A Fantastic Year! Many thanks.

With the few remaining days I'm sure we're all reflecting on 2007. It was a really fantastic year, wasn't it? I had the opportunity to do so many wonderful things. One of the year's highlights was my trip to Germany. It really was an amazing time. I not only stayed with a wonderful family that was warm and accomodating, friendly and fun, I had the opportunity to volunteer my time at a Grundschule, or elementary school, helping german kids with their homework. I toured the Audi factory and museum based in Ingolstadt, where I stayed, and saw the Audi A3 assembly line. That was really a sight to see. It gave me a whole new outlook on the company we represent, Volkswagen AG. With impeccably clean assembly lines, fit into efficient spaces with the most technologically advanced equipment, I really knew that Volkswagen took the engineering and assembly of their vehicles very seriously. It makes me think about each and every car that we have on our lot and just how much detail went into each and every one of them. It's amazing. And they made it here, just as I did, safe and sound. Really marvelous.

It would not have been possible for me to spend the month I did in Germany if it weren't for Carl Fasen and Linda Eich, the General Manager and Owner of Eich Motor Company. I came to them early in the year and let them both know that I would have the opportunity to study abroad in Ingolstadt for some credits toward the German BA I've been working toward. It is a rare thing to be able to have the flexibility to work from a computer halfway across the world. I'm glad they could trust me with this experience. I appreciate how good they both are to all of us here at the dealership and I couldn't be more pleased to work for such fantastic people.

2007 was an interesting year for Volkswagen as well. Without a Diesel this year, we certainly had a challenge ahead of us. There is tremendous value in our product offerings in terms of safety, features, and performance. I firmly believe that for the price we're able to offer these solid, German-engineered vehicles, made for the Autobahn, we have an extraordinary product. I came to Eich Motor Company seven years ago because I found a solid, innovative product that I fell in love with and ended up finding a whole dealership full of people I fell in love with as well. So, I raise my Champagne glass high and toast them and 2007. I can't wait to see what awaits us in 2008. :) Til then!

Andy

Don't forget about your car this holiday season!

The holiday season is rapidly approaching again. With everything you have to do: decorating, shopping, wrapping, planning, cooking (I could go on, but you get the picture), it's easy to forget that Minnesota winters are not particularly kind to your vehicle. Here are a few tips to make sure your car is ready for whatever Old Man Winter can throw at it...

-Test your battery frequently. Proper voltage will help start your car, even in the coldest of temperatures.

-Check your antifreeze/coolant levels. Proper antifreeze mixtures will prevent fluids in your radiator and hoses from freezing and expanding and potentially cracking engine components.

-Check tire pressure and tread depth. Sudden drops in temperature can greatly affect tire pressure levels. Improper tire inflation will not provide the highest potential traction. Also, bald tires limit your traction, so keep an eye on your tread depth. If you use performance tires for summer driving, swapping them for winter tires will help greatly as well.

-Run a full tank of fuel. Rather than waiting for your fuel light to come on, fill up when you reach a half tank. If you are caught in the middle of a snow storm, you may become stranded. Make sure the best source of heat you have, your car's engine, has the fuel it needs to run for a long period of time in case of emergency.

Keep an emergency kit in your car. Try to include a flashlight with working batteries, blankets, hat and gloves, boots, jumper cables, an ice scraper, a small shovel, a few high energy food sources like candy bars or energy bars, and some kitty litter for traction. Who thought kitty litter could save your life?

These are just a few ideas to help keep you safe on the road this winter. Remember, if you treat your car right, it will help you out when you really need it!

Before I log out, I want to wish everyone a very happy holiday season and a safe new year!

-Chris Stumvoll

The 2009 Tiguan

There was a welcome surprise in my inbox this morning as I returned to my desk with a cup of coffee. Volkswagen of America has released the first few shots of the 2009 Tiguan. This first look comes along as the production model Tiguan appears at the LA Auto Show. A mini-site will follow soon that will offer more information. Right now the pictures available to view here will offer a thousand words as you'll notice the radio offers touch-screen capabilities for song selection, mixing capabilities, and GPS navigation. A panoramic sunroof sheds light on a spacious interior with 60/40 folding rear-seat and a instrument panel and dash that is new to the VW line-up as well. Offering mid-twenties highway fuel-efficiency, the standard 2.0T FSI engine will provide 207-lb of torque. An official base price of $22,490 has been released by Volkswagen and this offers a significant benefit to customers that need the ability to throw some cross-country skis in the back, without spending to much dough to get from point A to point Outdoors.

