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Charging the e-Golf Electric Car just became effortless, and parking just became totally autonomous. Volkswagen really wanted to make a splash at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. So they dove head first into the deep end, and we are all still soaked. We already told you about the announcement of MirrorLink and Apple’s CarPlay, and we showed you the new futuristic Golf R Touch Concept Car that lets you operate nearly every car control with the wave of your hand or flick of your finger. And now, they announced some big advancements in their electric car technology. Volkswagen's Inductive Charging and Trained Parking are sure to shake up the industry. Volkswagen Trained Parking Volkswagen plans to advance autonomous parking by developing a series of systems that build upon the current semi-autonomous reverse parking features currently integrated in the e-Golf vehicles. These systems would allow the cars to learn from the repeated routes you take, such as the drive up your driveway and into your usual parking spot. A camera mounted behind the rearview mirror will recognize when you release control to the vehicle, and your regular parking maneuver will happen automatically. While drivers will be required to stay in their cars while they are parking themselves, the goal is to have a system in place within the next few years where the car will stop by your door to let you out, then carry on to its parking space and automatically recharge itself. These features would likely allow you to monitor everything from a smartphone or tablet to ensure all is well. The current e-Golf Electric car utilizes the Bosch 240V home charging system that lets you simply plug in your car at home and at work. It’s simple. And yet VW decided to make it even simpler to get customers ready for the inevitable future. So they developed a wireless inductive charging system which allows the e-Golf to locate and park itself over a charging plate in the floor. The implications of inductive charging are varied. It allows cars to eventually, precisely and autonomously park themselves. It opens up the possibility of taking your car to a parking structure with inductive charging, getting out where it is most convenient, and letting your car go charge itself while you work or shop. Being notified on your smartphone where the nearest available charging space is, is also just a couple years away. You can view the entire Volkswagen Keynote Address from CES 2015 here.

Charging the e-Golf Electric Car just became effortless, and parking just became totally autonomous. Volkswagen really wanted to make a splash at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. So they dove head first into the deep end, and we are all still soaked. We already told you about the announcement of MirrorLink and Apple’s CarPlay, and we showed you the new futuristic Golf R Touch Concept Car that lets you operate nearly every car control with the wave of your hand or flick of your finger. And now, they announced some big advancements in their electric car technology. Volkswagen's Inductive Charging and Trained Parking are sure to shake up the industry. Volkswagen Trained Parking Volkswagen plans to advance autonomous parking by developing a series of systems that build upon the current semi-autonomous reverse parking features currently integrated in the e-Golf vehicles. These systems would allow the cars to learn from the repeated routes you take, such as the drive up your driveway and into your usual parking spot. A camera mounted behind the rearview mirror will recognize when you release control to the vehicle, and your regular parking maneuver will happen automatically. While drivers will be required to stay in their cars while they are parking themselves, the goal is to have a system in place within the next few years where the car will stop by your door to let you out, then carry on to its parking space and automatically recharge itself. These features would likely allow you to monitor everything from a smartphone or tablet to ensure all is well. The current e-Golf Electric car utilizes the Bosch 240V home charging system that lets you simply plug in your car at home and at work. It’s simple. And yet VW decided to make it even simpler to get customers ready for the inevitable future. So they developed a wireless inductive charging system which allows the e-Golf to locate and park itself over a charging plate in the floor. The implications of inductive charging are varied. It allows cars to eventually, precisely and autonomously park themselves. It opens up the possibility of taking your car to a parking structure with inductive charging, getting out where it is most convenient, and letting your car go charge itself while you work or shop. Being notified on your smartphone where the nearest available charging space is, is also just a couple years away. You can view the entire Volkswagen Keynote Address from CES 2015 here.

