LiMBO-The Late Model Bus Organization,international
Generations of Innovation Summit '96
What an interesting title. What does it mean? Well, in April LiMBO was invited to send a representative to Volkswagen of America's headquarters. Myself and Dale were contacted and asked to send someone. I begged Dale to go. He didn't need much coaxing, his calender was, unfortunately, full this month so I was chosen to go.
The purpose of this meeting was to gather a sampling of VW people from different parts of the 'Vintage' community and hold a meeting to discuss Volkswagens plans for more participation in the 'Vintage' VW world.
The date was set for May 2nd and 3rd. The day arrived and with ticket and luggage in hand I boarded the plane and headed for Aurburn Hills Michigan. I was greeted at the Hotel by the man instrumental in getting this Summit together, Dick Swary and VWoA's rep Bill Rodgers. Dick gave me a brief overview of the agenda and let me get settled in. I was the first to arrive so I had a little time to kill before the activities began. I had a quick bite with Dick, Bill, and VWoC's Ron Nicols. Ron picked me up at the airport. We discussed the events planned and a few things about Volkswagen. I went back to my room to settle in and call my bride. The afternoon seemed to wizz by.
At 5pm I returned to the Hotel lobby to meet up with the rest of the group, who had been arriving all afternoon. We were then transported, via Eurovan, to VWoA's headquarters just a few blocks down the road. For those who have never seen their headquarters, its a small non-domineering maroon building with small VW and Audi signs to note who occupies the space.
There was a small cocktail party was just getting underway when we arrived with all of Volkswagens executives in attendance. I meet everyone that handles VWoA's day to day activities. When we arrived we where asked to sit in a mock up of the New Beetle for a photograph. Shortly after the Beetle shots we gathered for a group photo. The photos later were framed and given to us as a momento. The core group that are in the photo consisted of myself, Bod Dorr of the CVA, Jim Siegfried of the VVWCA, Bill Bowman of NEATO, Bill Rathburn who promotes the Milan Bugout and campains a cool VW powered dragster, Henry De Kuyper of VW Trends, Bruce Simarda of Hot VW's, Rich Kimbell who promotes the VW Classic, Bob Hole who promotes the Bug-a- Rama and owns Bugformance, Bob Case of the Michigan VW club, Les Steiger who promotes the Mananass Bug Out and others, Joe Townsend from the Canadian VW club, Troy Heizenrater of GASS, Lee Thomas Hedges of the Karman Ghia Registry, Grant Rutland of the 'Great Canadian Bug Show" and Shell Tomlin of the VW Club of America.
We had dinner with the VW executives and listen to a few speeches about the company and the plans for the Future, and introductions. I happen to sit with the Fran Kelly, he's works for the agency that handles advertising we see in the media. In fact he handles most of the ads we see. I commented on some of the ads I have seen and he told me that the TV commercial with the girl who drives the red Golf and drinks coffee is one the the favorites. He also told me that the Campaign that used the slogan 'Farvergnugen' has no affect on VW sales. The 'Drivers Wanted' campaign, however, seems to be working well for VW. He said that it was a different agency that came up with 'Farvergnugen'. We talked about the Jerry Garcia memorial ad with the crying Split window bus. He said that it almost didn't make it into the memorial issue of 'Rolling Stone'. The editor pulled a few stings so that it would make the issue. I also was able to see the original artwork for a Grateful Dead poster that VW gave its seal of approval. It has a 23 window Splitty in the foreground with the 'Steel you face' skull in the background, and the whole picture was set in the desert. I would like to get my hands on that.
After dinner we returned to the Hotel. Les and I shot some pool with some GM engineers then we made our way to one up to Grant Rutlands room, I think, where there was quite a little shindig going on.
