Cash Allowance Rebate System

Eich Motor Company

CARS Cash Allowance Rebate System Participant

Commonly referred to as "Cash for Clunkers" this program is available for a limited time. If you're tired of not getting enough gas mileage on your current vehicle, it might be time for an upgrade! Thanks to the new Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) (also known as "Cash for Clunkers"), you could get up to $4,500 from the government toward the purchase of a brand-new, fuel-efficient Volkswagen or Mazda, depending on your trade-in vehicle.

Eligibility Requirements for Trade-in Vehicle

Vehicle must have been manufactured less than 25 years before date of the trade-inVehicle must have an EPA combined fuel economy of 18 mpg or lessVehicle must be in drivable conditionVehicle must be insured and registered by the current owner for at least one continuous year immediately prior to trade-inVehicles can be passenger cars, SUVs, minivans and light-duty trucks weighing less than 6,000 lbs.

Eligibility Requirements for New Vehicles

Passenger Vehicles

Combined 22 mpg or more and:

- 4 to 9 mpg improvement over your trade-in vehicle for $3,500 credit

- At least 10 mpg improvement over your trade-in vehicle for $4,500 credit

SUVs, Minivans and Light-Duty Trucks (<6000>

Combined 18 mpg or more and:

- 2 to 4 mpg improvement over your trade-in vehicle for $3,500 credit

- At least 5 mpg improvement over your trade-in vehicle for $4,500 credit

$45,000 MSRP or less

Vehicle to be purchased must be new and have never been titled

The CARS Program is Only Available for a Limited Time

The CARS/"Cash for Clunkers" program is only for a limited-time, October 31, 2009 or until the funding is depleted, whichever occurs earlier. The program is scheduled to begin in mid- to late-July. So act now to take advantage of this great opportunity to benefit the environment and your wallet! In addition to the CARS incentive, the temporary Federal tax deduction for State and local sales and excise taxes paid to purchase a motor vehicle expires on Dec. 31, 2009. All the more reason to purchase a new Volkswagen or Mazda now before the tax deduction ends!

Get More Information about the CARS Program

Contact Eich Motor Company for more information. You do not need to obtain a paper voucher or register for this program. Eich Motor Company will automatically deduct your qualified amount from the MSRP of a new Volkswagen or Mazda.

Read more about the Car Allowance Rebate System on the official site of the U.S. Department of Transportation http://www.cars.gov/.

Download the Frequently Asked Questions PDF
MAZDA CARS FAQ (123KB)

VOLKSWAGEN CARS Information here

2010 Volkswagen Golf (TDI too!)

Fall couldn't be the furthest thing from my mind right now, but one little bit of excitement buzzing in my ear is the arrival of the 2010 Golf (yes, it's back) in October. The best part of this vehicle's sixth generation launch is that we'll not only see the 2.5L 5 Cylinder offering Volkswagen has made available in the Jetta, Rabbit, and New Beetle, but we'll now have the 2010 Golf TDI Clean Diesel to fall over.

It's hard to contain my excitement when I think about this latest Golf. This vehicle truly epitomizes the German car market. Why, do you ask? Step off the airplane in Germany or any European country for that matter and within moments you'll know why. They are everywhere. The Golf has been the best-selling vehicle in Europe for two years in a row. It is the best-selling Volkswagen in Germany. Now factor in that Diesel models are the more popular choice by German drivers than gasoline with over 50% of Europe favoring this powerplant and guess what you have? Your own piece of Autobahn-loving German-engineering right here at home. You can't come closer to driving what the Germans do. And really, why wouldn't you?

The new 2010 Golf TDI Clean Diesel will feature 8-way adjustable sport seats, 3-spoke multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel, optional touch-screen navigation system, premium 8-touch screen radio with MDI (Media Device Interface) allowing for the upload of 30GB of music into the stereo head's hard drive, 17" Alloy wheels, and VW's 3yr./36k Carefree Maintenance Program.

