the life of michy.

I really have to hand it to Volkswagen - their marketing team is pretty smart! Not only do they make great products (obviously, and I must say I'm biased here being a loyal VW superfan), but they treat their customers so well. Even though I've never bought a brand new car from one of their dealerships, they still treat me better than any other company I've encountered in my consumer career - including ones I've spent far more money at.

I've bought all my cars (all various models of Volkswagens) used, once (the cheapest one) from a dealership and since then, private sales. So I really haven't put any money into VW's bottom line - they already got that from the cars' first owners. But I am an active "Dubber", or in other words, someone who is fanatical about VWs and likes to customize their cars. I particularly like the Euro look. I've been active at VW shows, on forums and at corporate-sponsored events for many years, since I got my license and bought my first car which was a very stock but limited edition gem of a 1992 Golf Wolfsburg. Since then, I've branched out into doing some of my own work, and spending thousands of dollars on aftermarket parts to ramp up both performance and appearance.

I am so excited that Volkswagen has chosen my car to be featured at the 2014 Vancouver International Auto Show! I'm not sure if I should say in what capacity or what should be public knowledge, so I'll leave it at that. However, it's going to be pretty neat!

I love how VW consistently reaches out to their superfans, valuing their contributions to viral marketing and brand awareness more than the dollars dropped at the dealerships, and includes these superfans in marketing events. As a customer and passionate Dubber, it makes me feel valued by the company. And of course, more likely to tell all my friends and family and YOU about how awesome they are. Pretty smart, eh? Even smarter is that I actually mean it and am a die-hard superfan and they know how to capitalize on that in a not-too-salesey way while still being a corporation that acts with humanity and a genuine spirit.

I'll post some pictures once the Auto Show is here! Woo!