At 8am we gather once again in the lobby to head over to VW for breakfast with the CEO, Clive Warlow. Clive seems to be an easy going guy. He also has a few vintage VW's of his own. He enter the boardroom pushing a little model bug made of wire. It looks like he was walking his dog until you see that his dog is a VW. We enjoyed our breakfast while he introduced himself and engaged in a little Q and A session. He originally started working for VW in South Africa where he became CEO of VWSA. After 26 years there he moved to become CEO of VWo Canada. Then about 2 or 3 years ago he became CEO of VWoA. Back then things were quite dismal for VWoA and a merger with VWoCanada was necessary. Unfortunately it cost many Jobs in both companies and when he told us that this you could sense his remorse.
He made a interesting comment that the Vanagon is still in production in South Africa with a 5 cylinder Audi engine.
After breakfast we split up into 2 groups. One group when on a test drive of some of VW's new models, and the rest of up went on a quick tour of the offices and then went into a meeting.
At the meetings we were given a over view of how VW operates and their plans to improve customer relations and service. Then they unveiled their plans for VW's support of the Vintage community . Jim Talbuts, one of the people in VW's customer relations department unveiled their plan to set up a VWoA table at some of the major VW events across the country. They hope to have a big tent with displays inside and an area where you can view VW videos, and an area with new cars to look at.
Speaking of videos, we had a chance to view all the old VW TV commercials for the last 40 years the night before at the reception.
Another thing VWoA is thinking of doing is have a Club. It would be completely run by VWoA and offered to new VW owners as well as current owners. It would be like many clubs. It would have shows, sponsor events, offer discounts of VW parts and service and regalia and have a newsletter. VW currently has a couple of publications that are given to new car owners. I didn't know this. (I've never bought a new VW before) The club would also let members get a VW sponsored Visa card with their car on it. The Visa card is already available, but it comes with a VW logo on it. (you get credit towards a new VW purchase everytime you use it too) The club would have links to other clubs around the country and coordinate with them on things as well. I thought the whole thing was interesting. But one thing came to mind, other VW club to join, isn't there enough clubs out there? Hopefully VW will be able to launch this and make it worth while to join. The club also doesn't have a name yet. (we thought 'Volkswagen Club' was a bit overused)
The next event of the day was a trip to VW's service area. That's where they hide all the prototypes and train service personal. I saw the new redesigned EuroVan VR6.
Security grab me before I could take it for a ride, darn. =) The Eurovan is scheduled for re-release this fall with the VR6 engine. Plans also call for the TDI to be an option as well.
Speaking of the TDI, we were given a brief lecture and hands on instruction of the Turbo Direct Injected Diesel engine. Now many of you think of diesels and see a slow, almost dangerously slow, Vanagon. Well Volks, the TDI has more HP than the 1.9L Vanagon engine. It makes peak torque at about 1900 RPM an holds it until about 3500 RPM when it reaches peak HP of 90 hp. Most of you also think of diesels as loud and smelly, well let me tell you first hand that if you didn't know it was a diesel, you wouldn't know. Its quiet and the new electronically controlled Fuel system eliminates smoke and the 3 way Cat, wipes way smell. I'm very impressed with the new TDI. Then again, I like diesels. Thanks goes out to Iltyd Griard for his informative talk.
At lunch, Steve Keys, VW's head Concept one contact in the US talked to us about the states of 'The New Beetle'. Currently, the introduction date is expected to be either the fall of '97 or early '98. The CEO of VWAG is in charge of this project and is really being fussy about it. He's also Dr Porsche's nephew. It will be produced in Mexico and Mexican beetle production WILL NOT be affected. It will be offered in a number of different ways from basic transportation to power house all wheel drive with every bell and whistle. Unfortunately Steve couldn't give us anymore info than that. He just doesn't know. The name 'New Beetle' so far is just a working title, the final name may or may not be different. No one knows for sure.
