Dealer Service Manager Letter

Attention Dealer Service Managers:

Re: Aftermarket Glove Box for Golf, GTI, Jetta and Cabrio Vehicles

A magazine article reported that 1994, 1995 and early 1996 model Jetta vehicles may be retrofitted with a glove box which has been imported from Germany.

Please note that the glove box offered by these importers was developed by VWAG for use in conjunction with the European air bag which is smaller and which, in turn, is tuned to the use of three point safety belts. VWAG warns that Golf, GTI, Jetta and Cabrio vehicles equipped with this glove box have not been tested by VWAG in accordance with the U.S. crash test safety standard. VWAG engineers also advise that in their judgment there is a high probability that a vehicle altered by the installation of a European glove box will fail to comply with FMVSS 208. The expected non-compliance of this unauthorized change in the interior design of these vehicles involves an increase in the forces to which a vehicle occupant will be exposed in the event of an accident. These increased forces would increase the probability of potentially serious injuries to a front seat passenger which would not be expected in the absence of the unapproved glove box installation described in the magazine article. Because of regulatory requirements and other considerations, VWAG has expressly declined to release the European glove box for use in United States models and strongly advises against making the modifications described.

The glove box provided in the United States as original equipment in later production 1996 Golf, GTI, Jetta and Cabrio vehicles is fitted with a special sheet metal layer between the inner and outer surfaces of the glove box lid to achieve compliance with applicable testing requirements. However, this glove box cannot be retrofitted on 1994, 1995 and early production 1996 models.