Buy a VW Rabbit, get a bike... if you live in Chicago
by Dan Roth on Jun 6th 2007 at 9:33AM 
Volkswagen has been down this road before with the Jetta Trek back in the late '90s. This time, though, they're putting a green spin on it. Lime, to be exact. Chi-town Volkswagen dealers are giving buyers a bicycle and roof rack for the next month. The premise is that the dealer will encourage you to take your bike on quick, short-distance jaunts. Not driving a car at all by riding a bike is super effective at reducing fuel consumption, gridlock, and CO2 emissions. Biking is also way cheaper than exotic technological solutions; plus, you'll get some exercise, which is hard to come by in stop and go traffic. The cycle is still a Trek, dubbed the Lime, which is one of their newest models and has a three speed automatic transmission that automatically changes gears for you, in the hopes that you'll find it a more enjoyable way to ride. We'd probably hate it. It really is a great, simple solution that could work for a lot of folks. We know this is Autoblog, and this has turned into a bicycular love-fest, but we have to applaud the marketing stunt as an elegant (if gimmicky) way of focusing on our vast appetite for fuel. [Source: VW via AutoblogGreen]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dave 10:00AM (6/06/2007)
Ug. Automatic bikes are worse than automatic cars.
And the riders will be huffing and puffing polluted Chicago air.
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Doug 11:20AM (6/06/2007)
Wouldn't it be reducing CO emissions?
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Craig 10:21AM (6/06/2007)
The major problem with roof mounted bike carriers is getting into and out of your garage. Too much hassle involved.
That is where Opel hit the mark with the bike carrier that comes out from underneath the rear bumper. See http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/04/have-bike-will-travel-the-opel-antaras-hideaway-bike-rack/
I wish more car makers would think outside the box when it comes to going green. That said, at least VW is trying.
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Kris 10:37AM (6/06/2007)
I'd like it even better if the Rabbit got better than 30 mpg. For a car that size, its pretty silly. That would be a bit more reasonable than throwing in a bicycle.
Now, if they want to give me a free bike rack when I buy a Rabbit TDI next year, I won't complain. I don't need the bike though.
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BC 10:47AM (6/06/2007)
VW has done stuff like this before. IIRC, back in the 90's they had a Jetta with a Trek package where you got a bike and roof rack, or you could get a K2 golf with a roof rack and skis.
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John B 5:28PM (6/06/2007)
A three speed automatic transmission on a bike? What, some people don't like using a clutch?
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drewp 10:59AM (6/06/2007)
So you drop 15-20k and you're not supposed to drive it? Why not buy a bike, and ride the train around town. The only time you can't get by with public transportation or bike is outside of the city limits. seems funny that you can only get the deal INSIDE Chicago, but with the bike and train for city transport, you really only need the car OUTSIDE of Chicago.
nothing more, just rubs me funny.
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MaChiBLue 2:19PM (6/06/2007)
The CTA, Chicago transit Authority is awful. It is always running late, no matter the time of day. I have been riding the CTA, both trains and buses since I've been in highschool. I am in college now, and I commute to and from school everyday on the CTA, trains and buses. It takes me about 1 hour to get to school using public trans, when I do drive to school I can get to school in around 30 minutes at the most. Also you can't take a bike on the trains during rush hour, which would defeat the purpose of the bike in the first place.
I would rather have a car to drive those long distance, and a bike for those small, closer distances, over having to use the CTA. I may not be the only one who thinks like this, so VW has a great promotion on their hands.
paul34 11:27AM (6/06/2007)
>> and has a three speed automatic transmission that automatically changes gears for you
HAHAHAHAH
Oh man.
HAHAHAHA.
Wait for it.
HAHAHAHAHHAHA.
Seriously, if you can't figure out how to change gears on a bicycle, or you somehow find it "inconvenient," then maybe you're one of those people who find it too hard to turn the steering wheel... or push pedals with your feet. LOL.
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Will 11:30AM (6/06/2007)
I have to agree with Kris, the Rabbit gets horrible mileage. The new EPA rating for the Rabbit is 28 mpg. For a small car that is abysmal. Another problem is that it takes five or six quarts of oil (can't remember the specifics) per oil change. It certainly would appear that VW's "green" push is all smoke and mirrors.
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Will 11:33AM (6/06/2007)
I should state that the rating I quoted above is highway.
The city rating is 19.
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mettmann 12:13PM (6/06/2007)
shut up Will, my 2k7 Rab will be getting 30 mpg leaking oil and running your ass over. Now that's poetic justice. :)
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John 11:51AM (6/06/2007)
This is perfect. The dealer won't have to give you a loaner when you take your car into the shop. Knowing VW's reputation, you might be biking a lot!
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Slik 12:07PM (6/06/2007)
Of course the roof rack will cut down the highway mileage. Nice try though
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Tim 12:52PM (6/06/2007)
You know, a good promotion might also be get a free fire extinguisher and 5 coupons for a free loan car with very purchase. They might help move some VW metal.
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Mike 2:19PM (6/06/2007)
FYI: http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike.php?bikeid=1224000&f=29
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