Volkswagen of America, Inc. Names Brooks General Marketing Manager

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 5, 2004 -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. has announced the appointment of Zafar Brooks to the new position of General Marketing Manager.

Brooks, an 18-year automotive industry veteran, will head Volkswagen's new, integrated marketing discipline, combining product planning, corporate strategy and brand management as well as marketing and advertising responsibilities. Previously, Brooks served as Volkswagen's Western Regional Team Leader, in charge of sales, parts and service operations for Volkswagen's largest North American Region.

Prior to joining Volkswagen in 2002, Brooks was employed at Ford Motor Company, where he served in a number of senior positions, including North American Franchising Manager; Regional Operations Manager; Regional Marketing Manager and General Zone Manager; as well as Regional Sales Manager at Lincoln-Mercury. He earned an undergraduate degree from Fisk University and Master's degree from Webster University. Brooks resides in the Los Angeles metro area with his family, and will be relocating to Auburn Hills, Mich.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen of America and its affiliates employ approximately 3,000 people in the United States and are responsible for the sale and service of Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Volkswagen products through retail networks comprising approximately 800 independent U.S. dealers.

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