VW, Sirius XM partner to offer free trial on certified pre-owned vehicles
06/23/2009, 1:39 PM
By Drew Johnson
In a bid to boost sales on both sides, Volkswagen and Sirius XM have announced a new program that will offer three months of free satellite radio service to buyers of certified pre-owned VW vehicles. Both companies are looking for a way to boost sales as new car sales in the U.S. hover around record lows.
Volkswagen began offering Sirius Satellite Radio service in its vehicles in 2007, but has only offered a free trial for new car buyers until now. However, with certified pre-owned sales becoming an increasing important component of an automaker’s bottom line, VW is looking for any advantage to attract new customers to its certified pre-owned program.
The tie-up could also help Sirius XM shore up its financial troubles. New car subscribers have historically been one of Sirius’ strongest venues, but a drop in new car sales has also resulted in a drop in new subscribers. However, the advent of a certified pre-owned program could be just the shot in the arm Sirius XM needs.
Sirius XM has yet to announce any other partnerships but we fully expect to see similar programs in place in the coming months.
06/23, 1:55 PM
posted by:
A4
Does the car have to come equipped with Sirius or will they give you a separate unit? I was checking out an 05 GLI that was CPO’d and those dont come with satellite.
06/23, 2:11 PM
posted by:
KarLoveBoy88
The unit is built in the 07 or newer models.With that incentive, I might just give up my loyalty to Acura vehicles and pick up an 08 GTI.
06/23, 2:15 PM
posted by:
A4
Its in the 06’s as well, my 06 GLI came with XM.
06/23, 2:22 PM
posted by:
MercMark
Are they gonna fill the coin holder with $5 in change too?
06/23, 2:40 PM
posted by:
Borat
What a brilliant idea: you can listen to digital tunes while tow truck comes over.
06/23, 3:24 PM
posted by:
2morrowdesign
Borat: You are right on the money with that one.
VW’s are total pieces of $hit !
06/23, 3:30 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
KarLoveBoy88 – I’ll sell you a fully loaded ‘07 GTI DSG and I’ll even throw in a year’s worth of satallite radio (which I’m still charging you for but since I’m including it in the price you don’t know any better just like VW is doing here)
Do you get more for your VW trade in at a VW dealer A4? KBB says they will ask more than I paid for it new on a CPO GTI, so if they give me 2 grand less than that I’d take it and run to the bank.
06/24, 2:29 AM
posted by:
KarLoveBoy88
JakeK66 That’s what they all do but you don’t see GM trying to do anything to boost sales but sale you a Cobalt with a government reworked warranty and a “promised” trade in value (which by the way can only be used with another GM vehicle). We all know there’s nothing free in the States these days, but I simply stated that its a good incentive to help sales. I know better and I never pay sticker price for a car.
06/24, 3:09 AM
posted by:
A4
They dont give you much anywhere for trade, I traded that 06 GLI at a VW dealer and got $16k for it in 2007. And that was before the economy collapsed.
06/24, 3:11 AM
posted by:
A4
(it was package 2 with every option, 6 speed manual)
06/24, 2:07 PM
posted by:
KarLoveBoy88
Your so right A4. I can definitely attest to that.
06/24, 3:27 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
A’right here comes my inner child… wait… waait… You can see XM in upside down VW’s logo…
and there it goes…