No Denying the APEAL of the 2010 Volkswagen GTI and Routan

Owner Happiness Survey Lists Two VW Models as Segment Leaders

BEDFORD, MASS (07/22/2010)(readMedia)-- Fresh off the announcement that Volkswagen has experienced its 12th straight month of sales growth in the United States, J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study listed both the 2010 VW Routan and the 2010 VW GTI as the models with the most appeal in their segments, according to consumers.

Greater Boston VW dealer Minuteman Volkswagen of Bedford sees the latest APEAL study as a reflection of the satisfaction their Volkswagen customers experience after buying a new VW.

"Volkswagen has had a powerful appeal for drivers throughout New England for many years, and this tradition is growing with the 2010 Routan and GTI," said Ray Hovsepian, General Manager of Minuteman VW. "The APEAL study is a unique barometer of customer satisfaction because it asks new owners, despite any issues they might have, how happy they are to own a particular car."

The annual study is based on owner responses received from February to May of this year, measuring the overall attitude drivers have toward their new vehicles. J.D. Power and Associates surveyed 76,000 new owners and lessees after their first 90 days of driving new 2010 models, asking them to comment on more than 80 vehicle attributes ranging from fuel economy to the interior design. When the final scores were tallied, they helped to paint a picture of the overall happiness of buyers after three months of ownership.

The 2010 Routan, featuring dual, remote-controlled power-sliding doors and a five-star front and side crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission, beat out the Honda Odyssey to emerge as the leader in the Minivan segment, while the redesigned GTI's track-tuned sport suspension and turbocharged 200-horsepower engine helped it defeat the competition in the Compact Sporty Car field.

Volkswagen sales numbers in the first half of 2010 showcased those gratifying buyer experiences. VW sales during the first half of 2010 rose 29.9% over the first six months of 2009, and GTI sales increased 68.3% from June 2009 to June 2010.

Hovsepian has many reasons to feel positive about the VW brand, but a large part of his confidence has to do with the service his Massachusetts Volkswagen dealer provides to new VW buyers.

"The APEAL survey highlights the pride new Routan and GTI buyers have in their vehicles, but local VW customers can also feel confident in knowing that, when issues do arise, VW dealers like Minuteman are prepared to step in and deliver the service drivers need. The quality of Volkswagens ensures a great start, but it's our commitment to the customer that guarantees VW owner happiness in the long run."

About Minuteman Volkswagen:

Minuteman Volkswagen, located in Bedford MA, is entering its 38th year of excellence. Minuteman is renowned throughout the Greater Boston area for its friendly and knowledgeable sales staff, skilled service department and impressive selection of new and pre-owned Volkswagens. If you're in the market for a quality new or pre-owned Volkswagen at the right price, Minuteman is where you want to be. For more information you can visit them on the web at www.minutemanvw.com, call them at 781.275.8000 or visit their showroom at 39 North Rd, Bedford, MA.