2010 Volkswagen Routan Execline Road Test Review

Confused Identity?

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Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Chris "Emmy" Jackson » Canadian Auto Press

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Who'd ever guess that the world's best-selling minivan hides under the Routan's skin, and its GC/T&C roots are a good thing in this case. (Photo: VW)
So, before you ask: no, Volkswagen's minivan isn't a Microbus. It doesn't look like a Microbus, and it doesn't have the same attitude. And I don't know why that's the case. Yes, I know it would have been awesome if VW had recreated the Microbus.
Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let me introduce you to the Volkswagen Routan. It's not the sort of van that Volkswagen is known for, but it's got plenty going for it nonetheless. Rather than designing its own van from the ground up, Volkswagen teamed up with the avowed minivan experts of the industry at Chrysler. Since it's arguable whether Chrysler or Volkswagen invented the minivan, with the early-eighties Dodge Caravan or late-fifties Microbus, respectively, it seems only fitting that these two companies would join forces. The Routan is based directly on the Chrysler Town & Country.
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Looks good coming and going... (Photo: VW)
At a glance, this isn't obvious. Volkswagen has done a good job of giving the Routan a complete exterior makeover. This seven-passenger van shares the VW lineup's smooth, uncluttered lines and a handsome grille whose contour lines dip into the front bumper.  The headlights are a combination of round and angled elements, like those of the Passat, and high-intensity discharge headlamps are available.  At the rear, gently curving taillights flank a large rear hatch, the better for swallowing cargo.
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Layout is identical, materials are better. (Photo: VW)
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Fabulous family hauler gets best-in-class features of Chrysler vans with VW refinements. (Photo: VW)
The Passat seems to have donated its instrument panel as well; Volkswagen drivers will find a familiar layout and materials when sitting in the front seats.  Moving back in the Routan, however, the illusion begins to unravel. The materials are nicer, but the layout is identical to that of the Chrysler Town & Country on which it's based. That's not a wholly bad thing, of course, as the Routan is available with dual power sliding doors, a 115-volt outlet for household electronics and a remote start, like the Chrysler. The sound system's head unit and the available touch-screen navigation system are lifted from Chrysler's parts bin, and though they don't quite fit ergonomically with the Volkswagen bits, they're easy enough to use. Ultrasonic rear parking assist is available, as is a JoyBox Multi-Media entertainment system with a 30GB hard drive and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with dual nine-inch video screens for second and third-row passengers. Chrysler's cool UConnect mobile wi-fi is also available on the Routan. The power-operated third-row seat folds into the floor or flips over for tailgating parties, but the Routan doesn't offer Chrysler's rotating Swivel n' Go seating (with the centre table like VW's old camperized bus) or the Stow n' Go seating system that allows the second row seats to be tumbled under the floor when more cargo room is needed; the VW's second-row captain chairs are more comfortable however. …
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Nothing better than a minivan for versatility, and the Routan is big inside. (Photo: VW)
…Two V6 powerplants are offered; a 3.6-litre V6 that produces 197 horsepower and a 253 horse 4.0-litre V6.  The 4.0 is the more sophisticated of the two, and it's got enough power to adequately propel the 2,000+kilo (4,500-pound) Routan. Six-speed transmissions are standard with both engines, so fuel economy is decent, topping out at an EPA equivalent 9.4 L/100km on the highway; the Canadian rating system estimates 7.4 L/100km, while the city rating is 12.2 via the Canadian system or 13.8 by more realistic US EPA standards.
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The Routan delivers a fabulous ride and decent handling. (Photo: VW)
To sum it all up, you'll have to lose those expectations of a GTI-like driving experience. The Routan's suspension consists of MacPherson struts up front and a twist beam at the rear. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is standard, as it is on all VW products, and anti-lock brakes are also standard. The Routan is a competent driver, but the underpinnings lack the Germanic touch of the rest of the VW lineup.
Routan pricing is in line with the rest of the Volkswagen lineup--that is to say, it starts out reasonably enough, and can be equipped up to top-line luxury levels. The base Routan Trendline starts at $28,075, and walks all the way up to a base price of $50,575 for the top of the line Execline. This model has no options, kitted out with a navigation system, sunroof, power-folding third row seat, remote start and the rear air suspension, making it a top-flight minivan. …

Stefan Jacoby of VW to Reportedly Head Volvo

Wheels Blog - NYTimes.com

By JIM MOTAVALLI

Rick Maiman/Bloomberg News Stefan Jacoby, president and chief executive of Volkswagen Group of America.

Stefan Jacoby, Volkswagen Group of America president and chief executive who had been the main architect of the company’s efforts in the United States since 2007, is reportedly leaving the company to head Volvo’s worldwide operations. The German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reports that Mr. Jacoby will replace Stephen Odell, a Briton, at Volvo in August.

Mr. Jacoby was the company’s chief strategist as it embarked on an ambitious effort to increase sales in the United States. He has been overseeing the opening of a $1 billion car plant in Chattanooga, Tenn., and many new model introductions (including several hybrids). The Volkswagen Group of America set a daunting long-term target of selling a million vehicles (including Audis) here by 2018. It also wanted to double its market share, to 4 percent, by 2012.

Michael Lohscheller, who has been executive vice president and chief financial officer of the group since 2008, was chosen to head Volkswagen Group of America on an interim basis. He had been involved in overall strategy in the United States and in opening the Chattanooga plant, which will produce a new midsize sedan for the American market.

Mark Barnes, the chief operating officer since 2007 and a former Chrysler executive, will be the interim head of Volkswagen of America.

Jill Bratina, Volkswagen Group vice president for communications, declined to comment about Mr. Jacoby’s departure, referring reporters to a statement. “We are holding contract talks with Stefan Jacoby,” the company said. “These talks have by no means been concluded yet.”

Part of Volkswagen’s American strategy under Mr. Jacoby was winning converts at the lower end of the market. The company recently introduced, with an event in Times Square in New York featuring the singer Katy Perry, a $16,000 Jetta model for 2011. “We want to play a very big role in the U.S. market,” Mr. Jacoby said in an interview this month. “We enjoy competition, and with this car, we are more than ever in the game.”…

Get It Straight--the Routan Is A Phenomenal Seller

"Image by Getty Images via @daylife"

Volkswagen may or may not discontinue the Routan. For that matter, Chrysler (Fiat) may or may not discontinue the Grand Caravan (GC) and Town & Country (T&C). Understand why before you throw the baby out with the bath water.

