And Where to Find Great Vehicles at Your Local Volkswagen Dealership in Houston

Not to pour salt on any wounds, but dealing with the airlines over the holiday is an experience that people won’t soon forget.

Those that simply had their flights delayed were considered the lucky ones. For others, flights were outright canceled with no option to book another same-day flight. People wound up getting marooned in strange cities, sleeping in airports, and having their luggage misplaced.

Granted, holiday travel is a bit of a crapshoot where Murphy’s Law is in full effect. People are aware that things can go wrong, but they risk it anyway because flying is the quickest way to get from point A to point B. Beyond the speed factor, flying commercial can feel like an airborne cattle drive.

It’s not comfortable. It’s stress inducing. And it’s not exactly cheap.

So, we’ve illustrated the problem. What exactly is the solution?

For those that can’t afford to pony up the dough to fly private and families who cringe at the idea of traveling by bus, Volkswagen has something in the pipeline that may appeal to those who are looking for alternatives. Let’s get to know a little bit more about the Volkswagen Gen.Travel concept.

Autonomous Driving for Hands-Off Travel

Every car should be capable of long-distance travel, but very few are designed and engineered specifically for that purpose. The Volkswagen Gen.Travel concept happens to be one of the few vehicles aiming to steal some of the frequent flier crowd.

VW is marketing the Gen.Travel as an autonomous taxi that runs on an all-electric drivetrain. However, the design of the vehicle gives off less of a taxi vibe and more of a spaceship on wheels demeanor. It’s futuristic, but it’s also quirky and unique all throughout the exterior. There are literally no other vehicles on the market that it can be compared to. Design-wise, the Gen.Travel breaks the mold.

But where the Gen.Travel scores big points is with its interior, which has multiple configuration options and plenty of headroom. Passengers can arrange the interior to mimic a small conference area or fold the seats down flat for a mobile nap. Ambient lighting combined with the quiet of engineless travel should make drifting off easy (easier than trying to sleep upright on a plane, anyway).

Naturally, when discussing the topic of autonomous travel, a couple questions come to mind. First, how far can the Gen.Travel go before it needs to be charged? Second, how safe is it?

Regarding mileage, nothing is official quite yet. However, industry experts estimate that the Gen.Travel will go for at least 300 miles before it needs a charge. If you’re departing from Houston, you should be able to make it to Texarkana with mileage to spare.

As far as safety goes, the Volkswagen Gen.Travel will be equipped with Level 5 autonomous driving technology, which is the highest level that VW offers on self-driving cars. By the time the Gen.Travel hits the market, the autonomous driving technology should be about as close to perfect as it can get.

However, considering that the Gen.Travel is still in the concept phase and uses technology that merits extensive testing, it’ll be a while yet before it arrives at a Volkswagen dealership near you. The good news is that your local Volkswagen dealership in Houston has plenty of cars and SUVs that are great for cross-country travel.

Looking for a New or Used Vehicle? Visit You Local Volkswagen Dealership at VW Clear Lake!

If you’re looking for your next cross-country road trip vehicle or a reliable daily driver, the good news is that your local Volkswagen dealership in Houston has you covered on both accounts. We have the fuel-economic VW Jetta, the super spacious VW Atlas, and the all-electric award-winning VW ID.4.

You can test drive any of these vehicles simply by paying VW Clear Lake a visit. Once you identify the right Volkswagen for you, the VW financial services department will work with you to secure a loan with reasonable payment terms that work for your budget.

If you’re not yet in the market for a new car, VW Clear Lake carries a wide variety of used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Additionally, our dealership is always running great deals on VW products and services in our specials section.

VW Clear Lake is conveniently located at 15100 Gulf Fwy in Houston. Feel free to stop by to test drive any of our new or used vehicles. You can also contact us at (832) 432-7969 or email us directly using the contact form on our website.

Posted in Volkswagen Industry News | No Comments »

And Where to Find the New Volkswagen ID.4 for Sale

We’re fortunate enough to live in a time where vehicles can be upgraded and modified after the original purchase date. For most, that means aftermarket products such as custom sound systems and tinted windows. However, now that many of the instruments in modern cars are digital, that means software package updates are becoming more and more common.

For current owners of the 2021-2022 model year VW ID.4, you’ll be pleased to know that the long-awaited software update is being rolled out. The software update will address some frequently reported issues, update features, and improve the user experience of driving the Volkswagen electric SUV.

What’s Changing About the VW ID.4? Here’s What to Expect

Before detailing what the software update will change, there are a couple things VW ID.4 owners need to know. First, the software update only applies to owners of the 2021-2022 model years. Those with a 2023 model VW ID.4 already have the most recent software.

Second, the software update must be done in person, which means you’ll need to go to a Volkswagen dealership near you. If your local dealership hasn’t contacted you yet about making an appointment, that should be happening soon.