Campmobile Gets Some TLC

This weekend marked another fun project weekend in which I was able to spend quality time with my '72 Westfalia Campmobile. For months I've been trying to fix the Eberspächer Gas Heater that came installed in the Camper I purchased from its second owner about a year ago. Its a project that has cost me a few dollars, but one that I enjoy doing as I get to enjoy the Fall weather and really put my mind to work demystifying this German-engineered puzzle that is the gas torpedo-style heater.

After tracking down and installing a used fuel pump that I thought was the culprit, I realized after much examination with my grandfather, a retired Project Manager for Ventura County, I had an expert's understanding of the workings of this quite servicable gas heater. Tracking the problem back to a set of burnt points that can be cleaned easily enough, I realized the only way in which to inspect the points was to remove and disassemble the entire heater.

The contact points were burned. After a quick cleanup and the stashing of the parts in a cardboard box, I was able to find everything but a small screw I had misplaced. In a box in the trunk of my new Jetta lies a machine that has long been a source of joy, warm hands, and mystery. On the brink of success, I can almost hear the little gas heater ignite. I'm sure it will be met with its owner's smiling face. Its owner who will make sure to have a fire extinguisher nearby. :)

The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan--A First Glimpse.

In case you missed it, VWVortex.com, Volkswagen's Enthusiast site has recently released an article discussing the launch of the Volkswagen Tiguan (pronounced Tee-goo-ahn) in Germany. Now a part of the full line-up of Volkswagen models offered in Volkwagen's home market, this compact SUV will contend with the Honda CR-V, RAV, and Hyundai SantaFe. Due out mid-year in 2008, this 2009 model is currently offered in three trim levels named 1) Trend&Fun 2) Sport&Style or 3) Track&Field.

There are a number of firsts VW can claim in the launch of this new-ute including, but never limited to: a forced-induction engine, a Park Assist feature of this caliber, and off-road capabilities with a network of safety systems like no other available with the touch of a button. The Tiguan also offers a trailer (towing) load of over 55oo lbs (!) which is handled by a new swiveling trailer hitch. "In a class by themselves," according to VWVortex.com, "are the touchscreen radio and navigation systems [which] offers a standard 30 gigabyte hard disk memory, as off-road navigation mode and rearview camera. All exciting features indeed, not to mention, a panorama sunroof that allows for a view of the sky from the front and back seats.

Revisiting the engine selection currently available in Germany, and what we can only hope will become available in the US, are the five engine options in Germany. While it is doubtful that the US consumer will be able to choose from one of the following engines, it is exciting to contemplate their availability in the US.

- TSI with 150hp (27.9 mpg)

- TSI with 170 hp (25.86 mpg)

- TSI with 200hp (25.86 mpg)

- TDI with 140hp (32.67 mpg)

- TDI with 170 hp (33.5 mpg)*

*These ratings are based on fuel efficiency ratings in Germany.

For more information and detail regarding the launch of this exciting, new model from Volkswagen, you can read the original article from VWVortex.com here.

Offset Your Carbon Footprint

A unique program has been recently announced by Volkswagen of America this month. For all new Volkswagen car owners that purchase from September 1, 2007 to January 2, 2008, Volkswagen will donate a calculated amount of money to http://www.carbonfund.org/, to offset the amount of carbon emitted from the new car customer's vehicle. Touted as "one of the most ambitious carbon-offsetting projects in the US," Volkswagen has agreed to apply the funds from the entire Volkswagen community in the reforestation of the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley. This area was chosen as a site of reforestation as, according to carbonfund.org, it is where "the region’s carbon absorption rates are among the highest of any area in the United States. It is for this reason why the organization feels it is the perfect place in which to combat global warming.

To calculate your carbon footprint, visit http://www.carbonfund.org/ where you can input some simple information such as your vehicle's make, model and miles driven per year in order to determine what it would take to offset your environmental footprint. "You can also feel good knowing you’re replenishing a ravaged wetland ecosystem," says Carbonfund.org, "and restoring a natural habitat for tons of species like the Louisiana Black Bear."