Fiat might discontinue or sell off the mini-van line because "that is not the business we are in." That doesn't mean that mini-vans are not profitable or selling well. In fact, the GC and T&C are the best selling mini-vans in the United States.

Why might Volkswagen discontinue the Routan? Corporate management is "less than enthusiastic about it," but why? Is it because VW is about to lose its supplier? If Chrysler/Fiat discontinues-limits-consolidates their mini-van, Volkswagen does not have an American supplier for the Routan. VW doesn't have a viable replacement in their stable. As popular as the Sharan may be outside the U.S., it doesn't have power sliding doors, is smaller than the top 4 mini-vans selling in the U.S., and I suspect hasn't started the lengthy U.S. certification process.

But the Routan is a phenomenal seller. As often as the motor press says otherwise doesn't make it so. There are three solid reasons why the Routan can be considered a great seller.

1. At introduction, VWoA head Stephen Jacoby said management was expecting to capture 3-5% of the U.S. mini-van market. The mini-van market has been hit hard by the Great Recession, but the Routan has captured about 4% of that shrunken U.S. market.
2. Volkswagen has less than 2% of the overall U.S. auto market. The Routan exceeds in its class VW's market share by 100%. Something that sells twice as well is not a bad seller.
3. The Routan has the youngest average ownership of all the mini-vans sold in the U.S. Volkswagen is strongest in the younger market--many of their models have the youngest average ownership in their class. The Routan either draws or feeds the primary market segment of VWs stable.

We also have to take into consideration corporate politics. The Routan was introduced on Jacoby's watch. Jacoby is leaving for Volvo. Whoever takes his place, the Routan will not be "their car." That alone could kill it.

2010 VW Routan SE Review: Options & Driving Impressions Part 2

Denver Commuter Examiner

June 24, 6:14 AMDenis Flierl

2010 VW Routan SE

2010 VW Routan SE Review: Options- Day 4

The best part of the Routan is the interior options that turn this minivan into a rolling entertainment room on wheels. The first thing I did was turn on the radio and was surprised at the quality of sound from the AM/FM/CD/DVD/MP3 sound system that comes with one year of Sirius satellite radio. From a drivers perspective you also get a rear view camera to see those hidden objects when backing up. A nice little feature my moms liked was a drop down wide angle mirror to see all the kid’s activity in the rear without having to turn around. Our kids always thought mom had eyes in the back of her head.

The radio is conveniently set high on the center of the dash making it easy for the driver to reach. VW offers a version of Chrysler's UConnect Tunes and UConnect GPS hard-drive radios called JoyBox. JoyBox is also offered in two versions, one with a navigation system and one without. Both include a touchscreen, and both versions have a 30-gigabyte hard drive that holds thousands of song and picture files. Those files can be burned from a CD or downloaded into the vehicle's USB outlet. When navigation is ordered, the hard drive also holds navigation map information. The navigation system has voice activation, and comes with one year of Sirius satellite radio.

Moving to the back we get the kids and moms excited. My test vehicle came with the dual rear DVD entertainment system. There is a nine-inch DVD screen in the second row and one for the third row also. When the vehicle is in Park, video can be sent to the front navigation screen. In addition, video game systems can be plugged in, and each row can watch or play something different. Four sets of headphones are provided. My moms all agreed that this would keep things relatively quiet on long trips.
Routan SE ($33,500) has three-zone manual climate control, six-disc CD changer, eight-way power adjustable driver's seat with lumbar adjustment, lumbar adjustment for front passenger seat, second-row captain's chairs, power side doors, overhead storage system, steering wheel audio controls, second- and third-row sunshades, universal garage door opener, security alarm, and P225/65R17 tires on alloy wheels. The SE also comes with USB connection, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth wireless cell phone link, rearview camera, power liftgate, and automatic headlights.

Safety equipment includes dual-stage front airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, tire-pressure monitor, ABS with brake assist, traction control, and electronic stability control. …

2010 VW Routan SE Review: Driving- Day 5

Minivans are not known for their great driving or performance characteristics. And most people who purchase these vehicles are not looking for that anyway. …

Volkswagen did make some suspension tweaks to make this van its own. They made changes to the springs, dampers, bushings and steering gear. However, without any changes to the suspension geometry, the Routan still handles and rides much like any other minivan. Volkswagen says that the Routan has a European ride and handling, but its hard to tell if there is a big difference between the Routan and the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan.

There is only so much a manufacturer can do with a vehicle that is tall, heavy and long. … They are designed to haul people and do it in comfort. One thing we can do is compare it to other minivans in its class like Honda, Toyota, and Nissan. The steering ratio has been tweaked to that of the Chrysler, but it still has lots of body roll when driven hard into a corner. Granted, most owners will never drive this aggressively, but the Honda Odyssey or Nissan Quest minivans offer tighter, more responsive handling.

But the majority of people are looking for a smooth ride and reasonable performance. This is where the Routan can deliver. Normal bumps and driving conditions are handled without transmitting a jolt to passengers. Like any tall and long vehicle, it does have a little bit of a floaty feel on the highway, but doesn’t seem to have as much as the Town & Country. It has less sway and feels tighter at high speeds.
The Routan I tested offers acceptable performance for its segment, with the six-cylinder, 3.8-liter engine delivering 197 horsepower. Volkswagen Routan also comes with a powerful 4.0-liter, 251-horsepower engine in the SEL and SEL Premium models.

The Volkswagen Routan has always been a safety superstar, earning excellent grades in government and insurance industry crash tests. Safety features on the 2010 Routan include dual front airbags, front/rear side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, an electronic stabilization program, an Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS), and a tire-pressure monitoring system….

Mechanical- Day 6

The Routan uses the same engines that Chrysler uses in the Town & country and Dodge Caravan. …

The 3.8-liter V6 is the standard engine in S and SE models. It makes 197 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque and it offers decent performance for daily commutes and most needs. This is a heavy vehicle weighing in at 4621 pounds. Passing requires some planning and a lot of room. The six-speed automatic transmission works well with the 3.8 liter V6. But with a 0-60 mph time of 10.2 seconds and EPA fuel economy ratings of 16/23 mpg city/highway, the 3.8-liter engine is not as competitive as some other V6s available today.