Here’s what VW ID.4 owners can expect with the software update:

• The Electrify America EV charging stations map will be updated to reflect the current network. This will make it easier to find charging stations while driving. On a related note, a charge routing feature will be added to VW ID.4’s navigation system, which makes the search process easier and more precise.
• The software update will add a new feature to the VW ID.4 known as Auto Hold. Once you bring your vehicle to a complete stop, you will be able to take your foot off the brake and Auto Hold will keep your ID.4 from rolling forward. You can choose to deactivate this feature if it doesn’t benefit you.
• The ID.Cockpit digital display will show more information once the software update has been made. Drivers will be able to see remaining range, percentage of battery, current drive mode (Eco, Sport, Traction, Comfort, or Custom). A trip computer will also be added in.
• Finally, the software update will make security improvements, fix minor bugs, and improve the performance and user experience of the infotainment system.

Not Yet a VW ID.4 Owner? Find a Volkswagen ID.4 for Sale Near You Today!

The Pro model of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 for sale gets up to 275 miles on a single charge and provides drivers with up to 339 lb-ft of torque and 295 horsepower. With a starting MSRP of just $38,995, the VW ID.4 is one of the most competitively priced vehicles in its class. Further, new guests can take advantage of a new $7500 lease credit on the ID.4 at Volkswagen Clear Lake. This huge discount is a big help to customers who are ready to go electric.

The best way to find a VW electric SUV near you to test drive is by contacting your local Volkswagen dealer – VW Clear Lake. Once you get behind the wheel of the VW ID.4, you’ll see firsthand why it was the winner of the 2021 World Car of the Year Award.

The VW ID.4 also comes with one of America’s leading warranties – Carefree Coverage. It consists of a suite of coverages and services that will keep you brand-new ID.4 in pristine condition. It includes:

• 2 yrs. Service – Scheduled Carefree Maintenance (2 years or 20,000 miles)
• 3 yrs. Help – Roadside Assistance (3 years or 36,000 miles)
• 4 yrs. Coverage – New Vehicle Limited Warranty (4 years or 50,000 miles)
• 5 yrs. Access – myVW Remote Access

The team at VW Clear Lake is committed to helping drivers get the vehicles that they want. For those that need help with vehicle financing, the VW financial services department of our dealership is happy to help you secure a loan with the lowest car interest rate possible.

Other Great VW Options and Specials

Not yet in the market for a Volkswagen electric SUV? No problem!

As the leading Volkswagen dealership near you in Houston, we carry a wide variety of new cars, used cars, and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Bargain hunters are encouraged to check out our specials section to save even more money on their new or used VW purchase.

The VW Clear Lake dealership is conveniently located at 15100 Gulf Fwy in Houston. Feel free to stop by to test drive the VW ID.4 or one of our many other amazing vehicles. You can also contact us at (832) 432-7969 or email us directly using the contact form on our website.

Posted in Volkswagen Industry News | No Comments »

How to Keep Your Volkswagen Looking Its Best in Houston, Texas

If you’re the proud owner of a Volkswagen, there’s no harm in learning some DIY car detailing tips to keep your vehicle looking as great as it did when it rolled off the factory floor and was delivered to the new car dealership. Volkswagen cars are stylish vehicles, and looking after your car’s exterior and interior will make it appear at its best.

Detailing your car can help maintain its appearance and value and provide a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. In this article, we will discuss some DIY car detailing tips for Volkswagen vehicle owners and a couple of things you should avoid.

Washing and Waxing Volkswagen Cars

One of the most important things you can do to detail your Volkswagen is regularly washing and waxing the exterior. This will remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants that can damage your car’s paint and other surfaces.

Use a high-quality car wash soap and a soft sponge or wash mitt to wash your car. Start at the vehicle’s top and work your way down, frequently rinsing to avoid leaving soap streaks. After washing, apply a high-quality wax to protect the paint and add shine.

It’s important to use soft towels when cleaning your Volkswagen vehicle’s exterior. Paper towels and bath towels are abrasive, often causing minor scratches in the delicate paintwork. Microfiber towels are a good option, as they’re designed to be less abrasive.

Cleaning your vehicle requires two buckets – one for removing the grime and dirt from your towel and the other for rinsing the towel before you wipe the car. Otherwise, you’re simply returning much of the dirt and grime to your vehicle’s surface again.

We recommend avoiding washing your vehicle when there is strong, direct sunlight. Leaving your Volkswagen to dry naturally in the hot sun can cause damage to the outer clear coat.

Care for Those Wheels and Tires

Another essential step in detailing your Volkswagen vehicle, such as the Tiguan, Jetta, or Golf, is to clean and protect the wheels and tires. The wheels and tires can quickly become dirty and discolored, which can detract from the appeal of your car.

