2009 VW Passat to Undergo Face Lift

Launched two years ago at the 2005 Geneva Show, the 2009 VW Passat is believed to undergo face lifting.

According to the German magazine Autozeitung, VW will proceed to a facelift in 2009. And it will be seen most probably at the 2009 Geneva Show, with aesthetic changes including a redesigned front end inspired from the upcoming Tiguan. The German magazine reports that VW will also substitute the present 1.6FSI and 2.0FSI engines with the Groups new 122Hp 1.4TSI and 160Hp 1.8TFSI motors, which will also include 1.6, 2.0 and 3.2 V6 engines.

Some analysts say this speculation of the German magazine arises because of Volkswagens aim to continually increase the company?s sales and also to attract the US market. The engine substitution, however, is expected to occur quite earlier, maybe even in this year?s Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Volkswagen will add a low-roofed wagon model in 2009 to accompany next year's sleek, Passat-based, four-door "coupe". The wagon has the packaging and the design theme of the Dodge Magnum, which is said to be a reflection of former VW product expert Wolfgang Bernhard's time at the Chrysler Group.

As compared to the standard Passat wagon, the premium model has a lower roofline, a wider stance, and a less upright tailgate. Added to this, the seating height is lowered and the buckets will give heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Along with this are inflatable g-force-compensating cushions. Extending all the way through the cabin is the center console. However, despite a low roofline, the wagon's cargo bay accommodates 21 cubic feet of stuff.

A 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four and a high-performance version of the 3.6-liter VR6, which will develop nearly 300 hp are included in the engine options. These are paired either with a six-speed manual or an improved, seven-speed twin-clutch DSG.

Analysts say prices have not yet been determined, but one insider claims that the Magnum-esque VW will cost only about $2000. That is more than a comparable Passat wagon.

Looking at the older version of Passat, the 2007 Volkswagen Passat sedan is offered as a four-door sedan or five-door wagon. It is available with a 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a 280-hp, 3.6-liter V6. Four-cylinder sedans can be ordered with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Wagons and V6s, however, come with the automatic only.

With innovated VW Passat parts, all Passat models are expected to raise VW sales during their respective season of lunch in the market.

For more about your VW Passat parts needs like , visit your trusted online source.

Benjamin Hudson works as a supervisor at one of the top engineering firms in the business district of Louisiana. He is also a freelance journalist and has passion for anything automotive.

A Corporoate Facelift with Sound Bytes

 J. Paradee

A Corporate Facelift With Sound Bytes

By R.J. Paradee, President First Impression Inc. and MediaRight Studios

If Baby Boomers can get botox and tummy tucks, then why dont companies receive facelifts to improve their image as well? The telephone is the lifeblood of any business. Use it respectfully. Dont leave your clients on-hold to listen to radio static or elevator music. With digital recording and delivery of sound files, professional production of on-hold advertising is both economical and necessary for a positive image. Thats right its imperative that the first impression a client receives of your business (even though they may never visit) is how theyre treated on the telephone. How many times have you called a business to hear Thank you for calling ABC Dental Office please hold before you can get a word in edge-wise. In many cases , what they have on-hold is your first impression of that company.

Music Selection Should be Appealing
At the very least, make certain on-hold music is a decent selection, and that you have permission to broadcast the music to on-hold callers. After all the music chosen is a direct reflection of your business. If you dont get your licensed music from an On-Hold Message provider, you may obtain permission to play certain music on-hold from ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC, the three large performing rights organizations.

Develop Content That Sells Products and Services
Customers who are on-hold are essentially a captive audience. If you want on-hold time to turn into sales, consider hiring a professional producer to mix radio style commercials with licensed music. The copy should be specifically written to cross-sell your products and services. AT&T studies show that people will stay on-hold longer if they hear messages about your company during the waiting period. Do not rely on the please hold for personal assistance to your call, or thank you for your patience while on hold type of messages. I believe these type of messages hurt you more than help you.

Answer Repetitive Questions On-Hold
As youre on-hold spots are developed, remember this marketing strategy is a customer service tool as well as an advertising tool. Take the heat from your receptionist during busy call periods and answer those repetitive questions in on-hold spots.

On-Hold Advertising is Economical
Advertising sales are based on the number of impressions. If a business had one call placed on hold every ten minutes during an eight hour day 5 days per week, there would be 11,000 opportunities each year to market their business and services.

How to Evaluate an On- Hold Company
Make certain you get both male and female voice talent, and that the professional voice is pleasing. The studio you use should employ scriptwriters and offer a selection of licensed music to choose from. You choose the music from their library, not the on-hold company. You dont want the same stale music everyone else uses. In most cases all that is needed is an inexpensive off-the-shelf CD player.

Facts About On-Hold Advertising
Eighty percent of businesses have nothing on-hold, so businesses that do set up programs are on the cutting edge. Twelve percent of businesses do have a radio or CD tuned in while their customers are on-hold. Only 8% of businesses have on-hold programs.

The number of companies who use on-hold as a time to advertise are growing. Thats because business owners are realizing theres no better way to impress a client who has never been to your office than a well designed, informative on-hold program. Remember in todays competitive market, image is everything. On-Hold advertising is one of the best facelifts a company could have.

R.J. Paradee is a host of the coast in his Virginia Beach, Virginia studio. He produces professional quality digital audio through his company, First Impression.