Just when things were starting to look grim for GM last year, the company launched a website dedicated to dispelling myths about its plans and operations. Apparently, the idea has caught on as Volkswagen has now launched their own site dedicated to fighting clean diesel myths.
"Volkswagen believes that clean diesel offers drivers a high-mileage, fuel efficient vehicle without compromising on great performance," said Tim Ellis, Vice President of Marketing for Volkswagen of America. "TDI Truth & Dare will engage consumers in conversation while it educates them about the clean diesel facts and how well our TDI family compares against competitive alternative fuel offerings."
TDI Truth and Dare isn't a carbon-copy of GM Facts and Fiction, though. While it approaches the subject the same way - identifying myths and disproving them - Volkswagen has taken their site a step further by incorporating videos and interactive features. The first videos include comparisons between modern, clean diesel Volkswagens and old oil-burning Mercedes', a test proving that diesel engines still work fine at extremely low temperatures and a race between a Jetta TDI and a Toyota Prius.
Volkswagen also encourages readers to get involved with its Tank Wars challenge. TDI owners are encouraged to attempt to break the recently-set world record for fuel mileage, currently sitting at 58.8 mpg and set by a Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Other programs include the Diesel Finder, which locates low-sulfur diesel stations near your location, and Savings Calculator, which pits diesel Volkswagen models against their competition and shows how much money they could save based on fuel economy numbers.
Volkswagen will update the site periodically with new videos and features designed to convince consumers that diesel is a viable alternative to gasoline in the U.S. Volkswagen also announced that it will be expanding its current marketing campaign by partnering Max the talking Beetle with another talking classic Volkswagen, this time a 1963 Microbus named "BUS."