HERNDON, Va. -

With the title of world’s top-selling automaker likely slipping out of the grips of long-time king Toyota due to the production fallout from the Japanese earthquake, several automakers are licking their chops to replace Toyota atop the global rankings.

One of those, Volkswagen — which has had its eye on the prize for quite some time — has launched a new technological tool that may help the company better gauge demand and production, two key components to climbing the global latter.

Volkswagen of America released on Monday an online reservation program known as the Vehicle Pre-Order program that lets consumers use the Web to claim certain limited-quantity VW models. To facilitate this program, VW turned to Amazon, which it is calling an "industry first."

The first vehicle to be available under this system is the new Special Edition 2012 Beetle.

Consumers can go to www.vw.com/preorder to take part in this pre-ordering program. VW’s reservation process was built using Amazon.com’s e-commerce platform.

Shoppers can punch in their respective ZIP codes, read program terms and choose a dealer for delivery. After these steps, they can enter billing information.

Then, they are notified when their welcome kit is en route.

There is a $495 reservation fee with the 2012 Beetle VPO program. This goes toward the purchase.

VW said the turbocharged Beetle 2.0L TSI will be the first unit available in the VPO program. There will be 600 Black Turbo launch edition models offered.

"With the introduction of Volkswagen’s Vehicle Pre-Order program, we are able to offer enthusiastic drivers an exclusive opportunity to connect with our vehicles," said Volkswagen Group of American president and chief executive officer Jonathan Browning

“Through this seamless ordering system, customers will be one step closer towards owning and enjoying a special launch edition of the 2012 Beetle,” he added.