I absolutely love these commercials, they are hilarious!  I can't stand VW as a brand and the talking Bug ads drive me batty but these particular VW commercials, even the one with Brooke Shields talking to the black Bug, I laugh every time.  Brooke Shields makes the ads so funny - who knew?  

Ummm...anybody with any awareness of automobiles knows that the Routan is a Chrysler minivan, designed in the Detroit area and assembled in Canada from parts produced mostly in Michigan, Ontario and the surrounding Midwest area.

The VW ad agency might more honestly have said "The only real VW associations of this minivan are the nose badge and VW dealers selling it. But heck, we only need a minivan in the US/Canadian market, so why not just buy one and rebadge it? Plus, when we committed to this decision Chrysler was still owned by Mercedes and much more German managed. So please buy our minivans."

This commercial annoys the heck out of me.  Then again maybe that's because it goes perfectly with VW's smug nature.  In case anyone missed it, the Routan is basically a rebadged Dodge Caravan... only things VW are a 'german engineered' suspension (who need this on a full minivan... planning taking the kids and dog onto the race track?) and some prettied up amenities... but they don't tell you that, just that it's 'german engineered.'  The only reason an American should want to buy a Routan over a Caravan is to pay more for a VW badge, and to send more of their money to Germany rather than Detroit... at least other VW models are uniquely VW.  Sorry, had to gripe.

I love this ad, but this car is, in fact, not German-engineered.  It's a rebadged Chrysler Town and Country.  That's just a technicality, though.

Brooke Shields is a class act: a beautiful woman who doesn't take herself too seriously. I don't know if this ad campaign will sell cars, but it sure sells me on Brooke Shields.

I love how these ads take shots at celebrity activism and other silly things.  Hopefully, we'll see the real message of these ads and require more intelligence from the next pretty face to promote a cause.

Jeez Joel, don't you always gripe? You haven't changed a bit.

Actually it is a bit more then just the suspension, they reworked the whole drivetrain and brakes so it wasn't as sloppy as most domestics are.

Granted it still is a a Chrysler V6 & transmission but at least VW got to tinker with it.

It's basically the Minivan for those not wanting the same stigma that follows all the ones currently available today. Big, lumpy , wagons whose body roll in turns rivals that of a banking 747.

Granted I'll never buy one even though I own other VW's mostly because the least they could have done IMO was use a VW drivetrain.

VW has always been great at commercials though, can't see them stopping anytime short.

This ad is absolutely right.  Having kids doesn't have to be as expensive as everyone makes it.  Maybe if you focused just on clothing your children, feeding them, and making sure they knew how to entertain themselves, they (and you) wouldn't get into ridiculous debt when they got older, having been trained that they "deserve" and "need" so much stuff.  My family of four never owned a minivan, I never will, and there are plenty of families of four (and more) who "survive" without a minivan.

The decision to have a child is selfish and materialistic?  What planet are you from?  If you do it right it is the complete opposite of this - and gives you the greatest reward.
BTW Mrs. Webb- a minivan is simply a personal preference, not a life choice. If you don't want a minivan, fine.  My family of 6 required it at one time and it served the need admirably.

Actually the Chrysler mini-van platform has been German engineered in numerous ways including the suspension, brakes, interior and some sheet metal. In addition VW's sales revenues pay the salaries of VWoA employees who live and work in America, so that's a good thing for the U.S. economy.

VWoA and VW Ag have invested heavily in the U.S. in the past and in addition to the new VWoA corporate offices that just opened in Herndon, VA, VW of Germany is building a new VW production factory in Chattanooga, TN to produce U.S. specific models. This means more jobs for Americans and German engineered, made-in-America products. With the Chrysler mini-van being best in class for years, it's no disgrace to use this platform as the basis for a North American VW Van. There is a place for mini-vans in society and they exist worldwide because of their practical convenience.

