Friday, February 24, 2012

Volkswagen in America: The Story Behind the Chattanooga Plant

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="470" caption="Volkswagen employees recreate the iconic logo, at the site of the new Chattanooga plant."]VW Chattanooga plant[/caption]

Environmental Responsibility: Chattanooga Plant Earns LEED Certification

When Volkswagen took on the challenge of constructing their latest United States manufacturing facility, the automaker displayed a high level of corporate responsibility by redefining the idea of being 'green' in the auto industry.

Since the construction process began, to the time when the first Passat rolled off its assembly line, the state-of-the-art factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has become a corporate model for sustainable, eco-friendly manufacturing.

The Chattanooga plant, home of the all-new Volkswagen Passat, was designed to be extremely low-impact, utilizing sustainable technology while using a minimal amount of energy and resources.

Both the plant and its training facility  the Volkswagen Academy have been recognized by with a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and Platinum ratings.

To see the plant's unique eco-friendly design in action, watch an excerpt from Volkswagen's episode from the Science Channel show "How Do They Do It" :


 Making Milestones: 50,000 Passats Produced

Volkswagen's Chattanooga Plant has celebrated the production of its 50,000th Passat, an impressive feat, considering the facility's construction was completed only last May.

The plant will be hiring an additional 200 workers to boost their product from 31 to 35 cars per hour.

Click here for more information on the Chattanooga Plant.

Learn more about the Volkswagen Passat.

More on Volkswagen from GRAutoBlog:
2012 Volkswagen Passat at Betten Imports
2012 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn Package at Betten Imports
The People’s Champion: Volkswagen
Best of 2011 from GRAutoBlog: Volkswagen, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz Edition
Coming to America: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R
2012 Volkswagen Beetle at Betten Imports
Volkswagen NILS Concept
2012 Volkswagen Up!
2012 Volkswagen Passat Test Drive Event at Betten Imports
1979 Volkswagen Beetle at Betten Imports

Thursday, February 23, 2012

JK-8 Jeep Wrangler Pickup Conversion at Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram

JK8 Jeep Wrangler Pickup Conversion

This summer, Mopar, Chrysler's in-house parts and performance division, made the amazing announcement that they would be producing a pickup conversion kit for the Jeep Wrangler.

Now we have our very own JK-8 kit: Here at Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, we couldn't help it, we had to try it out for ourselves!

The kit transforms any 2007 - 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited into a head-turning Jeep-truck hybrid! Watch the video to learn more about our JK-8 Wrangler Pickup:


Want to make your own? Give us a call to find out how we can make it happen! Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram: (616) 452 - 2143 or visit Courtesy.com.


For more pictures and videos of the JK-8 conversion process, check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and Google Plus!


Click here to read our original article on the JK-8 Jeep Wrangler Pickup Conversion kit by Mopar.
JK8 Jeep Wrangler Pickup Conversion

More on Jeep from GRAutoBlog:
Courtesy's 'Car of the Month' February: 2012 Jeep Compass
Jeep Wrangler Wins 2012 ALG Residual Value Award
Courtesy Announces New ‘Fuel for Fans’ Facebook Contest
Five Jeep Grand Cherokee Features You Might Not Know About
Courtesy “Car of the Month” October: 2012 Jeep Liberty
2012 Call of Duty Jeep: Modern Warfare 3 Special Edition
2012 Jeep Wrangler to Feature Pentastar V6 Engine
JK-8 Jeep Wrangler Pickup
Classic Jeep’s Last Stand: 83 CJ5 Guest Blog by Bob Wood
Jeep Survivor Concept
Jeep’s 70th Anniversary Revs Up Chrysler Museum

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

2012 Volkswagen Passat at Betten Imports


Take a closer look at the 2012 Volkswagen Passat, one of the most buzzworthy vehicles of the year! For more information on this Passat, visit BettenImports.com.


