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Volkswagen 2006 Year In Rearview Dec. 30, 2006  The Eos convertible was VW's most significant product launch in 2006. One look at the Volkswagen news stories of 2006 shows that — whether intentional or not — the German car giant did an excellent job of staying at the top of the headlines. The headlines ranged from new products such as the Eos convertible and Tiguan SUV, to new technologies such as its twin-charger engine, to even a quirky E-Bay auction for a celebrity-signed Touareg hood. And let's not forget the VW Rabbit and Playboy bunny hook-up in August.
Bolstering its top-of-mind relevancy, Volkswagen Of America showed up to many enthusiast events across the country throughout the year. Good show! Exciting new models were launched in North America, with a handful of others announced. The Eos, GTI and Rabbit hit the market. Mid-2008 will see the arrival of the Tiguan compact sport-utility vehicle. VW's first real minivan, a rebadged version of Chrysler's next-generation minivan, will bow in 2008. And a 21st century Scirocco is slated for 2009.
Also coming during 2007 will be an exciting new diesel engine with more power and better fuel efficiency, plunked under the hood of the Jetta and possibly the Rabbit, New Beetle and Passat. A special 25th anniversary GTI is also due. Sales haven't been stellar in 2006. When the final numbers come in, expect only a slight rise in the USA (after a big drop the year before). Momentum dropped off sizably after mid-year, when sales were up 20 percent. The sales picture should look rosier in Canada. The year 2006 will close with a new CEO taking over Volkswagen's helm. VolksWatch doesn't believe this will have earth-shattering consequences, especially not on its own and not right away — however, rumor has it VW brand chief Wolfgang Bernhard may be on the way out in light of his new boss. This hugely concerns us. Bernhard seems to have his finger on the pulse of both the VW customer and the VW enthusiast. We have witnessed only good things from this proactive player — he is committed to quality and moving the brand forward. Being young and hip doesn't hurt, either. We hope he sticks around. Finally, the turning of the year will mark VolksWatch's first birthday. In 2006 we established the website and grew our audience through frequent updates and Internet advertising, striving for relevancy much like the carmaker we cover. In 2007 we will continue to mature and fill out, particularly in our Road Tests section. Happy new year — let's hope for great big things from VW in 2007! Click here for a look back at VolksWatch's Volkswagen headlines of 2006.
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