American Release of Jetta TDI Pushed Back
Fans of Volkswagen cars, diesel powerplants, and expediency will be disappointed to hear the Jetta TDI launch has been delayed.
As the American public continues to clamor for more, and better, diesel engine options, Volkswagen has run in to a bit of a snag with its Jetta oil-burner. Calling the problem a "technical issue that was found during the later stages of durability testing," the release date for the car has been pushed back from a projected debut in the spring of 2008, to late summer of that same year.
The news comes courtesy of an email from the automaker to disappointed dealers, some of whom, according to Brandweek, are making the claim that three out of every five calls dealers get these days are requests for Jetta TDI information.
When asked for comment, VW public relations manager Keith Price confirmed that the Jetta release has been held back for a few months. Price seemed confident that the TDI’s technical issues have been addressed and Volkswagen is only waiting, “until the final certification is perfect.
Comments
Clint
Wow, this is a new corporate VW. Actual honesty and attempts to correct reliability issues! I think VW knows it has a huge headstart against other brands with mass market diesels in the US, and really wants to make sure it doesn't screw it up.
Ducati Minor
I saw a Jetta TDI three weeks ago...
Bob Martel
Good call by VW. Mass market diesels could not survive a "glitchy" introduction to the US market by a prominent player such as VW.
Adam W.
VW needs to do this right the first time. I'm one of the ones waiting for this car!!!
dante
I'm amazed they didn't just release it anyway.
Bart
Kudos to them for their honesty and actions....Historically, it would seem that VW has never had a clean, on time model intro to the US market. It's typically syncopated: a few cars arrive, then a delay of at least several months, then the floodgates open, then the recalls begin.
My Personal Blog » American Release of Jetta TDI Pushed Back
[...] Check it out! While looking through the blogosphere we stumbled on an interesting post today.Here’s a quick excerpt[IMG tdihl.jpg]Fans of Volkswagen cars, diesel powerplants, and expediency will be disappointed to hear the Jetta TDI launch has been delayed. As the American public continues to clamor for more, and better, diesel engine options, Volkswagen has run in to a bit of a snag with its Jetta oil-burner. Calling the problem a “technical issue that was found during the later stages of durability testing,
Tonerguy
I just want my jetta tdi, (sportwagen, already on order), to arrive. I am a VW fanatic. I love how they drive. I will wait as long as necessary rather than drive an appliance, (read Accord diesel here).
I run a business and I can't wait for the UP! or Space UP! to arrive. Whether diesel, series hybrid, fuel cell, whatever, I will be first in line to order these little gems for my technical staff. Imagine, removing the cost of fuel as a dominating factor in pricing service to my customers!
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