That being said, I have yet to understand who the core customer is for VW in the U.S. The majority of people I see driving VWs are college or young family type folks. Most of VWoA ads in recent years leave me cold. Cute is fine if it makes a specific purchasing argument, but most auto advertising that I see misses the mark by a country mile. Being hip and cool in ads doesn't always move the metal on main street. Being "creative" in ads may will you awards but it can undermine product sales.

It took me a while to get it, but I thought these were funny ads afterall. VW has come up with good, humorus ads that make you think a little, rather than try to make you drool over the car.

Oh my god, the article was basically about Brook Shields and her dead pan style in the ads. The lot of you discussing whether this car is a VW or not, need to go to Car and Driver to do your griping.

You people are idiots. Comment on Brooks Shields and the style of the ad not the actual vehicle. Oh my god how stupid can people be!?!

I think this is the funniest ad on TV at the moment. Brooks Shields just make me laugh my ass off. She has dead pan down to a science.

Way to go Brook and the agency that came up with this.

The rest of you need to get a life.

Hmm, I took my caravan up a bank and back down again without flipping it.  Suspension matters.

I wasn't driving the dog to the racetrack - just trying to get home on an icy road.

I love the ad; Brooke Shields makes it hilarious.  I love that she's willing to poke at her fellow stars and their "activist" tendencies.  I'd never buy a VW simply because their repair and maintenance costs are ridiculous -- but I love the ad!

"...a subtle jab the selfishness and materialism that sometimes accompanies a decision to have children..."

Damn them for not being noble enough to abort those babies!

It's a joke...and it gets your attention. It doesn't matter whether it's good or bad attention...it gets attention. That's advertising. VW would LOVE you to get upset about the ad so you'll be talking about them. Either way - it's a win because anyone thinking about buying a minivan will now know that VW also offers minivans.

Attention doesn't necessarily equal sales, which is what advertising is suppose to generate. While Brooke Shields is certainly attractive, the ad isn't suppose to be about her, it's suppose to generate interest in VW's van. She's just the eye-candy to stimulate male hormones and fantasies. From the Brooke fanboy comments above, it would appear that she succeeds while the ad does not? No sale today VW. <LOL>

Good luck Brooke. With gas prices as high as they
are, you would do better by selling ketchup ice cream.

Anyone with a clue doesnt buy a minivan, only stupid soccer moms and idiots buy them.

Palin my ass -

Brooke Shields is beautiful and smart and everyone is in love with her - Get Biden on the phone, he's fired.

Friends, meet your new Vice President.

Having children is sometimes selfish and materialistic?  Wow...I'm so selfish to have had a child so that I could give up any spare moment I ever had for myself to cleaning up dirty dipers and picking cheerios up off the carpet.  Oh...and I suppose giving up pedicures, upscale beauty products and days at the spa so that I could purchase diapers, food and clothing really is after all a sign of true materialism.  That comment makes no sense to me.

Brooke Shields is a class act. She is not only beautiful but she doesn't take herself too seriously. The adds are refreshing. Thanks VW.

Honda Odyssey sells itself. Don't need a pretty face. And Oh, what about it's quality.

Wow.  So you're telling me that "assembling" a vehicle in the USA brings in the same money as design, engineering, marketing, and producing them.  I think not.  The Toyota,s Honda's Nissans, and so forth are assembled in America using mostly Japanese engineering, design, and parts, from Japan.  They, in no way, add as much as the the domestic Big Three add when a vehicle is produced by them.  Remember this also.  All of the money that the imports make, filters back to Japan to help thier economy, send thier children to school, pay for thier infastructure.  I, for one, am tired of sending my money to Asia.  I look for American branded and produced items. The VW minivan is nothing but a Chrysler Town and COuntry with different tail lamps and front facia.  Why spend money in a VW dealership?

Well, since you are off the subject of the commercial Dave, it is difficult to buy american when reliability isn't up to par with the majority of Japan's offerings.  At least the US is still involved in the manufacturing process of Japan automobiles who is offering employment to our nation.  Japan is actually helping to give back to a nation that supports their engineering.

