Now, more than ever, automakers are trying to connect with consumers beyond dealership visits and test drives. Their approach: social media. Whether it’s through “Facebook-ing,” “Tweeting,” or “YouTube-ing,” automakers want you to interact with their brands as much as possible, even when you are not in-market for a new car.

A brand Facebook page, like BMW’s, allows you to become a “fan” and “like” the page, as well as interact by commenting on photos, news, and videos posted by BMW. You can even post some photos of your own. BMW and other automakers also use Facebook to post any events or contests that they want fans of the brand to take part in.

Twitter pages, like Chevrolet's, give you instant updates of timely bits of information (compressed into 140 characters or less) that companies feel are important to share with the rest of the world. This includes links to news, contest information and status updates. “Followers” of Chevy or other brands can then reply to or “retweet” any of these messages, having a conversation with the automaker or any of its followers via Twitter.

If watching videos is more your style, then using YouTube can help you interact with brands like Toyota. From YouTube, you can watch videos from the automakers, including vehicle demos, customer and product manager interviews, and, of course, car commercials. Like with Facebook, you can comment on the various videos posted.

The automaker’s social networking pages usually are very easy to find: simply search for the brand right on the social media sites or click the social media site link directly on the company’s website. Some automakers even have special social media sites devoted to a certain models, like the Ford Fiesta, Toyota Sienna, and Chevrolet Volt, with more model-specific information. So if you’re not already, get connected with your favorite auto brands on some of these social media sites and stay up-to-date with all their latest and greatest info!

CarLocate.com has gone social, too! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, or watch our videos on YouTube!

The Volkswagen Jetta has received a makeover for 2011, and we like what we see. The 2011 VW Jetta has more refined and handsome styling. Its front-end is defined by horizontal lines in the new grille and headlights. The unique design of the new Jetta’s shoulder line and taillights contribute to its distinct appearance, giving the sedan a more muscular look.

2011 Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen also has made its signature sedan larger, making it more comfortable and more spacious than ever. Its extended wheelbase and longer length also improves the car’s performance. The 2011 VW Jetta also provides more legroom for its passengers and versatility with its 60/40 rear seat split and folding ability.

The Jetta offers four different engines for 2011, including a 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel engine that runs as quietly as a gasoline engine but has sports car-like abilities – it is capable of going from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 8.7 seconds. The TDI version also has great fuel economy, getting 42 highway miles per gallon, and making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market today. What’s more, the Jetta comes equipped with several safety features, including electronic stability control and the unique “Intelligent Crash Response System.”

Best of all, the 2011 VW Jetta is very reasonably priced, starting at around $16,000.

Volkswagen has definitely set the bar high for all other sedans in its class this year with the redesigned- and revamped-for-2011 Jetta. Its various additions and improvements for this new model year, combined with its incredible affordability, make the Jetta a definite contender against its sedan competitors.

The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will be available at dealerships nationwide in October.

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This has been a busy week for news from Audi with announcements ranging from a sales milestone to new model introductions.

2010: Audi Reaches Sales Milestone

Audi of America, which has offered cars for sale in the U.S. for 40 years, recently celebrated a major milestone: 2 million cars sold to U.S. buyers.

An Audi dealership in Van Nuys, Calif., sold the Audi A3 TDI^® to a first-time Audi buyer. The Audi A3 TDI is the reigning 2010 Green Car of the Year according to the Green Car Journal. (Search for an Audi A3 or other Green cars.)

2010 Audi A3 TDI

“The story of Audi in the U.S. is really a story written by the hundreds of thousands of people who’ve invited our brand into their lives,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “We’re grateful for those opportunities.”

The automaker expects to reach its next million-car milestone in fewer years. Since 2000, Audi has doubled its model count in the U.S. market and tripled the number of variants it offers. Another new model, the all-new 2011 Audi A8, will arrive in showrooms. That includes Iron Man’s open-top supercar – the Audi A8 Spyder. You can get your hand-assembled car at a price starting at $161,000.

2011 Audi A8 Spyder

2011: Audi A7 to Debut in North America in 2011

Like the flagship A8, the Audi A7 will arrive in European showrooms a year before the car comes to U.S. shores. The large five-door A7 aims to bring together the best of three words: the sporty elegance of a coupe, the comfort of a sedan, and the practicality of a station wagon.

Audi A7

2012: Audi RS5 Headed to U.S

The Audi RS5 is indeed headed to the U.S. market in 2012. While equipment levels, pricing, and fuel economy standards are not known at this time, we can tell you that the RS5 will feature a 4.2-liter, V8 engine that generates 450 horsepower, held to the road by Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

Audi RS5 (European Model)

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