No 2009 Volkswagen TDIs, but 2010s are on there way

Posted By on September 28, 2009

2010 VW Sportwagen TDI

It has been frustrating for wannabe Volkswagen TDI buyers planning to purchase a new 2009 diesel late this summer or fall. Most have discovered that there are none to be had and that MSRP and sometimes above is required to get on a dealer list for a 2010 first off the boat (happening this week!) This time it’s not that VW isn’t making them (lapse for a couple years) or that $4.00 gasoline have sent people running to buy a fuel-sipper … no, it’s  that wonderful US govenment “Cash for Clunker” program.

“If you hear from dealers or customers complaining about where their Jetta [TDI] Sportwagen is or they can’t buy a Jetta[TDI] Sportwagen–because believe me we get these emails every day” Keys told Journalists, “(the cash for clunkers program) is what did it.”

According to Steve Keyes, over sixty-five percent of Volkswagens purchased through the clunker program were the high fuel mileage Jetta TDIs diesel. Not only did the “new car sale boosting program” take cars from customers that would have been full price non-taxpayer funded vehicles, but they also took away the Volkswagen cars that were selling the best.

Even before the clunker program, Volkswagen was selling the new ‘clean diesel’ version of their Jetta and Sportwagen at a fast clip. In fact, VW expected about a third of Jetta TDI sedans sold would have Volkswagen’s “clean diesel” and about half of the Jetta Sportwagens. They were wrong, says Steve Keyes, sales of Jetta TDI sedans ran about forty percent, and over the past couple of months over eighty percent with the Jetta Sportwagen TDI.

“The good news is,” continued Keys, “we just started shipping the 2010 models, and particularly the Jetta Sportwagen.”

Comments

  • George Butkis

    I’m not a Volkswagen owner, but after reading your blog have been thinking about this new Sportwagon. If I could find a dealer willing to show me one in a light color I would be interested in checking it out. Do you know any reputable dealers in South Florida?

  • George Butkis

    I’m not a Volkswagen owner, but after reading your blog have been thinking about this new Sportwagon. If I could find a dealer willing to show me one in a light color I would be interested in checking it out. Do you know any reputable dealers in South Florida?

  • TDI-pending

    Actually, this has nothing to do with the C4C program at all. It has everything to do with the fact that Wolfsburg Germany is giving Europe first priority on all TDI produced engines. US is only alloted a small quantity and there is now a huge demand for TDI engines in the US now – which as an American, is a great thing!

  • TDI-pending

    Actually, this has nothing to do with the C4C program at all. It has everything to do with the fact that Wolfsburg Germany is giving Europe first priority on all TDI produced engines. US is only alloted a small quantity and there is now a huge demand for TDI engines in the US now – which as an American, is a great thing!

  • George Butkis

    TDI-pending,

    That’s not what the dealer told me when I stopped to test drive a TDI? I’m sure they sold more to Cash for Clunkers buyers than they did gasoline powered cars. Where did you get your facts on the clunker program not contributing to TDIs being gobbled up faster than expected?

  • George Butkis

    TDI-pending,

    That’s not what the dealer told me when I stopped to test drive a TDI? I’m sure they sold more to Cash for Clunkers buyers than they did gasoline powered cars. Where did you get your facts on the clunker program not contributing to TDIs being gobbled up faster than expected?

  • TDI-pending

    Yes, back in June and July during the C4C program they did well with the TDI 2009 model, however, that did not affect 2010 production, which is at a standstill now.

    I’m sure you know you don’t get the most honest info from all car dealers, but my dealer and many others participate in this forum and in many cases, they know more than other dealers due to their relationship with their VW rep for example:
    http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4397743&page=70
    They are straight up helpful and honest people.
    I do realize a lot of dealers were bashing the C4C, which was crazy because they were making a lot more deals during than prior to and this also kicked up the production (more workers working) on all types of cars not just TDI type. It was a very successful program, and I’m sure it will be around next year too! I ordered a VW TDI about a month ago, and like many others who ordered the car, there isn’t even allocation set yet for it, it’s a long waiting game, because as I said, the TDI engines aren’t being produced en masse in this country, yet.

  • TDI-pending

    Yes, back in June and July during the C4C program they did well with the TDI 2009 model, however, that did not affect 2010 production, which is at a standstill now.

    I’m sure you know you don’t get the most honest info from all car dealers, but my dealer and many others participate in this forum and in many cases, they know more than other dealers due to their relationship with their VW rep for example:
    http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4397743&page=70
    They are straight up helpful and honest people.
    I do realize a lot of dealers were bashing the C4C, which was crazy because they were making a lot more deals during than prior to and this also kicked up the production (more workers working) on all types of cars not just TDI type. It was a very successful program, and I’m sure it will be around next year too! I ordered a VW TDI about a month ago, and like many others who ordered the car, there isn’t even allocation set yet for it, it’s a long waiting game, because as I said, the TDI engines aren’t being produced en masse in this country, yet.

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.