After lunch, we were unleashed on five unsuspecting new VW's. A Cabriolet, VR6 Passat, a TDI Passat (the only way, currently to get the TDI engine), a VR6 Jetta and a base model Golf. I personally put each car through its paces. I like the feel of the Golf and Jetta, nice crisp response and handling. The TDI was excellent, you couldn't lug this motor. The VR6 Passat was nice, it had lots of extras and the VR6 gives the car the right power for the weight. I loved the Carbriolet, but I love open air cars. My Favorite car was the VR6 Jetta, man could that car fly. We were late getting back to the offices so we opened it up, I was doing about 120 MPH down the interstate. At first I thought the speedo read in kilometers. I was wrong. I gave Amy, the poor girl who road with me, a white nuckel ride and few grey hairs in her head. ' Aren't you going a little fast?' Na, I'm just getting it opened up.' 'Wow, are we really doing a 120? Cool!' I found out alot about the new VW's I didn't know, like did you know that on most models if you hold the key, after you lock it, that all the windows including the sunroof will close. It also activates the standard anti-theft system. Holding the key also opens all windows when unlocking the doors. All the windows, in cars with power windows, have one touch roll down feature. These are things VW needs to make people aware of.
When we landed back at corporate we gathered together for a quick wrap-up. We were given a brief overview of VW's standings to date. Right now sales are better then they have been in about 5 years. Profits are up and everyone's happy. VW is the number one car in Europe and number 3 or 4 world wide. VW ranks well here in the states when you consider how much competion there is for cars.
We were given some nice gifts and then we headed off for our flights back. My flight left late so we grab a quick bite before heading out to the airport. After a slight delay I headed home, my mind going a mile a minute just trying to digest everything I had seen and heard.
This meeting is one of the highlights in my VW life. It will be one I'll be talking about for a long time to come. Dale, thanks again for letting me go. A special thanks to Dick Swary and Volkswagen of America, this meeting is the start of something good between VW and the dedicated owners who love the car like its family. If you see me over the summer please come up and ask me about the whole event. I'll be happy to talk about it. Take Care all.
There was a small cocktail party was just getting underway when we arrived with all of Volkswagens executives in attendance. I meet everyone that handles VWoA's day to day activities. When we arrived we where asked to sit in a mock up of the New Beetle for a photograph. Shortly after the Beetle shots we gathered for a group photo. The photos later were framed and given to us as a momento. The core group that are in the photo consisted of myself, Bod Dorr of the CVA, Jim Siegfried of the VVWCA, Bill Bowman of NEATO, Bill Rathburn who promotes the Milan Bugout and campains a cool VW powered dragster, Henry De Kuyper of VW Trends, Bruce Simarda of Hot VW's, Rich Kimbell who promotes the VW Classic, Bob Hole who promotes the Bug-a- Rama and owns Bugformance, Bob Case of the Michigan VW club, Les Steiger who promotes the Mananass Bug Out and others, Joe Townsend from the Canadian VW club, Troy Heizenrater of GASS, Lee Thomas Hedges of the Karman Ghia Registry, Grant Rutland of the 'Great Canadian Bug Show" and Shell Tomlin of the VW Club of America.
Security grab me before I could take it for a ride, darn. =) The Eurovan is scheduled for re-release this fall with the VR6 engine. Plans also call for the TDI to be an option as well.
After lunch, we were unleashed on five unsuspecting new VW's. A Cabriolet, VR6 Passat, a TDI Passat (the only way, currently to get the TDI engine), a VR6 Jetta and a base model Golf. I personally put each car through its paces. I like the feel of the Golf and Jetta, nice crisp response and handling. The TDI was excellent, you couldn't lug this motor. The VR6 Passat was nice, it had lots of extras and the VR6 gives the car the right power for the weight. I loved the Carbriolet, but I love open air cars. My Favorite car was the VR6 Jetta, man could that car fly. We were late getting back to the offices so we opened it up, I was doing about 120 MPH down the interstate. At first I thought the speedo read in kilometers. I was wrong. I gave Amy, the poor girl who road with me, a white nuckel ride and few grey hairs in her head. ' Aren't you going a little fast?' Na, I'm just getting it opened up.' 'Wow, are we really doing a 120? Cool!' I found out alot about the new VW's I didn't know, like did you know that on most models if you hold the key, after you lock it, that all the windows including the sunroof will close. It also activates the standard anti-theft system. Holding the key also opens all windows when unlocking the doors. All the windows, in cars with power windows, have one touch roll down feature. These are things VW needs to make people aware of. 