To clean the wheels and tires, use a wheel cleaner designed for your type of wheels. Apply the cleaner according to the instructions, and use a soft brush or sponge to scrub away any dirt and grime. After cleaning, apply a tire shine or protectant to protect the tires and add a glossy finish.

Interior Detailing of a Volkswagen Vehicle

In addition to washing and waxing the exterior and cleaning the wheels and tires, you should also pay attention to the interior of your Volkswagen. The interior of your car can become dirty over time, affecting its appearance and your enjoyment of the vehicle.

To clean the interior, start by removing any trash or clutter. Then, vacuum the floors, seats, and other surfaces to remove dirt and debris. Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the dashboard, door panels, and other surfaces, and use a vinyl or leather cleaner to clean and protect the upholstery.

Again, a microfiber towel and a little water go a long way. It’s best to stick with products made specifically for cleaning car interiors because household cleaners have a habit of damaging leather.

Some Jobs Are Best Left to the Professionals

Many of us enjoy cleaning our Volkswagen cars, and it’s hard to go wrong with most detailing duties. But we recommend leaving more complicated jobs such as buffing and paint correction to detailing professionals at the service center of the new car dealership.

Incorrect buffing with a machine that polishes your car often results in discoloration, scratches, or paint being stripped off altogether. If you’re not entirely confident using these machines, you could ultimately do more damage to your Volkswagen if you’re too aggressive or use the wrong materials.

Find Used and New Cars for Sale in Houston at Volkswagen Clear Lake

Detailing your Volkswagen can help to maintain its appearance and value. Following these DIY car detailing tips, you can keep your vehicle looking its best and enjoy driving it for years until it’s time to trade it in for a new Volkswagen for sale!

If you’re in the market for a new or used Volkswagen of your own, Volkswagen Clear Lake in Houston, TX, offers one of the largest inventories in the area. Pick your favorite and bask in the new car smell as you drive your new Volkswagen from our lot. But don’t forget to continually give your new Volkswagen some tender loving care in the form of DIY car detailing from time to time!

Make an appointment to buy a Volkswagen vehicle today.

Posted in Volkswagen | No Comments »

Volkswagen Continues to Disrupt the Industry With Forward-Thinking Changes

2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Volkswagen, with new updates to many of the manufacturer’s models. Having said that, some of the manufacturer’s top models received big redesigns last year, so they don’t see so much of a change for 2023.

We’ve listed all the changes you can expect on the 2023 Volkswagen models so you can decide whether now’s the time to choose one of the new cars for sale in Houston or whether you’d prefer a used car from the legendary manufacturer.

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI Changes

The GTI and R received hefty redesigns last year, but the 2023 models also see a few more changes. The GTI gets LED fog lights and headlights, and there’s a slight increase in pricing for all models.

This year sees a limited-production Golf GTI 40th Anniversary Edition. This GTI has unique lower-body graphics, 40th-anniversary badging, and Tornado Red and Urano Gray exclusive colors alongside some of the more traditional color options. The roof, mirror caps, and wheels are painted black to add an additional splash of contrast. The interior features the same plaid fabric seats as the S and SE.

While the Golf GTI 40th Anniversary Edition is mostly based on the inexpensive S trim, it includes several features you normally only get on the top-level trim. Notably, you get 19-inch wheels, adaptive dampers, speed-sensitive steering, and 235-25 summer tires. The vehicle still has the 2.0-liter 241-horsepower engine you find on all GTI models here in the U.S.

Overall, the Golf GTI 40th Anniversary Edition looks like an absolute steal at its price point. You get the adaptive dampers of the Autobahn package without the price bump, and it has the interior and powertrain that US GTI enthusiasts have come to love.

2023 Volkswagen Golf R Changes

There are fewer changes for the Golf R, as its recent redesign was very well received. Perhaps most interesting for the Golf R is the reveal of a Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition.

The R series cars have evolved with time, but the 2023 Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition was created with the fans in mind. It has a design that fuses peak performance with convenience and nostalgia. This 2023 Volkswagen offers enthusiasts the choice between a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic transmission.

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Changes

The Tiguan saw a big refresh last year, and it hasn’t changed this year. If you were satisfied with the 2022 when you took a test drive at our VW dealership near you last year, it’s time to make your purchase now!

2023 Volkswagen Taos Changes

The newest and smallest Volkswagen crossover sees a few changes for 2023, most notably the addition of automatic emergency braking with blind-spot monitors and pedestrian detection.

If you choose the all-wheel drive (AWD) version of the Taos, you’ll now get 18-inch wheels as opposed to the 2022 model’s 17-inch wheels. SE models now get the IQ.Drive feature as standard, and SEL models get a panoramic sunroof.

2023 Volkswagen Jetta and Jetta GLI Changes

The Jetta got a big redesign in 2022, so the sedan is coming into 2023 with no changes worth noting.

