In the United States, the European cars and those from German brands specifically enjoy a good reputation for reliability and seriousness, which explains their success. In the 1980s, the North American importer, Volkswagen of Americaoffers an original experience to its customers: they have the possibility of ordering their car in the United States, then picking it up directly from the Wolfsburg factory. Called Tourist Automobile Shipping Program (TASP)this program allows happy owners of the brand’s vehicles to go sightseeing in them, then have them shipped to the United States when they return home.
Life decided otherwise
Charlene Johnson was seduced by the formula and she signed for a beautiful Golf cabriolet gray that she wanted to use during her temporary teaching position in the Netherlands. However, things didn’t go as planned as she ended up staying there until she retired a few months ago, found love and had children. “We went to our wedding in the convertible. I taught my children to drive with it. We have traveled all over Europe and he has become part of the family. I never imagined I would keep this car for 37 years, but I fell in love with it,” she told Volkswagen.
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Contract respected
Recently, Charlene purchased a house in Montana and asked Volkswagen of America if it was possible to bring the car back to the United States as had been agreed from the beginning. Although the TASP service has not existed for many years, its story moved the managers of the North American importer of Volkswagen who finally agreed to repatriate the car at their own expense. The valiant Golf was placed in a container which was sent to Houston, before being transported to Montana. According to Charline Johnson, the car then refused to start before she realized that there was simply no more gas in the tank! Since then, she has still enjoyed her convertible on American roads.
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