VW BEETLE EBG IPHONE APP DEMO VIDEO

Check out this quick run-through of the VW Beetle - The Essential Buyer's Guide iPhone app!



AVAILABLE NOW through the iTunes App Store. Price: £2.39 UK / $3.99 US.

A VW BEETLE EXPERT ON YOUR IPHONE!

Veloce Publishing releases its second iPhone App

VW Beetle - The Essential Buyer's Guide.
Available now from the App Store.
Priced at £2.39 UK / $3.99 USA.
Compatible with iPhone and iPod touch. Requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later.

Features
- STOP! Do not buy a Beetle without the help of this App.
- Great value for money!
- Unique buyer’s guide covering VW Beetles produced between 1945 and 2003.
- Many colour photographs taken especially for this guide.
- Informative text written by enthusiastic experts with the novice in mind.
- In-App videos which feature helpful voiceovers by your marque experts, Ken Cservenka and Richard Copping.
- Invaluable guide to avoiding pitfalls and getting real value for money.
- All aspects of buying a VW Beetle are covered.

Description
A unique App dedicated to VW Beetles built from 1945-2003, including Cabriolet, Standard and Deluxe, 1300 Beetle, 1500 Beetle, 1302S, 1303, and Mexican-built Beetles (from 1978). Meticulously researched with many model-specific photographs reproduced to illustrate genuinely informative advice.

Written by enthusiasts, the easily readable text is informative for the first time buyer, while still being of great value to those who have already owned a Beetle.

Packed with good advice – from running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, valuation and the VW Beetle community, to will a Beetle fit in your garage and with your lifestyle? – the VW Beetle Essential Buyer's Guide is THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE to choosing, assessing and buying the VW Beetle of your dreams. Buy the right Beetle, at the right price!

Use "VW Beetle" to find the App in the App store.

VW BUS APP RECEIVES 5-STAR REVIEWS

VW Bus – The Essential Buyer's Guide iPhone App is reviewed in the App store.

Well-researched and well-written - ★★★★★

by HerbieSyufy - Version 1.0 - 10 April 2010 (US App store)

Someone obviously put a lot of care and thought into this app. My wife and I used it before buying our first VW bus. Now we have TWO buses!

Great app and a must for all potential VW camper owners - ★★★★★

by LardElvis - Version 1.0 - 25 March 2010 (UK App store)

If you are in the market for a VW van or just have a general interest in these vehicles then this is the app for you. I bought it as I am intending on buying a camper (yearning back to my youth before the kids arrived!) and I must say that Ken and Richard really know their stuff. The app is packed with lots of really useful information -everything from how much it is likely to cost and run a bus through to things to look out for when buying. If only i had this first time around and i wouldn't have had to replace the engine! There are several videos (actually still pictures with commentaries) but these too are packed full of information and great photographs and are delivered with both humour and authority. Okay, it does not contain as much information as the book, but as something you can just pick up and read through on a long train journey or just to look at the pictures and dream, it is good value for money. Well done guys. Now do you know where i can get a really cheap VW camper.....?

PHOTOS FROM DUBS AT THE BAY WEYMOUTH

The weather was kind on the first ever Dubs at the Bay held at Lodmoor Country Park in Weymouth, Dorset, yesterday. It made for a fantastic location with a turn out of some 2,500 people. Watch it grow over the coming years!

A total of £1029.75 was raised for the RNLI (Weymouth branch).

VELOCE AT DUBS AT THE BAY WEYMOUTH

Veloce Publishing is providing no less than 7 winner prizes at the Dubs at the Bay- Weymouth event on 11th April.

The event is being organised by VW Spririt Of Air Dorset, and will also be raising funds for Weymouth life boats (R.N.L.I). Weymouth council are giving their full support and have allowed the organiser's access to a fantastic area in Lodmoor Country Park. Access to the site is gained via the Weymouth Sea Life Centre car park.

