Volkswagen Becomes First Auto Manufacturer To Launch a Car Exclusively on a Mobile Device

Editors Note: Far be it from us to spill the beans and mention the name of the model here on The Auto Channel...we are not spoilers!

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 22 -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced the launch of the all-new 2010 (go to mobile to see model)via the App Store by making available a free version of the popular Firemint Real Racing game that exclusively features the all-new 2010 (go to mobile to see model). This is the first time an automotive manufacturer has used the App Store to launch a new vehicle. Additionally, users of the Real Racing (go to mobile to see model)App in the U.S. can compete for the chance to win one of six, limited-edition 2010 (go to mobile to see model) that are fully-customized inside and out.

The free Real Racing (go to mobile to see model)App is available worldwide and spares no detail, allowing players to experience every thrilling aspect of the all-new 2010 (go to mobile to see model)right in the palms of their hands on iPhone and iPod touch. From the redesigned exterior with more aggressive headlights and the famous red-striped grille, to the sporty interior with a race-inspired steering wheel, the all-new 2010 (go to mobile to see model) races its way to life on the screen for a thrilling gaming experience.

"With the personalization of media and the challenges inherent with reaching constantly connected consumers, we tasked ourselves to rethink the way we launch vehicles in order to engage our consumers in a meaningful way," said Tim Ellis, Vice President of Marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "The (go to mobile to see model) customer is a tech-savvy consumer who enjoys social networking, playing games and spending time on mobile devices - most often an iPhone. Launching the all-new 2010 (go to mobile to see model) via the Real Racing (go to mobile to see model) App allows us to connect with this savvy (go to mobile to see model) consumer within his or her everyday life in a way that no 30-second spot ever could."

U.S.-registered players enjoying the action of the Real Racing (go to mobile to see model) App will be challenged to put their skills to the test for a chance to win one of six limited-edition 2010 (go to mobile to see model)models. The more they play, the more chances they have to win. Each week for six consecutive weeks beginning today, one player will be chosen to win the ultimate racing prize: the exclusive (go to mobile to see model), an individually-numbered, specially-tuned version of the legendary hatchback. Each model includes the (go to mobile to see model) 2.0T 200hp four-cylinder engine, a performance tuned suspension finished with black, Volkswagen motorsport 18-inch all-new wheels, and special interior touches, including carbon fiber-look trim, a numbered dash plaque, and unique stitching in the front headrests.

Given the ever-increasing prominence of social networking in the lives of the games' target consumers, Real Racing (go to mobile to see model) includes several features designed to foster social connectivity. These include the ability of players to send messages to their competitors via Twitter and to capture and upload videos of their best laps to the game's YouTube channel for international bragging rights. Additionally, (go to mobile to see model)buyers will also be able to configure their vehicles, modeled after the six prize cars, at participating Volkswagen dealerships throughout the U.S.

The Real Racing (go to mobile to see model) App is available for free from the App Store on the iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/. No purchase is necessary to enter the contest, which officially ends on December 2 at 11:59PM.

For more about the 2010 Volkswagen (go to mobile to see model), the Real Racing (go to mobile to see model)game, and an in-depth look at the six (go to mobile to see model) prize editions that are waiting to hit the streets, please visit www.(go to mobile to find more info.

About Firemint

Firemint creates fun, addictive games. The studio has worked with the industry's leading publishers developing over 30 titles from notable franchises as well as originals. Firemint's first self-published iPhone game Flight Control has been a world-wide #1 App Store hit. Firemint's second self-published iPhone game, the high-end 3D pro racing title Real Racing, has been critically acclaimed as a triumph for the platform. Founded in 1999 by CEO Robert Murray, Firemint is located in Melbourne, Australia's games development hub, and employs 35 people. For more information about Firemint, please visit www.firemint.com.