Visit http://www.vw.com/ for more information today, and join the community that’s working together to help the global community."

R32...It's Back!

In 2004, Volkswagen wowed the auto industry with the R32. A limited production vehicle using the golf platform fitted with a 3.2L VR6 engine, a sports tuned suspension, and all wheel drive. After a four year hiatus, its finally back.

Eich received its first 2008 R32 this week. It is similar to its 2004 counterpart in many ways, but greatly changed in others. Still using a 3.2L VR6, the horsepower has been tuned up to 250 and still delivers 236 lb./ft. of torque. To best capture all of the available power, the 2008 also uses VW's 4-motion all wheel drive. The 2008 sits on the redesigned Rabbit platform and comes standard with the amazing DSG automatic transmission.

I had the pleasure of experiencing a quick road test with the 2008 a couple days ago. Having very high expectations set by the original R32, I was excited to see how the improvements felt. I was not disappointed. The 3.2 engine felt very responsive at all different speeds and rpm's and the AWD held the road as well as the 2004 model.

The interior design was nailed again with deep bucket sport seats that don't let you move an inch as you're hugging the turns, a steering wheel that had me asking myself "Did Volkswagen measure my hands when they designed this?", and a diamond brushed aluminum trim that is both unique and eye catching.

The biggest change I wanted to experience was the DSG transmission. The 2004 R32 was only available with a manual, and the 2008 is only available with the DSG automatic. Even though a manual transmission is a lot of fun, and gives you great control, the DSG is really something to experience. So fast, it shifts with ridiculous precision that is almost scary at times, and the paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel give you a manual feel without ever having to take your hands off the wheel.

Having that said, if I had to pick the best part about the new R32, I'd have to say its the exhaust system. I could try to describe it, but you'd have to hear it to believe it.....



Chris Stumvoll

No Boundaries in the Boundary Waters

October 18th is the date in prospect for a weekend trip to the Boundary Waters that separate the state of Minnesota from Canada with vast stretches of lakes and rivers that all feed one into another. Never having been up to this part of Minnesota and enjoying the outdoors as much as I do, I'm excited to explore a part of Minnesota that's well-known for its remote canoe-in only camping sites, winding trails, and picture perfect scenery. I hope to bring friends from college as we've already begun a tradition of camping during the peak of the fall colors. The Boundary Waters seem like the perfect place to sent up camp this Fall. This means that the Camper has to be in tip-top shape. Carrying five other friends is going to be quite a haul for Champ. Not to mention lugging around our equipment--which we'll have to keep to a minimum.

There is really no better time to go camping than Fall. Bonfires are especially appreciated during this, the best time of year to enjoy staying bundled up in a tent or camper in the breaking hours of the morning. There should be more than enough room for us all with room for two on the bench seat that folds into a double bed and the original equipment tent that can sleep five in a pinch.

Other mandatory pieces of equipment that must be in good working order will be my 1960-era Coleman cookstove, 1945 Coleman single-mantle lantern (belonging to my grandpa), and the gas heater that came as an option with the camper. A replacement fuelpump for the camper heater ought to get it back in good operating shape. Aside from finding a perfect spot and not getting lost in the many lakes and rivers that run together, the only other worries will be who will make coffee first, and whether or not we'll have enough firewood for long-winded discussions. It should be quite the adventure--one I'm excited to watch unfold.

Stay tuned...

Andy

An Eich Motor Company Birthday Outing

It was a special week at Eich Motor Company. Both of the Chris' turned 25 within two days of each other. It seems to be a strange coincidence that the only two people that share the name, Chris, here at Eich, were born only 48 hours apart. A strange coincidence that called for a celebration. We decided to go bowling.

A group of about 20 co-workers and friends gathered for a night of ten pin. It was interesting to see all of the different bowling styles that were brought to the table. Erik's "launch the ball half-way down the lane before it lands" style proved to be amazingly effective, as did Jeff's "choose a lighter ball and throw it 80 m.p.h." style. Jackie had a great night relying on perfect placement. Tony and I didn't fair as well with our "too much spin for the dry lane conditions = a lot of gutterballs" style.

All-in-all, it was a great night and everyone had a good time.