VW Show & Shine
Class 1 - Beetle
Prize donated by Veloce: "How to restore a VW Beetle"
Class 2 - Splitty
Prize donated by Veloce: "VW Bus – 40 years of Splitties, Bays and Wedges"
Class 3 - Bay Van
Prize donated by Veloce: "How to restore a VW Bus"
Class 4 - Any other air cooled
Prize donated by Veloce: "Volkswagen, the Air Cooled era"
Class 5 - Type 25
Prize donated by Veloce: "VW Camper 40yrs of conversions"
Class 6 - Any other VAG
Class 7 - Golf
Prize donated by Veloce: "VW Golf – Five Generations of Fun"
Class 8 - Type 4
Class 9 - Type 5
Prize donated by Veloce: "VW T5 Van - How to Convert to Camper"

Veloce will be trading at the event from a VW Camper van selling specially discounted books. So if you're in the area, come on down!
More info.

HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY TO THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR VAN

Production of the Volkswagen Transporter van officially started in March 1950 and during the 60 years since then it has become one of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ best-selling models globally, the number one imported van in the UK as well as one of the most iconic and popular vans in the world.

With over 10 million produced, the Volkswagen Transporter has evolved through five generations of functional and practical bodystyles, each representing the ultimate multi-purpose vehicle of its time and loved by business and private users alike for transporting goods or people for work or leisure. This unique heritage is the focus of the current ‘Evolution of Van’ advertising campaign for the new Transporter which was launched in the UK in January.

The first T1 ‘split-screen’ model was powered by a four-cylinder, air-cooled, 1.1-litre petrol engine mounted at the back of the vehicle. It produced 25 PS of power and had a top speed of about 60 mph. By comparison, the new Transporter enjoys the refinement of Volkswagen’s latest 2.0-litre, common rail, turbocharged diesel engine, available with power outputs ranging from 84 PS to 180 PS and a top speed of up to 119 mph, plus the latest stability control systems and braking technology that would have sounded like something from a science fiction novel 60 years ago.

Although the design has evolved over the years, the first and the latest Transporter share the same badge on the front and the same design principles of a generous loadspace and an enviable reputation for quality and durability.

Similarly, comparing the latest Volkswagen California with a T1 campervan shows that both make efficient use of the space available to create a vehicle equally suitable for daily trips to work or the shops, as for weekend escapes or continental capers.

Over the years, Volkswagen Transporters have endured challenging round the world trips by enthusiastic travellers, been used as the preferred choice of travel for rock bands since the 1960s to the present day, and been relied upon by many businesses needing a fleet of delivery or passenger carrying vehicles.

The first Transporter was imported into the UK in 1955, and the latest version of the van as well as today’s people-carrying and campervan versions, the Caravelle and California, arrived in the UK this January, 55 years later.
Source: Volkswagen.

Looking to buy a VW Bus? check out Veloce's new iPhone app!

VW BUS APP REVIEWED!

Thanks to VW Camper Van Blog for reviewing VW Bus - The Essential Buyer's Guide iPhone app.


"for ‘newbies’ the information is clear and concise and will definitely help when taking the plunge on your first van." - VW Camper Van Blog.

Click here to read the review in full.

We would love to hear what other people think about the app. Maybe you are in a position to publish a review? If so, get in touch!

SUNDAY TIMES INGEAR APPROVES THE APP

As featured in The Sunday Times, ingear (24/1/2010).

Click here for more info about the app or head straight to the app store!

A VOLKSWAGEN EXPERT ON YOUR IPHONE!

Veloce Publishing Goes Interactive With The Release Of Its First iPhone App


Veloce Publishing has released its first iPhone App -
VW Bus - The Essential Buyer's Guide.
Available now from the App Store.
Priced at £2.39 UK / $3.99 USA.
Compatible with iPhone and iPod touch. Requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later.





Veloce Publishing has been providing books of the highest quality in terms of content, accuracy, presentation, subject range and reader satisfaction to discerning automotive enthusiasts around the world for nearly twenty years. Now, the same level of quality can be found in the form of an App on your iPhone or iPod.

This new VW Bus App gives author Richard Copping the unique opportunity to share his VW Bus expertise directly with you on your iPhone or iPod.
It includes 18 sections, ranging from cost considerations to common problems. Included are three videos – model range, 15 minute evaluation, and paint problems – each featuring an informative voice-over by the author.

Each book in The Essential Buyer's Guide series provides an illustrated, expert guide to an individual model of classic car or motorcycle written by a real expert on that particular model. When you've read the book or the App you'll have the inside track on exactly what to look for to ensure that you get the very best vehicle for your money.

