• October 13, 2008

Volkswagen of America is following GM, Toyota, Chrysler, Nissan, Kia, and others in launching--or re-launching--incentive pushes to get through the year. The company, now based in Herndon, Va., is bringing back the "Sign-THEN-Drive" sales promo.

Volkswagen says it will waive the security deposit and make the first monthly payment for the customer for thirteen 2009 model-year vehicles, including Rabbit, Jetta, GTI, New Beetle, Eos, Passat, Tiguan, Touareg, Routan and the 2008 R32.

The company is also dangling $500 loyalty offer to owners of model-year 1999 or newer Volkswagens who purchase the new vehicles.

The effort includes direct marketing to current and past owners, and an additional sales incentive to conquest customers. All 2009 model-year Volkswagens are included in the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. Under this program, scheduled maintenance, as described in its maintenance booklet, is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Warranty--three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.--Karl Greenberg