The 4.0-liter V6 in the SEL would probably be a better choice. It delivers 251 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, while getting better fuel mileage with EPA estimates of 17/25 mpg City/Highway and has a lower octane requirement. With a 0-60 time of 8.9 seconds, the 4.0-liter V6 is in the ballpark with the V6s offered by Nissan, Honda and Toyota. A properly equipped Routan is rated to tow up to 3500 pounds with either engine. The 4.0-liter will get the Routan moving quicker from a stop and with the six-speed automatic transmission should provide a better passing response than the 3.8 liter V6.

The Routan has a fairly tight turning radius and maneuvers nicely around town. For a big vehicle it has very good visibility and with the rear view camera, makes it easy to back out of tight parking spots in the city. Out on the open road, tire and wind noise are well controlled and don’t notice much engine noise unless you are under full throttle. The 3.8 liter V6 should be good for most peoples needs, but if you live in high country like I do, you might want to think about getting the more powerful 4.0 in the SEL.

Overall, the Routan offers a good driving experience for the kind of vehicle it is. It will get you from point A to point B in the time that you need to. I’m not sure if it reminds me of "European ride and handling characteristics", like Volkswagen says, but for such a large vehicle, the Routan cruises well on the open road, does fairly well on twisty roads, and handles most bumps and ruts without complaint.

2010 VW Routan SE Review: Summary-Day 7

From a mom’s stand point the 2010 Volkswagen Routan SE scored high and they were impressed with the available features and technology to make their life easier. From a dad’s standpoint, this minivan is not going to excite you. But moms are generally the ones who are hauling the kids and the dog around town taking them to the games and practices during the week. They are the ones wanting this type of vehicle and what it has to offer.

And it offers a lot. The first is the higher quality interior than its parent, the Chrysler Town & Country. It may not offer all the different seating arrangements that Chrysler offers, but it has all the options available to make it fun for the kids. All the entertainment features will definitely keep the kids' attention. The Routan SE offers dual screen DVD rear-seat entertainment systems. Video game systems can be plugged in, and each screen can show something different, including the front navigation screen. Also offered is VW's JoyBox hard-drive radio. It has a 30-gigabyte hard drive that will hold thousands of songs and picture files.
Moms like the underfloor storage areas that come with Stow 'n Go that keep the cabin free of clutter. The third-row seats fold into the floor, and the second-row seats can be removed to create a flat load floor that is big enough for 4' x 8' sheets of plywood. When the third-row seats are up, there is a handy well behind them that's great for groceries and sports equipment.

The Routan is offered with two engines, the Chrysler 3.8-liter V6 and the Chrysler 4.0-liter V6. The 3.8-liter V6 is adequate for around-town, and the 4.0-liter V6 offers better fuel mileage, decent pickup and passing power. It rides smoothly, and the driver enjoys a commanding view of the road. The Routan has some stiff competition from Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Nissan Quest in the area of performance. The one advantage the Routan has over the competition is Volkswagen's three-year, 36,000-mile free maintenance plan.

The Routan is priced about a thousand dollars more model for the model than the Chrysler Town & Country but has a much nicer interior than the Chrysler. Overall, the Routan has all the features to make moms life easier and is a great rolling living room that they will love. My three moms gave the Routan a thumbs up.

In response to "Volkswagen Routan May Be Dropped From Line-up, Good Idea?"

Image via Wikipedia

Motortrend.com has an article entitled "Volkswagen Routan May Be Dropped From Lineup, Good Idea?" Below is the comment I left on that article.

The Routan has the youngest ownership of all minivans. In fact, there are only a relatively few vehicles that have younger average ownership. The youngest being the Jetta. Routan is positioned right for VW's market.

I suspect that the Phaeton will be positioned as the last car the Baby Boomers buy. We are dying off, and our profit contribution is decreasing for multiple reasons. But VW may be making a demographic play (provide a new luxury sedan that old guys can like because it doesn't look like the car all of their buddies drive.)

VW was smart to start with the best selling minivan in the US. The Routan has the features that Americans want. It is somewhat differentiated from the Honda and Toyota van that are viewed as practical (read, old fogey). It has an up-market feel compared to the Grand Caravan (GC is plebeian). Chrysler Town & Country is for the pre-boomer who can't get in and out of sedans anymore and who remember when Chrysler meant quality and engineering. (My 75-year old Dad drives a T&C--though he likes my Routan and he says that people who call it a T&C wannabe are idiots.)

The Sharan won't sell here in large quantities. The most mentioned feature by Routan owners is the power sliding side doors. The younger American buyers want power sliding side doors. The Sharan has conventional doors that don't convert well to sliding doors. Some complain that their isn't enough room in the Routan--so how will they feel about even less room of the Sharan.

I hope VW continues to target the younger minivan market. I hope Version 2 is built in Chattanooga on a VW chassis but in the same size configuration. They must add a TDI.

I wouldn't be surprised if Fiat drops the minivan or sells it off with the Ram family. That will end the comparison between the VW minivan and the Chrysler minivan.

Now here's a thought, VW should buy Ram and the mini-van, along with the Windsor plant. Then the Routan won't be like the T&C, but maybe VW will sell T&C units through Fiat/Chrysler. This move would also get VW into the US truck business.

I feel that VW should keep an American minivan that draws a younger market, I have mixed feelings about the Phaeton. While I'm a baby boomer (who started late with babies of his own) who is curious about the Phaeton, I wonder why I would buy one instead of an Audi (it's sister car)?

Riding in Style with the Volkswagen Routan: On the Road to Sesame Place

Mommies With Style blog

Wed, Jun 23, 2010

We recently took a road trip down to Sesame Place as a mini-family vacation, before our third child arrives in August. I was able to test drive a Volkswagen Routan (MSRP $25,000- $42,500) down to Langhorne, PA, from our home in New York City.

The Routan was absolutely fantastic. As someone who hasn’t driven a new vehicle since 1994, I immediately fell in love with it. We were able to go from Queens to Langhorne (and back) without refueling! The ride was smooth – we did not feel a single bump in the road! City mileage per gallon was 17 and highway mileage per gallon was 25.

The features were terrific — we loved the dual remote-controlled power-sliding doors, remote-controlled rear door, rearview backup camera, luxurious leather seats, DVD players, satellite navigation system and radio, and the U Connect Bluetooth! There are several versions of the Routan; the S, SE, SEL and SEL Premium- which ranges from basic to fully loaded).