2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Changes

Volkswagen has revealed there will be a second battery option for the ID.4, delivering 62 kilowatt hours. This comes in at a lower price than the 77-kilowatt pack offered on the 2022 model, a boon for buyers at our new car dealership.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport Changes

The three-row Atlas and its Atlas Cross Sport brethren are unchanged for 2023.

2023 Volkswagen Arteon Changes

The Arteon sedan is now sold in three trims – SE R-Line, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium R-Line. The SE R-Line now has a power liftgate, an illuminated light bar in the grille, fog lights, and adaptive LED headlights. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, active lane control, automatic emergency braking front and rear, and a heated steering wheel are also now bundled as standard.

Test Drive 2023 Volkswagen Models in Houston, TX

If you’re looking for a VW dealership near you that offers the best prices and can handle the full spectrum of VW service requests, you can’t do any better than Volkswagen Clear Lake, the proud winner of the prestigious Wolfsburg Crest Club Award since 2021.

Get in touch today to discuss your plans for 2023 and to test drive the Volkswagen model of your choice. See us at 15100 Gulf Freeway in Houston.

Posted in Volkswagen | No Comments »

Lithe Handling, Versatile Seating, and Excellent Fuel Economy – What’s Not to Love?

Volkswagen cars have always been at the forefront of advances, so when there’s a new Volkswagen for sale, aficionados flock to see what the latest version brings to the table.

It seems that, in 2023, the Volkswagen Tiguan will be one of the most popular new cars for sale in Houston, TX. Let’s look at what you can expect from the new Tiguan at our new car dealership.

What’s New for the 2023 VW Tiguan?

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan comes off the back of a considerable refresh in 2022, so, understandably, there aren’t many changes in the 2023 model.

The vehicle’s USB-C ports see an upgrade to support 45W charging, and the SE R-Line Black trim gets a new set of 19-inch rims.

The mid-range SE trim has always offered the best mixture of value and features. It is even more bang for the buck in 2023 with a power-operated rear liftgate, lane-keeping assist, 18-inch wheels, and a fantastic semi-autonomous driving model. You can now get a panoramic sunroof on the SE as an optional extra, which we highly recommend.

2023 VW Tiguan Overview

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact crossover that stands out from the pack. It’s got great handling, too, while delivering excellent fuel efficiency from its standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

The option of a third row of seats is rare for the compact crossover category, and the VW Tiguan makes great use of the third row without compromising on cargo space.

The Tiguan’s interior is sedate, focusing on functionality over style statements – a hallmark of VW cars. There’s up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, and with the seats folded down, the Tiguan has more than the average space for its class.

The comfortable cabin is decked out with all mod cons, such as a standard Wi-Fi hotspot and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We particularly like the nine-speaker 480-watt Fender audio system you can choose on higher trims, and the 10.3-inch digital gauge display has much customizability so you can set it up just how you like it.

The car itself is no slouch. It’s enjoyable to drive, with responsive handling and just enough power to get you exactly where you want to go.

New VW Tiguan Performance

A 2.0-liter inline-four turbocharged engine with 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque powers the 2023 Tiguan, and you have eight-speed automatic transmissions paired with both front- and all-wheel-drive powertrains. The Tiguan SE R-Line goes from a stop to 60 mph in about eight seconds.

Test drivers at our Volkswagen Clear Lake dealership find the Tiguan to offer particularly responsive handling and excellent road feel, making it a fun and engaging vehicle to drive.

The VW Tiguan Goes High Tech

The base S variant of the 2023 Tiguan already has heated front seats, keyless entry, automatic LED headlights, and LED taillights standard. A 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, and an 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster display are also included.

Remote start, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and a power liftgate are standard on the 2023 Tiguan SE. Its center touchscreen expands to 8.0 inches in size, wireless phone charging is introduced, and App-Connect, which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, switches from wired to wireless – a convenience that’s totally worth the trim upgrade.

With the top-tier SEL R-Line, you’ll get a hands-free power liftgate and receive standard power-folding side mirrors with puddle lights and a light bar in the front grille. You also get heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

Safety Features on this New Volkswagen For Sale

The Tiguan S basic model’s active safety features begin with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts. On top of this, the SE model immediately above it gets adaptive cruise control and a lane-keeping system.

The top-of-the-line SEL R-Line model has semi-autonomous parking assistance, adaptive headlights, a bird’s-eye 360-degree vision video system, traffic sign recognition, and parking sensors as standard. This makes the Tiguan SEL R-Line one of the safest cars to drive.

Test Drive the Tiguan at Our Houston New Car Dealership

The 2023 VW Tiguan is destined to keep the compact crossover at the top of its class for another year. For more information on the new Volkswagen cars line-up, the various model and trim options, and to reserve your very own 2023 VW Tiguan, contact Volkswagen Clear Lake in Houston, TX, today.