There is no such thing as all USA cars. Vehicles are conceived, designed and sourced all over the globe regardless of brand. Cars from Asia use American suppliers and American staffed design centers all over the US. Supposedly Detroit made cars utilize design centers in Europe Asia and Australia.Profits don't filter back, they go directly to the managements and shareholders regardless of nationality.

Scott from Ft. Lauderdale.....most of these people just don't get it and never will. lol....love the ad...hilarious.  Wake up people,  its not about the van. lol.

how entertainingit is reading everyone's interpretation of this commercial!!   its doing just what it was intended to do...attracting attention  

Message to VW:  Things have changed.  I'll be happy to open my wallet as soon as you offer a Routan with leather, navigation, back-up camera, DVD entertainment, sunroof, and so on for $22k or less.

Don't like that price?  What's the matter, don't you understand that 40% off is the new "full price".

Alternatively, just pay me what you are paying Brooke and I'll be happy to buy one of your minivans.

Brooke is just as beautiful now as she was 20 years ago.  Who says that women don't get better with age?

As for the car; people, it's a mini-van!!  If you want to debate the merits of a BMW 550 vs. a Lexus GS, fine...but this is a mini-van!

More Brooke!

Jorge mentioned "best in class", referring to the Chrysler van.  Obviously, that class does not include the Toyota and Honda vans, which have been competing for the top dog spot for the past ten years.  Chrysler has been adding features and amenities and other bells and whistles in an attempt to grab more buyers on the WOW factor, but they have still failed to address the number one reason why Toyota and Honda are the top dogs...reliability.  Sorry, but you can't even use the words Dodge, Chrysler, and reliability in the same sentence...nor Ford either.  And now the big American trucks (built Ford tough, right??) have been dethroned by the Toyota Tundra, which is just a plain animal, no bones about it.

Owned American cars for years, got sick and tired of fixing them.  We lost the quality and work ethic, and Japan picked it up.  And in the end, quality always wins.  Until the American big three get that back, the trend is just going to continue.

I LOVE these commercials.  I am a huge VW fan (my first car was a VW).  I have kids.  I would consider this car for my next van purchase.  LOVE IT.  Great job, Brooke.  You are a funny lady.  Kudos, VW.  Comedy suits you.

well sorry to say this mini-van is German engineered from Mercedes. There are actually differences in the parts that are put into it. I for one as a pero=son whom assembles this van (as well as others put care into all Chrysler/Dodge and now VW) see the huge differences. Hands down a very well put together design, comfort and quality. I for one not a fan of VW as many other of my co-workers actually have ordered one for the looks and differences. No this does not reflect on us as good since WE are still suppose to buy domestic...But as a assembler of these how can many of us not want the better stlye and comfort. This Routan was and is designed by German engineers yet it is built in CANADA with the quality workforce behind them hopefully will prove people wrong that to be German engineered doesn't mean it has to be built in Germany! Same procedures same engineering just built in a different country that's all. Thanls for those whom do purchase or are interested. But it does help our economies (USA and Canada)for this vehicle to be assembled here...Although the profits from this VW are not much to Chrysler's it does help keep the costs lower for such a well built nice Minivan to the America's Markets at a lower cost for the consumer than being built the same way in Germany! Hopefully this helps. I for one am a constant traveller in the USA and everytime I see a person with a Chrysler/Dodge and now a VW mini-van always ask for opinions and hevean forbid stranded/possible issues will fix or recomend what the possible problems maybe. I have fixed many of mini-vans in places I have traveled to (out of warranty or such) just because I for one (as many other co-workers have done) as a builder of these still do what we can for others that may need to be done way after the fact. There are many of us at Chrysler's who help many buyers of these vans after the fact if need be...I hope some of you may have had this experience from one of us Canadian Mini-van builders whom have helped you out for no reason just because WE DO STAND by our products the best we can. I hope someone at least out there can vouche for this...and hopefully I may have been one of these persons whom may have helped you on your way or saved you monies out of warranty for repairs that could be done!
Of course everyone has a personal opinion and we all accept this with due hope to help better what the consumers want/prefer. Best to those whom understand that we do the best we can for you the consumer as best as we can that we know of!  

