a creation BMW says shouldn't be thought of as "just another concept car," but rather "a whole new approach to automotive design."

With its GINA (Geometry and Functions In "N" Adaptions) model, BMW set out to explore the creative freedom that might be offered with future cars while using a traditional front-mounted eight-cylinder engine and rear-drive platform. The surface of the concept features a new fabric material that BMW says is highly resistant to expansion, durable, and flexible. Underneath the covering material is a light aluminum subframe that is moveable via electric and hydraulic controls, allowing the surface itself to be reshaped according to the owner's desire. The usual elements of production cars -- doors, wheel arches, a trunk lid, engine hood, and roof -- are not present in the conventional sense. Rather, the body consists of just four components: a front panel that leads to the edge of the windscreen, two side panels (one on each side of the car), and a rear deck panel.

BMW is particularly proud of the headlights on the GINA project. When the headlights are not active, they are hidden under the car's skin. When turned on, the metal subframe moves the covering fabric skin laterally away from either side of the trademark kidney-shaped grille, exposing the double lights. Other sections of bodywork are moveable as well: the rear panel shifts to allow a spoiler to rise when traveling over a specified speed, while the rocker panels move to narrow or widen the side air intakes and extend an additional protruding rocker panel line. Even the aforementioned kidney grille is able to be widened, adding separate distinct body lines in the process.

The fabric skin itself is interesting in that it is not transparent, but it is permeable to light. This allows the rear taillights to be housed underneath the skin -- unnoticeable unless lit, allowing their light to shine through the fabric. The fabric is comprised of a mesh netting support and a separate outer layer. Combined, the material is resistant to heat and cold and even repels water. According to BMW, the material is extremely form-fitting and able to conform to various shapes and positions with a high level of precision. Changes to the underlying metal structure are made without slackening the tension of the material or damaging it in any way.
Servicing the engine is made possible by an opening in the material in the center of where a conventional engine hood would be found. The material opens to either side of the engine and closes through a series of cliplock fasteners on a central rail. Opening the doors requires the fabric to swing up and out, folding out of the way. When closed, the doors show no folds in the material whatsoever, appearing as a smooth, stretched surface. Sporty touches round out the exterior design, with a production-ready rear carbon diffuser, 20-inch alloy wheels, quad exhaust tips, and windshield frame mounted side view mirrors.

The interior of the GINA Light Visionary Model is as innovative as the outside. When without occupants, the steering wheel and instruments are positioned vertically on the center stack so as not to hinder ingress to the vehicle. As soon as the driver sits down, the wheel and gauges move to their functional positions in front of the driver, while the headrest, previously integrated into the seat, rises automatically. The seat itself and steering column move into the ideal position for the driver, the information of which is stored in the vehicle's computer. Inside, the same stretched fabric runs from the rear deck over the seats, while the door panels and center console are comprised of the same material.

BMW stresses that its GINA Light Visionary Model is simply an exercise in design and technology and not a pre-production vehicle. Still, if history is any indication, BMW rarely allows its most exciting technology to stay in concept form for long. While GINA may not be viable for production in whole, individual elements may find their way to production sooner than one may imagine.

-MotorTrend.com

Motor Trend First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan

By Bob Nagy

Although aging hippies may never forgive VW for shelving the iconic Microbus concept it showed at the 2001 Geneva Auto Salon, expanding the brand's scope and reach with a people-mover aimed at U.S. buyers never left the automaker's wish list. The question was how to do it in a timely, cost-effective manner -- sad to say, never an option on the Microbus menu. The answer? Find a partner who'd already done most of the heavy-and expensive-design lifting. With an all-new iteration of the world's most popular minivan rolling out for 2008 from its underutilized Windsor, Ontario, assembly plant, Chrysler became the obvious choice.

Just how different are VW's new Routan and its closest kin, Chrysler's Town & Country? Plenty. The only body panels shared by the sleeker and arguably more attractive VW are its side doors. Same story inside: Save for gauges, switchgear, electrics, audio/nav systems, and headliner elements, everything else from dash pad to door panels to the carpeting has been tastefully redone to VW spec. No Stow-n-Go or Swivel-n-Go seats here, but the Routan's individual first- and second-row perches do offer plusher and more supportive bolstering, whether covered in cloth on S and SE versions or leather-bound in the primo SEL. While the flip/flop/foldaway third row is Chrysler carryover, even it gets a Teutonic retrim.

