Coinciding with the announcement of a clean Bluetec diesel engine for the 2008 Jetta, Volkswagen of America is conducting a national search for the oldest running VW diesel and the car with the highest accumulated mileage.
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The company is celebrating 30 years of diesel sales in the US in 2007 but ironically has only the V10 TDi diesel Touareg SUV on sale this year due to strict new emissions laws. Diesel Jetta sales – the most popular model – stopped with 2006 model year cars along with the TDi versions of the Beetle and Passat.
The oldest diesel search is limited to registered, running vehicles and the winner will be determined by the vehicle identification number (VIN).
Volkswagen expects this vehicle will be a Rabbit (Golf) diesel, as 12,393 were sold in 1977.
The highest mileage must be documented and verifiable with an accurate odometer reading, and supporting historical service records and/or logbook. Both vehicles also must have their original engines.
Entries will be made on line and finalists will be asked to visit their local dealer to have their vehicle and documentation validated.
Volkswagen plans to keep the application period open for a minimum four months. Each of the two winners will win the use of a 2007 Touareg TDI for six months.
The company has so far sold 813,476 diesel powered vehicles in the US.