Posted in Volkswagen | No Comments »

What to Expect from Volkswagen and Their Electric Vehicle Lineup

Although Volkswagen won’t be abandoning traditional vehicles that run on gasoline anytime soon, what can’t be ignored is that electric vehicles are taking up more and more of the market share with each passing year. Industry experts are estimating that electric vehicles will represent more than half the vehicles in circulation by the year 2040. It’s also worth noting that Car and Driver reported that registrations for electric vehicles went up by 60 percent in the first quarter of 2022.

Clearly, electric vehicles are on the rise, and the data and statistics support it. Proof of concept has been established, and the modern-day car-buyer is convinced that electric vehicles are capable of being their daily driver. Adding fuel to the proverbial fire, this year we saw record high gas prices. In fact, some drivers reported paying well over $100 for a tank of gas during the summer. The ecological benefits along with the savings on gasoline have motivated many people to at least look into new electric cars.

So, how exactly is Volkswagen adapting their approach to the changing vehicle market? What is the future of EVs as this company sees it?

What Volkswagen is Doing with Electric Vehicles Now

To bring you up to speed, Volkswagen currently has one VW electric car for sale – the ID.4. It was the winner of the 2021 World Car of the Year Award and was also recently named one of Ward’s Best User Experiences. In addition to featuring a future-forward design in one of the most advanced feature packages ever offered, the VW ID.4 gets up to 275 miles on a single charge (Pro model). It has a starting MSRP of just under $38,000, which makes it one of the more affordable new electric cars for sale on the market.

However, the plan was never to release one electric vehicle and be done with it. The Volkswagen ID.4 was always intended to be the first of many new electric cars. Currently in the pipeline, Volkswagen has the VW ID.Buzz, the VW ID.LIFE, and the ID.Aero. They are an electric SUV, microbus, and luxury sedan, respectively. You’ll hear more about these vehicles in the coming year or two as they get closer to release.

News From the VW Group About its EV Plans

There has been a changing of the guard at the leadership helm for the VW group. Herbert Diess, the former CEO of the VW Group stepped down recently, which had some industry experts wondering if the original plan to transition over to electric vehicles would remain in place. On day one, Oliver Blume, the new CEO of the VW group, made his intentions quite clear on the matter. Electric vehicles are still very much in the future of Volkswagen.

Blume was quoted, saying, “I am a fan of e-mobility and I stand by this path…we will keep the current pace and, where possible, increase it.” Blume has also gone on record about how he plans to find the right rhythm for a stable transformation in the EV market. The Volkswagen Group is making heavy investments in EV battery sourcing, which is reported to be taking place in Canada once the deal is finalized. Additionally, the VW group has made public the news that the VW ID.4 will be manufactured domestically in their Chattanooga, Tennessee plant. Not only does this circumvent the supply chain issue, but it also means that drivers will be able to take advantage of the federal tax credit (up to $7,500).

Looking for a VW Electric Car for Sale? Visit VW Clear Lake!

Now that you know a little bit more about what to expect with the future of electric vehicles from Volkswagen, the next step is for you to see one for yourself. As previously mentioned, the current VW electric car for sale is the award-winning Volkswagen ID.4. It is recognized as one of the best new electric cars on the market. If you’re ready to test drive, simply reach out to the team at VW Clear Lake to set an appointment.

If you’re not currently in the market for electric vehicles – no problem! As the leading Volkswagen dealer here in the Houston area, we have a variety of new cars, used cars, and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. We also have great deals on products and services from VW in our specials section. Need help with vehicle financing? The team at VW Clear Lake has you covered! Simply visit the financing section of our website to get started on your pre-approval.

VW Clear Lake is conveniently located at 15100 Gulf Fwy in Houston. Feel free to stop by for a test drive of any of our amazing vehicles. You can also contact us at (832) 432-7969 or email us directly using the contact form on our website.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

And Where to Find VW Hatchbacks When Shopping or New Cars for Sale in Houston

The Volkswagen Golf R is literally one of the most thrilling hatchbacks to ever be released. Known for its slick and speedy style, this vehicle practically invented the concept of the modern day “whip.” It can zip off the starting line at the drop of a hat and handle any hairpin turn you throw in front of it. It’s a racecar disguised as a compact daily driver.

Outfitted with a 2.0L turbo-four engine, the VW Golf R yields 295 lb-ft of torque and a whopping 315 horsepower. For the total race car experience, drivers can get it outfitted with a 6-speed manual transmission. Additionally, it comes with torque vectoring 4MOTION® all-wheel drive, which means you’ll have complete control over the vehicle, even during inclement weather. The VW Golf R has been designed from tip to tail to handle whatever the world throws at it.

If you’re currently shopping for new cars for sale in Houston, you can’t go wrong with either the VW Golf R or the VW Golf GTI. Both have reigned supreme in the speedy hatchback category, although the VW Golf R holds a bit of an edge when it comes to performance.