Veloce publisher and co-founder Rod Grainger says, "This first App represents a bold step into a new form of media with a great future. In App form, sound and video have allowed us to add new dimensions to our core product – excellent practical advice. I am particularly proud that this first App was developed entirely in-house, meaning we have the ability to roll out more Apps in quick succession, starting with a series of Essential Buyer's Guides."


Features
- Great value for money!
- Unique buyer’s guide covering VW Transporter based campers, vans and buses produced between 1950 and 1990
- Many colour photographs taken especially for this guide
-Informative text written by enthusiastic experts with the novice in mind
- In-App videos which feature helpful voice-overs by your marque expert, Richard Copping
- Three generations of VW Bus covered
- Invaluable guide to avoiding pitfalls and getting real value for money
- All aspects of buying a VW Bus covered

Description
A unique App dedicated to three generations of VW’s legendary Transporter (almost universally known as the 'VW Bus', whether in Bus, Camper, Van or Pick-up form). Meticulously researched with many model-specific photographs reproduced to illustrate a genuinely informative text.

Covering all the collectable Buses produced by Volkswagen between 1950 and 1990, this App is unique in providing the full story of the high points and pitfalls of buying such models. Written by enthusiasts, the easily readable text is informative to the novice, while still being of considerable value to those who have already owned a Bus.

Use "VW Bus" to find the App in the App store.


Demonstration video

BECK'S BUS!

Cheers! Volkswagen celebrates Transporter milestones in style.

Throughout November and December, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is celebrating two significant anniversaries at the AutoMuseum in Wolfsburg, Germany.

It's 60 years since Heinrich Nordhoff presented the first prototype Transporter van to the press, and 30 years since the third generation Transporter was launched. Both anniversaries come at a time when Volkswagen is preparing to celebrate the launch of the latest versions of the Transporter van and today's people carrier and camping derivatives, the Caravelle and California, in the new year.

The first generation of Transporter prototype, a Dove Blue panel van, is on show, together with memorabilia from all generations of Transporter. The T1 is affectionately known as the ‘splittie' thanks to its distinctive split windscreen which was initially derived from ideas generated by the T1 Beetle.

Also on display - and a very appealing attraction - is the so-called Beck's Bus, a converted T1 with a built-in bar dispensing ice-cold beer.

From T1 right through to T3, which was launched in 1979, the rear-mounted, air-cooled engine was a hallmark of the model range. Only in 1984 was the engine changed for a water-cooled unit.

The Transporter is Volkswagen's best-selling model in the UK and worldwide. Over one million of the current model have been sold since introduction in 2003, making a total of over 10 million since production started in March 1950.

Source: Volkswagen

REVIEW OF VW BUS - ENTHUSIAST'S RESTORATION MANUAL

Thanks to Australian Classic Car for this great review of How to restore Volkswagen Bus – Enthusiast's Restoration Manual by Mark Paxton.

A restoration is not for the faint-hearted – and after reading this book, it’s clear that applies doubly for the venerable VW Bus. The publication focuses purely on the VWs built between August 1967 and October 1979 – what are now called Bay versions due to the curved, single-piece front windscreen. This includes the Microbus, Camper, Kombi and Transporter. As with all publications in the Veloce ‘Enthusiast’s Restoration Manual’ series, it centres on an actual restoration. It starts with a brief history of the VW Bus before letting the reader know what to look out for when buying one. As an English publication, it focuses a lot on rust – which is less of a problem in Australia. Appropriately, the first chapter is also the largest and deals with body repairs. There is an amazing amount of rust in the example shown. However it’s comforting to know the necessary spares are available somewhere in the world – probably South America, where production continued well after 1979. There is a separate chapter on what’s called ‘Closures’, (doors, engine bay cover etc.). Next comes painting, followed by the mechanicals. The front and rear ends are treated separately and the book includes information on the brakes and how torsion bars can be replaced. There are tips on whether an original engine and gearbox should be repaired or replaced – and full repair details are provided. Towards the end, the fuel, exhaust, electrical and ignition systems are covered, as is the trim. I particularly liked the appendix on post-restoration maintenance. For anyone involved with Volkswagens, and the Bus in particular, this book is essential.