The VW Golf R Touch is like something out of a science fiction movie, packed full of cutting-edge technology. There are a few technology advancements made each year that make us realize we really are living in the future. It seems the engineers at Volkswagen became inspired while re-watching that Tom Cruise movie, Minority Report, because it seems as though the new VW Golf R Touch Concept Car that was revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show this week is straight out of that futuristic film. The VW Golf R Touch Concept Car has three big touchscreens, and is void of any tangible buttons or knobs aside from those controls that are imbedded in the steering wheel. But it’s not simply a trio of touchscreens. Drivers and passengers can operate the controls without touching anything, and without saying anything. A simply swipe or gesture is recognized, with the goal being that it won’t require a lesson to use. The system is built to be as intuitive as possible. Golf R Touch Concept Car Volkswagen stated that this concept car was the ultimate technological challenge. It was an attempt to integrate unbelievably complex technology with as many functions as possible, while nearly eliminating driver distractions by making it the easiest to use, most personalized system. All of the controls are sensor-based, or operate via the touchscreen. The speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and other vehicle information is all integrated into a 12.3 inch Active Information Display. All the standard car instruments are represented digitally. The main high-res infotainment screen is nearly 13 inches, and the screen that operates media settings and climate control is 8 inches. It’s not magic, though. Along with the proximity sensors are a series of small interor cameras mounted within the vehicle that pick up hand movement. The idea of waving your hand or simply gesturing to interact with applications, media, and climate control really brings these interfaces into a whole new third dimension. For instance, simply raise your arm, and you can control the Golf’s moonroof without touching a thing, and without having to take your eyes off the road. While the R Touch Concept isn't here, yet, we do have the VW Golf in stock. It is the Car of the Year for very good reason. Come see why! As always, all of us here at Speedcraft VW are more than happy to answer any question you might have. You can view the entire Volkswagen Keynote Address from CES 2015 here.

The VW Golf R Touch is like something out of a science fiction movie, packed full of cutting-edge technology. There are a few technology advancements made each year that make us realize we really are living in the future. It seems the engineers at Volkswagen became inspired while re-watching that Tom Cruise movie, Minority Report, because it seems as though the new VW Golf R Touch Concept Car that was revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show this week is straight out of that futuristic film. The VW Golf R Touch Concept Car has three big touchscreens, and is void of any tangible buttons or knobs aside from those controls that are imbedded in the steering wheel. But it’s not simply a trio of touchscreens. Drivers and passengers can operate the controls without touching anything, and without saying anything. A simply swipe or gesture is recognized, with the goal being that it won’t require a lesson to use. The system is built to be as intuitive as possible. Golf R Touch Concept Car Volkswagen stated that this concept car was the ultimate technological challenge. It was an attempt to integrate unbelievably complex technology with as many functions as possible, while nearly eliminating driver distractions by making it the easiest to use, most personalized system. All of the controls are sensor-based, or operate via the touchscreen. The speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and other vehicle information is all integrated into a 12.3 inch Active Information Display. All the standard car instruments are represented digitally. The main high-res infotainment screen is nearly 13 inches, and the screen that operates media settings and climate control is 8 inches. It’s not magic, though. Along with the proximity sensors are a series of small interor cameras mounted within the vehicle that pick up hand movement. The idea of waving your hand or simply gesturing to interact with applications, media, and climate control really brings these interfaces into a whole new third dimension. For instance, simply raise your arm, and you can control the Golf’s moonroof without touching a thing, and without having to take your eyes off the road. While the R Touch Concept isn't here, yet, we do have the VW Golf in stock. It is the Car of the Year for very good reason. Come see why! As always, all of us here at Speedcraft VW are more than happy to answer any question you might have. You can view the entire Volkswagen Keynote Address from CES 2015 here.

Through their new MirrorLink infotainment system, VW plans to lead the pack with cutting-edge tech. You might remember when Apple first announced Apple CarPlay last year. One of the headlines that came out of that announcement was that Volkswagen was one of the largest auto manufacturers not yet partnered with Apple. Well all of that changed this week at the International Computer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Volkswagen is Adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to their cars this year. Volkswagen MirrorLink The release of Carplay and Android Auto will coincide with the release of VW’s next generation infotainment system, which they are calling MirrorLink. This new system is about to take Volkswagen to the top of the touchscreen game. MirrorLink is on the same level as Jaguar’s new system, just to give you a better idea about how advanced and high-end it will be. MirrorLink will add phone-mirroring protocols which will essentially turn your smartphone into a second, mirrored screen for the infotainment system. Adding apps, integrating Apple Carplay and Android Auto will all be simpler than on any other vehicle out there. It looks like it was very much worth the wait. Apps from Samsung, HTC, LG, Sony, and Apple will be supported, but initially MirrorLink will work with Think Blue, My Guide, Trainer, Shared Audio, and Sound Journey applications. More third party apps will be released after the initial launch. Volkswagen Apple CarPlay Release Date The release date for MirrorLink and CarPlay is still up in the air. However, Volkswagen did state that the launch would take place this year. Costs for adding Carplay or Android Auto were also not yet announced, but will likely be in line with the current prices set by other manufacturers. It appears 2015 is the year of technology for VW. You can view the entire Volkswagen Keynote Address from CES 2015 here.