What to Expect From the 20th Anniversary Edition of the VW Golf R

The engineers and designers at Volkswagen have created something truly special to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the game-changing VW Golf R. It will be something of a collector’s item among automobile enthusiasts.

Hein Schafer, senior VP of product marketing and strategy, remarked, “Twenty years is a significant milestone for the R performance brand of models, and we’re excited to share in a global celebration of two decades of R32 and Golf R heritage. Being the first official worldwide special model for the Golf R, it was important to include our North American Volkswagen performance hatch enthusiasts in this birthday party for the Golf R brand.”

The VW Golf R special edition will be available in both a 6-speed manual transmission and a 7-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission version. It will include signature blue “R” badging on the key fob, steering wheel, and exterior to differentiate it from the standard Golf R. It will also feature glossy 19-inch black wheels, a deleted sunroof (to trim weight and lower the center of gravity), and genuine carbon fiber interior décor.

The 20th anniversary edition of the Golf R further builds upon the established reputation of the standard Golf R. It utilizes an advanced MQB chassis (a VW exclusive) and turbocharged 315-horsepower EA888 evo4 TSI® engine, which makes this one of the speediest hatchbacks ever assembled. Drivers will be able to choose from three different colors: Pure White, Deep Black Pearl, and Lapiz Blue.

It is being estimated that the 20th anniversary edition of the VW Golf R will go on sale in Q2 of 2023. The manual transmission model will have a starting MSRP of $44,940 while the 7-speed DSG version will run $45,740. The big hurdle for aspiring buyers is that only 1,800 units of this vehicle will be made. For drivers that want a fighting chance at getting one, it’s recommended to try and go the pre-order route. You can do that by contacting the team at VW Clear Lake.

Shopping for New Cars for Sale in Houston? Visit VW Clear Lake!

If you’re looking for a Volkswagen dealership near you, the good news is that VW Clear Lake is conveniently located in Houston and fully-stocked with all the top-selling VW SUVs, compacts, and sedans. We carry the VW Golf GTI, the economic VW Jetta, and the supersized VW Atlas, just to name a few.

Not in the market for a new car? No problem!

As the leading Volkswagen dealership near you in the Houston area, we carry a wide variety of used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. You can also find more great deals on VW products and services in our specials section.

Need help with vehicle financing? The team at VW Clear Lake has you covered. Simply visit the financing section of our website to get started on your pre-approval.

VW Clear Lake is conveniently located at 15100 Gulf Fwy in Houston. You can also contact us at (832) 432-7969 or email us directly using the contact form on our website. If you are a current VW owner in need of routine maintenance or service, feel free to contact the VW service center to make an appointment.

Posted in Volkswagen Industry News | No Comments »

And the Best Place to Find a Brand-New VW Electric Car for Sale

Electric vehicles are taking the world by storm. It’s not like 10 years ago when they were few and far between. They’re everywhere now, and the statistics support this. The most recent reporting on electric vehicles estimates that there are currently 5.6 million of them in circulation right now.

This means that there’s been a whopping 64 percent increase in electric vehicles compared to the numbers in 2018. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, this trend is expected to continue. They estimate that electric vehicles will represent 58 percent of the auto market by the year 2040.

So, what exactly is the reason for this upward trend with new electric cars? Let’s break down the top four reasons why you should consider switching over to an EV and the best place to find a VW electric car for sale.

#1 – They Are Far More Efficient Than Gas-Powered Vehicles

There’s a reason why we don’t use wood and coal to heat our homes anymore. These are two classic examples of inefficient energy sources. The same can be said for gasoline. It’s a finite resource and not as energy efficient as people think.

To put that in hard numbers, only about 20 to 24 percent of the energy produced by a modern combustion engine makes it down to the wheels. By comparison, around 70 percent of the energy generated by an electric motor makes it to the wheels. It’s also worth noting that these efficiency numbers will improve as electric vehicle battery technology continues to advance.

#2 – An Electric Vehicle Means Never Having to Pay for Gas Again

We found out the hard way that gas can really eat into a monthly budget. This is especially true for those families who don’t have the luxury of working from home and still need to commute back and forth from work every day. In fact, some people were reportedly paying well over $100 per tank when gas prices were at their height over the summer.

Although things are cooling off on the gasoline front, there are no guarantees that the same problem won’t happen again. This alone should be enough to get anyone to consider switching over to an electric vehicle. Although charging an electric vehicle isn’t free, it is significantly less than filling up your gas tank. Depending on the type of charger that you use, replenishing your battery will cost anywhere from $10 – $30. New electric cars have longer lasting batteries, and therefore, don’t require as many charging stops.

