Archive for October, 2007

Most Popular Car for Women, the Beetle

Wednesday, October 31st, 2007

 

The VW Beetle, Popular to Both Men and Women

In an earlier post, the Beetle was named as the flirtiest car. Now, an article from Forbes states that the Beetle is very popular among the women. But, the makers of the VW parts have insisted that they are not making a car that is especially made for women, nor were they thinking of the Beetle as a “woman’s car”.

When vehicles such as trucks, utility cars, or big SUVs pass by, we often assume that a male is behind its steering wheel. Somehow, the packaging of these vehicles has become ideal for the men. But, that does not mean that women cannot drive them, because a lot of women still do. Even if 65% of the Beetle’s buyers are female, this does not disclose the Love Bug as a feminine ride. It still fares well as a car that is driven by a man. After all, these VW parts have long existed—even before this masculine or feminine image in cars were thought of.

In cars, there should be no gender specific traits. That is the main intention when the Beetle was created. Until this day, even with the New Beetle, its traits of universality are still evident. So with this report, it just so happened that the Beetle is appreciated more by women. (Together with the Honda CR-V, Saturn cars, etc.) Its inherent appeal to both sexes cannot be taken away by other “machismo cars”, because that is what a classic is.

Source: Forbes.com

Simple Tips to Spruce up Your Beetle Wheels

Tuesday, October 30th, 2007

The vital VW parts that make up the Beetle need consistent attention and care. But, before one decides to enhance the engine, or the fenders and the exteriors—perhaps one must think about the basic vital parts first. Something as vital as the wheels. After all, the wheels are the parts that actually transport the Beetle. Without the wheels, it is not like the Beetle will just slide along the highway. All the weight of the Beetle relies on the wheels. This alloy-made circular car part really endures much stress. What must one do then to alleviate the drastic task of the wheels? Perhaps a little glam and jazz might help. Install some Volkswagen hubcap now, and find four totally different circular objects spinning underneath your Beetle.

Aside from its inherent aesthetic value, the Volkswagen hubcaps do more. Just like the other VW parts, its primary aim is to protect. Installing some hubcaps to your Beetle wheels will prevent water, dust and dirt from the wheel wells and the brakes. These are simple and practical devices that can greatly contribute to the total care of the wheels. What’s more, Volkswagen crafts special hubcaps that contain the VW emblem. So by simply installing these hubcaps, one will get a package-full of benefits.

One, is to jazz up the Beetle wheels. Second, is to protect the wheels. Lastly, the hubcaps will secure all the lug nuts that are placed onto the wheel. Summing up the total costs of wheel protection is far too expensive to the price of a hubcap. So one must dress up the Beetle wheels with the Volkswagen hubcap. It is a smart move, from smart Beetle drivers.

 

The Volkswagen Hubcap for your VW Beetle

The Hello Kitty Beetle

Saturday, October 27th, 2007

If you think we live in a planet called earth, take this as an early warning—you’re wrong! This, is Hello Kitty planet! The “cute, lovable, charming” pink-dressed cat is slowly taking over our planet. From the room, the classroom, the kitchen, even in gadgets—this cat has taken over. But get this: it has come to get the auto industry too! Sanrio products for the car are already available. But will Kitty match up to the excellence of the VW parts? Check this video out to get a glimpse of the Hello Kitty Beetle.

After seeing the Pokemon Beetle, a Hello Kitty Beetle is not so shocking anymore. After all, who would not want to be their own Beetle? Not Pikachu and Hello Kitty. Beetle cars are pretty easy to customize, depending on the style and vision of the owner. What this Hello Kitty Beetle is all about, is the interiors. It is all plush, kitty and girly inside—perfect for the Hello Kitty lover. But for the exteriors, perhaps it would not hurt to add some protruding whiskers and Kitty ears, would it? Perhaps Sanrio would team up with Volkswagen in the future. Since there were reports of a Kitty tail pipe, perhaps they could expand to the Kitty Volkswagen hubcaps. Interesting huh? Kitty embellishments for your Beetle wheels.

There are so many ways to pimp your own Beetle. This Love Bug is one of the most versatile and fun cars around. What better way to preserve its name than to customize it? But for those who prefer to retain the classic simplicity of the Beetle’s VW parts, it is just as good. After all, the Beetle was loved most for being the Beetle, and not for anything else.

