Opinion On Licensing For Book Cover

The key to most of these types of issues is to make the whole piece transformative enough that it is a new original piece of art.
I've heard that as little as a 10% change is all that is needed. I assume that would be the same for logos.

Just clone out the logo.

I found this. Maybe it will help you. http://oberipwatch.com/2013/10/10/appropriation-of-famous-logo-is-trademark-infringement-you-be-the-judge/

Yes...she said it is a small German publisher. I'll see if she likes it because it's a VW. If not, I'll clone it out...

Thanks!

From the VW website ( http://www.vw.com/terms/ )

Reservation of Rights

All rights, titles, and interests in and to this Website are owned by Volkswagen of America, Inc. The Website is protected by United States copyright law and international treaty provisions, including, without limitation, the Berne Convention. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are proprietary to Volkswagen of America, Inc. In particular, the Volkswagen logo, the word "Volkswagen," all Volkswagen vehicle names, and the Volkswagen advertising slogan are registered trademarks. None of the items mentioned herein may be used without the express written consent of Volkswagen of America, Inc. All rights not expressly licensed hereunder are reserved by Volkswagen of America, Inc.

I would interpret this to mean that you need to have written consent.

Thanks Celeste,

Perhaps I'll contact them.