#3 – Electric Vehicles Are No Longer Short-Range

If you recall when electric vehicles first came out, then you’ll remember one of the major hang-ups that people had about them – driving range. Early models of electric vehicles simply didn’t go very far before they needed to be hooked up to a charger. However, times have changed, and electric vehicle battery technology is more advanced than ever. In fact, the Volkswagen ID.4 Pro model can get up to 275 miles on a single charge. That should be more than enough range to get you through your weekly commuting and regular errands.

#4 – Electric Vehicles No Longer Cost an Arm and a Leg

Just like with any new technology, it takes a little while for it to become affordable for the average American. This was the case with cell phones, laptop computers, and now, electric vehicles. The company leadership at Volkswagen has gone to great lengths to ensure that drivers can switch over to an electric vehicle affordably. In fact, the VW ID.4 can be purchased for less than $38,000, which is far less than other top competitors in the space.

How to Test Drive a VW Electric Car for Sale in Houston

Now that you know more about the core benefits of owning an electric vehicle, the next step is for you to get behind the wheel of one so you can test drive it for yourself. As the leading Volkswagen dealer here in the Houston area, we carry the award-winning VW ID.4, which was the winner of the 2021 World Car of the Year Award. It is being hailed as one of the best new electric cars on the market. You can also build and reserve this VW electric car for sale right through our website. This allows you to select your trim level, color, and any optional features that you may want included.

If you’re not currently in the market for new electric cars, we have plenty of new cars, used cars, and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Additionally, we’re always running great deals on VW products and services in our specials section. Need help with vehicle financing? We’ve got you covered there, too! Simply visit the financing section of our website to get started with your pre-approval.

VW Clear Lake is conveniently located at 15100 Gulf Fwy in Houston. Feel free to stop by for a test drive of any of our amazing VW cars and SUVs. You can also contact us at (832) 432-7969 or email us directly using the contact form on our website.

Posted in Electric Vehicle | No Comments »

What This Means for the Lineup of Volkswagen Electric Vehicles

There are a few big advantages to purchasing an electric vehicle. First, it ensures that you never have to deal with the gas pumps ever again. During a time in which gas prices are extremely volatile and inflation is at a 40-year high, that is welcome news. You can put that money back towards your monthly grocery and bill budget.

Another big advantage of new electric cars is that you can usually get a tax credit on the purchase. To bring you up to speed, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 passed by the Biden administration offered a tax credit up to $7,500 based on the vehicle’s traction battery capacity and the gross vehicle weight rating. However, that was for all vehicle purchases before August 17th, 2022. Things will be different moving forward.

How the Tax Credit on Electric Vehicles Will Work

The tax credit on new electric cars is scheduled to change after December 31st, 2022. It will be broken up into two separate credits. Electric vehicles that meet the critical mineral requirements are eligible for a $3,750 tax credit. Electric vehicles that meet the battery component requirements are eligible for a $3,750 tax credit. Electric vehicles that meet both requirements are eligible for a $7,500 tax credit.

However, to be eligible for the critical mineral and battery components tax credits, the manufacturing and assembly of electric vehicle batteries must primarily be done on North American soil. As it stands, a VW electric car for sale would not qualify for these tax credits because they are manufactured in Europe.

The Canadian Deal and Tennessee-based VW Plant

Considering the importance of this electric vehicle tax credit eligibility, VW has made some crafty maneuvers as of late to ensure their customers will qualify for it. First, Volkswagen has signed what is called a memorandum of understanding with the Canadian government to officially begin talks about bringing some of their electric vehicle battery manufacturing to their mineral-rich country. It is believed VW will be able to secure access to lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are all vital to the operation. Although it’s not confirmed yet, experts believe that VW plans to build a dedicated Gigafactory in Canada to manufacture electric vehicle batteries.

The other critical piece of news about how VW plans to manufacture its ID.4 electric vehicle lies in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Pablo Di Si, the new president and CEO of the VW Group of America, is estimating that 90,000 electric vehicles will be manufactured domestically in 2023. According to him, the VW ID.4 is expected to qualify for the full $7,500 U.S. tax credit.

How to Test Drive the VW ID.4

Although the VW ID.4 doesn’t qualify for the federal tax credit yet, its starting MSRP of under $38,000 makes it well worth checking out. Compared to other auto manufacturers who have been dominating the electric vehicle space, its current price tag is more than competitive.

The VW ID.4 is also a top performer in its class, able to drive up to 275 miles on the single charge (Pro model) while providing all the power and handling one would expect from an SUV. It’s also worth mentioning that the VW ID.4 was the winner of the 2021 World Car of the Year Award and was recently named one of Wards Best User Experiences.

We have a VW ID.4 right here on the lot at VW Clear Lake that you can test drive. You can also build and reserve a VW ID.4 of your very own so that you can get the trim level and optional features that you want. This is the best way to get a VW electric car for sale that perfectly matches what you want.