The TDI Clean Diesel model will come with your choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic DSG tranmission with Tiptronic. But let's talk about styling shall we?

Volkswagen's latest Golf design promises to not only look more sophisticated and sporty, but is also aimed at being the quietest Golf to date--and in honesty--this is an area in which I feel the current model Rabbit is lacking. While I love the sporty ride and handling of my Rabbit, its nimble cornering and screwed down feel don't quite make up for being thrown around on a rough patch of highway. And then, of course, there is a very noticeable amount of wind and road noise inside the cabin. The 2010 Volkswagen Golf has been reported as being among the quietest in its class and I can't wait to observe first-hand.

Along with the road noise-deadening materials added, Volkswagen has paid especially close attention to design aesthetic pulling out what looks and will undoubtedly feel like all the stops on this newest hatchback. The Golf gets an updated instrument cluster with white and red display (Audi lovers rejoice, VW lovers may have a hard time with this one...I will), power window and lock switches moving up and in just the right place on an elevated door handle, as well as a tidier dash (the removal of the top-of-the-dash mounted air vent) with redesigned center console and climate controls. VW is trying their darndest to close the gap between their brand and their luxury brother, Audi.

But hold on! Isn't the Golf (Rabbit) the entry-level vehicle for VW? Is this vehicle going to be alot more expensive? VW has not yet announced pricing for the 2010 Golf or Golf TDI Clean Diesel, but it has been officially announced that this model will remain VW's entry-level vehicle for 2010, therefore keeping the price below that of a base-model Jetta. The more decked-out TDI offering will likely be a bit more buck, but with the success of the Jetta TDI Clean Diesel at our store and across the country, I can't wait to see the bang.

It's Arrived: 2010 MAZDA3

Today Mazda held 2010 MAZDA3 training at Eich Mazda and I have two words to describe the newest redesign of this popular sub-compact sports sedan and they are 1. BIG 2. IMPROVEMENTS. The 2010 MAZDA3 4-door handles like one would expect a sports sedan to handle, with a screwed down, weighty feel without being heavy. A roomy, intuitive interior with a level of fit and finish that has not found its way into other brands known for their economical cars. The 2010 MAZDA3 does what other world-renowned car manufacturers don't often acheive in this segment and that's an environmentally friendly (25 city/33 hwy and Government SmartWay Certified), reasonably priced (starting at around $16K), and sporty (167 hp, 168-lb-ft torque) sedan. But what really makes this new MAZDA3 exciting are the ahead-of-the-curve technological gadgets, refined design and ride, and beautifully redesigned interior.

Let's start with the interior. With available features an 8-way power driving seat with memory, leather-trimmed variable heated front sport seats, and dual-automatic climate control, comfort is a definite in the new MAZDA3.

Gadgets galore! Electroluminescent gauges, multi information display, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, 10-speaker Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound System, and Compact Navigation System with steering-wheel controls make this the most tricked out MAZDA3 to date! I won't even mention the interactive lighting with welcome mode that light up the interior in a modern cool-blue glow.

Refined design for a redefining ride. The new 2010 MAZDA3 is sleeker, sharper, slightly longer, and attaches itself like a magnet to the road. With its all-new 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and standard 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic, you've got road-ripping acceleration. But power alone doesn't make for an enjoyable driving experience. Reinforced suspension point, 73% high-tensile steel for body rigidity, and countless noise-reducing measures have made this MAZDA3 a quiet riot.

I could tell you that if you came in and drove the MAZDA3 the moment it hits our show floor you'll be floored -- I was. But you wouldn't believe the improvement made until you see them for yourself. So give one of our Mazda Sales Consultants (either Randy, Jeff or Jake) a call today at 320-251-1737 to find out more information about the upcoming MAZDA3 model. This is a vehicle that MUST be experienced first-hand! To find out more before your visit to Eich Mazda, learn more about the MAZDA3 here.