The Rearview Backup Camera was genius. When you’re backing up, you see live video of things like kids and pets — as well as other vehicles who might be behind you. It was like having eyes in the back of your head! The Routan also had front and rear 12V power outlets — so you can recharge things on the go. If you put the two rear seat rows down, there is 144 cubic feet of available cargo space. Since we have two children at the current time (#3 comes in August), we put the rearmost seat down and used that for storage.

The JoyBox Entertainment System went over really well. The multimedia rear-seat entertainment system has a hard drive and a USB port, so one can transfer music and picture files from CDs and even play movies while parked. It was great to play DVDS for my kids as we drove. There’s a screen for 2nd and 3rd rows. Also, the touch-screen navigation system can let me map out our route back and forth to Sesame Place. The only thing we didn’t like about the navigation was that it kept telling us it was rerouting due to traffic. It said this constantly and drove my husband crazy — we usually use a detachable Garmin GPS that doesn’t do that. We wished we could find out why the touch-screen navigation in the Routan was doing this and ended up turning it off most of the time. The seats were roomy and the version we tested came with sumptuous soft leather seats. As someone who just learned how to work bluetooh (thanks to Jabra), I loved that I could pair my phone with the Routan’s UConnect^® Bluetooth^® system, which let you answer and make calls by using voice commands. We really enjoyed testing the VW Routan and can recommend this vehicle 100%!

Volkswagen North America provided a VW Routan for review purposes.

2010 VW Routan SE Review: First Impressions & Interior-Part 1

June 22, 6:00 AMDenver Commuter ExaminerDenis Flierl

2010 VW Routan SE

I have to admit that when I found out I would be test driving the new Volkswagen Routan for the week, I wasn’t all that excited. Minivans have a reputation as a vehicle for soccer moms and those who aren’t cool. …This week I will get some help from three moms who will tell me what they think of the Routan and what they like and dislike about the new vehicle.

Two of those moms are my own daughters. My oldest daughter has three boys age nine, five, and three, she has one boy in soccer, and the two youngest in karate. My middle daughter has three girls, age six, four, and two, and involved in dance classes. A third will be from a friend who has four daughters and the three oldest are involved in softball. …

First a little background into Volkswagens history with the minivan. The new Routan is Volkswagen’s first minivan in six years. VW first minivan was the rear-engined Vanagon that was replaced in 1993 with the front-engined EuroVan. … Overall, drivers were impressed with the EuroVan, citing its roominess and uniqueness as positive aspects, and many were sorry to see it go when it was eventually dropped from Volkswagen's lineup in 2003.

… The Routan uses the same architecture and some of the same body panels as the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan. When I first walked around it looked like a large vehicle. But it's about the same size as several competitors, including the Nissan Quest, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna.
The boxy main body looks a lot like the Town & Country with sliding doors on both sides, but looks different from the front pillars forward. The front grille reminded me of the new VW Tiguan compact SUV that I just did a seven day review on. The rear also has an unmistakable VW styling with the Volkswagen logo right in the middle of the tailgate. The 17 inch wheels on the SE model stand out as you view it from the side. …

2010 VW Routan SE Review: Interior Accessories--Day 2

There is only so much a manufacturer can do to the outside of a minivan. … But the interior is where you spend all your time anyway so this is the important part. So let’s see what sets the Routan apart from the competition on the inside. Today we will focus on the front seating area.

The first thing you notice upon entering the cabin of the Routan is the quality of the interior materials. It seems to be a step up from the Chrysler Town & Country. The Routan has nicely padded door armrests and a quality soft-touch upper dash. The two-tone colors give it a nice look. …The seats are soft and a leatherette material, my moms said it was a good material because it is easy to clean up spills from the kids sippy cups. …

When I sat in the Routan, the first thing I noticed was that room up front is plentiful. There is plenty of head room, leg room, and the seat can be adjusted to handle a wide range of drivers. My daughter’s are short and they could both find a comfortable driving position. . A tilt steering wheel and available adjustable pedals helped them tailor a comfortable seating position, but some might prefer a telescoping steering wheel to bring the wheel closer to the driver. The thing I liked was that the driver’s captain chair provides an upright driving position with an SUV-like view of the road. The Routan offers good views from both sides and back.

My moms all commented on the amount of storage in the Routan. There are two glove boxes and some cubbies in the center stack for storing small items. Throughout the minivan, there are a total of 13 cupholders. This was a big hit with all the moms. The console up front has four integrated cupholders and a small storage bin The lower bin also slides back. With both layers slid back, the top level moves back a total of 21 inches, allowing drinks and food to be passed to the kids in back. A very convenient feature for making it easy for mom and keeping the kids happy.

For the driver, Routan's controls are easy to use. One comment from my moms was that the controls on the right of the radio or touchscreen can be a bit hard to reach for the driver. The dual climate controls are located below the radio, and easy to understand and operate. The gearshift is mounted between the radio and the instrument panel which is just a little different, but it's easy to reach, leaves plenty of room for other controls, and includes an electronic readout in the instrument cluster. …

2010 VW Routan SE Review: Interior Accessories II-Day 3

The back of the 2010 Routan is probably the best part of this minivan. … The Routan also takes advantage of most of the Town & Country's entertainment features. The difference between the two is that the Routan lacks some of the seating options that give the Chrysler a considerable advantage in the minivan class.

The Routan SE model that I tested came with the second row consisting of two large captains chairs. My moms commented that this would be good to separate two kids from sitting right next to each other in a bench seat and keep them from fighting. … My moms said that car seats would fit nicely on the captain’s chairs and would be easy to get in and out with the power sliding side doors.

These second row seats recline and the backs will fold flat on top of the bottoms giving extra room for carrying cargo. These seats can also be removed, but they're fairly heavy and will take two people to carry them. With the second-row seats removed and the third-row seats folded, the Routan has a flat floor, giving way to 144.0 cubic feet of cargo volume. This will be enough cargo space to fit a 4x8-foot sheet of drywall or plywood.