Underneath, VW gave this front-driver a sportier suspension tune, bumping spring rates by 50 percent and tweaking the shocks and power steering for a more positive feel. While its T&C powertrain elements are unchanged, VW prudently used only the two most potent engines, putting the 3.8-liter, 197-horse V-6 in the Routan S and SE, the 4.0/253-hp V-6 in the SEL. Both are paired with the slick six-speed Sportmode automatic.

Our day spent touring highways and byways in Virginia established that the new Routan merits a respectable place at any minivan party table. Starting prices ranging from $25,390 to $33,890, and loads of high-value features should help the Routan's competitive cause.
-MotorTrend.com

Motor Trend: 2007 Kia Rondo long term update

By Ron Kiino
Photography by William Walker

"So quiet at idle, it feels almost like an electric," claims copy chief Jacqueline Manfredi. If it actually were, it might rack up more miles (we tend to like novelties); but as such, it's only accumulated around 14,000 in nine months, lower than usual.

Still, as Manfredi notes, there's much to like with the Rondo: "The interior is efficient and gracious. My stuff fits where it belongs, and the seats are comfy. In fact, it conveys a sense of roominess that's a surprise. While it's not a powerhouse, it can accelerate into a lane opening with aplomb. It has one of the easiest to use hatches of my experience-not heavy to lift and with a grabber right where it needs to be. Plus, those racks on top make it look almost cool. I could totally live with this thing."

-MotorTrend.com

Kia Borrego Earns Five-Star Crash Safety Rating

September 5, 2008 - The All-New 2009 Kia Borrego has achieved a five-star crash safety rating, the highest rating possible, for all seating position in the latest frontal and side impact crash tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is the first time Borrego has been tested by the government agency.

The seven-passenger Borrego is the latest entry in the midsize SUV segment and offers the same high level of standard safety equipment that has become synonymous with the Kia brand as well as additional features exclusive to the midsize SUV. Standard safety features include: advanced airbags, front seat mounted side airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags for all three rows and driver's knee airbag (v8 models only); four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC); and traction control system (TCS); tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS); electric brake distribution (EBD); and a brake assist system (BAS).

Couple Sets Out To Break Guinness World Record for Lowest Fuel Consumption Across the Continental United States

2009 Jetta TDI clean diesel selected as vehicle of choice

HERNDON, Va., Sept 03, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Two of the world's most fuel- efficient drivers, John and Helen Taylor, will embark today on the "Taylors' Diesel Inspiration" tour -- an attempt to break the current world record for lowest fuel consumption on a drive across the 48 contiguous United States. To help meet this goal, the Taylors will be behind the wheel of an all-new, 50- state-compliant clean diesel Volkswagen Jetta TDI employing simple "FuelStretch" fuel-saving driving tips they developed with Shell.

The Taylors are an Australian husband and wife team who set a Guinness World Record for driving around the globe on 24 tanks of fuel behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Golf in 2006, and as always, Guinness World Records rules and regulations will be strictly adhered to on this challenge. Approximately 12 official check-in and refueling stops across the country are included throughout the duration of the drive, which is slated to conclude September 26 in W.Va. The current world record for the lowest fuel consumption on a nationwide drive is 51.8 miles per gallon.

"It will be a great challenge and adventure to drive through the 48 U.S. mainland states," said Helen Taylor. "We want to educate the American public that by choosing the right car, using the right fuel and adopting fuel-saving driving techniques, everyone in the U.S. can save money, fuel and reduce carbon emissions."

Kicking off their more than 8,000-mile drive at a Shell station in Chantilly, Va. followed by a "flag-off" ceremony at the Volkswagen of America, Inc. headquarters in nearby Herndon, Va., the Taylors are setting out on this challenge in their vehicle of choice -- Volkswagen's all-new clean diesel Jetta TDI-powered by the fuel of their choice -- Shell Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel.
"We're thrilled that the Taylors have chosen our all-new clean diesel Jetta TDI in their attempt at setting a new Guinness World Record for lowest fuel consumption," said Stefan Jacoby, CEO/President, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "We believe our Jetta TDIs truly offer a no-compromise alternative fuel driving experience that provides our customers the best of both worlds -- excellent fuel efficiency combined with a dynamic driving experience. We're excited to see the tremendous fuel efficiency that the Taylors will get as they set a new world record. We wish the Taylors the best of luck and a safe journey," added Jacoby. It's just good, clean diesel fun.