Click here for more info about the book.

JAMES HALE INTERVIEW (PART 2) - DUNE BUGGY BOOKS

JAMES HALE INTERVIEW (PART 1)

AUTO HEADLINES

Porsche moves to restart Volkswagen talks

The family owners of Porsche have pushed to restart stalled merger talks with Volkswagen.

The move came as thousands of workers at the debt-ridden sports car manufacturer gathered to protest against Ferdinand Piech, the Volkswagen chairman.

The feuding Porsche and Piech families are expected this week to discuss getting the derailed negotiations back on track, according to people familiar with the situation.

The move came after Volkswagen at the weekend suspended merger talks with Porsche. It said that Porsche’s management had hampered the talks by not being fully transparent about the sport carmaker’s financial situation. (Financial Times: May 19).

RAC takes the toll out of motoring this Bank Holiday

RAC says it is giving motorists something to smile about over the Bank Holiday weekend by paying for 3,000 cars to go through the M6 Toll.

Recent RAC research shows that more people are planning to stay in the UK this year, so the motoring organisation says it will bring some cheer and goodwill to the weekend by paying for 1,000 lucky motorists tolls every day throughout the Spring Bank Holiday.

The gesture will see RAC covering the cost of 3,000 motorists toll fees, from Saturday (May 23) to Monday, May 25 inclusive. The offer will be open to drivers heading both North and South on the main M6 Toll plaza over the weekend and lucky drivers will be selected at random by toll staff to have their toll paid as they go through the manned booths - £4.50 on Saturday and Sunday and £4.70 on Monday.

The initiative comes as RAC shares its Bank Holiday traffic and travel predictions. Set to be one of the busiest this year as school half term and the Bank Holiday coincide, RAC predicts that millions of motorists will hit the road and the traffic will build up on all major routes throughout the weekend. Traffic will be heavier still if the sun shines and families flock to the beaches.

Meanwhile, the AA says that drivers can expect a 50% increase in journey times on Friday (May 22) as commuters, holidaymakers and large numbers of caravans hit the road at the start of the Bank Holiday weekend.

As cars get stuck in tailbacks, the AA estimates that 80,000 breakdowns in the UK could be prevented this weekend if drivers check their cars beforehand.

Problems such as overheating are made worse as 80% of motorists do not even regularly check their car’s coolant level, according to an AA poll of more than 14,500 motorists. (RAC/AA: May 19).

Daimler buys stake in electric carmaker

Daimler has bought a near 10% stake in Tesla, the Silicon Valley-based maker of electric-powered sports cars, the two companies said in a statement.

The deal marks a further push by the maker of Mercedes-Benz luxury vehicles into battery-powered cars, and represents a vote of confidence in Tesla, a pioneer in electric cars that has struggled to raise funds during the credit crunch.

The companies, which already co-operate on electric versions of Daimler’s Smart car, will work together on batteries, electric drive systems, and vehicle projects. No price was given for the stake in privately held Tesla. (FT.com: May 19).

AUTO HEADLINES

VW in driving seat over Porsche merger

Volkswagen chairman Ferdinand Piech has signalled that the volume carmaker is in the driving seat of its proposed merger with Porsche.

The move came as Germany’s financial watchdog launched another market manipulation probe against Porsche.

Mr Piech said it had been decided that the headquarters of the combined company – which he proposed to be named Auto Union after the carmaker created through the merger of several brands during the Great Depression – would be in Wolfsburg, where Volkswagen is based.

He has also indicated that he favoured Martin Winterkorn, chief executive of Volkswagen, as head of the new group, spurring fresh doubts about the future of Porsche’s management team.

Mr Piech said it was unlikely that Wendelin Wiedeking, Porsche’s chief executive, would be happy to stay on in a more ‘lowly’ role.

Porsche declined to comment.

Meanwhile, Bafin, the regulator, launched its second investigation in seven months after a German press report alleged that Porsche had informed Lower Saxony, Volkswagen’s second largest stakeholder, in February 2008 about its intentions to lift its stake in the volume manufacturer to 75 per cent. (Financial Times: May 13).

GM shares sink to new low

Shares in struggling vehicle manufacturer General Motors sunk to their lowest level in more than 70 years amid increasingly loud signals that the company is heading for bankruptcy protection within the next three weeks.