A Hello Kitty VW Beetle? Why not!

 

Volkswagen says It’s “Fun to Drive”

Friday, October 26th, 2007

The genius behind the VW parts have come up with another brainchild, the Road Joy initiative. Volkswagen Canada is now helping foster a positive vibe among drivers on the road. The company emphasized that it is “Fun to Drive”, and that it is now time to face out all the negative things that drivers tend to do on the road. For instance, at one point or another, any driver could relate to these incidents: yelling at other drivers; (even worse) cursing at other drivers; rolling the windows down to pick an argument with who drives lame; or even attempting to damage another car.

With a little help from the television and print houses, this campaign is all set to influence the people. The makers of the VW parts is urging drivers to replace these negative acts into “blatant”, positive, random acts of road joy. For instance, would it hurt to smile at other drivers? This initiative is sure to foster a harmonious traffic flow in Canada. Drivers are encouraged to go to VW Canada’s site and choose from the list of the 150 acts of Road Joy. Site visitors could even suggest their own little ways to perform Road Joy acts, and get updates regarding the development of this project.

It is not so hard to be positive, is it? Today it is just the highways of Canada, but tomorrow—let us hope that it could be the world. So start doing your little acts of joy too, and flash those pearly whites.

Source: Newswire

Volkswagen Up! Upgrades

Thursday, October 25th, 2007

 

The Next VW Beetle?

After Volkswagen’s success at the Frankfurt auto show, they said, “it ain’t over yet” at the Tokyo Motor Show. The German carmaker has upgraded the VW parts of the Up! Concept. It is now bigger, kind of more reminiscent to a Beetle, and it uses state-of-the-art craftsmanship to maximize the seating capacity. (The front passenger seat could also be turned around for more space, or just for the enjoyment of it.) This car is named the Space Up!, which is fitting to what it did to its predecessor Up! This is like a supersized version, only better. Many people have been commending this car even at first sight.

Complete with high-quality VW parts, the Space Up! is said to be Volkswagen’s next big thing after the Beetle. It uses the same rear engine bay style, and even its interiors are all interesting. Dressed in smooth leather colored in two-tones, inside the Space Up! is where you want to be. Its dashboard is stylishly clean, not much cluttered, just simple and smooth. This four-seater wonder has a “rear-hinged rear doors on both sides” to give access to the back seats. For extra cargo, just open the barn-door styled double latch—which is very similar to that of the Mini Cooper Clubman.

This new offering from Volkswagen has received the nods of many critics, and is even said to be better than the Fox. Will Volkswagen send this baby to run in the market anytime soon? We shall find out.

Beetle Lovin’: Making Beetles Last

Wednesday, October 24th, 2007

 

The VW Beetle Engine Bay

The Volkswagen Beetle is unarguably one of the most lasting cars. This is not only because the car has become timeless, but also because its VW parts are durable. Cars usually last for 100,000 miles, but with the right maintaining knowledge, your Beetle might just last longer.

So, spread some Beetle Lovin’ and listen up. Here is a secret tip to make your Beetle last: install a Volkswagen cold air intake. Intakes are known to contribute great power and torque to the engine capacity. This is simply because it effaces the air’s warm temperature in the engine bay. By merely taking 10 degrees off air temperature, one percent will be added to horsepower and torque. This simple, and yet overly practical device is a smart solution to keep your Beetle. Why? Because it will let your Beetle boost its engine performance on its own—it does not have to force itself. It does not even need a total overhaul. But mostly, having more torque will keep the engine from wearing out.

If your Beetle does not come installed with intakes, it is time to upgrade your VW parts and get some. Lift up that rear hood scoop and imagine that shiny tube of intake pimping the engine bay. Looks good, Performs even better.

2008 New Beetle to be donated to the Fulfillment Fund

Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007

The makers of the VW parts will be joining the STARS 2007 Gala in Beverly Hills, and is also donating a 2008 New Beetle to the Fulfillment Fund.