I hope everyone has a safe and relaxing weekend. Until next time...

Chris Stumvoll

Diesels on the Horizon

The Diesels are coming! The Diesels are coming! This is certain. And while Eich Motor Company gears up for a Diesel Revolution, we both should be aware that there are myths hanging in the air regarding diesels, but Automobile Magazine can attest...there are nothing but advantages to this new line of clean diesels coming at us from over the horizon.

The new 2008 Volkswagen Diesel is already making headlines as Volkswagen refines its newest line of Diesel models for the US. Filling stations are already under regulations to supply ultra-low sulfur fuels. Volkswagen is prepared to sell the 2008 Jetta in the Spring, as well as the 2008 Tiguan and V6 Touareg later in the model year to satisfy 50-state emission regulations--not to mention keeping our air clean. In a recent article, Automobile Magazine was asked the question, "Don't Diesels Smoke?" To which they answered, "Not any more. Smoke coming from a diesel engine is partially unburned fuel, and the new engines run so efficiently they make sure there's no waste."

One other topic of interest in this article was the question of Hybrid vehicles over diesels, to which Automobile Magazine's Jason Cammisa, responded, "That's a really simple question with a really simple answer: if you want to save money, you don't want a hybrid. Studies have shown that people are buying hybrid cars to send a message - not to save money. This is a good thing, because while they do save a little bit of fuel, they don't save money."

To catch the rest of this excellent article link on the link below:
http://www.automobilemag.com/features/0707_diesel_feature.

Enjoy!

Softball Champs and Vikings Football

So this summer I joined a Wednesday night co-rec softball league with some great people from Eye Surgeons & Physicians here in St. Cloud. This week marked the Championship round of the playoffs and I'm glad to report we brought it home! We may not have been the strongest team in the league, but we can proudly call ourselves the Whitney Center Wednesday Night Co-Rec Lower Division Softball Champions...so to all the folks at ES&P thanks for a great time and congratulations. Now all we have to do is defend the title next year!

Its the second week of August and already its time for pre-season Minnesota Vikings football. Is it just me, or does the start of the pre-season keep getting earlier every year? Anyway, I will admit I am excited as I always am to see what the Vikings will look like. The question is how long can I stay excited before the losses start piling up and I start calling it a "rebuilding season". Adrian Peterson, the rookie from Oklahoma is what I'm most excited to see. He should be able to do some great things behind a very solid offensive line. Anyway...getting together with some friends and grilling meat and enjoying a few cold beverages is always the best part of a new season!

I hope everyone has a safe weekend and is able to keep cool. I'm out for now...

Chris Stumvoll

V-Dub doin' it Hollywood style...

Greetings again! Hopefully everyone had a safe weekend and had a chance to enjoy a bit of the beautiful weather and cooler temperatures.

The Bourne Ultimatum opened this past weekend and I was lucky enough to catch it opening night, Friday.
I was excited driving to the theater in anticipation for the third installment in the Bourne series as I had thoroughly enjoyed the first two. Let me just say that it was nice to leave the theater after watching a sequel NOT asking myself "why didn't they stop after the first one?" for a change. A great movie that grabs early and doesn't let go, I would recommend it to anyone that enjoyed the first two or just anyone that enjoys a good spy thriller.

If you do happen to see this movie, pay special attention to a few of the vehicles used. You might recognize a familiar VW emblem on a few of them. A European style GTI shows up about half way through the movie. Jason Bourne uses it as an escape vehicle. Even though the shot lasts only a few seconds, the car looks and sounds amazing as it speeds off.

The new Volkswagen Touareg 2 also makes a cameo appearance as a part of the obligatory climatic car chase scene, only this time, Bourne isn't driving. Its one of the better chase scenes I've seen in a while, made that much better by seeing a V-Dub involved. Without spoiling too much of the chase, the Touareg 2 takes quite a punishment and keeps on rolling. I know its Hollywood, but you can still see why its one of the most rugged and safest SUVs available today.

Anyway, that's enough for now. I'll be back soon.

Chris Stumvoll

P.S. I want to send my thoughts and prayers out to the all the people and the families of those involved in the tragic bridge collapse last week...