Shares fell by 20 per cent after senior GM executives sold stock worth $315,000 to leave shares trading at $1.15.

The White House has given GM until June 1 to restructure and win more financial aid. If the company fails to cut its debts and costs by the deadline, it will be forced to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

GM’s shareholders are in a lose-lose situation, according to analysts, because their investments would be all but wiped out regardless of whether the company goes bust. (The Times/Financial Times: May 13).

Ford shares tumble on new issue move

Shares in Ford have fallen almost 18 per cent after the carmaker announced plans to issue 300 million common shares to fund healthcare for retired workers.

The new shares will be sold at a price of $4.75 each. The existing shares closed down $1.07 at $5.01.

The share issue is set to raise $1.4 billion (£914m). Ford must make a $1.2bn cash payment to its Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association by December 31.

It will be the first public share offering at Ford since the carmaker became a publicly traded company in 1956.

Chief executive Alan Mulally said selling the stock was ‘another key step in our plan to transform Ford into an exciting, viable enterprise poised to return to profitability’. (BBC.co.uk: May 13).

Three bidders line-up for Saab

Fiat, Chinese manufacturer Geely and an unnamed German bank are reportedly the three bidders most likely to buy Saab, according to a General Motors’ source.

A Swedish newspaper also suggested that GM boss Fritz Henderson had already dismissed Geely’s bid for Saab for fear of Chinese-market competition for the luxury Buick brand, which is owned by GM.

Neither Saab nor GM would officially confirm the list of bidders.

Geely has officially denied any plans to bid for Saab, although representatives of Geely have reportedly visited Saab’s Trollhattan headquarters. (AM-Online: May 13).

VW GOLF GTI SCALEXTRIC TRACK

Ahead of the UK launch of the new Golf GTI on May 22, Volkswagen has constructed a Scalextric track on an epic scale inside a hangar to lend armchair (or office chair) enthusiasts the chance to race the new hot hatch online and against the clock.

The 30ft by 25ft track is the work of a team of 60 modellers and features over 200 scale buildings. It forms the basis for the ‘GTI Project’, a new online game through which you can control the 1:43 scale Golf GTI as it negotiates the hairpins, straights and narrow bridges that make up the track. There’s no need to spend hours setting it up on the living room floor, no potential damage to furniture (and family pets) should you crash at high speed. Simply log onto www.gtiproject.com and you’ll be guided to the virtual workshops of the GTI Project and the track itself.

As with the real thing, too much enthusiasm leads to crashes and lost time. A delicate approach and a little perseverance lead to quick times and your chance to appear on the online global leader board, possibly resulting in universal acclaim from friends and colleagues.

Along the way you can learn more about the new Golf GTI, from its new 2.0-litre TSI engine to the advanced six-speed DSG gearbox, colours, trims and performance information. In addition you can order a brochure or even book a test drive.

Set a particularly quick time and you’ll be entered into the prize draw to stand the chance of winning the opportunity to drive a new Golf GTI for three months.
Source:Volkswagen

Don't forget about the great new Veloce Essential Buyer's Guide reviewed here in Wheelspin, the magazine of the London & Thames Valley VW Club.


Click here for more info about the book.

THE WHO MAGIC BUS DIECAST MODEL

A limited edition, 1:43 scale model of a unique 1965, split-screen Volkswagen Transporter van with special The Who Magic Bus branding will be available to order online or from the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles network of dedicated Van Centres from later this week.



The Who Magic Bus Volkswagen Transporter van was created for a fundraising competition last year organised by UK charity Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) and legendary British rock band, The Who.



Only 1,000 of the 1:43 scale die-cast models of this vehicle are being produced, of which 100 will be available in the UK, at a retail price of £40. A donation of €2 from each model sold will go to TCT for children and young people suffering from cancer.



The Who Magic Bus is one of a range of models and toys available from Volkswagen’s Retro Collection of merchandise. Other items include scale models of the current Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles range such as the Crafter or Caddy vans, the California campervan (from £13.70), key rings (from £3.90), 1GB USB campervan memory sticks (£15) and a cuddly campervan soft toy (£15). The range will expand again later this year with the addition of a classic T1 Samba-Bus.

