Date originally published: May 9, 2005


Dear Sirs,

It has been customary for some time now to deny the American market of many of the more interesting models offered by VW. This is, of course, evidence of the belief that the markets for the missing automobiles simply do not exist here, or do not exist at high enough levels to justify bring those models here. Fair enough. However, the undersigned strongly believe that at least one category of missing vehicle does have a significant potential market here. This petition is intended to show you that Americans are ready for diesel models if they come with an attractive safety and sufficient power package, specifically 4Motion and the new 2.0 TDI engine.

Two trends in the marketplace right now are clear:
(1) Fuel-efficiency is becoming much more important to the American consumer. Rising gas prices are driving Americans to hybrid cars and diesel cars.
(2) All-wheel drive is quickly gaining popularity as a must-have safety feature. Many new models, foreign and domestic, have AWD as an option.

There is strong reason to believe that a VW vehicle that addressed these two trends would sell well. Currently, VW is not addressing both of these concerns in one vehicle.

A trend that is less clear, but likely to become more prevalent in the years to come, is concern over CO2 emissions. Considering that many people are currently using biodiesel, even B100, in their VWs is testament to this concern. Biodiesel, as opposed to fossil fuels, does not add to the net CO2 in the atmosphere. The fact that VW is the current leader in number of diesel models offered in America means you are in a unique position to take advantage of this growing interest in alternative fuels, especially if you do so in a way that addresses the two trends mentioned above.

Lastly, although diesels tend to have plenty of torque, the perception is that they lack the power necessary to drive safely in today's fast-paced, freeway world. VW needs to insure with all of their diesel models that this concern is addressed. The new 2.0 TDI should easily address any concerns about necessary passing power.

OUR REQUEST OF YOU:
Please strongly consider the potential market for a 4Motion-equipped TDI model, or range of models, in your principal vehicles, namely the Passat, Jetta, Golf, and Beetle. Please also consider the importance of an appropriately-powered engine for the vehicle(s) as diesels continue to "go mainstream" in America. Lastly, please do everything in your power to encourage the continued use of biodiesel in your TDI models - it is a strong selling point that will only increase in importance in the years to come.