I like the " Time to umpimp da auto " adds the best, nothing like watching a fast and furious wannabe car getting smashed.
Even though I've never been a big Brooke fan this add gave me a chuckle.

"...selfishness and materialism that sometimes accompanies a decision to have children."  Most parents would die to save their children, yup that's pretty selfish.The writer has absolutely no clue. Selfishness and materialism is more likely to accompany a decision to NOT have children. Yea, that way you don't blow all your money and time on pesky kids. The writer (Allison Linn) must be related to someone to get her idiotic ideas published.

The point of the ad is not to debate where the frickin car is made, and is not a swipe at people who have families (hello!  who buys mini-vans??).  The purpose of an ad is to gather eye-balls.  This one gathered mine, and I don't usually watch commercials.  I'm not in the market for a mini-van, but I thought this ad was smart, funny, and watchable.  Kudos to Ms. Shields.  

I don't particularly like or dislike these VW commercials (though I do hate the ones with the talking VW), but at least I know what they're trying to sell.   So many of those car commercials have really catchy tunes, flashy, etc, but when it's over I have no idea what car they were trying to sell because I was either listening to the music or watching the pictures of something else flash across the screen.  It usually is better for the public to know what you're actually trying to sell, rather than trying to identify the background music!

Brooke is beautiful and mini vans rock.

"...selfishness and materialism that sometimes accompanies a decision to have children."  Geez people, she said SOMETIMES, which is absolutely a true statement.  To believe that this is incorrect requires you to believe that not a single person has ever used the birth of their child as a way to draw attention to themselves or a way to justify unnecessary spending.  Sadly, it does happen sometimes.  

The writer doesn't justify such behavior, and she doesn't indicate that it even happens very often. She certainly isn't criticizing your parenting skills. She only states that it sometimes happens, and those people deserve a bit of the criticisim that this ad directs at THEM.

Um, I chose not to have children because I didn't think I'd be a good parent, not because I'm selfish.  

While I don't agree with the writer's remark, I think swiping at the childless is just as misguided.

Yeah, who wants a Chrysler T&C anyway? I just got mine back from the shop after paying a $2,000 bill. Did I mention it's not even ten years old yet? That this is the first real money spent on it? That it has 222,238 miles? There isn't a squeak or rattle in it? That it rides like a dream? Has a killer stereo? Hung with a Corvette (whose driver, admittedly, probably doesn't know how to drive the thing) on a sharp curve on a local Interstate? Or that it still looks great inside and out? It does use a little oil, though. It's down almost a pint and it was changed only 4,980 miles ago. Tsk, Tsk. What a bummer.

The "selfish" comment was part of the joke people. Brooke was "acting" the part of a celebrity who thinks that people want a mini-van so badly that they will go to the extreme and have a baby just so they can justify the purchase. Geesz, why can't you see the humor in that? It is sarcasm, not a fact. The writter doesn't actually believe the statement. Do we need web pages to explain all TV ads?

Yeah, this was a pretty weird ad. I'd put it right up there with AT&T's "milky minutes" spot.

It seems to me though that most people are missing the other angle to this story: That VW saw fit to make Brooke Shields the star of their ad campaign in the first place, which pretty much cements her latest comeback as a big-name actress. I suppose now it's just a matter of time before the rights holders to her early films go into cash-in mode and dust them off for re-issue. The 'Blu-Ray' Lagoon, anyone?

