Volkswagen to Reach Thirteen Million Sales in U.S. Milestone expected mid-January

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 9, 2007 -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced that its thirteen-millionth retail sales delivery will occur sometime in mid-January. Volkswagen will celebrate this thirteen millionth sale milestone with special recognition for the lucky owner and the authorized Volkswagen dealer posting this significant sale.

Volkswagen's United States sales volume began with just two retail deliveries in 1949. By 1960, Volkswagen vehicles were familiar sights on U.S. streets and highways, selling over 100,000 units annually.

Starting with the original Beetle, the Volkswagen product portfolio soon included the legendary Microbus, the sporty Karmann-Ghia and Scirocco models and the all-purpose Thing. In 1983, Volkswagen unleashed the GTI combining high performance with affordability, thereby establishing the "pocket rocket" segment.

The safe and sporty Volkswagen Jetta has been the best selling European sedan in the U.S. market, while its' practical Rabbit hatchback sibling has gone on to become the best selling car in the world.

Volkswagen sales momentum has been enhanced by the iconic New Beetle, finding over half a million buyers since its U.S. launch in 1998, and by efficient and durable TDI diesel vehicles. Volkswagen has sold over 800,000 diesel vehicles in the United States, from the fuel-sipping 1977 Rabbit diesel to the torque-rich 2007 Touareg V10 TDI.

Growth will continue as Volkswagen has addressed the emerging hardtop convertible segment with the Eos, and its exclusive combination of coupe, sunroof and convertible in a single stylish package.

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 sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/948250.html