Through their new MirrorLink infotainment system, VW plans to lead the pack with cutting-edge tech. You might remember when Apple first announced Apple CarPlay last year. One of the headlines that came out of that announcement was that Volkswagen was one of the largest auto manufacturers not yet partnered with Apple. Well all of that changed this week at the International Computer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Volkswagen is Adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to their cars this year. Volkswagen MirrorLink The release of Carplay and Android Auto will coincide with the release of VW’s next generation infotainment system, which they are calling MirrorLink. This new system is about to take Volkswagen to the top of the touchscreen game. MirrorLink is on the same level as Jaguar’s new system, just to give you a better idea about how advanced and high-end it will be. MirrorLink will add phone-mirroring protocols which will essentially turn your smartphone into a second, mirrored screen for the infotainment system. Adding apps, integrating Apple Carplay and Android Auto will all be simpler than on any other vehicle out there. It looks like it was very much worth the wait. Apps from Samsung, HTC, LG, Sony, and Apple will be supported, but initially MirrorLink will work with Think Blue, My Guide, Trainer, Shared Audio, and Sound Journey applications. More third party apps will be released after the initial launch. Volkswagen Apple CarPlay Release Date The release date for MirrorLink and CarPlay is still up in the air. However, Volkswagen did state that the launch would take place this year. Costs for adding Carplay or Android Auto were also not yet announced, but will likely be in line with the current prices set by other manufacturers. It appears 2015 is the year of technology for VW. You can view the entire Volkswagen Keynote Address from CES 2015 here.

$199 Oil Maintenance Program Providence RI When it comes to maximizing the value of your vehicle, there are a variety of avenues you can take to improve your return on investment. And, while some might opt for regular detailing or aftermarket parts to improve the value on their Volkswagen, the easiest and most certain step is one you might not have thought of: getting your VW in for a regular oil change at Speedcraft VW. And now, with our $199 Oil Maintenance Program at Speedcraft VW, drivers in Providence and the surrounding areas can experience all of these terrific benefits for themselves. So what is included in the Oil Maintenance Program, you ask? Five Full Synthetic Oil Changes. Let’s be honest--even though most of us are probably fully capable of changing our oil, would we really want to? With Speedcraft’s VW-certified team of service professionals, not only do we eliminate the hassle of doing it yourself, you’ll also enjoy the confidence of knowing that you’ve got the most qualified men and women in the business looking at your vehicle. Ten tire rotations are included with your enrollment in our Oil Maintenance Program! Ten Tire Rotations. When your oil is being changed, do you ever think about your tires? The best way to ensure that your tires are aging evenly is to have them rotated regularly, and this is best performed in conjunction with your oil change. So why not leave your tire rotation to us? Multi-Point Safety Inspection. Do you hear a rattle when your vehicle is idling? Or maybe you’ve noticed that your vehicle isn’t running as it should? During every visit, you’ll receive a free safety inspection to identify any issues that may be arising in your vehicle, with the hope being that we can identify problems before they become larger ones. Hand Wash and Vac with Each Visit. Have you ever noticed that a clean car seems to run better? While this is probably the result of all of the inspections and services listed above, having your car look its best can’t hurt either, can it? So, each time you stop in for your oil change, you’ll receive a thorough cleaning by our staff. The best thing about all of these services, however, is the price. While paying for each of these services individually would cost well over $500, the Speedcraft VW Oil Maintenance Program is now available for the one-time price of just $199. So are you ready to receive all of these benefits for yourself? Visit Speedcraft VW today to enroll in our program!

$199 Oil Maintenance Program Providence RI When it comes to maximizing the value of your vehicle, there are a variety of avenues you can take to improve your return on investment. And, while some might opt for regular detailing or aftermarket parts to improve the value on their Volkswagen, the easiest and most certain step is one you might not have thought of: getting your VW in for a regular oil change at Speedcraft VW. And now, with our $199 Oil Maintenance Program at Speedcraft VW, drivers in Providence and the surrounding areas can experience all of these terrific benefits for themselves. So what is included in the Oil Maintenance Program, you ask? Five Full Synthetic Oil Changes. Let’s be honest--even though most of us are probably fully capable of changing our oil, would we really want to? With Speedcraft’s VW-certified team of service professionals, not only do we eliminate the hassle of doing it yourself, you’ll also enjoy the confidence of knowing that you’ve got the most qualified men and women in the business looking at your vehicle. Ten tire rotations are included with your enrollment in our Oil Maintenance Program! Ten Tire Rotations. When your oil is being changed, do you ever think about your tires? The best way to ensure that your tires are aging evenly is to have them rotated regularly, and this is best performed in conjunction with your oil change. So why not leave your tire rotation to us? Multi-Point Safety Inspection. Do you hear a rattle when your vehicle is idling? Or maybe you’ve noticed that your vehicle isn’t running as it should? During every visit, you’ll receive a free safety inspection to identify any issues that may be arising in your vehicle, with the hope being that we can identify problems before they become larger ones. Hand Wash and Vac with Each Visit. Have you ever noticed that a clean car seems to run better? While this is probably the result of all of the inspections and services listed above, having your car look its best can’t hurt either, can it? So, each time you stop in for your oil change, you’ll receive a thorough cleaning by our staff. The best thing about all of these services, however, is the price. While paying for each of these services individually would cost well over $500, the Speedcraft VW Oil Maintenance Program is now available for the one-time price of just $199. So are you ready to receive all of these benefits for yourself? Visit Speedcraft VW today to enroll in our program!

