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!

Jetta TDI Clean Diesel Update

Its been an exciting few months at Eich Motor Company. Most of our staff has returned from the various Auto Shows in the country - Detroit, Chicago and Minneapolis, and all have received rave reviews. I was only lucky enough to see some of our brands' new offerings in Minneapolis, but I really should use the word only. The Volkswagen Tiguan was the star of this show and a star it was! Overall, I was very impressed with the Tiguan. My expectations were exceeded in it's stance, presence, and spaciousness. Featuring optional 19" Alloy wheels and a Panoramic Sunroof, the Tiguan appeared to take up minimal space on the outside, with an almost greenhouse appeal inside -- and I in no way mean a small greenhouse. The amount of glass certainly lended itself to an unusally spacious interior and legroom looked to be at a premium. The new dashboard gave the Tiguan a very "offroad-in-style" feel with its ergonomic design and appealing style. It is sure to steal the show in our showroom this Summer. Make sure to check back with us to find out about our first arrivals!

The Chicago show definetely set the stage with the TDI Clean Diesel. Mat Sanborn took pictures of this long-awaited model in both sedan and wagon forms, as well as a picture of the almost mythical 2.0L Clean TDI engine. A list of interested buyers have already put deposits down here at the store and are excited to receive one of the first 2009 Jetta TDI Clean Diesels to arrive on our lot! We will have one in early June for demonstration (but not initially for sale). I cannot believe that this newest offering has 40 more horseswith 90% less emissions! It is proof that German Engineers have yet to be out-engineered by other makes and both European and American regulations.

As we receive more information regarding these models, we will make the information available, until then, feel free to contact us at 1-888-341-1499 for further questions! Be sure to put your name down for an 09 TDI model. They're sure to be good clean fun!

Eich Motor Company - Celebrating 110 Years

This morning as I comtemplated our 110th Anniversary, I wondered where we ranked in terms of the oldest dealerships in the US. Last year Eich Motor Company was awarded with the NADA's Century Award and ranked 9th as the oldest established dealership in the United States. At that moment, I felt a wave of honor to work in one of the longest living family-owned and operated automobile dealerships in the United States. One would think that for that reason alone this business would be pompous and powerful, using its wealth and reputation for monetary gains. But from the time I entered the doors of this once smallish VW showroom at 1933 W. Division St in St. Cloud, MN, I felt nothing but sincere appreciation for my interest in the company and ongoing gratitude for my business. Even as a high schooler with big dreams of one day owning my own New Beetle (and having little money to realize that dream) I was warmly welcomed, treated well, and when I'd leave wished a safe return. Fast forward seven years and I hold the Marketing Manager's position at this store and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't see the little things, the details, the friendly family-oriented atmosphere that often is played up at other stores, but seldom felt, that drives the on-going success of this dealership. It may not sound like anything profound, but when asked about small-business in the United States, this is truly a success story, especially in ways other than monetary.

Incorporated in 1898 as a farm implement and machinery dealer, A.A. Eich began a small franchise on Seventh St. in downtown St. Cloud. Studebaker wagons and buggies would later become the focus of their efforts and in 1910 the first Studebaker car was sold. Later renamed A.A. Eich & Son, the dealership sold several other brands including MG, Triumph, Austin-Healy, Hillman, Borgward, and finally, Mercedes until 1975. St. Cloud's first imported car was probably a BMC (British Motor Car.) Volkswagen would be the driving brand of the company when the first Beetle was sold on November 8, 1960. The Mazda brand was added in 1973.

There isn't enough room on this blog page to elaborate on the history of the company or the heritage of the brands we carry, but if interested, please visit our website for a more complete historical account of Eich Motor Company here. And if in the neighborhood, please stop by and have a cup of coffee with us. You're always welcome.

2009 Volkswagen Routan

Official photographs of the 2009 Volkswagen Routan have been released. With only days before the Chicago Autoshow, Volkswagen has made available a first look at the 2009 Routan mini-van it expects to launch in September. "A car for all routes and reasons" the Routan's name is mixture of the english word "route" and attaches Volkwagen's signature "an" prefix to denote the line-up of mini-van offerings as in the german Touran and Sharan models. Volkswagen expects this unique offering to sell 40,000 unit in its peak year and touts it as the "only European alternative" for minivans in the US market. With unique features such as imposed seven-passenger seating and touch-screen navigation, the Routan will round out our line-up her at Eich Motor Company. For several years customers have sought after a vehicle that can house the entire family and the Routan promises to fill that void. After the decision not to import the increasingly hard-to-find EuroVan, loyal VW enthusiasts will be able to return to their roots and brand-of-choice with this newest addition.

With a base price of around $25,000, the Routan will offer a great starting price for this, what is sure to be, a premium European alternative to other makes and models. Be sure to check back for more information regarding the Volkswagen Routan, or check out the Chicago Auto Show for more information here.

Detriot Auto Show: Preview

Tomorrow, January 23rd, I will be flying to Detriot to attend the 2008 Detriot Auto Show. Also making the trip from Eich will be salespeople Jeff, Tony, Ryan, and master technician Andy. It will be a long day, as we will have to leave Saint Cloud at about 4:30 a.m. to make our flight, but it should be well worth it!

Volkswagen has five new products becoming available in the 2008 calendar year...FIVE! I hope to get an up-close look at the new Jetta Sportwagen, the Tiguan (VW's new crossover SUV), the Passat CC (VW's venture into the the realm of the four-door coupe), and Volkswagen's new diesel engine (available in the Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, and Tiguan). Unfortunately we won't be able to see the Routan (VW's new minivan) because it is scheduled to be unveiled February 8th at the Chicago Auto Show.

On the Mazda side of things, there should be some amazing products to check out as well, including a race car concept called the Furai (see photo above) and the new and improved Mazda 6.

If you can't tell, I'm pretty excited to check all this out. We'll be taking many pictures, and I'll post a blog later this week with a recap. Until then...

Chris Stumvoll

Its Debut: The Passat CC Coupe

Today marks an exciting day. Volkswagen AG has released official photographs of the 2009 Volkswagen Passat CC Coupe. Seen as a segment-gap closing offering somewhere between the current Passat sedan and the Dresden, Germany-produced Phaeton, it takes only one glance to see that this newest addition is distinctly Volkswagen as well as head-turning. The Passat CC Coupe (Coupe denoting the shorter trunk and longer more elegant C-pillar) will be available with a whole host of features. While information released today on this exciting vehicle pertains to the European model, this vehicle will be produced and assembled overseas and will offer much of what being made available there. To see the article in full and to view exciting new photographs, click here.

This vehicle will be available at Eich Motor Company late 2008, so if you're interested, please see us and we will do our best to provide you with more information and put your name down on the list. You can be the first to grace St. Cloud with its presence. And it does have quite a presence!