Right behind the front seats and in front of the second row captain seats on the floor, are two large storage bins. You remove the floor mat to reveal a small ring that you pull up and the door is hinged in the middle to make it easy to open. Below you find two large storage areas for any stuff that you carry on a regular basis but want to keep it out of the way. My moms all loved having the extra storage, just like in their kitchens.
In the far back, the third-row seat will fit three people, two adults would fit comfortably. Three kids will fit, but probably not without fighting. The third row is split 60/40. The Routan has a deep well behind the third row, which makes hauling groceries easier and easily accessible through the rear lift gate. My moms all said the well behind the third row would be a great place to keep the soccer and softball gear for games and practice.

With all seats up, the Routan has 32.3 cubic feet of useable cargo room behind the third row. It folds into that well in one or two sections. Three straps are attached to the back of each seat. …

Tomorrow we will look at all the available options and technology to keep mom and the kids happy.

Morning liquor store heist and getaway {using a Routan} sends deputies following through Martin, St. Lucie counties

{I’m not promoting illegal activities, but this shows what a great vehicle the Routan is:

1. Easy ingress and egress
2. Plenty of hauling space
3. Fast and nimble enough to keep ahead of the police cars
4. The side windows open—just right for chucking cognac bottles at your local constabulary}

TCPalm.com

Image via Wikipedia

MARTIN COUNTY — A search continued Friday morning in Palm City for a third person suspected in a burglary hours earlier at Star Liquors III several miles away, Martin County Sheriff’s officials said.

Two men deputies say were linked to the heist at the business near Southeast Federal Highway and Southeast Cove Road were apprehended after deputies followed them from Martin County to Port St. Lucie then back through Palm City where the three men bailed out of a Volkswagen Routan.

At some points, the minivan exceeded 100 mph and the men tossed out bottles of liquor that struck law enforcement vehicles, according to a news release.

... [About] 4:20 a.m., Martin deputies went to an alarm call at the liquor store and found the business had been burglarized.

Less than 10 minutes later, deputies tried to stop the black minivan, which sped north into St. Lucie County, said Rhonda Irons, Martin County Sheriff’s spokeswoman. ...

... The minivan eventually went back into Martin County on Southwest Citrus Grove Boulevard.

“At multiple times, the occupants were throwing items from the vehicle,” Irons said. “They were throwing out bottles of liquor.” ...

Liquor store owner Parul Patel said the burglars stole high-end cognac, tequila and vodka, pointing to empty areas on the store’s shelves.

Patel, 35, said video shows the burglars using recycling type tubs to haul out the booze.

“They couldn’t even carry, but still they were picking the stuff from everywhere and they dropped like, a couple bottles here, a couple bottles there,” she said. “That was pretty bad.”

No law enforcement officers were injured, but a sheriff’s K-9 bit the arm and leg of one suspect.

This story will be updated when further information is released.

© 2010 TCPalm. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Two more effies…

{The link below takes you to a “documentary” about the Brooke Shields campaign against having babies just for German engineering.-DMW}

Christian Spinillo

Posted: June 9th, 2010 Author: Christian

Today I am proud to announce that work I’ve been the technical lead on was awarded two more effies. Both VW Routan Boom and OPEN Forum.

The effies represent a unique award in that it takes into account more than just the creative merit:

“Each year, the Effie Awards draw in thousands of campaigns with budgets ranging below $500k to $40m+, from local, boutique agencies and large multinationals – all entering to prove that they most effectively executed an idea that worked.

For those who come out on top of Effie’s rigorous judging process, their achievement is marked not only by their trophies/certificates and public recognition of a job well done, but it is also marked here in the Effie Winners’ Showcase.”

View Routan Boom

View OPENForum

Volkswagen Future Vehicles

Edmunds Inside Line

By Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor Published Jun 9, 2010

• 2012 Volkswagen CC: This upscale version of the standard Passat will get a midcycle refresh in 2011.

• 2012 Volkswagen Eos: After several years on the market with only minor upgrades, the Volkswagen Eos is expected to get a more significant refresh for the 2012 model year.

• 2013 Volkswagen Golf: Redesigned for 2010, the Volkswagen Golf won't get a significant refresh until the 2013 model year. At that time, Volkswagen may add a plug-in hybrid version of the Golf to the lineup.

• 2013 Volkswagen GTI: All-new for 2010, the Volkswagen GTI won't get a significant refresh until the 2013 model year.

• 2011 Volkswagen Jetta: An all-new Jetta will arrive in the fall of 2010. Designed for the North American market, the new Jetta will be bigger in most dimensions than the current model.
• 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid: A plug-in hybrid version of the next-generation Jetta is planned for production by 2012.

• 2011 Volkswagen New Beetle: After a decade on the market, the Volkswagen Beetle will finally get a full redesign for the 2011 model year. Expected to go on sale in the spring of 2011 in the U.S., this Beetle will be slightly bigger than the current model.

• 2012 Volkswagen Passat: A fully redesigned version of the Volkswagen Passat will arrive in the spring of 2011. Like the new Jetta, this Passat was designed for the U.S. market so expect larger dimensions inside and out.

• 2012 Volkswagen Polo: This subcompact hatchback has been on sale for years in Europe. The latest version may finally make its way to the States as Volkswagen sees a larger potential market for cars of its size.

• 2012 Volkswagen Routan: With sales slow, Volkswagen may give the Routan a midcycle update sometime in 2011.

• 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan: A redesign of the Tiguan is expected to arrive by 2012.

• 2011 Volkswagen Touareg: The second-generation Volkswagen Touareg was unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show and is expected to go on sale in the U.S. by the end of the year. A Touareg hybrid will also be part of the lineup.

Test Drive: 2010 Volkswagen Routan Highline

{The model designations and prices are for the Canadian market. The U.S. models are referred to as the S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium. SE up has RSE (Rear Seat Entertainment) standard or available as an option. U.W. pricing seems to be more favorable than Canadian pricing.}

CanadianDriver

Review and photos by Chris Chase

Photo Gallery:
2010 Volkswagen Routan

In my profession as a test driver, occasionally the right vehicle comes along at just the right time. My wife’s grandmother passed away at the beginning of April, and in the process of settling her estate, my mother-in-law had to find some way to move her mother’s belongings out of her apartment, … to someone who could use a bunch of old but well-cared-for furniture.

Enter this week’s Volkswagen Routan tester, which I picked up a couple of weeks after grandma’s passing. My mother-in-law … struck gold on a Friday, when she was put in touch with someone … who would be very grateful for … a queen-sized bed frame, mattress and box spring, a loveseat and wingback chair, two bedside tables, a six-drawer dresser, and a few other odds and ends.

