Summary. Volkswagen is reported to begin selling their L1 concept car in 2011 for $600 in China. The two passenger vehicle gets 258 MPG.

These reports are coming from reliable sources, like ABC News (see video below), but some sites like Truth or Fiction suggest the $600 price tag is incorrectly reported. Considering that the official VW website has news reports about the vehicle, the story seems to have some validity to it.

The fuel efficiency is reported on a variety of websites as being anywhere from about 150MPG to 258MPG. This would be a step up from the existing 50 MPG VW cars currently on the road. Although, a competing vehicle, the Aptera, claims to get 330 MPG. Another competitor is the Tata Nano, first released in 2008, that costs $2,500 and can accommodate four passengers.

Video. Below is a video from ABC News about this amazing car.

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.

Summary. The 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.

Innovation. Volkswagen 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.

Inspirational 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.