The Air-cooled Collection

Its already August and the weather has cooled a bit. I guess that's ok considering the projects I seem to have put off because of the recent outbreak of sweltering heat. I was finally able to tackle a small project this last weekend and am happy to report the addition of a new friend to my Volkswagen collection.

I own a '72 Volkswagen Campmobile I've parked at my parents house up in Park Rapids, MN--a fitting spot in the middle of lake country. Small putsy projects satisfy me more than most things and I decided to take the rear bumper off the Camper, nicknamed Champ, and try out my elementary auto body skills. The previous owner gave the bumpers on the camper several coats of cream paint as it turned out and I hope to return the bumpers to their original sharp, shiny luster. So far so good. One coat of primer is as far as I got, but prep work is the key. I enjoyed the time spent with Champ and the bruise on my right hand from breaking that rusty bolt off will be worth it when we're up in Itasca or Duluth this Fall.

Today marks the one week anniversary since I picked up my vintage '61 Beetle. The first year to add standard equipment windsheild washer nozzles, optional equipment when purchased at Schmelz Bros. Volkswagen on July 16th 1961 included leatherette seats for $30 and whitewall tires for $30. I tell you, I wish they only cost that much today. One is lucky to find whitewalls to fit a '61 Beetle and if one does, they won't cost under $150 a piece. However, this newest addition runs like brand new on a recently rebuilt 1200 CC engine and moves down the road with a whopping 36hp engine and only 49,000 original miles. Its quite the vehicle. Eventually something funny will happen and a nickname will make itself apparent.

Stay tuned...

Welcome to the Eich Motor Company Blog...

Welcome to all the new visitors to the Eich Motor Company Blog! This will be new territory for myself and Eich Motor Company, but hopefully it will give us a way for our customers, friends, and community members to get to know us a little better and let all of you in on some of the behind the scenes action.

Let me introduce myself. My name is Chris Stumvoll, i'm 24 years old and have been a member of the sales team at Eich for nearly two years now. I grew up on a dairy farm in Central Minnesota, recieved my degree from Saint John's University in communication/theology in 2005, and have been at Eich Motor Company ever since.

The past two years at Eich have flown by. The amazing group of employees that i consider to be more family than co-workers, and the group of customers i'm lucky enough to have done business with make the time i've spent here some of my best yet.

I'm not sure what else to write on this introductory post...so I will leave it at that for now. I'll try to post as often as possible, and I hope to hear some feedback from anyone who may stumble across this blog!

In the beginning...

A little new to the idea of blogging, something to which I have not yet had the pleasure of admitting, I'm excited about the idea of letting you, our customers, our friends, see a little bit of the behind the scenes here at Eich Motor Company. Its a place you can always depend on for a smile. We happen to have just as much fun (if not a little more) than when you're away enjoying the open road in your Volkswagen or Mazda.

Its been such a beautiful summer and I'm sure you've already made good use of these sunny, summer days. Let us know what you've been up to? We'd love to share summer stories with you. My biggest excitement this summer was getting to enjoy a month in Germany. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there as I was studying the German language, culture, and literature. I also got to tour the Audi factory in Ingolstadt, Germany, where I stayed. Needless to say, it was fantastic.

There are exciting changes on the way for Eich Motor Company as we gear up to launch a few new models in the next few seasons. Most exciting would have to be the newest line of Jetta Diesels, slated to debut here in February/March. With up to 50mpg or more, 140hp and a quieter, more powerful engine, we expect great things from this newest line of ground-breaking Diesels. One of the biggest surprises I noticed in Germany is that over 50% of the cars there are Diesel. It made me wonder what they know that we don't. And since German's seem to be on top of the technology chain, they must be making practical changes that will ensure a less fuel-dependent future. I think it will be excellent to check these Diesels out when they arrive. They have alot more torque than my gas Jetta!

Eich Motor Company has had a good month after some of the sweltering heat in July. Well into our 109th year in St. Cloud, we're geared up for the Fall and saying goodbye to 2007 models already! Wow! Today Carl, Mat, and Erik are out for a Golf tournament enjoying the summer sun. Our sales staff have been enjoying concerts, family reunions, and wedding celebrations. I myself enjoyed a beautiful weekend in Itasca State Park this past weekend with family, and Linda Eich just returned from a canoeing trip with her sister in the boundary waters.

We hope you're enjoying the summer! We'll write more soon!

Andy