2010 Volkswagen Routan Highline. Click image to enlarge

Great! We had a place to take the furniture and a way to get it there, but the question was whether it would all fit in one go; …

There was a brief moment of panic when I realized that the mattress, box spring and headboard wouldn’t fit inside the van. I was thankful, then, for the Routan’s roof rails and cross bars, which allowed us to tie the mattress and box spring to the roof, with the headboard sandwiched in between. The rest of the load was drama-free: the dresser fit crossways behind the front seats, with the loveseat, chair and tables in back, and a bunch of smaller odds and ends squeezed in wherever they would fit. One load, one trip and a lot of time saved.

… This van was added to VW’s line-up in late 2008 after the company’s research showed that 15 per cent of VW owners had left the brand to purchase a minivan when their needs dictated a larger vehicle. … [The] company … {knew} they wouldn’t sell Routans in the same numbers as Chrysler moves its Dodge Grand Caravan and Town & Country, so rather than design its own van from the ground up, VW partnered with Chrysler to base a van on the American platform.

2010 Volkswagen Routan Highline. Click image to enlarge

The Routan shares most of its makeup with the Chrysler and Dodge vans, but on the outside, only the roof and door panels are shared, to create a van distinctive enough to set it apart from its domestic siblings. Its powertrain choices are limited to one: a 4.0-litre V6 and six-speed automatic that also serves the Chrysler Town & Country and is the uplevel choice in the Dodge Grand Caravan.

Rated at 251 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, it’s a strong motor, but not terribly refined. …

Acceleration is brisk, but the engine never sounds like it’s having a good time. This transmission is one I’ve noted before for how it bangs off great up-shifts in hard acceleration and downshifts readily for passing manoeuvres, yet often feels clumsy and unsophisticated in normal driving. The Routan’s fuel consumption ratings are 12.2/7.9 L/100 km (city/highway); I averaged 14 L/100 km in city driving.

2010 Volkswagen Routan Highline. Click image to enlarge

If Volkswagen has done a good job making the Routan stand apart from its Chrysler siblings looks-wise, the German brand’s suspension tuning makes a major difference in how the Routan goes over the road. Where the Town & Country wafts and wallows in response to rough roads, the Routan feels much more European, with a firmer ride and less body roll in corners. I’d hesitate to call it entertaining, but it certainly is more so than the Chrysler.

Volkswagen’s interior designers gave the Routan its own look and feel on the inside, with more soft-touch surfaces and a more attractive dash layout than in Chrysler’s vans. That said, the climate controls are still too low on the centre stack and there are a few cheap touches that remain, like the junky-feeling shifter and Chrysler’s electronic ignition switch, which never feels like it has a good grip on the key. I also wish Volkswagen had put its own steering wheel in the Routan. Instead, it makes do with the Chrysler wheel, which has stereo controls (on the backside), but doesn’t incorporate Bluetooth controls, which instead are located on the right-hand side of the navigation/stereo unit, far from the driver …

The Routan doesn’t offer Chrysler’s Stow ‘N Go second-row seats, which makes for more comfort, but less convenience, as these ones have to be removed from the van and stored somewhere when you need maximum carrying capacity. They’re pretty heavy, so lifting them out is a task, but they do have small wheels that allow them to be rolled across flat surfaces. The third row seats fold away into a well in the very back of the van, making for a flat load floor.

2010 Volkswagen Routan Highline. Click image to enlarge

Our tester was a Highline model, which is priced at $40,575 {Cdn}, part of the price that must be paid for niceties like power sliding side doors, power tailgate, alloy wheels, automatic climate control, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, heated second-row captains chairs, power adjustable pedals, steering wheel audio controls and numerous other interior and exterior trim items. It’s worth noting, though, that many of the items included on my tester are also standard on the one-rung-down Comfortline model. My test vehicle also had the $2,425 {Cdn} Navigation Package, which adds navigation, a rear view camera and a USB connection for the stereo for a total MSRP of $44,580 {Cdn} including freight. For the record, the top-end Execline trim is worth $50,575 {Cdn} and includes navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system and flashier trim pieces, like 17-inch wheels (in place of sixteens) and chrome exterior mirrors and door handles.

The Routan is a more pleasant driver than its Chrysler and Dodge-badged siblings, … At that point, it’s a decent van for a Volks-phile, but otherwise, it might make more sense to spend similar money on a Japanese van and benefit from their superior reliability. …

Canadians, however, might appreciate being able to buy an import-branded van that’s built in Canada – the Routan is built alongside the Chrysler and Dodge versions in Windsor, Ontario. Honda and Toyota build their Odyssey and Sienna vans in the U.S.

If the Routan proved anything to me, it’s that among light-duty vehicles, there’s still nothing out there to compare to a minivan’s ability to carry seven or eight people in decent comfort, or move a small apartment’s worth of stuff in one shot. I know I was glad to be able to put this van to good use while I had it, and there’s a grateful family out there who’s probably pretty happy about it, too.

Pricing: 2010 Volkswagen Routan Highline

Base price: $40,575

Base price (Trendline): $28,075

Options: $2,425 (Navigation Package of navigation system, rearview camera, stereo USB port)

A/C tax: $100

Freight: $1,580

Price as tested: $44,580
Click here for options, dealer invoice prices and factory incentives

Specifications

Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Volkswagen Routan

Competitors

Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan

Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Chrysler Town & Country

Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Honda Odyssey

Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Kia Sedona

Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Toyota Sienna

Crash test results

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

Chris Chase is an Ottawa-based automotive journalist. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).

I am a soccer mom

A two-week test drive in two minivans – the 2010 VW Routan and the 2011 Toyota Sienna – reconfirm that minivans have a lot to offer

Baby Boomers - Online Magazine

By Jeff Rundles

… Seems strange really, in that I am a man and not a soccer fan, so I am neither a mom nor have anything to do with soccer, and yet I am, indeed, a soccer mom.

