Volkswagen of America, Inc. Names Corporate Diversity Leader

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 5 Keith M. Jones has joined
Volkswagen of America, Inc. as Corporate Diversity Leader at the company's
headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010205/DEM014 )
    Keith will focus on the further diversification of the Audi and Volkswagen
retail networks, customer bases, supply flow partners and workforce in the
U.S. and Canada.  In addition, he will lead and continue to develop diversity
strategy, policy and programs.
    Gerd Klauss, president and chief executive officer of Volkswagen of
America, said: "We are convinced that diversity in all areas, especially in
thought and experience, are the keys to continued success, and we are
delighted to have someone of Keith Jones' caliber join our continuing efforts
to embrace diversity throughout our organization."
    Jones joins Volkswagen after more than a decade of commercial and
diversity related assignments with the Shell Oil Company in Houston, Texas.
Previously he was the Manager of Supplier Diversity at Shell Oil Company.
    Commenting on his appointment, Jones said: "Diversity in its broadest
sense is a conscious intent and effort to recognize and value the differences
that each individual or organization possesses.  When leveraged appropriately,
diversity will prove to be a powerful means of harnessing and focusing the
energy and talents of Volkswagen's staff, dealers and suppliers to further
satisfy and delight customers."
    Prior to his tenure at Shell, Jones served on active duty in logistics
management positions with the United States Navy.  He continues to serve in
the Naval Reserve at the rank of Commander.  Mr. Jones, a native of Louisiana,
received a B.S. in Marketing from Louisiana State University (1982) and holds
an MBA from California State University, Bakersfield (1993).