Volkswagen's Updated New Beetle Begins 'Force Of Good' Tour

Rampant Smiles Materialize from Coast to Coast as Goodness Prevails

DETROIT, Sept. 9, 2005 The Auto Channel reported that Volkswagen's updated New Beetle, one of those truly rare cars that brings an automatic smile to peoples' faces, begins the 'Force of Good' tour traveling the country showering goodness upon the unsuspecting. The heart and soul of the Volkswagen brand is taking to the streets with nine 'Force of Good' Ambassadors from September 20 - November 8, 2005, spreading joy across the country with stops in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Seattle, San Francisco and Miami. These Ambassadors will battle every day evils by surprising drivers with paid parking meters and tolls, supplying IZZE(R) all-natural sparkling juice to thirsty people on a hot day, distributing coffee during rush hour and participating in local volunteer opportunities.

If ever there was a car made to spread goodness the updated New Beetle is it. Could you even imagine a mean person driving a New Beetle? In fact, people who drive New Beetles prove themselves to be inherently good-natured, fun-loving, and altruistic again and again. Their positive and optimistic outlook on life is contagious and they love driving a car that says hello before they utter a single word.

"The Beetle has always embodied the spirit of fun and goodness. We want the updated New Beetle to be a purveyor of joy, transporting our ambassadors from city to city and making a positive impact within each community," said John Gasloli, Brand Marketing Manager/Multicultural Marketing Manager, for Volkswagen of America, Inc. "We have a firm belief in 'giving back' and the 2006 New Beetle is our mascot. When you see that big smile coming down the road you can't help but smile yourself."

Reintroduced in 1998, the New Beetle has been updated for 2006. The exuberant updated New Beetle has an even bigger smile (thanks to some changes to the front bumpers), a faster 2.5 litre engine (to spread joy more quickly), and happy new colors including Salsa Red and Gecko Green (to brighten any day). The updated New Beetle is available in both hardtop and convertible models.

Join us in your city while we spread a little goodness in a world filled with everyday foes. The 'Force of Good' Tour will be bringing positive, uplifting, do-gooding, silly fun to people in your community soon and will actively participate in charitable events across the country. Remember, goodness prevails!

New York, Tuesday, September 20 - Sunday, September 25 -- Join our 'Force of Good' Ambassadors as they launch Volkswagen's updated New Beetle 'Force of Good' Tour throughout the neighborhoods of Manhattan. You may find yourself the recipient of an act of goodness when you least expect it!

On Friday and Saturday, September 23 - 24 come to Union Square Park in front of Barnes & Noble (E. 17th Street between Park Avenue and Broadway) for performances by the fabulous Yo-Yo Team of Rebecca and John Higby. Marvel as they perform amazing Yo-Yo feats and astound with their mastery of the Yo-Yo while riding unicycles, twirling hula-hoops and much more!

  The 'Force of Good' Tour can be spotted this fall in the following cities:

   Boston, MA -- Wednesday, September 28 - Sunday, October 2
   Chicago, Ill -- Thursday, October 6 - Monday, October 10
   Detroit, MI -- Thursday, October 13
   Seattle, WA -- Monday, October 17 - Saturday, October 22
   San Francisco, CA - Wednesday, October 26 - Monday, October 31

Miami, FL - Friday, November 4 - Tuesday, November 8 (South Florida Auto Show)

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, one of the world's largest automakers. As America's top-selling European brand, Volkswagen markets a full line of vehicles through a network of over 600 dealers in the United States.