2012 Volkswagen Passat At a Glance:






2012 Volkswagen Passat By the Numbers:

  • Starts at $19,995

  • 2.5L 170hp engine, 31 mpg highway, 573 miles per tank

  • 3.6L 280hp engine, 28 mpg highway, 518 miles per tank

  • 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel, 43 mpg highway, 795 miles per tank

  • Fender Premium Audio System: 400 watts, 9 speakers


 

 


Get more details on the all-new Volkswagen Passat.

To schedule your Passat test drive, or if you have questions, give us a call at (616) 301-2100 or contact us through Facebook.

More on Volkswagen from GRAutoBlog:
2012 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn Package at Betten Imports
The People’s Champion: Volkswagen
Best of 2011 from GRAutoBlog: Volkswagen, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz Edition
Coming to America: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R
2012 Volkswagen Beetle at Betten Imports
Volkswagen NILS Concept
2012 Volkswagen Up!
2012 Volkswagen Passat Test Drive Event at Betten Imports
1979 Volkswagen Beetle at Betten Imports

2012 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn Package at Betten Imports


Check out the 2012 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn package here at Betten Imports! The Autobahn Package features 18" Serron alloy wheels and a leather interior adorned with the 'GTI' emblems and V-Tex trim.


Volkswagen GTI Autobahn Package:




  • 8-speaker 300-watt Dynaudio sound system

  • LED daytime running lights

  • Keyless entry with pushbutton start

  • 18" Serron alloy wheels

  • Leather Interior

  • Get all the details on VW.com.


With its sporty combination of performance, coupled with fuel economy, the GTI is a practical, yet fun-to-drive vehicle. This 2012 GTI is currently available for 1.9% APR financing for 60 months! Get more info on this GTI at BettenImports.com.




Want more Volkswagen news and info? Join us on Facebook and Twitter for all things VW: Facebook.com/bettenimports, Twitter: @GRAutoBlog, @BettenImports.


More on Volkswagen from GRAutoBlog:
The People's Champion: Volkswagen
Best of 2011 from GRAutoBlog: Volkswagen, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz Edition
Coming to America: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R
2012 Volkswagen Beetle at Betten Imports
Volkswagen NILS Concept
2012 Volkswagen Up!
2012 Volkswagen Passat Test Drive Event at Betten Imports
1979 Volkswagen Beetle at Betten Imports

2012 Volkswagen Passat Visits Betten Imports

Monday, February 13, 2012

Michigan International Auto Show with Betten Imports - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Mercedes-Benz E-Cabriolet 


We had another great year at the Michigan International Auto Show! Held at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the auto show is always a great way for us to show off new models and perennial favorites from our extensive line-up of Volvo, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz vehicles.


Check out a few of our favorite picks from the auto show:


Volvo Sales Manager Brad Maslowski:



Volkswagen Sales Consultant Chris Jasperse:



For more videos and pictures from the Grand Rapids Auto Show, visit:
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/bettenimports 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bettenimports
Google Plus: http://ow.ly/8Rm6r 

Friday, February 10, 2012

"Getting to Know You" with Eric Divelbiss at Betten Imports


Check out the first video in our "Getting to Know You" series starring Sales Consultant and all-round car enthusiast Eric Divelbiss from the Pre-owned Sales Department at Betten Imports in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

This brief interview gives a little insight into why Eric has a genuine passion for the car business and the brands we carry. For more information, contact Eric:

(616) 475 - 9524
edivelbiss@bettenimports.com
Connect on Linkedin or check out his Facebook page for car enthusiasts that features cool car photos and monthly giveaways!

Betten Imports:
Browse our extensive selection of new and pre-owned Volvo, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz at http://www.bettenimports.com or come visit us on 28th Street in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

For giveaways, auto news, dealership events and exclusive specials:
Facebook.com/bettenimports
Twitter.com/bettenimports
Youtube.com/bettenimports

(616) 301-2100
Betten Imports
5901 28th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Popular Posts from Grand Rapids Auto Blog:
The People's Champion: Volkswagen
Top 5 Gifts for Car Enthusiasts
Best of 2011 from GRAutoBlog: Volkswagen, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz Edition

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Courtesy's 'Car of the Month' February: 2012 Jeep Compass


Courtesy Car of the Month

Love is in the air this February. We're not talking about Valentine's Day; we're talking about falling for the 2012 Jeep Compass at Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge.