… [The] whole thing about being a soccer mom was really only manifest in one aspect: the minivan. …

The evil aspects of the minivan got so ingrained in the psyche of this generation of women that they will lumber around in a Chevy Suburban or some other large, kid-toting, 7-passenger vehicle – even to soccer practice and games – but never in a minivan. …

Yet, over the last couple of weeks I have had the great pleasure of driving the 2010 VW Routan minivan and the Toyota Sienna minivan, and in spite of my singing their praises – often to women who ask my opinion on vehicles all the time – all I got from women was snickers. …

Another woman, a neighbor, and her husband and children came over to see the Sienna, and to drive it, as the man of the house really wants one and the Sienna is the only minivan left on the market with an All-Wheel-Drive option. … She snickered. “Wouldn’t a SUV be better?,” she asked, obviously harboring soccer mom visions. I pointed out that a minivan is so much easier, that the doors open themselves and the kids can just hop in from school, and if there are friends they can all pile in and you’re good to go. The mom reacted as if this was sound advice, but I believe we’ll be seeing a new 7-passenger SUV in their garage soon.

… My children’s grandfather, who can afford any vehicle he wants, has been driving a minivan for years. He and his wife travel all over and they like the flexibility of a minivan for its gear room and guest-rider spots, and this grandfather says he just likes the way they drive. Good visibility, much easier to get in and out of than a SUV, comfortable, all the bells and whistles, easy to park, loves the sliding doors and the automatic-opening/closing side doors and rear hatch.

That’s me, too. That’s why I am a soccer mom. I love driving minivans. I love driving them around town, to work and on errands, and I think they are the very best highway road vehicles on the market.

VW Routan

The first one I got into was the 2010 Routan from VW. I am very impressed overall with VW, because after a few years of trying things very un-VW-like … they have gone back to what makes them what they are – solid German vehicles with great performance, great looks and a real distinctiveness that is lacking in most lines that aren’t German (re: Japanese cars).

The Routan is an odd duck, however, in that the minivan isn’t exactly a German thing. … [This] is a vehicle made exclusively for the North American market. By saying it is an odd duck, though, I do not mean to cast aspersions: like most all VWs, this is well made and a solid competitor.

What sets the Routan apart from every other minivan I have driven is its heft: this vehicle feels … very solid, much more than anything else. I looked up the weight of this and the Toyota, which felt less heavy, only to discover it is an illusion: the Routan weights 4,621 lbs., while the Toyota Sienna comes in at 4,735 lbs. Nevertheless, the Routan felt more substantial.

I enjoyed driving the Routan right from the start. Equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine putting out some 251 hp, the Routan is no speed demon, but neither is it lacking in oomph. … [If] anything it lacked the kind of torque that would make it quick off the line. Until, like most German cars, you figure out how to drive it: the Routan needs to be revved up, and then it really can go.

In the way back of the Routan, behind the automatic liftgate (I love that feature; the side doors were automatic too), the floor is sunken, quite a bit, which makes storage for groceries and the like a breeze. Plus, the rear, third seat folds down into the cavern, so you can make the back of the van perfectly flat for storing things like ski and luggage for a trip. Then there are storage bins in the floor around the second row of seats, and cup holders all around. It’s … all American minivan – but it is a great vehicle. Really liked it.

And the Routan I drove was quite equipped. Great stereo, a navigation system – all the bells and whistles, except that it didn’t have a sunroof (I am sure you can get one).

The Routan comes in 10 trims, ranging from the base model S with a 3.8-liter V6 with 197 hp (rated at 16/23), with a base price of $25,900, to the SEL Premium with the larger engine, carrying a base price of $42,500.

I drove the SEL w/RSE & Nav – the RSE standing for Rear Seat Entertainment system, and like most German cars it took a little while and an education, and the help of my 12-year-old, to figure out how to make the movie play in the rear seat. Then I couldn’t figure out how to play the movie back there and listen to the radio, …

Anyway, with the navigation and the RSE included in the base price, the Routan SEL carried a MSRP of $33,500, and it was pretty loaded at the price. They only added on the destination charge, so the bottom line was $34,300 – a great price in this minivan marketplace, especially for what you get here.

Toyota Sienna

…A few years ago I drove the Sienna and said I thought it was getting dated, …

They have changed that. This is now in a class by itself. … It is beautiful, inside and out but especially on the inside where the leather is perfect, the wood grain on the dash, steering wheel and doors is stunning, and where the driving is effortless, yet has great feel. …

I had the top-of-the-line Limited with the 3.5-liter V6 engine, but even though it was a smaller engine than the Routan, it was more powerful: 266 hp that felt like more (mileage rating: 16/22). …

Our test-drive model had everything: all the bells and whistles, the automatic doors, navigation, one of the finest stereos and sound systems on the market, and all that. But it had extras that made it special. First, the rear-seat entertainment system featured a wide-screen television screen that my son proclaimed the very best on the market. It was easy to use, easy to set up – it took me no time at all to figure it out – and the front seat passengers could listen to the radio while the kid was in back on wireless, and quiet headphones.

It also has two sunroofs – one over the front seats, and one over the middle seats, both of which open up, a real nice touch. The Sienna also has the cavernous rear storage area, and fold-down-flat third row seating, plus the middle captain’s chairs can slide way back or far forward, swivel, and they are easy to remove so the entire rear area can be an open van. Very intelligent design.

But the one thing that separates the Sienna from the minivan pack is the availability of AWD, and my test-drive model had it. …

The Sienna doesn’t come cheap, however. There are 12 trims available, beginning with a front-drive 4-passenger model with a 2.7-liter I4 engine with 187 hp (rated at 19/26), with a MSRP of $24,260 going all the way to this Limited model. Somewhere along the line you can configure the Sienna for 8-passenger seating, in both FWD and AWD models. … My fully-loaded test drive model included a $4,025 Premium Package that had the entertainment system, navigation, upgraded stereo (wonderful), a backup camera, hands-free Bluetooth, an iPod connection, voice commands, and a few more things. They also added $890 for High Intensity Discharge headlamps, automatic high beams, and rain-sensing wipers, and $185 for a roof rack. Add in $800 in destination charges, and the bottom line is $45,670.

…

Come experience Life in a Volkswagen!

{I posted this mainly to show the neat tent that attaches directly to a Routan.—DMW}

Schworer Volkswagen's Blog

…Life in a Volkswagen is our promotion to show all the different activities you can do in your Volkswagen. Come in and see for yourself in our new show floor display!

Here is the scoop: We will be raffling away many different items on June 30th!

1) If you come in for a visit- you can enter for a chance to win a number of accessories that include: lawn chairs, cooler with iPod adapter, and much more! …

Cooler with iPod adapter and view of the inside of the tent connected to the trunk!

