Volkswagen delivers two Passats to Herndon, VA police department

Volkswagen Passats for the Herndon Police Department – Click above for high-res image gallery

There's been a long tradition of automakers giving cars to the police departments in whatever municipalities they have facilities in and Volkswagen is no different. Now that Volkswagen of America has moved its headquarters from Michigan to Virginia, the Herndon police department has received a pair of new Passats – a modified sedan and wagon for use by the local constabulary.

The standard 2.0-liter TSI (turbocharged and direct injected) inline-four has been beefed up for its new role, raising output from 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet to 250 hp and 299 lb-ft. The four-cylinder police vehicles get the larger brakes from the 3.6-liter V6 versions, as well as 18-inch wheels with Pirelli performance tires. FMS Automotive built special enclosures for the communications equipment to make it look like a standard Passat. Volkswagen has not given any indication whether it plans to get into the regular police vehicle market when the new U.S.-built Passat arrives next year, but we're guessing that it's going to take a pass on trying to corner the cop-car market.


View 2 Photos

[Source: Volkswagen]

Show full PR text
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA PROVIDES TWO POLICE CARS TO HERNDON POLICE DEPARTMENT
Modified Passat and Passat Wagon Emergency Response Vehicles to Enter Service


HERNDON, Va., June 3, 2010 - Volkswagen of America, Inc. today presented the Town of Herndon, Va. with two police vehicles, providing local authorities additional tools to help keep residents safe.

Volkswagen of America Chief Operating Officer Mark Barnes handed over the keys to the cars to Herndon Mayor Steve DeBenedittis at a special presentation ceremony held at the Depot Main Stage tonight.

"At Volkswagen, we take tremendous pride in the quality and value we put into each and every vehicle that comes out of our plants. We strive to be the best at what we do. Our neighbors at the Herndon Police Department share these values. That's why we are proud to be able to provide them with two outstanding vehicles that deliver the kind of performance they need to do the job right and with style," Barnes said.

"We appreciate the work that Volkswagen has put into these two vehicles. They will go a long way toward helping our police department to do an even better job of patrolling our neighborhoods and protecting our citizens," Mayor DeBenedittis said.

Engineers and designers overhauled the Passat and Passat Wagon to feature serious upgrades. Outside the Emergency Response Vehicles (E.R.V.) Concept, a Hi-Def body styling package and spoilers create a stylish and imposing presence. FMS Automotive added painted accents combine to create a custom two-tone matte black-on-black paint work.

On the inside, custom components and calibration, APR LLC raised engine performance levels in this already potent 2.0L TSI four-cylinder engine, help back up the performance look on the outside. The engine achieves a reported road-pounding 250 hp and 299 lbs. ft. of torque. Also included in the package is an APR-engineered carbon-fiber cold air intake and automatic transmission.

Holding the E.R.V. Concept to the pavement are 235/40 R18 Pirelli High Performance All-Season tires mounted over Volkswagen's own 18-inch Velos alloy wheels in custom matte black finish. For added stopping power, the Passat Wagon E.R.V. Concept was upgraded with Passat 3.6L brake pads and 345 x 30 mm rotors. H&R Special Springs LP helps ensure this Passat can handle its newfound performance and extra cargo with their built-to-order, Law Enforcement specification coil over suspension.

The interior features everything needed for Community Policing activities. FMS Automotive magicians expertly created custom-built enclosures and mounts, to hold all the communications and emergency lighting gear in place. Unless the lights and sirens are blaring, you would think this is just another Euro-tuned Passat Wagon, not a high-performance Community Service vehicle.



Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Eos, Golf, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, Passat Wagon, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2010 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.



The Town of Herndon

The Town of Herndon was incorporated by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia on January 14, 1879. Located in western Fairfax County, Herndon is the 3rd largest town in the Commonwealth and is home to more than 23,000 citizens. Businesses located within the Town of Herndon, which range from high tech enterprises to entrepreneurially-owned establishments, employ approximately 25,000 people. Business Week Magazine has named Herndon one of the nation's "Best Affordable Suburbs," and Money Magazine has ranked Herndon among its "Best Places for the Rich and Single."

For more information, visit the town's Web site at www.herndon-va.gov

Share This Photo X