Volkswagen has more than 30 years of experience selling diesel passenger cars in the United States, and they're the first manufacturer to market with an affordable 50-state compliant clean diesel passenger vehicle that meets the strictest emission standards of California and the world.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Jetta TDI at an economical 29 miles per gallon city and 40 miles per gallon highway. Volkswagen went a step further to evaluate the real-world fuel economy of the Jetta TDI.

Leading third-party certifier, AMCI, tested the Jetta TDI and found it performed 24 percent better in real world conditions, achieving 38 miles per gallon in the city and 44 miles per gallon on the highway.* Using fuel-saving driving techniques and vehicle maintenance tips from Shell, the Taylors hope to push their fuel efficiency even further.

The couple will drive on a counter-clockwise route including stops in Va., N.H., Ohio, Iowa, S.D., Mont., Nev., Calif., Colo., Okla., Ill., La. and W.Va. Some of the fuel-maximizing tactics the Taylors will employ on the road include actions such as avoiding idling and higher speeds, minimizing vehicle drag and performing regular vehicle maintenance.

"With everyone focused on stretching their fuel dollars, the Taylors' world record-breaking attempt will demonstrate to American drivers that a little modification to vehicle maintenance and driving habits can help maximize fuel economy," said Jens Mueller-Belau, U.S. Retail Fuels Marketing, Shell Oil Products U.S. "Like the Taylors, we have a passion for fuel economy, and we're glad both Shell fuel and "FuelStretch" tips will power this exciting event."

The Taylors have made a 26-year career out of driving economically and conducting workshops globally on fuel-efficient driving techniques. Along the way, they have collected 36 world fuel economy world records from drives around the globe in Australia, Asia, South Africa, Europe, the Middle East and North America.

Via their Web site, the Taylors will be sharing their personal experiences on the road. For more information and regular reports from the road, visit http://www.fuelacademy.com/ . For a complete list of fuel-saving driving tips, visit http://www.shell.com/us/fuelstretch
Link to information on the Taylors' 2006 Guinness World Record for Fuel Efficiency: http://www.shell.us/home/content/usa/aboutshell/media_center/news_and_press_re leases/archive/2006/fuel_challenge_record.html
*29 city / 40 highway EPA estimates; 38 city / 44 highway real-world fuel economy based on AMCI testing. Actual mileage may vary. For more information on Volkswagen, go to http://www.vw.com/

D.C. United and Volkswagen ink landmark sponsorship agreement

D.C. United and Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced a five-year partnership agreement that will see the two brands join forces in a landmark deal that includes Volkswagen's logo on the shirts of the most successful team in the history of American professional soccer. Volkswagen will also be prominently featured through a variety of other club and in-stadium marketing components. As with all of our important decisions, we took a very strategic approach to engaging the market of potential jersey sponsors," said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. "We wanted to be sure we found the right partner, and on the right terms. We're thrilled to have this relationship now with Volkswagen, which is ideal from our point of view -- a multi-national company with a strong brand, a cultural understanding of our game, a commitment to our community, and a reputation for thinking a bit out of the box. For us, VW is a perfect partner. "In addition to the traditional advertising and promotional benefits often found in sponsorship agreements, Volkswagen was insistent on providing the fans of D.C. United some added value while attending games at RFK Stadium. Volkswagen's fan initiatives include the Volkswagen Garage, a new interactive area located behind the north goal at RFK Stadium. The Volkswagen Garage will serve as a hospitality area and vehicle showroom with space for 1,000 people. The Garage offers a unique brand experience and features: soccer based car games, FIFA Xbox 360 stations, live T-shirt screen printing, branded merchandise, hammocks and Adirondack chairs for relaxation, and a whole lot more. Volkswagen will also be a participating sponsor of D.C. United's Soccer Celebration located in Parking Lot 8."The 'brand' we put on our jersey is extremely important to us," said United Co-managing Partner Victor MacFarlane. "We believe that the D.C. United brand stands for something significant and the 'brand' on the front of our jersey has to be compatible with our vision. Volkswagen fulfilled and exceeded our wishes. They are a company committed to excellence and customer service with an international reputation for both. Will Chang and I are delighted they have become our new partners."On game days, Volkswagen's commitment to the fan experience will extend beyond the stadium and soccer celebration.