2015 VW e-Golf Providence RI In the last several years, a pretty significant move has been made industry-wide to create a viable all-electric vehicle. Now, with the release of the 2015 VW e-Golf near Providence RI, it’s finally here. Amazing German engineering, iconic Volkswagen performance, and stylish Golf sensibility have combined to create a vehicle worthy of recognition in the form of recognition as Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, and it’s arrived at Speedcraft VW. So, care to take a closer look? It's Here: The e-Golf is ON THE LOT at Speedcraft! Goodbye to Gas When the e-Golf was announced, the commercial seen below made the rounds to the delight of auto enthusiasts everywhere. However, it was more than just an entertaining novelty. Say farewell to gas stations, say farewell to oil changes, say farewell to paying attention to gas prices. With the e-Golf’s range of 83 miles per charge and over 18,000 charging locations, you’ll get there and back again with ease, only stopping at service stations to wipe off your windshield. With three driving modes to choose from, the e-Golf is always up to the task at hand. Legendary Performance We must admit, it was a logical question to ask: will the e-Golf still drive like, well, a Golf? To that end, VW devised a 115-hp electric motor, which responds with 199 instantly responding torque. And, with three driving modes--Normal/Eco/Eco+--available depending on the situation, the e-Golf is well suited to all driving conditions. A True VW, Through and Through For all of the demand for a great all-electric vehicle, to its credit, VW didn’t rush this. They made absolutely that they’d gotten the e-Golf just right before it was time for production, and this is evident in its style and execution. The e-Golf features model-exclusive features such as an electrically heated windshield and full LED headlights and daytime running lights, while exceptional amenities such as a rearview camera, a Media Device Interface, and a Navigation System with proximity sensors and voice control are standard as well. And, with its VW Car-Net Telematics system at the ready to integrate the e-Golf’s functions, it’s smart in all the ways you’d expect as well. The 2015 VW e-Golf Now At Speedcraft VW! The red carpet has already been rolled out by an excited automotive media. (We’re looking at you, Motor Trend.) Do you have any questions? Care to learn more details about its performance or how to schedule a test drive? Then visit or contact Speedcraft VW today; we’d be happy to help you say goodbye to gas!

2015 VW e-Golf Providence RI In the last several years, a pretty significant move has been made industry-wide to create a viable all-electric vehicle. Now, with the release of the 2015 VW e-Golf near Providence RI, it’s finally here. Amazing German engineering, iconic Volkswagen performance, and stylish Golf sensibility have combined to create a vehicle worthy of recognition in the form of recognition as Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, and it’s arrived at Speedcraft VW. So, care to take a closer look? It's Here: The e-Golf is ON THE LOT at Speedcraft! Goodbye to Gas When the e-Golf was announced, the commercial seen below made the rounds to the delight of auto enthusiasts everywhere. However, it was more than just an entertaining novelty. Say farewell to gas stations, say farewell to oil changes, say farewell to paying attention to gas prices. With the e-Golf’s range of 83 miles per charge and over 18,000 charging locations, you’ll get there and back again with ease, only stopping at service stations to wipe off your windshield. With three driving modes to choose from, the e-Golf is always up to the task at hand. Legendary Performance We must admit, it was a logical question to ask: will the e-Golf still drive like, well, a Golf? To that end, VW devised a 115-hp electric motor, which responds with 199 instantly responding torque. And, with three driving modes--Normal/Eco/Eco+--available depending on the situation, the e-Golf is well suited to all driving conditions. A True VW, Through and Through For all of the demand for a great all-electric vehicle, to its credit, VW didn’t rush this. They made absolutely that they’d gotten the e-Golf just right before it was time for production, and this is evident in its style and execution. The e-Golf features model-exclusive features such as an electrically heated windshield and full LED headlights and daytime running lights, while exceptional amenities such as a rearview camera, a Media Device Interface, and a Navigation System with proximity sensors and voice control are standard as well. And, with its VW Car-Net Telematics system at the ready to integrate the e-Golf’s functions, it’s smart in all the ways you’d expect as well. The 2015 VW e-Golf Now At Speedcraft VW! The red carpet has already been rolled out by an excited automotive media. (We’re looking at you, Motor Trend.) Do you have any questions? Care to learn more details about its performance or how to schedule a test drive? Then visit or contact Speedcraft VW today; we’d be happy to help you say goodbye to gas!