Mein Hässi (My Rabbit)

Winter in Minnesota can be very brutal to unsuspecting cars.  I am, but shouldn't be surprised that every Volkswagen I've owned from the 73 Super Beetle to this Tornado Red Twin Cities Edition 2008 Rabbit S manual has started at the first turn of the key.  On gleaming icy highways and snow-covered neighborhood streets the Rabbit hugs the roads and pushes through the snow like any four-legged master of the winter weather would!  I love this car.  So much so, I decided to name it Hässi (little Rabbit), pronounced Hay-see, the German pet name for a loved one.  

But perhaps maybe I should explain why my choices of German-engineering have led me to the 2008 Rabbit.  I drove this exact build of car about a year before I leased one. The experience was magic for a car that starts at only $15,890.  This IS a base model Rabbit, excepting for the 17" Alloys, smoked taillights, exhaust tips, and spoiler that earn it the Twin Cities Edition status.  When looking for a vehicle that offered much bang for the buck, the Rabbit S did the trick.  Some of the highlights of this car may not seem like much, but this Wolfsburg, Germany-assembled Rabbit keeps it simple and does it right!  An EIGHT-speaker stereo with single in-dash CD Player is basic in looks, but packs a powerful punch.  Fit and finish is impeccable without an shakes, rattles, or buzzing -- even at 10 degrees below zero!  Unbelieveable.  Dash controls and buttons are clearly labeled as the usual no-nonsense interiors of VW cars go and while the seats are cloth in the S model Rabbit, they are the most comfortable I've had in a VW because, even though unheated, they are warm in the winter and have excellent support.  Space to haul almost anything you can think of, makes this vehicle the perfect choice if transitioning to a fuel-saving vehicle, but not transitioning out of an active lifestyle.  The first week I owned the Rabbit, I purchased an enormous barbeque for my father for Christmas last year and the rear hatch of the Rabbit swallowed it whole!  I was shocked.  Now, I hate to sound vain, but what makes this Rabbit the most fun is NOT what's on the inside, but what's on the outside that counts. :)

The 08 Rabbit features a fully-independent suspension with enough tight-turning radius steering for narrow German streets and tight spots in the US as well.  Handling on the highway or in town is a premium.  For this less than $16,000 vehicle you too can experience what true automotive engineering should be!  The Rabbit hugs the road fondly remembering its Autobahn roots with a confidence and tenacity that encourages taking the highway on-ramps a little tighter...and then tighter still.  Ride feel is sensitive and sharp -- one knows this is a driver's car because you can actually feel the road beneath you.  A 170-hp 2.5L 5-cylinder gasoline engine provides 177 lb-ft. of torque at 4250 rpm -- more than enough sink-in-your seat force and passing power while still maintaining 30mpg.  I can attest, this is a true rating.  The Rabbit's sleek lines, athletic stance, and strong personality give it a fun and functional twist.  It is the original hot hatch!

To find out how excellent the Volkswagen Rabbit is, I recommend checking one out for yourself. You will not be disappointed.  In this economic environment the transition to a solidly-built, economical, fun-to-drive vehicle with room for it all is a win-win-win...win!

The Minivan with a German accent

The 2009 Routan will arrive in our store the middle of this month and we're sure to see an excited and proud reaction as VW adds a minivan to it's line-up for the first time ever. It will truly be the first minivan with German engineering in the North American market. But it will be so much more than that!

The Routan will offer German ride and road-handling, quality interior fit and finish, as well as VWs quality design aesthetic inside and out. It will offer all the quality components customers have come to expect and love from VW, while offering all the benefits a minivan driver would expect from a minivan.

The 2009 Routan will be the only minivan on the market to offer a Care-free maintenance program. For 3-years or 36,000 miles Volkswagen will perform oil changes and checks at no extra charge for the 6K, 12K, 18K, 24K, 30K, and 36K mile maintenance intervals. Drivers of the Routan will be able to drive more and worry less. Two courtesy check to explain vehicle features will offer an easy explanation of technological know-how needs and the smooth operation of belts, hoses, fluid top-off, lights and wipers.