Going forward, the first 50 Volkswagens to enter lot 4 on gamedays will also be treated to a complimentary spot. "Since Volkswagen is new to the greater Washington D.C. area, we wanted to find opportunities to support the local community and D.C. United was an obvious choice," said Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. "D.C. United is a great soccer team, committed to success both on and off the pitch. The team philosophy, mission and fans closely mirror our own corporate philosophy and customer base. "In addition to the partnership with D.C. United, Major League Soccer and Volkswagen announced a partnership that makes Volkswagen the official automotive partner of Major League Soccer. The partnership delivers MLS league and collective team marks and logos and marketing assets at league events such as the Pepsi MLS All-Star Game and MLS Cup, Major League Soccer's championship game. "We're excited to partner with Volkswagen, a global brand with tradition in Football, Fútbol and Soccer," said Doug Quinn, president of Soccer United Marketing. "With Volkswagen's roots already embedded in the sport, this is a partnership that makes sense at both the club and league level. "Volkswagen's jersey sponsorship element makes the company the first group to adorn the front of United's shirt in club history. Traditionally, the space is recognized as the most valuable inventory a soccer club has to offer and is reserved for a crest that supports the team, sharing in the organizational goals and ideals. Authentic and replica jerseys and other merchandise are now available in the D.C. United team store at RFK Stadium or by calling 202-546-7023. Fans that have previously purchased a 2008 authentic or replica jersey are able to have a Volkswagen logo added to their merchandise, courtesy of Volkswagen, by visiting the team store or the jersey stand inside C gate on game days.

United Headquartered in Washington, DC and playing home matches at RFK Stadium, D.C. United is the most successful professional soccer organization in the history of the United States. United is four-time MLS Cup Champions (1996, 1997, 1999 and 2004) and winners of the 1996 U.S. Open Cup, the 1998 CONCACAF Champions Cup, the 1998 Interamerican Cup and the 1997, 1999, 2006 and 2007 MLS Supporters Shields. United is one of 14 teams comprising Major League Soccer, joining CD Chivas USA, the Chicago Fire, the Colorado Rapids, the Columbus Crew, FC Dallas, the Houston Dynamo, the Kansas City Wizards, the Los Angeles Galaxy, the New England Revolution, Red Bull New York, Real Salt Lake, the San Jose Earthquakes and Toronto FC. For the latest headlines and official information on the Black-and-Red, log onto http://www.dcunited.com/.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.Volkswagen of America, Inc. recently announced Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard equipment on all its 2009 vehicles. As a result, Volkswagen is one of the only original equipment manufacturers to offer an electronic stability control system on their entire product line – ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) deadline requiring vehicles in the 2012 model year to include stability control systems. Volkswagen's ESP technology works in conjunction with anti-lock brakes and helps reduce loss of control and rollovers to avoid crashes. NHTSA predicts nearly 10,000 lives could be saved each year if automakers included stability systems as standard equipment. 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, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com. About Major League SoccerHeadquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer is the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States and features many stars from the U.S. and around the world. Now in its 13th season, the 14 teams in MLS are: the Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Chivas USA, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, Kansas City Wizards, Los Angeles Galaxy, New York Red Bulls, New England Revolution, Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes and Toronto FC.

New getting $1,500 for college is as easy as Eins, Zwei, Drei

Here's how to earn $1,500 for college when you purchase a VW Routan:

1. Join Upromise for free to get your Upromise VW Savings Code. If you're already a Upromise member, log into your account to receive your code.

2. Purchase a new Volkswagen Routan from dealer stock by September 30, 2008.

3. Give your Upromise VW Savings code to the dealer.

To see the Routan Upromise promotion live, please go to:

http://www.vw.com/routan/upromise