Volkswagen of America, Inc announced today that the 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit has been chosen as Automotive Lease Guide's (ALG) highest projected resale value in the compact car segment. The annual award acknowledges automakers for producing vehicles predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price. The models that are honored for best residual value are top-ranked vehicles in their relevant categories.
Automotive Lease Guide analyzes value, historical vehicle performance and industry trends in more than 1,100 vehicles in 13 vehicle segments to determine the automotive industry's best residual values. The award is based upon Automotive Lease Guide's projected residual values and industry analysis for the 2007 calendar year.
In Canada, the Volkswagen Rabbit has just snagged the prestigious Canadian television show Motoring 2007's award for the best "Family car (Under $30,000)".
Since its June 2006 launch, the vehicle has been lauded by the media. This latest award joins the host of other awards that the 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit has garnered from various Canadian groups, publications, and media outlets.
The Volkswagen Rabbit is offered in either three or five-door body styles, and is powered a by a 2.5 litre 5 cylinder that develops 150 hp and 170 lb/ft of torque and can be mated with a standard five-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic with Tiptronic(TM). With pricing starting at $19,990 for the three-door model, the new Rabbit leads the pack, representing exceptional value, comfort, safety, and driving dynamics.
Meanwhile, in Chicago, Volkswagen dealers are currently offering a Trek Lime bike and a Saris bike rack to customers who purchase or lease a new Rabbit from June 1 to July 2, 2007.
"When owners are out driving a considerable distance, we encourage them to drive their fuel-efficient Rabbit," said Stuart Karp, central region director, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "If it's a quick hop around town, we encourage them to help the environment and ride their new Trek Lime bike."
With a starting price of under $15,000, the Rabbit offers either a five-speed manual or a six-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission. The Rabbit conforms to the Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) guidelines and has an estimated EPA mileage of 30 mile per gallon highway.
The Lime, one of Trek's newest bikes, comes standard with Shimano's coasting technology, incorporating a three-speed automatic transmission that changes gears automatically to make bike riding more enjoyable. The Lime is also customizable with "skins," a chain guard grip color decal, which can be switched out to the color of your choice. The Lime's most important features are its environmental friendliness and promotion of a healthy lifestyle.
This promotion is available at participating Chicago-area Volkswagen dealers.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker, and maker of quality Volkswagen parts like . Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.