I was really impressed with Autostadt in Wolfsberg aka Volkswagen epicenter of brilliance. Car buyers or those interested in Volkswagen have a lot to see and do, everything from test driving courses to designing your very own car.
In the approximate 4 mile amusement park there are four different pavilions that you can visit: Volkswagen production and development, Bentley, Skoda, Lamborghini, Audi and SEAT. Each pavilion has something different to offer its visitors. One of the most fun options is their test drive course for off-road Volkswagens. It was so much fun being able to test drive a car, especially for me since I can’t test drive cars in the states yet! You had to drive over rail road tracks, on the side on tunnels and even up stairs. Another thing that I thought was very cool was the way the incorporated children with the Volkswagen experience. There was a place where young children could learn about road safety and take a test to get their very own license. Once they took their picture for their license (since everyone passes), they were able to go outside and test out their knowledge of road safety in small electric cars that are made to look like Volkswagen Beetles. Very cute.
Volkswagen is definitely ahead of the curve in all that they do. Just experiencing Autostadt and talking with employees that are just as excited about the cars as you are makes Volkswagen an extremely appealing company. I just might have to get myself a Tiguan so I can be apart of VW family... and drive up sets of stairs.
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As you walk up to the entrance of Autostadt, you will not see the Volkswagen logo. Inside, you are not forced to buy a car or even asked to make an offer on one. This 430 million Euro theme park does not focus on immediate purchases. Volkswagen believes that brainwashing through advertising in a thing of the past. The company, and the theme park, instead focus on building a relationship with the consumer based on a complete knowledge of the brand.
At Autostadt, you can learn just about everything Volkswagen has done in the past 65 years and what the company has planned for the future. You will learn how cars are designed and constructed. You will see the most luxurious cars in the Volkswagen family up close and personal. From Lamborghini to Bugatti, you won't be disappointed. You can test drive a Tiguan and sit inside many of the passenger cars. More than likely, you will fall in love with Autostadt, and with Volkswagen. I know I did.
The theme park doesn't have roller coasters or ferris wheels, but its exquisite architecture, gorgeous flowers, rolling hills, and stocked ponds left me impressed. People generally stay at Autostadt for eight hours, which is barely enough time to cover all 62 acres. We were lucky enough to get to experience all parts of the park, from test driving cars to watching Israeli dancers. It was a fun and exciting day, but the experience left me wondering how Autostadt is still unmatched. Sure, its insanely expensive, but the idea behind this "brand land" is genius. People are paying money to come explore what Volkswagen has to offer. People (such as our group) are traveling hours to learn more about their cars.
The idea goes back to the basis of advertising - building a relationship with the people so they can trust you and thus feel good about buying your product. I think Volkswagen is doing an excellent job of that. Although I can't afford a Volkswagen now, I will definitely look into the company in the future. I learned so much about their social responsibility, history and future that I closer to Volkswagen than I do to Ford or GM. No American car company could afford to spend over $500 million on a theme park right now, but once they get back on their feet building a theme park should be an option, if not a priority.
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