To everyone that enjoys bad mouthing domestic vehicles in favor of imports: your arguements are based on outdated information and your own vindictiveness. You can't forgive mistakes made years ago. You are unwilling to admit that they've done everything in their power (with their shrinking resources) to correct their problems and offer WORLD CLASS products. Ford F150 is THE MOST RELIABLE VEHICLE in its class, not an import. ALL 2009 Fords have EQUAL or BETTER fuel economy ratings than their import competitors. Nissan has built such a lame duck pickup, that they are giving up building their own. The new Nissan will be, get this, a DODGE. Dodge is building such world class products, that both VW and Nissan are willing to put their nameplates on them. WOW, what an American pile of junk huh? The year is 2008 folks not 1971, not 1982, not 1993. The days where you can be smug knowing that your anti-American sentiments can't be effectively argued against are over. Not that you even care if you're right. You simply want to rail against US car companies.

I concur with Lord Farquar.  I have a 2001 F-150, with a touch over 70K mikes.  The only un-scheduled maintenance I've had done is replacement of a coil pack, $150 for parts and labor, oh and I just had a tail light burn out.  That should be $2.50 and I can easliy change it myself.  My truck is 7 years old and still has the original battery, starter, alternator, etc.  All parts you would expect to have replaced by now but it's still going strong.  For the Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra followers, unless you regularly tow 10,000+ lbs you do NOT need a 350 CI motor.  My 4.6L small V-8 is plenty fine for the occasional home depot trip or run to the local dump, and I average 17-18 MPG (80% city driving) vs their 15 MPG.  I've been in a Titan and my F-150 rides much better.  If you stay away from the Lariat, Harley and Lightning models a nicely equipped F-150 XLT can be had for less $20K if you are a savvy shopper.  Try touching the Nissan or Toyota for that price.  Bottom line is that U.S designed/made vehicles are indeed as good as the imports, and if we could get the baby-boomers to lose their 70s/80s mentalities they might actually figure that out.

Why is it that I have ALWAYS loved VW ads (especially the "unpimp ze auto" ads)
BUT have NEVER wanted to buy a VW??

Might want to focus on what buying a VW can do for me besides make me smile...

"...selfishness and materialism that sometimes accompanies a decision to have children."

Can someone please explain how "selfish" needs in deciding to have children for the "materialistic" aspect translates into spending a total of 21 hours in PAINFUL labor, followed by living your life around diapers, breastfeeding, late nights, sleepless nights, college funds, soccer/baseball hours and money, PTA, for your kids? Yeah. That's super selfish.

Darn those people. Funny ad, by the way. Brooke Shields is one hilarious woman. Gotta buy me that minivan.

Having children, you don't love...just to own a particular car or Van, is "Wrong"...
I can understand having kids, if you decide you don't want to say..throw away old clothes that are too small, because if you save them..eventually your kids will be big enough to wear them. THAT's environmentally friendly...And I support that.
But, don't have kids to own a minivan.
Also...don't feed cats dog food because that can cause them to become "confused".  There is ..as yet, no approved "psychiatric drugs" for Cats...suffering "Dog/Cat Identity Syndrom"....So, let's all protect our Cats!....Sorry Tom Cruise, but,
"Healthy Cats Rule!"...And I support that as well!

OK, people...Asian vehicles in general are very well designed, as are their ad campaigns and pricing strategies.

Let me just say that as an active and educated consumer, I WILL NEVER BUY AN "ASIAN" AUTO. At least, not until certain countries stop illegal trade practices, predatory pricing, dumping, you name it. I don't care if these are the best cars and vans on earth...to me, it is unpatriotic to spend your money on a vehicle from any country that does not "play fair" and abide by international trade agreements! Not that there is anything wrong intrinsically with wanting the car that you want!

It's just that all of the profits go overseas, and not to our own auto industry right here in the US of A. Or they go to a nation that may be an ally of ours, instead of one working subtly against our collective best interests.

And oh yeah, I own a Saturn Vue. It's my second Saturn, and I plan on driving it into the ground like I did the first one! Too bad GM seems to be going toes up...hopefully their Saturn division will be able to spin off on their own hook again. I love their product offerings, which incidentally, are a majority made of US components!!!!!!!!!!!

AS one wrote, their are no morev truly "American" cars made anymore.Not engineered, designed,and built in the U.S., using parts made here, at least none that I would buy.

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