Mar 04

Effective Living > Life Mobility > Small Car Society

Summary. This document presents a review of the Volkswagen Beetle. The vehicle tested was a 2008 VW Beetle rental car (from Enterprise) with 35,000 miles on it.

Feedback. Comments and corrections are welcome, so feel free to contact us.

Features. The most noteable features of the vehicle are:

  • Sport Mode (automatic transmission only) provides computer controlled shifting for maximum performance and very quick acceleration from 0 to 80
  • Manual Shift option with Automatic Transmission provides even greater control
  • Small exterior for easy parking and maneuvering, yet roomy interior provides comfortable seating for all passengers
  • Nice handling
  • Power mirrors
  • Cruise control
  • Adjustable steering wheel
  • Front seats fold forward and lift up for easy access to back seat
  • Front seats can be raised and lowered
  • Back seats fold down for extra roomy rear storage
  • Polished interior door surface resists wear and looks like new even after 35,000 miles of rental fleet driving
  • Constructed of high-grade materials
  • Good view of surroundings for driver and all riders
  • Tight turning radius
  • front passenger seat folds forward providing huge storage space for hauling longer oversized and large cargo.

Video. Below are three videos highlighting some of the features of the VW Beetle.

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Oct 31

Activism > Training | Effective Living > Life Mobility

20091031sa-volkswagen-the-fun-theory-initiativeSummaryThe Fun Theory, at TheFunTheory.org, is an initiative of Volkswagen that demonstrates how the enjoyability factor is an essential element in designing products that will inspire and motivate people to use them.

InnovationVolkswagen is to the automobile industry what Apple is to the world of computers and gadgets. Volkswagen vehicles include innovative design elements that are of little or no benefit other than making their cars more fun and enjoyable. For example, the VW Beetle includes a flower vase (pictured below) to bring color and and additional beauty to the inside of the car.

20091101su-vw-flower-vase-captain-oblivious-flickr-photostreamInspirational Marketing. The Fun Theory campaign itself is an example of innovation, creativity, and fun with marketing. It is similar to the funny eTrade baby commercials, where a business will create a non-traditional advertising campaign that entertains or inspires while also spreading brand awareness and affinity. The Fun Theory campaign has the grass roots social action elements of the music video, If Today Was Your Last Day by Nickelback. The campaign proves that, with a little creativity, people can be inspired to do good.

Videos. Below are some of the videos demonstrating The Fun Theory principle. The cost of advertising to reach a targeted captive audience of millions would be very expensive. However, like the eTrade funny baby commercials, these videos have had millions of views on YouTube alone.

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