Meanwhile, here in the relatively balmy clime of Atlanta, GA:
2006 Passat bought at the end of 5/06 has failed battery ~8/08. One cell quit, left Mrs. M. stuck at her job.
IIRC, the battery that failed was built in the Czech Republic. Genuine VW replacement Hecho en Mexico...
Some Battery whiz says "they're not making them like they used to"...