Volkswagen has long been a partner of Universal Studios. The German maker of the VW parts will be honoring Marc Shmuger, the Universal Pictures Chairman at the Gala. At the same time, the 30th anniversary of the Fulfillment Fund will also be celebrated. This non-profit organization is very much dedicated to helping the underprivileged, but very deserving students. They aim to let the students finish high school, and have higher education as well. Live testimonials of the lives that the Fulfillment Fund have changed will be heard.

To support such a noble cause and honor such a noble man was Volkswagen’s task. Hence, they generously donated the VW New Beetle to be auctioned off at the gala. All of the proceeds will go directly to the Fulfillment Fund—and to the fulfillment of those who believe in their dreams. This is just one of the generous contributions that the VW Beetle has seen over its glorious years. Up until now, it is still the Beetle that truly epitomizes the ideal people’s car.

The Pokemon Beetle!

Saturday, October 20th, 2007

 

The VW Beetle Pikachu!

Do the names Hitler and Pikachu make sense when put together? It will, if the Pikachu VW Beetle happens to go your way.

This picture is the modified Pikachu VW Beetle. It is the grand raffle prize for those who have attended the Comic-Con International held in San Diego last 2005. Avid fans of the game craze Pokemon were present, which is why the cute, but rather odd creature Piakchu found its way into the VW parts. This gathering is a big statement on pop culture, since it is said to be the biggest comic fans and gamers’ convention. The presence of Volkswagen in this Anime infested event is just another testimony as to how versatile or funky a Beetle could be.

This Pikachu Beetle is completely hooked up with the VW parts. Only its body has been Pika-tized. Also, when you lift the rear, it serves as a little demo station wherein all Pokemon related games can be played on the TV hooked on it. With a plate that says “PIKA 2”, this Beetle is definitely one that has tickled the fancy of Anime lovers.

So, do the names Hitler and Pikachu make any sense when put together? You tell me.

 

The Demo Station

Volkswagen Launches Park Assist Features

Friday, October 19th, 2007

 

The Touran TDI Sport Photo By Auto Express

Along with the latest VW Touran TDI Sport comes the latest technology from the makers of the VW parts. It is called the Park Assist. But, while we are all too familiar with other park assist features from other carmakers, the one from Volkswagen is a whole lot different. This one revolutionizes the term “hands-free driving”. All that the driver has to do is to find a parallel parking space, and then hit the Park Assist button. There are two (discreetly mounted) sensors on the front bumper. They estimate the space of the desired parking space and then calculate if the Touran can fit into it or not. Here is where the magic unfolds: if the space is right for the Touran, then the driver will only shift to reverse, and then let go of the steering wheel. (Do not let go of the accelerator and the brakes though.) The Touran will then park itself.

As if a steering wheel possessed by some spirit, it will be moving on its own to achieve a perfect parking. This latest modification to the VW parts is definitely impressive. But it does not come in readily available with the models. It is an optional feature which could be installed for an additional 500 Euros. The same family car that the Touran has been known for still comes alive in the Touran TDI Sport. Some noticeable enhancements can be seen in the interiors, and the total physique of the car. If they will implement this technology to all Volkswagen cars like the Beetle, they will surely be overwhelmed with thousands of Beetle lovers!

Beetle Wonder Along Carolina Highway

Thursday, October 18th, 2007

 

The VW Beetle Attraction in Carolina

In an interesting feature called “Carolina Life” by South Carolina’s The State, an odd but pretty interesting figure became an accidental tourist attraction. This is what seems to be the half of a Beetle’s body, which seemed to be driving out of the walls of the house. Complete with VW parts for the exteriors, this Beetle is not a car. It was Harry Blume’s very own (and very unique) clothes rack. It was a gift from his wife and daughter, who have reportedly bought the unique item at a store called Gadzooks. This one-half of a Beetle has attracted many traveling people who became curious with its structure.

Primarily, Blume decided on making a toolbox out of the cut-up VW parts. But he considered all the hassles that a driver goes through during traffic, so he decided to create a diversion instead. The result was indeed marvelous. Whether people might think that he murdered a Beetle, or ran it through the wall, curiosity will still get the best of them. What was the store thinking though, making a clothes rack out of a Beetle? Hm…maybe it is because the Beetle is so versatile, with just the right size. But maybe…it is because the Beetle is that element which any house must have—whether in the garage, or just by the wall.