2) If you decide to buy a Routan, Tiguan, or Touareg- you will get a chance to win the tent that connects to the back of the hatch! This is an awesome way to get the family outdoors and explore in your new Volkswagen!

Win this tent that attaches to your hatch!

Here are a couple pictures of the process of putting the display together!

Getting the tent together!

Starting to take shape

Attaching the tent to the hatch

Done! Good work guys!

We hope you stop by before the 30th to experience Life in a Volkswagen!

VW Routan Summer Road Trip Giveaway

{Go to MomStart Blog to enter.—DMW}

MomStart blog

June 3, 2010 By Momstart

The VW Routan is sponsoring a giveaway here on Mom Start. It is a travel essentials prize pack. They want to know the best Summer Road Trip Story!

Summer is just around the corner which means time to round up the kids and head out on a family vacation road trip! Whether going across country to a national park or just taking the kids up to the grandparent’s house, half the fun is getting there. And it doesn’t matter where you’re headed; you’re going to want to be comfortable along the way. With 12v power outlets, JoyBox™ Entertainment system, UConnect^® Bluetooth^® system, roof rack and more the Routan provides comfort and fun for the family.

I used to go on road trips with my grandparents all the time. Both sets of grandparents used to take me all over the US. I would have to say that my favorite memory was when I traveled to Ohio one summer. We drove through St. Louis and I remember seeing the arch. I wanted to go in, but they didn’t so we didn’t go in. We continued driving and when we arrived in Ohio we stayed with my great grandmother. She was the sweetest woman. She made food and it was so delicious. I mean, she loved to cook and serve her guests. So we ate a lot. She told me stories of how I reminded her of her late husband, my great grandfather that I never met. I met third cousins and played a lot. We even went to the Sandusky Amusement Park and I rode a few roller coasters with my cousins, but not the scary ones. I was too little. I think I slept the whole way home.

Enter to Win:

Two No-spill cups for babies/toddlers
Travel editions of board games

1. Travel Candyland® game

2. Travel Guess Who® game

Coloring book w/ color-changeable markers
One VW Electric Guitar (not pictured)
Two DVDs of the latest family movies (to be selected by Sponsor) to play in the Routan minivan’s JoyBox™ Entertainment System.
One Bluetooth headset to use with the Routan minivan’s UConnect® Bluetooth® system.
One Battery Jumper
One Fix-A-Flat Tire inflator
One AAA® Emergency Preparedness Kit
One neck pillow (not pictured)

Prize Valued at 400.00

The approximate retail value of the Grand Prize is $400. Prize(s) consist(s) only of items specifically listed as part of the prize. Prizes are nontransferable and no substitution or cash equivalent is allowed, except in Sponsor’s sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prize of the same approximate retail value. All taxes, costs and expenses not specified herein related to the prize(s) are the sole responsibility of the Winner. If the prize is a gift card, any terms and conditions of the gift card shall apply.

To Enter:

Tell me what your favorite Road Trip Memory is in the comments.

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The contest will run until June 14th 11:59 pm Pacific.

HOW TO ENTER: To enter the Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”), go to BLOG URL, and follow the instructions shown. The Sweepstakes begins at TIME AND DATE and ends at TIME AND DATE (“Promotional Period”).

• ELIGIBILITY: Sweepstakes is open only to U.S. residents 18 years of age or older at the time of entry. Void where prohibited by law. Sponsor and employees Volkswagen, and their respective affiliates, as well as all others involved in this promotion and their immediate families (defined for the purposes of this Sweepstakes as parents, spouses, children, siblings and household members) are not eligible. Sweepstakes is subject to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

• PRIZE DRAWING: NUMBER Prize(s), as described below in the Prize and Approximate Retail Values section, will be awarded in a drawing done at the conclusion of the Sweepstakes on or about [DATE OF DRAWING] to one (1) winner, selected at random by the blogger from among all eligible entries received throughout the Promotional Period. The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received throughout the entire Sweepstakes.

• WINNERS: Prize(s) will be awarded in a random drawing by the blogger, whose decisions on all matters relating to the Sweepstakes will be binding and final. Winner will be notified on or about two (2) days following winner selection. Winners will be chosen randomly and notified by email. Winners must respond within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen by the blogger. A list of winner(s) can be obtained by writing to maureen@m80im.com Winners should allow 6 to 8 weeks to receive shipment of their prizes.

• ADDITIONAL TERMS: This Sweepstakes is valid in the United States only. If you do not live in the United States, do not enter the Sweepstakes. If for any reason the Sweepstakes including, but not limited to, the online portion, does not function as planned, its integrity or feasibility is undermined, or anything compromises the administration, security, fairness, proper conduct or intended play of the Sweepstakes, Sponsor reserves the right at its sole discretion to disqualify any individual the Sponsor deems responsible, and/or to abbreviate, cancel, terminate, modify, or suspend the Sweepstakes. Sponsor assumes no responsibility for any defect or delay in operation or transmission, communications failure, theft, destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, entries, including any erroneous appearance of qualification for a prize. If the Sponsor, in its discretion, elects to abbreviate the Sweepstakes, the Sponsor reserves the right, but shall have no obligation, to award the prize(s) from among all valid and eligible entries received up to that time. All entries are the property of the Sponsor and are not returnable.

• WARNING: ANY ATTEMPT BY ANY PERSON TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEB SITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THIS SWEEPSTAKES IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. Sweepstakes entries generated by a script, macro, or other automated means are ineligible and will be disqualified.

• RELEASE OF LIABILITY: By entering, entrant agrees to accept and abide by the rules of this Sweepstakes and agrees that any dispute with regard to the conduct of this Sweepstakes, rule interpretation, or award of prize, shall be resolved by Sponsor in its sole discretion, whose decision shall be binding and final. By participating, entrant agrees to release and hold harmless the Sponsor and any respective parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, and the officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives of each from any injury, loss or damage to person or property due in-whole or in-part, directly or indirectly to the acceptance, use, or misuse of a prize, participation in any Sweepstakes-related activity, or participation in the Sweepstakes. Sponsor is not responsible for any typographical or other error in the printing of this offer, administration of the Sweepstakes or in the announcement of prizes, including such error as may give an erroneous indication that a prize has been won.

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