Pricing for the Routan will be very competitive with that of other minivan offerings already on the market. Volkswagen understands that a great lease price is attractive in the face of companies no longer offering a vehicle lease. That's why Volkswagen is offering the 2009 Routan S for only $279/mo. for 36 months! With a starting price of $24,700 and competitive 3.9% APR available, customers will be able to get into the Routan, the minivan Engineered for the Autobahn, priced for the people.

Eich Mazda Product Training: The All-New 2009 Mazda6

Model changes like these come along every 5 years or so. But a model change this significant is very rare! The 2009 Mazda6 made its first debut at Eich Mazda today and was met with renewed enthusiasm for the sporty sedan we've all enjoyed. But wait until you yourself lay eyes on the redesigned, refined, and re-everythinged Mazda6. It's been 100% re-engineered and earns high points in the areas of interior fit and finish, style, performance, and refinement. The 2009 Mazda6 is not only slightly larger, quieter, more powerful, and sleeker, it also offers low-level luxury features found in automobiles commanding much higher prices with a starting price of only $19,220. What's better, is that this vehicle has several trim offerings that include features like an available 272-hp V6 engine (a completely new engine offering), a leather interior with heated seats, Blind Spot Monitoring System, Bluetooth hands-free phone AND audio operation, a 10-speaker Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound System, Automatic Climate Control, Sunroof, and DVD-based navigation system. If you want some or all the extras, you can certainly have them!

The biggest news about this new Mazda6 is the unique styling inside and out with Mazda's increasingly popular "Manta Ray"design study apparent in its front fender flairs, shortened trunk and stretched roof line. Xenon-headlights in a sleeker, more aerodynamic grill and headlight housing give the new Mazda6 a classy and elegant road presence. Inside door panels, dash materials and trim work all compliment the more upscale direction this latest edition is headed and the quieter, more grounded feel of the vehicle is the perfect setting for such interior refinements.

The staff was very pleased to see such a great redesign. It is apparent that Mazda has realized the importance of offering a reliable, fuel-efficient (EPA 21 city, 30 hwy) vehicle that allows for a sportier, more fun-to-drive experience than your Honda or Toyota offering. While fuel-efficiency was a question raised with this larger, more powerful Mazda6, our product trainer assured us that in her travels with the mpg monitoring system, she's been able to reach average fuel consumption of 35mpg. The best part is, is that that 35mpg still offers the moments when you may want to experience the race car heritage from which Mazda came that you cannot with other, more conservative driving experiences of the Asian persuasion.

Tiguan Arrival

Its clearly a long-awaiting arrival when the sales staff runs out onto the lot to eyeball the newest model when it arrives on the transport truck. Ryan Welsh and I were the first to run out like 10 year olds after the ice cream truck when our first four Tiguans arrived a week ago. The long-awaited, first ever CUV from Volkswagen has at long-last set all four tires on our lot. In varying trim levels and seven color including: Alpine Gray, Wild Cherry, Blue Sapphire, Black Pearl, Candy White, Reflex Silver, and White Gold, I am surprised by the spacious interior of the Tiguan with the relatively small amount of pavement it enjoys. The Tiguan is a compact Sport Utility Vehicle, but without the usual gas-guzzling connotations. Both 4Motion and front-wheel drive models use an incredibly small amount of fuel at 25 mpg. That with the famous 2.0L turbo-charged GTI engine making the Tiguan feel practically weightless with more than enough throttle to take you in and out of city traffic to offroad heaven in einem Augenblick (German for blink of an eye). I could certainly rave all day, but in order to experience for yourself how utilitarian and well-engineered the new Tiguan is, how heavenly its panoramic sunroof, and just how much SPORT is in its SUV, come into Eich Motor Company and enjoy a Tiguan demonstration today!