Common Tax Mistakes Now that the Christmas holiday is behind us, we’re getting ready to face another season of sorts altogether: tax season. Yes, in a few weeks we’ll begin sorting through our paperwork for the year, hoping that we can take home a sizeable return to help us into a new purchase (or who knows, a new Volkswagen). However, what common tax mistakes do we make that prevent us from getting the return we deserve? Here are four of the most regular errors for you to avoid, with a little help from your friends at Speedcraft VW! Typographical Errors While most of us are pretty adept at jotting down--or, more likely, typing--our own information, if we’re doing the taxes for family members or claiming dependents, then the addition of social security numbers, dates of birth, and the like can make typos much more common. Be sure to double check your values to make certain that they’re correct. Math Mistakes It's almost tax time; are you ready? This is an area where we can avoid mistakes simply by leaning on today’s technology. According to IRS figures, we are twenty times more likely to make a math mistake if we use a paper and pen rather than e-filing or using tax-prep software. So, once again, go over all of your materials in advance to ensure that everything is correct. You’d hate to have the forms sent back to you and delay your return, right? Incorrect Filing Status or Selecting the Wrong Deductions Some of the wording on tax forms can be a little troublesome, which leads many filers to select the wrong filing status when they file. Additionally, some might assume that they are eligible for a deduction, or neglect to choose an exemption that they actually are qualified for. However, the most common problem in this regard usually comes after a divorce, when parents of minor children don’t know who is eligible to claim the kids as dependents. In this case, it’s probably best to consult a tax professional for clarification. Forgetting to Sign the Paperwork This is more common than you might have initially thought. Just as we sometimes forget to endorse a check, we’ll sometimes complete all the paperwork and then forget the simplest and most important step, rendering the entire enterprise invalid. So be certain to sign at the end and, if you are filing jointly with a spouse, to get both necessary signatures. We trust that these tips will help to avoid mistakes, and to get your full return on time! And, in time for the tax season, we’ll be having lease and financing specials at Speedcraft VW as well! Stay tuned!

Common Tax Mistakes Now that the Christmas holiday is behind us, we’re getting ready to face another season of sorts altogether: tax season. Yes, in a few weeks we’ll begin sorting through our paperwork for the year, hoping that we can take home a sizeable return to help us into a new purchase (or who knows, a new Volkswagen). However, what common tax mistakes do we make that prevent us from getting the return we deserve? Here are four of the most regular errors for you to avoid, with a little help from your friends at Speedcraft VW! Typographical Errors While most of us are pretty adept at jotting down--or, more likely, typing--our own information, if we’re doing the taxes for family members or claiming dependents, then the addition of social security numbers, dates of birth, and the like can make typos much more common. Be sure to double check your values to make certain that they’re correct. Math Mistakes It's almost tax time; are you ready? This is an area where we can avoid mistakes simply by leaning on today’s technology. According to IRS figures, we are twenty times more likely to make a math mistake if we use a paper and pen rather than e-filing or using tax-prep software. So, once again, go over all of your materials in advance to ensure that everything is correct. You’d hate to have the forms sent back to you and delay your return, right? Incorrect Filing Status or Selecting the Wrong Deductions Some of the wording on tax forms can be a little troublesome, which leads many filers to select the wrong filing status when they file. Additionally, some might assume that they are eligible for a deduction, or neglect to choose an exemption that they actually are qualified for. However, the most common problem in this regard usually comes after a divorce, when parents of minor children don’t know who is eligible to claim the kids as dependents. In this case, it’s probably best to consult a tax professional for clarification. Forgetting to Sign the Paperwork This is more common than you might have initially thought. Just as we sometimes forget to endorse a check, we’ll sometimes complete all the paperwork and then forget the simplest and most important step, rendering the entire enterprise invalid. So be certain to sign at the end and, if you are filing jointly with a spouse, to get both necessary signatures. We trust that these tips will help to avoid mistakes, and to get your full return on time! And, in time for the tax season, we’ll be having lease and financing specials at Speedcraft VW as well! Stay tuned!