Known for its rugged yet refined style, the Compass is a trail-rated icon. Inspired by the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Compass was built in the classic Jeep tradition, proudly sporting the iconic seven-slot grille.

Come in now to West Michigan's Five-Star Chrysler dealership, Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge and get up to $4,000 off a new 2012 Jeep Compass.* Now that's a discount anyone can fall in love with.

Check out this funny Jeep Compass commercial from Australia:



Check out the Jeep Compass True North Edition that Mopar created for its 75th birthday!


More from ‘Car of the Month’:
2012 Chrysler 300 – July

2012 Dodge Grand Caravan – June
2012 Jeep Wrangler – May
2012 Chrysler Town & Country – April
2012 Dodge Charger – March

2012 Chrysler 200 - January

2012 Ram 1500 – December
2012 Dodge Journey – November
 

2012 Jeep Liberty – October

*Disclaimer:  Customer must qualify for all applicable rebates.  All rebates assigned to dealer. See dealer for details.

 

More on Jeep from GRAutoBlog:
Jeep Wrangler Wins 2012 ALG Residual Value Award
Courtesy Announces New ‘Fuel for Fans’ Facebook Contest
Five Jeep Grand Cherokee Features You Might Not Know About
Courtesy “Car of the Month” October: 2012 Jeep Liberty
2012 Call of Duty Jeep: Modern Warfare 3 Special Edition
2012 Jeep Wrangler to Feature Pentastar V6 Engine
JK-8 Jeep Wrangler Pickup
Classic Jeep’s Last Stand: 83 CJ5 Guest Blog by Bob Wood
Jeep Survivor Concept
Jeep’s 70th Anniversary Revs Up Chrysler Museum

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

The People's Champion: Volkswagen


Passat

Volkswagen Passat

Some of the most innovative and beautiful cars have been constructed in Germany. From Audi to Mercedes to the popular Volkswagen brand, the one thing they all have in common is having Germany as their birthplace. Volkswagen has enjoyed a great deal of success and is now one of the largest automakers in the world.

This German manufacturer's name directly translates as 'people's car'. This holds great significance as it identifies Volkswagen as being a manufacturer that not only is affordable by the people, but it also takes their needs into understanding. For a car manufacturer to prosper, it is vital for them to understand their target market and this is something Volkswagen does exceptionally.

The birth of Volkswagen began with the humble Beetle in 1938. The classic car and adaptations of the vehicle are still prominent today, showing the manufacturer's ability to construct a vehicle which does appeal to the people and can survive different generations.

Other cars produced by the Volkswagen Group include the high performing and breath-taking Lamborghini, Porsche, Bentley, Audi and Bugatti. The combination of these supercars and family cars shows the manufacturing group's ability to relate to a wide variety of people.

With so many stunning models to choose from in the Volkswagen range, you will be spoilt for choice. From the family friendly Passat to the stylish Polo and the cheeky and sporty Golf, there is a Volkswagen for each and every personality. As Volkswagen understand that people are diverse, whilst appealing to the masses and being the 'people's car', they have also added some personal touches and characteristics to each model to make them that little bit extra special.

Volkswagen are not too expensive making them more accessible, but also, there are great car leasing deals which allow you to choose your required contract term and have many options to choose from. This means you can regularly update your car without having to worry about the depreciation of the vehicle. You don't have to miss out as you can test out all your favourite cars from the VW family.
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf
This is a guest blog on behalf of Fulton Leasing by an Internet Marketing consultant who enjoys blogging about the automotive industry.

 

More on Volkswagen from GRAutoBlog:
Best of 2011 from GRAutoBlog: Volkswagen, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz Edition
Coming to America: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R
2012 Volkswagen Beetle at Betten Imports
Volkswagen NILS Concept
2012 Volkswagen Up!
2012 Volkswagen Passat Test Drive Event at Betten Imports
1979 Volkswagen Beetle at Betten Imports

2012 Volkswagen Passat Visits Betten Imports