Volkswagen Launches New SUV on Boulder Campus

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May 15, 11:10 PM

by Julia Yugel, CU Examiner

 

 

Volkswagen offered CU students an amazing opportunity this week to help launch their newest vehicle called the "Tiguan" (it's a tiger and an iguana put together, and no, I still have no idea what it means). The compact SUV (it's like the size of a big car, only its an SUV) was voted one of the top vehicles in Europe last year, and now Volkswagen is bringing it to the US.

About 35 of the 2009 Tiguan "crossover utility vehicles" will be brought to campus for the launch and it will be the first time the press will have a chance to test drive the cars.

"Boulder reflects the active lifestyle of the Tiguan customer and prospect profile," a VW spokesperson said. "It's a perfect fit."

On Friday, 40 CU students will get the opportunity to attend the press briefing and then test drive the car. After a brief product walk around, two students will be assigned to a vehicle.  The car will be equipped with a drive route book that lists mileage and directional instructions.  The drive will consist of a two hour drive to Fort Collins with a driver change point midway.  Lunch will be enjoyed at the Rustic Oven in Fort Collins followed by a two hour return to the University with a driver change point midway.

"It's not often we can give our students hands-on experience in public relations, advertising and magazine journalism in the same event," said Paul Voakes, dean of the CU Journalism school.

CU students also have the chance to write a review about vehicle, which may be published on the Road & Track magazine web site.

"I am so excited to be a part of all of the events this week," said CU student Cameron Naish. "I want to be an automotive journalist someday so getting the chance to do this is a dream come true."

The Tiguans used in the Boulder event will be dispersed among Front Range Volkswagen dealers for consumer test drive promotions over the May 17-18 weekend, and then taken nationwide for additional media evaluations.

"We're delighted to offer a professional experience to aspiring journalists," said Volkswagen Group of American CEO Stefan Jacoby.

For information on VW's Tiguan vehicle visit, go to the Web at www.vw.com/tiguan/en/us/?sem=123472602. For information on the CU-Boulder School of Journalism and Mass Communication visit www.colorado.edu/journalism/.

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