Paul Willis to Head Volkswagen Group in The Republic of Ireland

WOLFSBURG - August 25, 2008: Paul Willis will take over responsibility as Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Ireland from Bob O’Callaghan on October 1, 2008. Bob O’Callaghan will retire after 43 successful years with the company. The appointment of Paul Willis coincides with the transfer of responsibility for the import business of Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles from O’Flaherty Holdings Ltd. to Volkswagen AG.

A native of Northern Ireland, Paul Willis has extensive experience in the automotive business. Before taking up his most recent appointment as Chief Operating Officer of Kia Europe, he successfully led the Volkswagen Brand during 7 years of continuous growth in the UK. Prior to this position, he held various senior posts within BMW Group, Mazda, Toyota and Ford in the UK.

Ireland is an increasingly important market for the Volkswagen Group: From January to July 2008, the Volkswagen Group delivered 29,792 vehicles to customers, with a market share of 18.3%. For Volkswagen AG, the transfer of the import business demonstrates a clear commitment to the market in The Republic of Ireland, which Volkswagen AG plans to develop further together with its retailers to the benefit of its customers.