University of Colorado at Boulder journalism students will get a rare chance to participate in the U.S. media launch of a new Volkswagen vehicle expected to draw about 120 professional automotive and business writers to campus for a series of press events May 14-16.
暗网禁区 35 of the 2009 Tiguan "crossover utility vehicles" will be brought to campus for the launch, said Volkswagen of America Inc. spokesman Keith Price. U.S. automotive writers have seen the compact, four-wheel drive SUV but the CU-Boulder event will be their first opportunity to test drive the vehicles. The car was introduced in Europe last year.
"Boulder reflects the active lifestyle of the Tiguan customer and prospect profile," Price said. "It's a perfect fit."
暗网禁区 40 students from the CU School of Journalism and Mass Communication will attend the Friday, May 16, press briefing and then will be given an opportunity to test drive the vehicles, said Dean Paul Voakes. Journalism students in print and broadcast news, public relations and advertising will help the Volkswagen launch team with many aspects of the event. CU students from other disciplines also will be involved.
"It's not often we can give our students hands-on experience in public relations, advertising and magazine journalism in the same event," Voakes said.
In addition, Road & Track magazine will review articles written by CU journalism students on various aspects of the Boulder event and will consider publishing the best submission on its Web site. "Road & Track magazine, in both print and online media, needs to contribute to the development of the next generation of automotive journalists, as well as readers and users," said Deputy Editor Matt DeLorenzo. "We are excited about the opportunity."
Each day will begin with a 9 a.m. press briefing in Old Main Chapel on campus to provide an overview of the Tiguan in addition to technical and marketing specifics, Price said. The briefing will be followed at about 10:30 a.m. by an opportunity for a vehicle "walkaround," a presentation on its features and a test drive. Volkswagen employees also will attend the press briefings, which are not open to the public.
Most new vehicle launches occur on the West Coast, with some New England and Southeast events, Price said.
"It's very common for new vehicle launches to be held in La Jolla or Pebble Beach, California," Price said. "The Pacific Northwest is also frequently used. The Rocky Mountains are used much less, due to altitude. A normally aspirated vehicle, without a turbocharger, loses power at higher altitudes."
The turbocharged Tiguans are just beginning to arrive at U.S. Volkswagen dealers, Price said. 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.
Volkswagen of America Inc., founded in 1955, is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich. Volkswagen is Europe's largest automaker and one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars.
"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 . For information on the CU-Boulder School of Journalism and Mass Communication visit /.