Looking for New and Used Cars? Visit VW Clear Lake – Your Local Volkswagen Dealer

Not yet in the market for an electric vehicle? No problem! As the leading Volkswagen dealer here in Houston, we carry a wide variety of new sedans, compacts, and SUVs made to fit any driving style in budget. We’ll be happy to help you out with financing your new vehicle.

We also carry a wide variety ofused cars, and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Finally, you can find all sorts of great deals on VW products and services and our specials section. With our current deflation sale, you can get any new VW vehicle for $500 off its standard MSRP.

VW Clear Lake is conveniently located at 15100 Gulf Fwy in Houston. Feel free to stop by to test drive an electric vehicle or one of our many other new and used vehicles. You can also contact us at (832) 432-7969 or email us directly using the contact form on our website.

Posted in Volkswagen | No Comments »

What This Partnership Means for the Future of VW Electric Vehicles

For most automobile buyers, switching over to an electric vehicle means one thing – they’ll never have to use a gas pump ever again. That on its own is enough to make anyone seriously consider transitioning over to an EV. For those that are heavy commuters, it could mean potentially saving hundreds of dollars a month on gasoline.

However, switching over to an electric vehicle does mean you will have to get into the routine of charging. The first thing that you need to know is that charging an electric vehicle isn’t free. According to Investopedia, it will cost somewhere between $10 and $30 to charge your electric vehicle, which is significantly lower than the going rate on a tank of gas.

How much it costs to charge your vehicle depends on the type of charger you’re using, the region of the country you’re in, and other factors. For instance, commercial charging rates are often double what residential rates are. Another thing to keep in mind is that you will pay a premium for charging speed. DC Fast Charging – the highest level of charging – can fully replenish a batter in under an hour, but it also costs the most to use.

The Current State of Electric Vehicle Charging

As more and more people switch over to electric vehicles, the general population will get more adept at understanding how vehicle charging works, the pricing, and how to work it into their busy schedules. The singular advantage that gasoline powered vehicles have over electric is they take only minutes to refuel. Long-term, the goal is to make electric vehicle charging faster, cheaper, and more efficient.

Another goal is to make electric vehicle charging easier and more convenient for drivers. This means supporting the expansion of electric vehicle charging stations through infrastructure investments. Electric vehicle charging stations need to be as numerous as gas stations if we intend to make a large-scale conversion over to EV.

Another thing that’s being worked on is investing in the nation’s power grid to ensure that it can handle charging several thousand electric vehicles. The Biden administration has been quite vocal in supporting this measure as a means to reduce our carbon footprint.

The Volkswagen Group has also been actively working to make electric vehicle charging more accessible and user-friendly to support its planned release of several EVs.

The VW Partnership with Elli

The Elia Group along with its startup company re.alto signed a memorandum of understanding with Elli, which is a subsidiary of VW that manages all activities relative to energy and charging for the VW Group in Europe. Each of the parties involved believes that electric vehicle integration is the future of the power grid by aiding its stabilization. This will be made possible because electric vehicle batteries are able to store electricity, which means it’s possible to put electricity back into the grid when it’s needed most.

Elke Temme, CEO of Elli and Senior Vice President of Charging & Energy at Volkswagen AG, said, “An essential key to achieving climate neutrality lies in linking the energy and mobility sectors. Using the electric vehicle battery as a mobile power bank delivers a triple benefit: Firstly, the climate benefits as renewable energy can be stored and therefore be used more efficiently; secondly, the electric grid benefits, as the car can contribute toward grid stability; and thirdly, the customer can earn additional revenue with vehicle-to-grid services.”

In this joint venture, the companies will focus on four main areas, which include:

• Creating incentives for electric vehicle owners
• Creating a market that works for everyone
• Creating a way to securely send data
• Ensuring that data collected is secure and used responsibly

The cooperation between the electricity and mobility sectors with partnerships between companies like VW and Elli are projected to be more commonplace as the electric vehicle market continues to expand and more drivers make the switch.

Finding the Perfect VW Electric Car for Sale Near You in Houston

Now that you know more about the planned expansion for the electric vehicle market and how it will affect the grid, the next step is for you to check out an electric vehicle for yourself. And if you’re going to check out an EV, then it might as well be the best.

The Volkswagen ID.4 was the winner of the 2021 World Car of the Year Award and was recently named one of Wards Best User Experiences. In addition to its future-forward design and loaded feature package, this SUV can get up to 275 miles on a single charge (Pro model). It’s certifiably one of the most sought after new electric cars on the market. The best way to check it out is by paying us a visit here at VW Clear Lake.

Not yet in the market for a VW electric car for sale? No problem! As the leading Volkswagen dealer here in Houston, we carry a wide variety of new cars, used cars, and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ plus point inspection. Be sure to check out our specials for more great deals on VW products and services.

VW Clear Lake is conveniently located at 15100 Gulf Fwy in Houston. You can also contact us at (832) 432-7969 or email us directly using the contact form on our website.

Posted in Volkswagen | No Comments »