Source:Volkswagen/Newspress



A new diecast toy cars book is coming very soon from Veloce!



Diecast Toy Cars of the 1950s & 1960s by Andrew Ralston.

Collecting vintage diecast toy cars has become an increasingly popular hobby over the last 25 years, and this book provides a comprehensive overview of the companies that made these toys during the 1950s and 1960s.

As well as examining the major names such as Dinky Toys, Corgi Toys and Matchbox (Great Britain), Solido (France), Tekno (Denmark) and Tootsietoy (USA), this book is unique in its coverage of many smaller and more obscure brands, not only from Europe or the USA but from countries as far afield as Japan, Israel and Argentina.

The book provides fascinating insights into the history of individual companies, accompanied by 300 photographs of rare examples, most of them with their original boxes. A further unique feature is the inclusion of a large selection of colourful and evocative illustrations from catalogues and period trade advertisements.

For the newcomer to the hobby, this volume will provide an ideal introduction to the history of the manufacturers active in this field, while experienced collectors will make many new discoveries.

Click here for more info.

ESSENTIAL SHAKESPEARE!

Good news! The popular Building a Dune Buggy – The Essential Manual by Paul Shakespeare is now back in stock and available to buy now for only £24.99! It contains everything you need to know to build any VW-based Dune Buggy yourself!

Check out this review from Classics Monthly:


A step-by-step guide to building a Buggy, containing details of equipment and techniques, as well as guidance on the choice of donor car and new components. Build any VW-based Dune Buggy avoiding common pitfalls and expensive mistakes, ending up with a superb, roadworthy multi-purpose vehicle.

1/2 PRICE VW CAMPER BOOKS!

Here's a great offer if ever there was one! These fantastic VW bus and camper books are now half price at £12.99 + p+p! Perfect for all VW fanatics!


VW Bus - 40 years of Splitties, Bays & Wedges By Richard Copping.

A unique volume dedicated to three generations of VW’s legendary Transporter making extensive use of the highly sought after artwork and photography of the age.





Volkswagen Camper – 40 years of freedom By Richard Copping.
Packed with original marketing images and using original promotional material – ranging from lavish photography to charming home-spun images – here is a complete record of all aspects of the VW Camper story. Includes layouts for the restorer of older models and those interested in the luxury associated with the third generation Wedge.



Volkswagen - The Air-cooled Era in Colour By Richard Copping.
All incredibly popular sixties design classics with enduring appeal, the original air-cooled Volkswagen cars and Transporters are fully explored in this fascinating book. A unique picture-led chronicle of the Volkswagen story through the fifties and sixties. This book makes extensive use of the artwork from contemporary promotional literature for a real retro feel. A must have for motoring enthusiasts and VW devotees alike.

Click book covers for more information

NOW IN STOCK! - VW GOLF GTI - THE ESSENTIAL BUYER'S GUIDE

VW Golf GTI – The Essential Buyer’s Guide reviewed in Retrocars Magazine.



New! VW Golf GTI – The Essential Buyer’s Guide by Richard Copping and Kenneth Cservenka.

Features
• Compiled by acknowledged experts - authors of Veloce publication 'VW - Golf - Five Generations of Fun'
• Built around the collectable first two generations of Golf
• Concentrates on the hot model – the GTI
• Includes the special edition Mk1 Campaign GTI
• Adds the Rallye Golf and GTIG60 to the Mk2 GTI content
• Special section on the hotter versions of the Golf Cabriolet
• Defines original engine specifications, 1600, 1800, 8-valve & 16-valve
• Predicts which later models will become collectable
• Covers customised models, larger engines and lowered suspension
• Targets would-be owners on a budget as well as the wealthier enthusiast market

Description
While old MkI Golfs have by now largely rusted away, the availability of MkII models at giveaway prices is plentiful ... that is until three magic letters – GTI – appear on the car’s front grille and hatch. Find a good example of the MkI with the aid of this guide and you are in clover! The Buyer’s Guide carefully charts all the models that an enthusiast just has to own, from the iconic late model MkI with its pocket rocket 1.8-litre engine and 5-speed box, through to the exclusive, extremely powerful and much sought-after limited edition Rallye Golf.
Click here for more info about the book.